I realize it's been a while since I've posted ANYTHING! Maybe about a month... Well, Sofia has been home nearly two months. She is amazing in every way and we just can't get enough of her. All the kids have been adjusting very well and we are all exhausted! But that's good, right? I remember having trouble getting to sleep at night... Well, not anymore all I have to do is touch a pillow! LOL!

Here are a few pics of Sofia from recent days!

One Month is how long Sofia has been home! ONE MONTH! How time flies! Chris and I were just talking last night about how some days we still can't believe she's home, while other days it's like she's always been here. It's a very strange feeling.

Anyway, hope you enjoy this pic of the day!

I wanted to post a little brag on my husband. He is always looking for ways to surprise me on holidays and birthdays but never seems to be successful or very good at it until now.

Today is my birthday... So, this past Saturday my husband told me he wanted to go to IKEA, just the two of us. This was strange to me because he hates shopping but I jumped at the chance to go. He said we should try the one in Brooklyn. I said, sounds great, lets go. So, we jumped in the car and drove to NYC except we didn't go to IKEA. We parked near times square and he rushed me to get where we needed to be. When we got there he said, "I got us tickets to see Phantom of the Opera!" I was WOWED to say the least! If anyone knows me, they know I'm a musical junkie so this was amazing! After the show I thought we would then be going to IKEA but NO! He had one more trick up his sleeve... He had made reservations at a really nice restaurant around the corner and we had a lovely dinner just the two of us. After that we did go to IKEA!

What a day!

This man fills my heart in so many ways! I love him like crazy! The best husband out there!

I haven't really spoken of my two foster children on this blog as of yet. We were waiting to reveal our foster status to the world until after Sofia came home. Not to mention, this blog is really dedicated to her.

Anyway...
Chris and I had discussed becoming foster parents for several years before we decided to test the waters of the system last November. I remember being really nervous when making the first contact and expecting to be rejected because we were in the process of an international adoption. They did question us a lot about adopting Sofia and what our long term desires were. After several phone calls they said they thought it would work and we could start the process. We didn't hear from anyone again until February when we had our first home visit. Then in March we started training... April, I met one on one with the SW and had our second home visit. Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Chris met one on one and we had our final home visit. We were assured things would go smoothly and that we would notified when we were approved.

The following day I got a phone call from our SW. I thought there was going to be a problem with our paperwork because nothing seems to come too easily. However, she said, "don't worry, everything is fine. You are an approved foster home!" I was thrilled to say the least. She added that she had some news for us: A possible placement! I was dumbfounded. She said it was a boy, age 2 1/2 and a girl, age 11 months. They're siblings and part hispanic.

We were very excited and surprised! There were currently in a foster home that could no longer keep them and their SW wanted to place in a home that may be interested in adopting them. We struggled and prayed about the decision. We had reasons for saying yes and reasons for saying no. After receiving WISE counsel from several friends the conviction was placed on us to say yes because there are no accidents and if we were being asked God had a plan. How could be say no after hearing that?

Two weeks later, on May 28 they moved in! We were elated and worried if we could handle it. Needless to say they are still here and we are thrilled to have them. THey are a challenge and a blessing.

Our hope is to begin the adoption process in February or sooner. The BP are not following through with what the court has ordered of them and haven't been since they were placed in January.

It is difficult to make sense of my feelings about the situation... On one hand, I don't want the BP to get it together because I want these to stay with us... On the other hand, I really DO want them to get it together because I know they love their kids. (it's an unhealthy love but it is love). It's definitely hard to reconcile in my own heart. I do know this....

God is the planner, not me or the Social Workers or the Judges or anyone else. If His plan is for us to adopt these kids then we will... If not, then we will learn how to mourn the loss of them.

I love these kids very much and I am sure that my heart will be broken if they leave. But I know God has chosen our family for something bigger than I ever thought possible. I have, many times, sat back and wondered how we got to this place. I never wanted a house full of kids. I never wanted to be a stay at home Mom. I never wanted to be a home school junkie. And I definitely had no desire to adopt or take care of other peoples kids. I wanted 2 kids... I wanted to work as a musician... And I wanted a break from kids during school hours. God has turned my life upside down. And I like it. No I LOVE it. Don't get me wrong, I still have a dream of working as musician. I still mourn the loss of singing my heart on stage but... I want a house full of kids and I want to be home with them, teaching them...

There's no better life than the one God has given me. There's no better husband than my Chris, no better daughters than Renee and Sofia.

There's just No Better Life than the one I have. I have done nothing to deserve the blessings I have!

Thank you Jesus!!!!!!

P.S.
Please enjoy this little video of our sweet Sofia!

This is my sweet Sofia having a fantabulous time this morning! She loves the Tutu I made and has been wearing for several days! I just love watching her play and have such a wonderful time. We are cherishing every moment with her.

When we left to pick up Sofia, August 21, I knew things would be hectic for a little while but I have to say things have been down right insane.

We came home with Sofia August 24...travelled to Seymour IN, August 27, to visit family! They threw a HUGE party on the 29th and we then travelled to Terre Haute, IN on the 30th... We finally came home Labor day!!!

We are totally exhausted. But with all the exhaustion I am constantly looking at my family and saying, "I can't believe what has happened."

For those reading this blog that do not know Chris have been foster parents to two amazing kids since the end of May and are looking forward to the possibility of adopting in the near future... So, as I think about being parents to FOUR children I am utterly surprised that we have what it takes to simply keep up.

I won't write much more.... I will say that I have 2 of the most beautful daughters on the planet!

Enjoy!

Laura

Enjoy!

P.S. I did her hair today for the first time!

We got home late last night! It has been an amazing ride! Sofia truly is our little Haitian Queen. She was perfect on the flights and as sweet as she should could be when we got home.

I'll post more with pics later, just wanted to give a little update!

I'm giddy!!!

We landed yesterday afternoon and it's been a blast! We have church tomorrow with her birth parents and home on monday!!! Sofia is perfect!!!!!!! I can't believe we will be home with her monday!

Love to All

Laura

Well, I woke up at 2:30 this morning.... We are leaving for the airport at 4. I haven't really slept at all due to the intense excitement!

I can't wait to hold Sofia and know she's coming home to stay. I'm praying our flights are all on time (we only have 30 minute layover in Miami) and we arrive safely in PAP. I'm also praying that this weekend goes quickly so we can be home again with our whole family!

Please pray with me as we FINALLY end this part of our adoption adventure!


Laura

Our travel date has been set for this friday. We are extremely excited byond words. We are so thankful.

I have been "nesting" since last week and can't seem to find enough to do around the house. We have been packed for a week and the house is almost entirely clean.

It's really strange to think that this time next week our baby girl will finally be home with us. We have been dreaming about this day for so long.

Please pray for Sofia that her adjustment will be easy on her. Please pray for safe travels and a good time while in Haiti!

Thanks in advance for all your prayers!

Visa will be done Monday!

Hey all-

We have our visa appointment this Friday the 14th!!!!

We are praying to travel next Friday!!! It's unreal how close we are!

We have I-600 approval and are just waiting for the VISA!!!!! We're pumped... the bags are packed and we're ready to go!

Hey there

I realize I haven't posted in a while. We have been very busy here in the O'Neal house.

So, here's a quick update on Sofia:

She's doing well and should be home in just a few short weeks. Her dossier was submitted to the Embassy some time last week. So... We are just waiting for the news that we can begin the "birthing" process, so to speak. I'm ready to push!!!! LOL

I'd like to solicit your prayers at this moment. Please pray that we are able to get the visa with no porblems and that we can receive the "call" soon. Also, please pray that we can find flights that are reasonable. We're praying for a non stop flight from PAP to JFK. They are out there it's just hard to find at the last minute. Thanks in advance for your prayers!

While we wait these last few, long, weeks I made Sofia a new dress.

Take a look and tell me what you think. I love yellow on her, beautiful, skin. I did use a store bought pattern for this(I usually don't) but I managed to tweak it a bit and line it fully and add the little flowered fabric at the bottom as well as the buttons. I can't wait to see how it looks on her.




TTYL

Laura

All who know me well, know that I am not a fan of traditional church hymns... I know, I know... for me it's a matter of what meets my spiritual needs and in MOST(not all) cases hymns don't meet me there. I grew up on hymns and love the memories I have of singing them until my voice wore out. But as I've grown older my needs have changed and hymns have more sentamentality than true meaning for me...

I say all this to say...

There is a song that has been burnt on my heart for the past several weeks and it's a song that's just the opposite of what I thought my heart would be singing...

I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
no tender voice like thine can peace afford.

Refrain:
I need thee, O I need thee;
Every hour I need thee;
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby;
temptations lose their power when thou art nigh.
(Refrain)

I need thee every hour, in joy or pain;
come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
(Refrain)

I need thee every hour; teach me thy will;
and thy rich promises in me fulfill.
(Refrain)

I need thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son.
(Refrain)

How amazing are these words? They are trued EVERYDAY!

Lord, I need you more than I even know! I need you in ALL things. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee.

I wanted to take a moment to post a quote from an email from last week. It's from a dear friend of mine (that I haven't even met in person).

"I have to say that if we can endure on our own strength then we wouldn't need Jesus. You can do this you are more than a conqueror. Hang in there and hang onto your faith! The facts are different than God's truth speak God's truth over your situation. God works all things out for our good. Trust in Him He loves you. The Bible says that if we have the faith of a mustard seed we can tell the mountain to move and it must move. So then tell your mountain to move! Tell whatever it that is keeping you from getting your baby before the director leaves to move. Stand boldly before the Throne of God and proclaim the things you are believing God for. You can do this! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! I am hoping that I am not being to forward and that what I have said didn't hurt you in any way or offended you. That is not my heart but rather to stir the waters and to stir up something inside of you! Stand up and be bold you are a child of the King and He has given you His authority here on earth. Call those things that are not as though they are! That is the evidence of faith! I know what it is to be tired and I also know what it is to have a friend that will carry you to the feet of Jesus and that is what I hope that my words have done for you."

I have been reading and rereading her words as well as pouring the Words of God into me heart.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (New Living Translation)

6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Philippians 1:6 (New Living Translation)

6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Romans 8:38 (New Living Translation)

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

Merci Jezi

Hope you enjoy this pic from the first time we met Sofia in May 2007. Let's pray her home!

Heavenly Father,

I praise you and thank you for the many blessings You have given to me. I know I am unworthy and undeserving of your grace, yet, You, so lavishly, pour it upon me daily. Your, ever present, hand can be seen all throughout my life. You have brought me up from darkness and set my feet on Your higher ground more times than I can count. You are always with me; guiding and disciplining. My gratitude will never be enough to fully thank and give You the glory You deserve. All I can give is: Me. Today, I am Yours. All of me. I surrender to your will.

Lord, bless my, dear, husband. He loves You more than anything and desires to be a man after Your heart. I pray that You'll show him Your power today. Bless him.

Father, be with my children. Show them who You are and how they desperately need You.

Savior, bless our adoption. We know Your time is the right time and I pray for Your peace during the rest of the wait. I cannot thank You enough for dear Sofia. I know there is nothing good in me that I should deserve such a blessing but You have chosen to bless anyway. I pray that You will bring her home to us.

Thank You for saving me, loving me and NEVER letting me go.

Amen

My goodness this day could not be more beautiful. The sun is FINALLY out and the temp is perfect. We don't have air conditioning and on a day like today we don't need it!!

I know I haven't been very faithful in posting lately but God has been working in our lives lately. I can't go into detail right now but hope to be able to shortly.

Chris and I called the orphanage yesterday afternoon to talk to Sofia and see about an update! Well, great news... The orphanage director says it's just a matter of weeks before Sofia comes home! We will find out more specifics around June 23.

Our hearts have really been aching for Sofia lately and she NEVER leaves our thoughts. We're praying that all will go well and she will be home with us before her 3rd birthday, July 25.

God is showing me more and more how He ALWAYS finishes what He starts! He will see this through to the end!

Keep praying,

Laura

P.S. here's a pic of my lovely girl! She puts me in tears every time I look at her!

Hey all

Wanted to post some pics of the boys clothes I made this weekend. I was able to use a dress shirt and a T-shirt that Chris never wears to make these cute little outfits. Let me know what you think.

Thanks