My Journey Collections

Blessed in 2011…

2011-12-30T23:41:00.001-05:00

Thankfulness, in order of events…

The first snow of 2011 in Georgia, where we were home for a week plus…

the fun of new traditions…

Sabbath candles…the surprise of flowers in February…

our first Seder…with special friends…

Kristen’s Mission Trip to Dominican Republic…

the view of a canyon of beauty…and to see where God was taking us…

the memories of 18 years in one house…

family being together…

a BIG move…

the WOW of the open sky of Texas…

a visit with mom…and Daniel too.

Winter Rest…Festival of Re-Dedication…

My Family…

May the Adventures of 2012 be exciting on your Journey!

Blessed!

Cindy

Winter is close...

2011-12-03T01:26:00.002-05:00

The cold mist, the visible breath, hats, scarfs and warm gloves. The season of rest is near...

A time where God lets all "rest."

My prayer is to take time to enjoy the moments, see all the details, and hibernate from the busyness. I am looking forward to what that is going to look like this year.

Because God took our family through an amazing restful 2010 winter ...and moved us into a time of change...

new rest is around the corner.

Thankful...

2011-11-30T23:46:00.004-05:00

As we walk this journey, we are thankful to all that are a part of the path we have been given. Life is a journey, stop and enjoy it!

A Season of Celebration…

2011-10-13T21:30:00.001-04:00

The last of YHWH’s feasts – The Feast of Tabernacles. Today, October 13, 2011 is the start of this feast. The purpose is for future generations to know and remember…and celebrate!

Here is a short description from a great website: www.hebrew4christians.com

The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

From a spiritual perspective, Sukkot corresponds to the joy of knowing your sins were forgiven (during Yom Kippur), and also recalls God’s miraculous provision and care after the deliverance from bondage in Egypt. (Read Leviticus 23:43) Prophetically, Sukkot anticipates the coming kingdom of Yeshua where all the nations will come up to Jerusalem to worship YHWH during the festival (Zechariah 14:16). Today, Sukkot is a time to remember God’s Sheltering Presence and Provision for us for the start of the New Year.

So, we are going to celebrate by creating our own “look” for a sukkah – booth, by decorating outside…and have a few of our meals outside! Should be fun!

And we look forward to the day of Yeshua’s return fulfilling this feast. (Revelation 21:3-7)

If you are interested in studying more, purchase a great study guide of YHWH’s feasts. Dallas and Carl Paetzold live here in Amarillo and I love how the book has discussion questions and scripture to study along the way. The title is Feast of Faith, Finding Jesus in the Jewish Feasts (amazon).

I am enjoying each and every feast studied and know that there are specific things to know about each…I love how YHWH has a very specific plan and we are on an amazing walk with Him!

Continuing to see Him in all the beauty this journey!

There is so much to learn!

Cindy

What is a Talmidim?

2011-08-27T17:26:00.003-04:00

Through the quiet of my mornings as I sit and study, I am learning!

One of the amazing things I have learned over the past few weeks is what it is to be a Talmidim or Talmidah (female), a disciple.

To follow a rabbi meant something other than sitting in a classroom and absorbing the lectures that he gave. It involved a literal following. The disciples would travel with, live with and imitate their rabbi. They not only learned from what they said but from what they did. From the everyday life to the manner in the way they lived their lives. A disciple worked to become as much like the rabbi as possible. This is much like an apprenticeship.

Why is this so reliant now? Well, like Jesus' first talmidim, we are to become his faithful disciples. We too, are called to make disciples of all nations, Matthew 28:19.

So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

God is present, desiring to speak and work through us at every moment. And just imagine how amazing each day would be if we thought of everything we did this way.

Transformed
It may not be easy but it will be good; a greater passion and purpose...fulfillment.

Following Yeshua means sharing our lives with the community His has placed us into!

What’s in the Corners?

2011-07-06T20:29:00.001-04:00

Moving…

I have only moved a few times in my marriage. TWICE!!!! Once to move out of my parent’s home and into our new adventures together. That was in 1990!!! Then in 1993 we moved into our log home. It was empty at the time…and 18 years later, we have filled it with family, friends and wonderful memories! We have several adventures in being in a non-conventional home…

Waterfalls down the logs during a heavy rainstorm;

Honeybees finding their way INSIDE;

Woodpeckers mistaking our home for a tree;

Birds crashing into windows thinking there was no house and some even visiting inside;

Then there were the lizards and squirrels…

and of course, there are all the moments of the girls growing up…bikes through the house, mattress surfing down the stairs, finger painting the playhouse and everything in between!!!

But now, I sit here at my laptop, REMEMBERING the past and wondering what the future memories will be…

There has been a lot going through the month of June. Kevin has been living in Texas working at his new job at Hillside Christian Church. He has been searching and has finally found our family a house that we can call our new “home.” And just last week, he was able to fly back to Georgia to help in the details of our big move.

Me, well, I have been working my last few weeks at Stonecreek. It has been strange to think that I only have one more day as a staff person. It has been a place that has pulled me out of my shell and helped me find my true passions and gifts.

At home, it has been somewhat freeing as I have been forced to re-evaluate the reasons we have kept so many boxes and bags of stuff. And I have been asking myself the question: What things are truly important? I have cleaned out so much that we have filled a dumpster, taken three trips to Goodwill (so far), and there are two large piles of things for a quick yard sale this weekend.

As I look at this journey, I visualize…well, that is just what I do…so, here is my visual of ME!

I think of a tree (maybe a water oak-they are my favorite). I think a tree with roots that run very deep. A tree that needs to be moved to another location. But before it can move, the soil must be loosened away from the deep root system. At that point, it can be moved easily…but, leaving just enough soil to keep it from going into shock…

That has been my basement. It has been filled with the things that I would someday sort through. Things that I would one day possibly give away…but the truth is, do I truly need it? And why did I keep it this long?

Now, don’t think that I trashed and gave away EVERYTHING…cause, I didn’t! But I did remove a lot…and it has been so freeing!!! Just knowing that the things are finding a new home makes it easier. I have loved seeing other little girls enjoy the dolls and toys…just like Toy Story 3…

Ahhhh…

Next week, the movers will be here packing up our living space and putting all in a big truck to head west…

My roots are out of the dirt…and I think I am ready to be “re-planted.”

…I wonder what the soil will be like?

Are you really ready?

2011-05-30T12:42:00.001-04:00

CHANGE…yes, it was talked about back a few month ago. And yes, it continues to happen in surprising ways with our family.

See this earlier post or just start at the beginning of my blogging journey: Winter Rest...

But for now, here is the latest…

Job searching adventures…It is now the beginning of the Summer months and we have been blessed over and over by of the mighty hand of God guiding us through the hardship of unemployment. There have been so many WOW God moments through this journey and many moments of spiritual attacks on each of us as a family. I hate that part!!

The road has been very difficult at times to say the least. Do I like this FAITH walk? Not always. Do I see God every day? YES! Do I feel alone? Yes. Do I want to hide from everyone? Most of the time. Do I cry? ALL THE TIME! Am I scared? YES!

Do I feel my Father holding me through the difficulty? Most definitely!

CHANGE…are you okay with change?

You know, I say that I don’t really mind little changes along the way…and, for the most part accepting change is good for us…you know, we grow along the way! Right?

BUT, I am now being TESTED!!!

After many, many, many job applications and many “no thank you” e-mails, Kevin has been offered an opportunity to use his gifts and talents in a TOTALLY different area…one that he uses every week at our church. And it has NOT been a part of the job search!

So let’s rewind, shall we? Since April of 2000, just a few months after Stonecreek Church started in the Alpharetta Community Center, we jumped into an adventure of a church plant. We became a part of the “road crew.” A team that helped to create the gym into an amazing church environment each week. Kevin got involved with the student ministry running tech for the band. He helped with a ministry discovery program which helped attenders understand their passions, life story and spiritual gifts. Together…it was a great way to see how you fit into your love job (volunteering position at church or anywhere). So this is where we found some of our church passions and reactivated some old loves. Kevin got involved with tech and students, teaching in the children’s ministry and even leading adult small groups. Me, well…I jumped into the children’s ministry leading small groups, teaching and hosting in large group, leading worship, and helping at camps…stretching me way out of my quiet, “shy” self!!!

If you know us and sees at church today…eleven years later, what are we doing?

We continue to do a lot of the same things…well, my role has changed over the past year. But Kevin is still working with the tech team in students. The environment has grown and changed but Kevin has been the glue in the ministry of students and has assisted in so many ways. He continues to teach in the children’s ministry as well.

So, WHAT IS THE CHANGE?

Our dear friend, Bryan was one of the band members from the beginning of Stonecreek days. He has a job position open for Kevin to join the tech team.

Yay!! That is wonderful news to us! Kevin has been sought after, needed and wanted! And it something he totally loves! He is great at it.

But here is the CHANGE!!!!! TEXAS!!!!!!

mom…

2011-05-07T21:59:00.001-04:00

Today, I was just thinking about my years at home…and how Mom helped me through the difficulty of spelling and being Dyslexic, the creations of science projects, comforted my scraped knees and broken arms, supported all my singing competitions, and art projects…

She waited for me as I jumped off the school bus, taught me the love of flowers gardening, let me lick the brownie bowl, laughed as I melted tupperware in the microwave. Mom sat through every ball game that I cheered at, and truly didn’t like being in the passenger seat as I learned how to drive, let me talk all the way home from college…every weekend.

She gave Kevin many questions to answer to make sure he was okay to marry, and helped clean, organize and sweep our house as we built it…

Mom was with me at every baby shower and the deliveries of her first grand daughters…She babysat them and laughed at all the funny things they did along the way, she helped me through medical problems and stood with me as we saw our son for the first time.

She continues to be my inspiration. She is a wonderful example as a mom and friend.

Thank you for everything you do!

MOM, I LOVE YOU!!!

Cindy

heavy heart…

2011-04-25T16:02:00.001-04:00

Last night and this morning there was a heaviness in my soul. It was a burden for the people that came and went yesterday.

All dressed in their “Sunday” best…their “time for church” looks and smiles…But, inside I wondered why they came. Where they looking for a change in their life? Where they attending with family or friends, because that is what you were supposed to do on this day? Where they visiting to see what church is like “today”, verses 10-12 years ago? Where they truly looking for a personal change to possibly take place as they entered the building or as they left?

Then I ask myself, what did those people walk in and find? So many greeting were given to all, smiles and big welcomes. And much hospitality was given.

But what did they hear, what did they feel? Did they receive a clear understanding of the one that was resurrected so many years ago? It was to be a resurrection celebration! Did they hear that Jesus is the only way to having a changed life? Where they challenged to be different, challenged to share their faith, and to personally seek Him daily?

Will they return to a weekend service? Will they look deeper into the Word of YHWH? Will they look for a church community where they can get involved?

My prayer today is that they will look for a deeper relationship with the Savior. Our perfect example of being obedient to the Father. And they will look for a place where they can grow in scripture. And learn what being a Christ-follower is truly about.

Prayerful,

Cindy

Believe…

2011-04-22T15:49:00.001-04:00

Today! Yeshua is alive…and today, in history, He had appeared to Mary. In scripture she ran and shared with the others!

Then I continued to read through John 20.

Here are a few details of what happened after Yeshua had appeared to Mary.

Later in the day, the disciples were together, but AFRAID! The doors were locked! They were afraid of what could happen to them. And I can not imagine what was going through their minds. They were probably thinking that they could be next in the horrific events of the past few days. The doors were bolted closed and lights were probably low. There were whispers of what to do next…then,

Yeshua CAME, ENTERED and STOOD among them.

He spoke, “Peace to you!” (security, safety, salvation) He held out his hands and showed them his side. And they were overjoyed!

He said it again, “Peace be with you!” and he added, “As YWHW has sent me, I am sending YOU.”

…and with that, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

There are many details written of Yeshua after His resurrection…and as I look at the last verse of John 21:25…

There is so much more to this story…and we are a part of it.

“If every one of the details were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

Do not be afraid, receive Peace…Believe and continue the story as Yeshua has told…GO!

Cindy

Our First Messianic Passover Seder

2011-04-18T00:43:00.003-04:00

It was beautiful…

The observance of such a special Biblical feast was so moving today-April 17th.

I have been so excited to plan out the the details with my friend, Anna, and have been decorating the table and creating the menu. It has been a renewing and refreshing few days. I pulled out some of the dishes that were passed down to us and a few items that were so perfect for the story being shared. And Anna was able to borrowed her mom’s Seder plate…it was perfect!

Here are a few pictures of our amazing evening…

Almost every element of this dinner exists in order to pass on important Bible stories and Biblical Truth using all five senses of the participants. We don’t just hear the Word, we see, smell, taste, and feel the Word. We don’t just inform our children, we involve and encourage and reward them as they discover the Word of God. This is a dinner and a story. The story is about YHWH keeping promises. The story is about redemption and salvation. The story is about God’s work in our history. In the Jewish culture, the story stops at the River Jordan. The story stops before the Hebrew Kingdom is established. The story includes Faith, includes Hope for the future, and includes the Love of YHWH. A Christian (Messianic) Seder, just like a Jewish one, embraces all of this ancient story. After all, it is our story. But the Christian Seder also adds to the story. It adds those things that Jesus added as He sat at Seder, the Seder we call the Last Supper. And, for Christians, it no longer stops at the River Jordan. It has become the very personal story of our redemption and salvation. It has become the story of the Kingdom of YHWH. It has become a story for all of YHWH’S children.

There should be no surprise that Yeshua instructed us to eat this dinner, tell this story, and remember Him.

Over the next few days…I will remember the journey He took for me.

Praising my Savior,

Cindy

the season of new life…

2011-04-14T00:02:00.002-04:00

The fragrant smells of the blooming flowers, the beauty of the tiny buds of the maple trees and the amazing shapes of each petal of the crabapples and dogwoods are just the start of a season of new beginnings…Nisan is the month on the Hebrew calendar.

There is an eager anticipation that I feel this time of year. I always look for the surprise of each new plant that pushes it’s way through the soil. But this year, it is more than just the earth awakening with beauty, it is an awaken of my soul.

The yearning to be obedient, the desire to have all of my questions answered. The questions that have been arising in my heart for the past months. To seek and find, has brought me again to another beautiful event in history. One that changed the world and changed my heart…forever.

Passover the Biblical Feast written in scripture.

Did you know, that while Israel was in slavery in Egypt, they chose a spotless lamb, to be brought to the priest as a sacrifice on the 14th day of Nisan. It had to be examined for five days to insure that it was without blemish. This was done on the 10 day of Nisan. Yeshua entered Jerusalem on the tenth day of Nisan... He was tried and tested and they tried to find fault with him…

But let’s back up…for generations families celebrated the freedom YHWH gave them from Egypt. Each and every year, they would sit together and have a Passover Feast to honor YHWH and give thanks. Think about this…

Yeshua grew up celebrating this feast and knowing that one day he would fulfill each and every symbol of this dinner. Then the time came…

As you look at the details of history, you will see that Yeshua came and fulfilled each aspect of the Passover Feast... the celebration from generations before…and Yeshua fulfilled each and every beautiful element down to the hour and detail.

This year, the tenth of Nisan is April 14th... and the 14th of Nisan is April 18th.

Take time to truly know your Savior…may you receive a blessing through this amazing week of LOVE…for YOU!

So this weekend we will celebrate… A Passover Seder. Visit this link to learn more and see how the plan has been fulfilled.

Looking for more on this journey,

Cindy

The Power of a Name…

2011-03-24T16:47:00.001-04:00

I have been continuing to study scripture and wanted to post a few findings of wonder and blessing…one most recent being Purim and a detailed study of Esther. Today, I spent time with my sweet friend, Anna, on how to make Hamentaschen…. It is so much fun for us as a family, and I just encourage you to take time out to really embrace your Hebrew roots as a part of God’s family – we are adopted as his children through Jesus…. Celebrate as He has mentioned so often in scripture. Do some research of your own and just see and receive the blessings…Our family, is loving each new found gift and I think you will too. We are now on the countdown to Passover (Pesach) – Nisan 14. I will talk more on this in another post…But today… I found a visual of God’s Name…

YHWH!

God's name reveals the fullness of His nature. All of God's nature and attributes are embodied in His name.

The English transliteration of God's personal name is YHWH.

The four Hebrew letters transliterated YHWH are:

a Yod, rhymes with "rode", which we transliterate "Y"

a He, rhymes with "say", which we transliterate "H"

a Vav, like "lava", which we transliterate "W" or "V"

another He

Originally Hebrew (over 300 years ago) didn't have any vowels, and was written right to left.

God's name, as written in Hebrew right to left:

Spelled left to right:

Transliterated into English: YHWH

With vowels added: YAHWEH

Translated: I AM WHO I AM

Check out the Names of our God!

May you be blessed as you celebrate!!!

Love, Cindy

"Children Of God" - Official Music Video

2011-03-23T19:59:00.000-04:00

Winter Rest and Change in the Air…

2011-02-18T15:11:00.002-05:00

From December 21 through March 21, the calendar is set as Winter. So I stopped to think about what winter meant to me this year. It has been a time of Rest. I have taken the past few months to to do just that – Stop. While I watched the holiday season come, and go and the busyness that everyone feels and talks about…I rested. I have taken time to look at all the trees, plants and birds. They all have gone into a quiet moment of silence. The wonder of winter, seemed to truly reflect a God’s Sabbath, so to speak, in His seasons. We were even blessed with a long break of winter white. The bend of the trees, crunch of the snow, the visible breath in the air all brought a quiet beauty.

Through our Winter, we have also been able to change our moments of time together as a family. We have begun to study and learn what keeping the Sabbath means and we have been spending that time together, with candles, devotions and study of Hebrew roots and history. With each bit of knowledge, we seem to understand a little more of our relationship with God, his plan for us as his children and how scripture is so detailed from the beginning to end. We have learned about the Torah-Law, which is first five books of the Old Testament, how Christ came to fulfill and live out the law and how we need to be living as children of God. It has been so interesting and exciting! And there is just so much to learn.

With the changing of the air, it seems God has directed our family with yet another adventure. The emotion of this change, well, has been…emotional, breathtaking with a touch of bravery for all!!! You see, Kevin and I have known for awhile that God has been preparing us for something different. Something that would make a difference in the lives of others…children and adults. But, what that is supposed to look like…we are not sure, YET. But what we do know is God made something VERY clear. God was directing Kevin out of his current business and into a leap of faith. He stepped down from our business of almost seven years…a partnership with family and friends…and into the unknown…

God has been growing Kevin and I specifically for seven plus years for ministry and missions. And I know that with all the adventures we have been on with both of our jobs, He is preparing us for an assignment that only He knows the details…

The way I look at it, if you are on the monkey bars, you have to let go with one hand to swing to the next bar!

So, the Winter Rest and Change…has made me trust MORE in the ONE in charge!

Pray for each of us as the adventure continues….

Love to all, Cindy

stopping to say “thank you”…

2010-11-25T13:17:00.001-05:00

Today, is a day we gather with family and friends to eat lots of food, chat with people we love and take a short break (for most) from the daily routines.

The girls watched the parade, Kevin made waffles, Aleks played the old X-box, and I completed the baking of our rolls and potatoes for our gathering in a few hours.

We are all in different ends of the house and the worship music is playing loudly as the morning has passed. But, I love that we are HOME hanging out together.

God has blessed me with so many amazing things to think on these past few months and has shown me so much about who I am made to be. I am so thankful that the everyday is a closer walk WITH God!

I am so thankful for my hubby – Kevin, his leadership and love for 20+ years and the journey is ever changing!

My big girl, Kristen, she has a leadership and love for missions and that is exciting!

My son, Aleks, he has grown and changed through his short time in our “forever family” and the journey continues.

My little girl, Rachel, she has a heart for orphans and compassion for others that will grow as she does.

My extended family, that have walked with me all these years…and have been with me through the journey of life.

My friendships, there are so many and the time spent with each has been so wonderful along the way!

Love, Love – LOVE this journey, and the changes it brings!

and that is my THANKFULNESS – Happy Thanksgiving!

A Time for Change…

2010-11-12T22:03:00.001-05:00

I am finally putting it down on paper, something that has been hard for me to explain to others and probably difficult for some to understand when I do share. So here are my thoughts.

Over the past months, our family has been sorting through a few changes in our household. Many conversations have taken place and we each have decided to make a different turn in our winter holiday time. We are changing up how we do things through this time of year.

For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been a major part of my life. It was one of my favorite holidays and when I got married and had a home of my own…the decorating and creating traditions for my family were established. Each year, we have decorated our tree (14 feet of it) and in our 20 years of marriage we have collected many, many ornaments. And they all have some type of story behind them. I seem to have a small collection of snowmen and have saved every Christmas card from the first year of marriage in 1990 packaged with ribbons and displayed in a large basket.

But, through my studying over the past months, I have been given the big question – Why? Why do I put up the tree? Why do we make a Christmas wish list and why do we try so hard to buy the things on the list at this time of year? Why is it so hard to pay for everything? Why do we have stressful moments through the season? Why do I feel the reasons are not valid?

I have studied different views of when Jesus was born…I have studied the history behind all the traditions of Christmas (some are pretty weird). I have evaluated what my focus has been for so many years. And the truth is…I can say all day long…it was about others. But not the way it should be. If I truly want to say it is about others, then I need to step it up a notch. It is not about giving gifts to those that already have everything they could possible want. I mean, do you really need another game, toy, tool, sweater, shirt, pair of shoes, ornament, lotion, or gadget? And this list goes on and on…

We (Americans) have become very commercialized, selfish, needy and a bit ungrateful. When really we DON’T need anything materially speaking!

We, as a family, have decided to take a MAJOR turn in the way we acknowledge this holiday we call Christmas. We know that it really isn’t about Jesus completely, even if most of us want to believe it is. I have found that everyone can celebrate this holiday whether you are a Christ follower or not…so I have to rethink the “Why”…I know there is so much more that we can be doing than putting the word “Christ” in Christmas, putting up a tree and buying things we don’t need.

So what are the Tuttle’s doing? We are not going to put up our traditional tree. We are not going to buy everyone gifts “just because”. We are not acknowledging Santa (not that we ever did, really). The changes will be a giving of ourselves. This year, we are seeking ways to help others that need help. We are looking for ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those that need HIM. And we are making this change not just for this time of year, but for the rest of our lives.

Holidays will be different around here. We are looking forward to all the celebrations and feasts as the new year approaches. Celebrating the ones that I have been reading about from so long ago. I have been studying Biblical history and the amazing details of where we have come from and where we are going…something I don’t want to miss out on as a believer in our Yahweh. I am excited and know this desire to read more from God’s Word has been eye opening for me as I sort through the true meanings behind why I do what I do on a daily basis.

The journey has been interesting and emotional with each step but I know that Greater Things are yet to be Done…and I am only a small part of God’s Big Story.

May you have a restful winter season. Taking time to renew and rest in all that God believes you can do for HIM!

Time with my girls...

2010-09-01T09:48:00.006-04:00

I love Rain boots!...and last week I finally got some! So the girls and I have been WAITING for it to rain, just so we can wear them. Rach has even checked the weather a few times...

But, last weekend, the girls thought it might rain and we decided to put our fun boots on...well, it didn't rain...but, decided to make it a fun memory moment...

PHOTO SHOOT!!!

what am I learning...?

2010-08-04T14:15:00.005-04:00

Life is always changing. And for the most part, I like change. I think it helps us grow and build our faith in God's guiding hand in our lives.

Well, over the past year, my life as changed a lot. Just adding an additional family member that is the age of 12 was a MAJOR change for all of us. But just as I thought things had settled down...more changes took place.

Now, I will not go into play by play events that have taken place over the past three months...but, they all were MAJOR! And I haven't really liked these difficulties or changes...And at times I felt I was holding a skyscraper on my shoulders. NOT fun!

But here is what I have been learning.

When God tells you "NO", He is really telling you "YES" to something so much better.

Now, believe me, I am still working through the "no" from God. But what has excited me along the way...is through this journey, I have been able to step across the raging river of my life on to the next wobbly rock and I am trusting Him for each step of the way to get to the other side. And I know He has a GREAT adventure right around the corner.

And through changes...God always speaks to me through wonderful songs. And this one has become a theme song for us right now...

Here are a few lyrics that I love...from Chris Tomlin:

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.

10 Great Things...

2010-06-25T22:30:00.002-04:00

It has been a FULL 365 days that Kevin, Cindy, Kristen, Rachel and Nana said hello to Aleks Zachary Tuttle! The journey to this point has been one that seems to WOW me each moment that I think about it...

There are many emotions that I have a hard time putting into words.

I have had to learn a lot through this year. Things about myself. Who am I as God's child? I think about how God picked me to be His child. I am adopted! I am not that much different than my Aleks. God has placed me into His family for a purpose. Just as I have said many times through this 365 days, there is a plan that God has mapped out for Aleks and us as Christians...we are on this walk together.

So what are some highlights of this year to Aleks? He has had a lot to take in...So, we asked him to put it on paper. We asked that he tell us just 10 of the best things that had happened to him in his first year with his forever family...Here is what he said. (I am going to type it as he wrote it-translation in quotes)

1. I got new friends.
2. I got to now (know) God.
3. I got bike.
4. I have krazy famaly (family).
5. I got to try new food.
6. I am going to church.
7. I got sisters and Mom and Dad.
8. I got to ride motosicle (motorcycle).
9. I have sin (seen) a waterfall.
10. I got to live in the woods.

I am thankful for his journey...and mine. I know that each little thing on his list was and is amazing! I am thankful to share in the 10 best things Aleks Zachary Tuttle experienced.

Wonder what the next year will look like for each of us. What will I put on my list of the best things that happened? What am I going to do to make a difference?

the small things in life…

2010-06-19T20:05:00.001-04:00

…just looking through my photos today…and found this.

The journey…

My life is full of change…a lot of change lately! There is a lot going on and I am sure it will just keep moving forward…

And when I think about it, the journey of this life is too big to really comprehend. Sometimes we don’t even know where we are going. But with each step, God has a plan!

Been a little busy...

2010-06-12T21:32:00.003-04:00

Do you get up each morning wondering what you are going to be doing each day? Do you think through a checklist in your head before you hit the floor? Well, I live off a checklist, but it is on my phone and if I don't have reminders on my calendar, it just might get forgotten...

The past few months have been busy for the Tuttle house. Kristen is now a Sophomore and she made it through Algebra I! Rachel has moved into the 7th grade with writing creative stories along the way. They both worked so hard to finish school early this year and they succeeded! I am very proud of them! Aleks has successfully completed a year of school in America...and he did great! We played catchup with a lot of language, reading and phonics. He has moved out of the "easy" stuff and now moving it the "it is not fun" stages of school...hummm! He now sounds like an American tween!

The girls completed a wonderful year at a local dance studio where we all made new friends that we will treasure forever...and the concert was an amazing tribute to our Savior! And I saw the girls dance like never before and felt the emotion of each turn! They were beautiful!

Aleks has worked to earn several belts in karate through the school year and seems to really focus more with each class he takes...I have loved to see the positive influence karate has as he is pushed to have more respect and discipline for others and authority!

The events of the school year have come to an end for 2010! And we all are doing the "happy dance!"

So, on to the details of our summer calendar...

Early mornings...

up at 5:45 || Kristen and myself at church by 7:15 a.m. so we can work with a fun team at Highland Day Camp...

and the rest of the gang...Rach helping as a junior counselor, traveling to the Carolinas with dad, Aleks working through summer language and phonics, karate...humm, and maybe even a sleepover or two!

I have missed writing my short thoughts...maybe I should put blogging on my calendar too!

my favorite season...

2010-04-08T16:00:00.005-04:00

I love spring! I love to watch the quiet trees and flowers start to emerge from the winter sleep...They start singing and dancing as they are awakened to new life again!

Today, it has been a rainy day...but, even between the showers, my surroundings seem to shine bright. Birds were even singing. Now as I look out my window, the trees are greener than yesterday. My overgrown garden seems to look happy and the Crabapple trees are showing the small buds of pink.

Spring reminds me of new and fresh beginnings. Life that has been quiet...waiting for just the right moment to explode, move and grow into something amazing and beautiful. I think God has a wonderful way of talking to me! Like a butterfly through the garden, I am changed!

Watching her heart…

2010-03-02T17:11:00.001-05:00

She is growing up….Kristen is fourteen and has a big heart for children. Here are a few things she has been doing…

Over the past few months, I have watched her develop her ideas and put them into motion. She has created a doll to be hand made for all the little girls in the Hope for Guatemala program – the KiKi Doll. She has learned how to sew through all this and has given each doll so far her personal touch. Even though there are still 75 dolls to be made before the first week of April, she has not given up. We have requested and recruited help in making them and she has faith that they will be complete over the next few weeks.

Kristen has a connection with a little girl in our church that has been dealing with cancer. When Lily is able to attend Kidzu, Lily seeks out Kristen and wants to be with her. So when Kristen’s dance studio, Still Pointe, asked her to be a part of the Choreographers Concert in May, she came up with another great idea. She thought it would be great to dedicate her dance to Lily. She has been listening to many songs and working on details. And I know this dance will be one with passion, emotion, and Lily power!

I am excited to see the outcome of each of these events in Kristen’s life. It seems to just be her passion to make a difference. And I am so thankful!

Playing Catch Up...

2010-01-30T21:15:00.002-05:00

Christmas at the Tuttle house was new and different. New Year's was new and different. We had so many amazing moments. So many firsts...and will continue to have them each and every day.

Through the holidays we were able to host a wonderful person from Latvia. She was our Orphan Court Director, Taiga. She came to America to be a part of a hosting program and we had her stay with us for the four weeks she lived here in the states. She was able to see our family life, daily routines, Christmas break, church life and shopping...

I love that she was able to see first hand what she approved...She said "yes" to us being Aleks' forever family. And then she was able to live with us and watch what our life is like...though, sometimes a little crazy! Thank you Taiga!!!

I am looking forward to the new year's events and changes. There is so much to blog about...but, I will save it for another day.

Why...?

2009-12-08T22:31:00.003-05:00

Well, as I type Kevin, Kristen and Aleks are sleeping in Riga. They have been there for a few days and Aleks has been to the doctor, received a few shots, they have walked around part of the city...dealt with the challenge of renting a car...and paying for it twice...a story Kevin will have to share with details.

And today, Tuesday, was a free day to take a three hour drive to Liepaja. When they arrived they took a drive by the park where we played everyday for twenty days in August and even checked out the market.

It was at the market where they were greeted with a surprise that shocked everyone. I am confident that God places people in our path for a purpose...just wish I had been there to hold a hand, to give a hug and kiss that moms like to do. I really can't wait to see Aleks' face as he tells me about what he saw and felt today.

You see, for the twenty days we were in Liepaja, we saw his great aunt and uncle one time. I am amazed that the one day, Kevin drove for three hours...walked through the market of Liepaja and at that time she was there.

All I really know is that the visit was very quick and they were off to their next stop. But I am waiting to hear in person what he has to say about that surprise.

They drove over to the orphanage where Aleks was able to show his sister where he had lived for three and a half years. He was able to introduce her to his friends and show her around. Kristen was able to meet, my friend, Ginta. And they had a fun dinner together.

The day ended with a three hour drive back to Riga in the rain, fog and snow...

Tomorrow is another embassy visit...and the road home is a little closer.

What is today???

2009-11-07T22:13:00.001-05:00

November 8 - Today is Orphan Sunday. A day where churches join together with families in the fight for the orphans!!! As I think about each child, they all have a name, they all have a need, they all want a family to hug them and care for them….there are over 143 million children around this world that are seeking a family!

Where are you in this walk to help them?

A Blend of Hope...

2009-10-08T22:49:00.003-04:00

Here is the program…really quite simple and we can modify it to any organization or fundraising event you need.

We have coffee bag samples for you to go with your order forms…

Each bag of coffee is Fresh Roasted each week so you will receive it within 48 hours of roasting.
The blend of coffee we are offering is a delicious blend of specialty grade coffee. It is a medium roast blend of Central and South American coffees with a touch of Ethiopian. This aromatic blend releases a wonderfully smooth cup of coffee with rich nutty and chocolate tones to please your palate. With every cup you drink you can know that you are making a difference in the life of an orphan and helping to change their life forever!
Each bag contains 12 ounces of Fresh Roasted coffee and costs only $10…the same as what you would pay at the grocery store or your favorite coffee shop.
Complete the order form…

Complete customer information
Choose whole bean (W) or ground coffee (G)
Choose Regular ( R ) or DECAF coffee ( D )
Total the number of bags the customer is ordering
Total the amount of the sale for the customer
Collect the amount due…
Each Monday by 12:00 noon…please fax or e-mail your order to Kevin so we can consolidate the orders.

FAX: 770-889-0337
E-Mail: Kevin@EverythingCoffee-Tea.com
· Your coffee will be roasted and packaged each Tuesday and delivered to you each Thursday…just 48 hours after roasting! Fresh Coffee!!

· We will collect your money each week when your coffee is delivered to you.

All profits from this fundraiser will go toward the adoption costs for Aleks and making him a part of our family forever. $5 of every bag sold is going to the adoption fund for Aleks. Our goal is 2500 bags of coffee. If we can get just 100 people to sell only 25 bags of coffee…we have reached our goal. Any extra funds raised over and above our adoption expenses will then be donated to One World Adoption to help others offset the costs associated with adoption.

If you are interested in participating in our fundraiser please e-mail or call Kevin or myself.

something big....

2009-10-06T16:29:00.003-04:00

Okay, we are part owners in Everything Coffee and Tea...what does that have to do with anything???

Well, we are now on our second part of our adoption and are in great need of financial assistance...now, God provided for the first trip in amazing ways. And I still am "wow-ed" by how everything happened.

We have thought about ways to raise money along the way and most ideas seemed to not come together...but, this morning Kevin and I woke up to a little light bulb...COFFEE...and our connections with coffee...and we want to get everyone involved!!!! I know you are just wanting to know how...well, the details are being worked out now and we will get all the information to everyone.

We are asking everyone interested in helping to make our $7500 goal...to step up and bring hope to the orphans one cup at a time!!!

More to come....

A trip…to an old town.

2009-09-19T10:59:00.001-04:00

Thursday, September 17, we headed south to Savannah. We packed our bags and were out the door at 8:55 a.m. A family vacation…all FIVE of us!

Our friends Jamie and Chris worked on getting us a “surprise” vacation spot…and only Kevin knew what the details were.

As we got into town, Kevin had a few stops with clients. So the kids and I headed out to a small mall close by…then it was off to downtown. As we arrive, we spotted Chris on the corner of Bay Street.

We drove through a valet parking entrance…and into a parking spot specific to us…Apartment #1. We were blessed with an apartment for the weekend on Bay Street. It is amazing and lots of space with windows along the street (to people watch)!!! WOW, what a wonderful surprise!

This city is one with life and activity. It has many old buildings much like the ones Liepaja. The cobblestone down River Street, the doors and the alleys all have the old feel of days that have pasted by. There is just one major difference…HOPE and Happiness. It seems we have brought the two cities together in our hearts this weekend and pray that one day…hope will be restored to the city so far away!

We have walked around some and checked out many shops… we have had fun dinners – so far pizza and lo country boil…yummm.

Today, we have lunch at Lady and Sons then off to the pool on the roof!!!

Our time away is such a blessing…our time together, but this time it is all five of us, …and it is changing us! God is good!

What I am feel today...

2009-08-31T20:01:00.002-04:00

Okay, we have been home for a week...

The bags were unpacked, clothes were washed, school books were ordered and life has kept moving. There are some things in this journey that I thought would feel so different and yet they are now things that I cannot imagine not being here. Life has moved into our new normal with three children. We have loud car rides with all three (sometimes five) talking at the same time...laughter at the dinner table constantly, wrestling matches in the bedrooms til someone is pinned to the floor and each night we have wonderful prayer times together.

Aleks has been together with us for two months but it was the past seven days that I feel he moved into a trust in us as his real forever family. And just a few days ago he chose to call me mom...several times in one day. So, now I have a new young voice that calls out to me...I am no longer, Cindy, but MOM!!!!

We are still working on our final paperwork for Aleks to be "officially" a Tuttle. There are two more trips back to Latvia and we still have lots of funds and expenses to cover. But God has supplied every step of the way and I know he will continue to supply every need we have.

Life is a lot different than two months ago...and it is a new turn in our journey. Pray for each of us as we learn how to be a "party of five."

God is Good!!!

Approval…

2009-08-22T13:53:00.001-04:00

On Thursday, we received our approval from the orphan court and now have what is called: temporary custody until our final paperwork is processed through the court. We then headed out to our three hour drive to Riga to the US Embassy to apply for Aleks’ visa. After the approval of the visa we picked it up on Friday afternoon. We were done!!!! YAY!

Kevin tried to change our flight to head out on Saturday…but, there was nothing available. So, for the next few days we will be site seeing and people watching…

Monday will arrive soon and we will be on a plane and heading to US soil!!!!

I have missed my girls so much. Aleks has missed his sisters and is ready to be HOME!!!

I am so thankful for my family and friends that have taken care of Kristen and Rachel and Chip while we have been away…and look forward to see each of you on Monday…

We land around 3:30!!!!

This journey has been very moving and life changing. I know there is more to come. God is not done…just wonder what is next along the way.

Don’t forget to follow Kevin’s blog too: lifeisbigger.blogspot.com

…and lots of pictures on Facebook.

Love and hugs!!!

a chocolate dipped cone…

2009-08-19T03:58:00.001-04:00

Today I woke up thinking about dad. Yesterday marked two years that his life here on earth ended and he began a new journey in heaven.

I was also thinking about all the changes that have taken place over these two years. So many things…in the lives of his children. A new grand daughter and pregnancy, a new pacemaker-health restored, a new grand son from Latvia.

There are times that I really think it would be fun to celebrate with a chocolate dipped cone!!!

the visit…

2009-08-18T05:30:00.001-04:00

I think my fears of the unknown were getting to me all day on Sunday. And I believe it was attacking Aleks too. He was in a really grumpy mood and didn’t really have much nice to say all day. We both were working through our emotions and I was not really looking forward to what the next day would be like. Later that evening, we had dinner with our new friends and Aleks was able to see one of his caregivers one last time. The dinner changed in the feelings of the day and I was very thankful for that. We laughed, the universal language, and Kevin and Aleks were invited to make cappuccinos behind the counter.

It was a joy to see each of us together having fun and chatting with friends.

On Monday morning, we headed out to get photos made for Aleks’ visa and to pick up a few things from the store, then headed back to the apartment to wait… It was late afternoon when we were picked up to journey to an apartment were Aleks remembers visiting a few years ago. He has been telling us about family he would visit and a woman he calls “babushka” – grandmother in Russian. As we arrived, I didn’t really know what to expect, my stomach was in knots and I could not speak, for the fear of tears overflowing. As we walked up to the door of the apartment building, Aleks seemed excited and we stepped into an elevator the size of a shoebox…not fun!!! As we stepped off, he ran to the door and knocked. An short, older man, balding with glasses and a short round woman stood at the door. They give Aleks a hug and started chatting. I stood at the doorway for a second and the woman motioned us into her home to visit. We sat in a small narrow living area with a sports channel as our background noise. The man and woman chatted with each other and with Ginta and Aleks. We sat. Then Ginta asked us if we would like to know anything about Aleks or the family. I really didn’t know what to say. I didn’t even know what to ask. The man started to talk to us and Ginta translated. He told us that he was Aleks’ great uncle and his sister was Aleks’ grandmother. Not what Aleks told us…he thinks they are grandparents. The man, Igar, explained that Aleks’ grandmother had died before he was born. He stood up and pulled out a few photos from a near by drawer…they were photos of Aleks’ dad with his grandparents. He pulled out a picture of Aleks’ dad, a wedding photo from a first marriage. Then there was one of Aleks around three years of age. They did not want to give it to me because it was the only picture they had of him, so I took a picture of it for us to keep.

The man explained that Aleks’ dad worked as a seaman. And worked on the boats. They explained that Aleks had a good life as a young boy, but when his dad lost his job they started drinking and things got really bad. I know there was a lot said, but not sure if it was all that easy to translate to us. We were told the man read about Aleks’ dad’s death (murder) in the paper and had to come and identify him. Not really easy to hear, for any of us.

The woman spoke too, and started to cry. She said it was hard…and I cried with her. But not for the same reasons…I cried, because my son, has family here in the same town just a few blocks away from where we are staying and they have not cared for him, loved him, hugged him…been a part of his life.

The woman, got up and asked if we wanted tea or coffee. And we headed into the kitchen area for Nestle instant coffee…yep! They asked us a few questions and why we wanted to adopt Aleks. We explained and Aleks told all about America…

The family has twin sons living at home. I think they are in their twenties. They managed to “look us up” on the internet and even did a Google earth search on where we live…They came out of a back room and asked us questions about Atlanta and Canton…that was a little strange for me…

But time was up for our visit and we took several photos of the family that Aleks knew here in Liepaja.

The man walked us outside and gave Aleks a kiss…then we were off…

Thankful for another move in the direction of a forever home!!!!

our next stops…

2009-08-17T03:41:00.001-04:00

Saturday, August 15…

…after we moved to our next stop, the sea break wall, the expressions and feelings changed. Aleks again started talking really fast in Latvian and headed to the wall. We started walking along the wall to see the sea around us. The view was amazing, panoramic and wish I could have taken a photo of it all. It felt like I was in the center and everything was full circle around me. There was just this small, twenty foot path of cement that connected us with the land. The sea was calm on one side and really rough on the other. And in the distance at sea was a storm with rain and a water spout. It was truly an amazing view and moving to see.

It the distance Aleks pointed to an area along the land of a place where he said he had lived before; before the shelter; before the orphanage…before a NEW beginning…

The next stop was again a place of strange yet unique architecture. We headed north up the beach line to a mound of broken cement slabs. Masses of rubbish fallen and destroyed through war and the wear of the sea. We climbed and explored for awhile and took some amazing pictures of just how massive the pieces were.

Our last stop was just south, outside of the city. It was again much like Michigan and we stopped to have a nice lunch at a resort near by. The drive was down a dirt road and we ended at a trail. The trail headed into a wooded area and wound up a hillside. At the top was a lookout area where we gazed over tall tree tops to see another view of the Baltic Sea. It was a beautiful and majestic place. A place to escape from the everyday and just take in the power of our God. It was a different site than any of the others. A place where it felt untouched…a place to renew…

first site of the day…

2009-08-16T04:21:00.001-04:00

Saturday, August 15, we headed to Karosta to see the Russian cathedral that Aleks has been talking about since we got here. He as told us it is “very, very big” and we have to see it. So, arrangements were made for us to take a drive and check it out. As we drove through the area there were sites everywhere that reflected the Russian army during WWII. During that time, no one was allowed in the area and it was closed off from everyone. There were tall apartment building everywhere and most were now empty (no doors and no windows) and the ones that did have occupants were very run down, broken and falling apart. There were ruins of red brick buildings everywhere and places that appeared to have houses at one time, maybe large military homes. The sites around us were sad and lonely. The roads were filled with potholes.

In the center of it all, stood and giant cathedral. Aleks was right it was huge. As we walked up to the gate, we read a sign that told us to leave our evil thoughts behind, instructing us on how we needed to be dressed and things we could not bring into the building.

As we walked up the large steps and into the large doorway, there was the smell of old and a little musty. There were several women walking in with head coverings and stopping at the door. It was a really big and open with hundreds of pictures of different saints. Each one had a candle and a place to pray to each one. The building was amazing; but cold, empty and lost.

As we were heading to the door to leave, a elderly woman stopped Aleks and spoke to him in Russian, I think. I could see she was telling him how he needed use all the specific hand motions for prayer (I know it is called something, but don’t know what it is). I thought she was possibly giving him some historical lesson. As Aleks walked away, he had a strange expression on his face. When it was translated what was said to him, there was an overwhelming sadness deep in my heart and brokenness for this woman. But not just that, I wanted to grab Aleks and hug him and tell him everything was okay now. You see, she stopped him to tell him that Jesus did not love him because his hair was spiked up (and very cute, I might add) and that he needed to ask for forgiveness. (that was why she was showing him how to make the cross covering with his hand) Well, you can imagine what I was feeling… As we walked outside the building, I was reminded how those people just do not know Jesus and if they did, they would know that he is not a judge of our outward appearance, but he looks at our heart.

Kevin was able to take a few minutes to talk to Aleks on God’s love for us and confirm in him that God loves him passionately-every part of him…and so do we. There are many people that are blinded by the laws of religion in every corner, and we must share the true person of Jesus Christ as we live our daily lives. I want to be that example to everyone He puts in my path on this journey…

We hopped back into the car for a ride to our next site…a long water brake and an amazing rain cloud….

a Latvian Dinner…

2009-08-13T06:04:00.001-04:00

As Kevin has posted, it has rained the past few days and we have not been out much. We managed to eat at the Cili Pizza and the Rock Cafe again…and we ordered our “usual”…which are very good, by the way. And I only took a few pictures…I know you are surprised.

But yesterday, Wednesday, Ginta came over and she prepared dinner for us. We both were in the kitchen and I just watched as she prepared everything…we were having mashed potatoes with small diced pieces of ham seasoned with finely chopped onions and spices. The potatoes softened and milk was added while the ham heated up in the pan with the onions. To the ham, sour cream was added to make it really creamy. The room smelled wonderful. To serve the dish, the potatoes were placed on the plate with a dip in the center, to make it a bowl. Then the ham was served on top…I know you are saying, yummm….it was so good. And to top off the meal, we had sliced nectarines for dessert.

It was so nice to sit and chat with Ginta. I have found a friend here and she and I have a passion for many of the same things. She loves photography and children. She loves to help make things better than what they are right now. And looks for ways to do that in the lives she comes in contact with. God has put us together for a purpose. And for that I am so thankful.

And she cooks…simply…which is right up my ally!!! I can to that too.

the place called “my home”…

2009-08-11T05:14:00.000-04:00

Our day was relaxing as we got ready for our Monday activities. We sat around the apartment, watching television shows in Russian, eating breakfast late in the morning and put clothes on the clothes line. The three of us headed out and stopped to find lunch before our bus ride. As we left the cafe, we spotted the bus we were supposed to be on driving up to the bus stop. The three of us ran to catch it. Jumping on just in time. The ride was hot, no air conditioning.

As we arrived at the orphanage, Aleks pushed the button to let the driver know it was our stop. We jumped off and slowly walked down a bumpy side road to the back of what Aleks has known as his home for the past few years. It looked empty almost deserted. We headed to the front door and found a few faces waiting for us to arrive. Aleks walked in with confidence and as he walked in, he headed straight to his group room. Some of the kids following behind and beside him. We just joined them as we watched from a short distance. We walked through a door numbered “7” and into an open area with a dining room table, sofas and television. Aleks went straight to his old room to see if anything had changed. What I didn’t know was that his bed had been removed and was on the back porch area. But the boys were very excited to see him and off they ran to play outside.

Kevin and I sat at their dining room table and Ginta, Inara, the orphanage director, and another supervisor, which I can’t remember her name, sat with us. Inara asked us several questions about how Aleks was doing and if we had any problems. She wanted to know about schooling and how his behavior was. She wanted to know if he was still smoking in American…yes, that was one of the questions. After the questions were answered, Inara needed to leave for other business before her vacation time. Ginta headed out too to find Aleks case book for us to look through for any answers that we may need of his young life.

She returned with a 2-3 inch thick notebook filled with his records and a separate smaller binder with even more information, we think it was his schooling. As she opened the book and began to translate our little boy’s life on paper, I sat with tears filling my eyes and a hurt in my heart. This child has gone through more in his young lifetime than most of us will ever go through and may never go through. He as wandered the streets, begged for food and clothes, has taken on a role of an adult while the one that gave him life was in a drunken stupor. Each document was another piece to the puzzle, but so many pieces have been lost in the potholes of Liepaja.

As I walk through this journey with my son, Aleks. I am being changed. The rescue is not for Aleks but for me. I am constantly reminded that we too are all adopted. We are given a new beginning as adopted children of God. God has freed us, we have an inheritance. (Gal. 4:1-7).

a place like Narnia…

2009-08-11T05:05:00.000-04:00

In the story of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lucy is looking for a place to hide and steps through the wardrobe doorway and into a new adventurous place called Narnia. It has so many parallels our life as believers and is one of my favorite stories. Well, it is one of Aleks’ too. So, we have been looking for our doorway to leave Liepaja and step into our new adventurous place called America.

A few days ago we were walking the many side streets of Liepaja. And we have found our door…two weeks from today, we will be in our own bed in our Narnia – America.

Seeing Friends…

2009-08-10T05:02:00.000-04:00

Our visit to the park on Friday.

The days are so nice here. The weather is in the 70s and there is a nice breeze. We had slept in and decided to head to the park for awhile to pass some time. As we arrived to the playground, three young boys ran up to us, well, really Aleks. The four of them started talking really fast and seemed to be lost in their own little world. Kevin and I stood watching as we were slowly figuring out who the little guys were. In a few seconds, Aleks stopped, looked at us and said, these are my friends. As we looked at each other, their eyes eagerly waited to be introduced to us. Aleks did just that and one by one they held out their hand to meet Kevin and I. Then turned talking to each other again in Latvian. They were letting Aleks know that other friends were in the park too. And we headed out to find them.

Once they were together, Kevin took them to the race carts and they each received a car of their own to drive. I don’t think they have ever had that luxury. They have had to share everything. So off they raced all around the park….in and out of people, bikes, up and down the walkways and down a big hill. They played hard for an hour.

As I sat with Liga, the orphanage caregiver, we laughed and watched. She could not speak any English, so we did a lot of signing to each other and used my dictionary as much as possible. But I was able to ask her about her job. She said it was not a hard job when you love children. I told her I understood that and I too work with children and agreed with her. It was then she had a tears in her eyes. She only said, “Loca”, Aleks’ name in Russian. And we both cried together. She will miss him.

It was quiet again, and then Santa, a former caregiver at the orphanage walked up to us. (I know that God did that for me that day) She and Liga started talking and Santa became our translator. The three of us chatted about the boys, Aleks and how they would miss him. Kevin had been with the boys, but came up to meet Santa before she had to leave. The four of us talked a little about America and Latvia. The visit with them was moving to me. The job they have is something we are not exposed to. But the passion is the same. To reach the children.

We walked out of the park together and headed down the walkway. Aleks stopped at a corner store and bought everyone an ice cream with his money, said our good byes…they headed to the bus stop and we headed to the apartment. The day was a good one…

Our evening together…

2009-08-07T01:33:00.001-04:00

We settled in and headed out to find lunch at dinner time…we ate on the patio of the lavtijas Pirma restaurant. While we sat and “people watched”, Aleks played on a wooden play area in front of the place. After dinner, he wanted to take us to a park. We walked, and walked and walked…One thing, there is a lot of people everywhere…and most of them walk or bike throughout the city. The buildings are very, very old. It is an old port city…And most of them have a lot of age and weather damage. A lot of the streets are made of cobblestone and those that have cars drive crazy. We headed down one street and Aleks pointed to a building that he attended school, around the age of 8…it didn’t even look like a school.

Then we finally arrived at a big park with large trees, park benches everywhere, playground, bikes and bike ramps, tennis and soccer. People were everywhere. We rented what looked like a go-cart without the motor and he played on it for 30 minutes…a few hours later, we then walked along the beach, just behind the park…the water was so cold and headed back.

It was about 9:30 and the sun was still up…the days here are very long…so many people were still just out and about the streets. We ran to the corner grocery to get a few things…then bed…it was really hard to sleep. So many emotions started running through my mind and it was then that I cried…uncontrollably!!!

Today is a new day…

We arrived…

2009-08-07T01:32:00.001-04:00

We arrived in Riga late afternoon on August 5. The flights were long and was an all day process to get here. Diana and her husband were waiting for us at the small modern designed airport. We were excited to finally arrive and were told a few days prior that Aleks would be able to stay with us the first night in Riga. So, as we walked through customs, we could see Diana and gave her a big hug and was introduced to her husband. She pointed to Aleks that was sound asleep on the chairs. He had arrived about 30 minutes earlier. We managed to get him up and walk to the car, load the luggage and head off…before we could get out of the parking lot, Aleks was asleep again on my shoulder. When we arrived at the hotel to check in, we found him asleep on a small sofa in the lobby. The hotel was nice, simple, and the rooms were small. Once in the room, we let Aleks nap for a few hours, he managed to tell us that he didn’t sleep on any of the planes…I struggled with that one too…only 2-3 hours at most for me…Once up, we walked around one block of Riga and found a restaurant called K | I | D and below the logo, it said “not referring to children”…but there was a Mickey Mouse painted on the window, the place was very vintage and eclectic and of course I loved it. We each got a pasta dish and enjoyed our first dinner together in Riga. It was an early night for bed…and we needed to get up and be ready for court on August 6, 10 a.m.

August 6, Happy Birthday to me…we were up and got ready for our big day. Kevin ran out to try out the coffee shop a few doors down and find breakfast. Aleks and I stayed to finish packing up our things. Aleks had a hard time with everything that was getting ready to take place. His emotions surfaced in not wanting to dress up for court. He just didn’t want to wear the black dress pants and button up shirt. With tears and frustration we sat in silence waiting for Kevin to get back with breakfast and coffee. We negotiated with him to wear blue jeans for the three hour drive and if Diana said he needed to change, then he would change before we walked in to the courtroom. Lucky for all of us, it was not a big deal to keep on the jeans and tennis shoes…The drive was really very similar to the countryside of Michigan. There were little patches of farmhouses and fields all along the way. As we drove closer to Liepajas, there was a very large area of windmills. It was amazing; they were gigantic. Aleks took lots of pictures to show the girls. As we arrive in town, Aleks started to talk about all the things we needed to see through our visit. We arrive a few minutes after 10 and walked into small building on the corner. We headed up a few flights of cement stairs and into a very hot room. The room, looked like an old school room from when I was a kid, but just had a long table in the center of it. Four ladies were there and Ginta from the orphanage. We said our hellos and sat in a few chairs facing the long table. The order was Ginta, Diana, me, Kevin and Aleks. They all started talking and Kevin and I just listened. As the court director spoke Diana translated to us. She asked us why we would want to adopt Aleks. Kevin spoke with compassion and love as he described what we feel and how we have connected with him over the past six weeks. It was everything in me not to cry right there in front of all of them. She then read us our rights…which I don’t remember…then it was Ginta’s turn to give her input on what is in the best interest of the child. She said they feel it would be good to have Aleks live in our loving home. The one thing, that was hard to hear, well, one of many, was the little bit of detail given on how he arrived at the orphanage…there are so many questions, that just don’t have answers…but again I am reminded of why Aleks will have the middle name – Zackary, the Lord knows. We were granted guardianship of Aleks to stay with us for two weeks in the apartment in town. There will be two visits from what we call social workers and Ginta. So, that is how it played out…pretty simple.

We then headed to the apartment. It is a very small apartment on the fifth floor of an really old building. It has one bedroom, a very small bathroom, the kitchen is what I would call a “one-butt” kitchen and a living room. It is the apartment of the former orphanage director. And it is perfect for the three of us. When we got everything into the place, they surprised us with a birthday celebration. They sang Happy Birthday to me, with a very thick Latvian accent…it was wonderful. They even gave me a bouquet of colorful Gerber daisies…daisies are my favorite flowers!!!

After all had gone, it was just the three of us…Kevin worked on sitting up our computers and Aleks and I found the connect four game…more details of the evening in next post.

Things along the way….

2009-07-21T11:45:00.001-04:00

As I sit in the living room, thinking about the past week and all that has happened…just little things along the way…

Aleks and I have our little talks together at night. One of the questions was about brothers and sisters. We talked about him having two sisters now. And how he really likes that and how fun it is. But then there was a long pause…he asked me why I didn’t have any more children. Here is what he said “just Kristen and Rachel, why not more?” Well, with a long pause, I said, “I was given you, God waited and put you in my life, now. God has given me three really cool children.” It was quiet….and we both were content.

Sunday, we were with friends for lunch after church. Talking and having fun…and Shari asked me about what feelings I was having. Well, it was at that moment, tears started flowing and I couldn’t make them stop. I was asked, “what am I feeling”…and my words were, “I am afraid, I feel heavy, I don’t like the unknown.” As I looked down the table at Aleks, he saw I was crying. He jumped up to check on me. He made sure I was okay and did not want me to be afraid of going to Latvia.

Today, two verses were given to me:

Deuteronomy 31:6-8
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”Then Moses summoned Joshua. He said to him with all Israel watching, “Be strong. Take courage. You will enter the land with this people, this land that God promised their ancestors that he’d give them. You will make them the proud possessors of it. God is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t worry.”

Isaiah 41:10
Don’t panic. I’m with you.
There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

HMMMMMM…….think God is telling me something?

the best statement of the day...

2009-07-14T19:47:00.002-04:00

Aleks and I were getting in the car after dinner with the Cavins girls and as he buckled up to go home, he looked at me and said, "I do not want to go back to Latvia. I want to stay in America. You and Kevin can go to Latvia and I stay here. Then you come back to America. I love America, I don't like Latvia." The asked me, "do you love Latvia?" I said, "yes, that is where you are from" and he quickly said, "uuggg, I don't like. I love America."

So soon, our little American will be!!

SWEET!!!!

who am I to Aleks?

2009-07-13T22:06:00.002-04:00

I am excited as each step in this journey has been really emotional...some good and some not....but,

Last week, Wednesday, July 9, the girls were talking to Aleks and playing with their cell phones. Aleks had one of the girl's phones and made a phone call. Kristen asked him who he called? He just looked at her and said, "I just called dad"...then quickly changed it to "I mean, Kevin." To me, that was a small breakthrough!

On Sunday, July 12, my sister asked Aleks if he had seen my nephew, Ethan. Aleks looked at her and said, "I think he is with mom."

Tonight, at the dinner table, we were together with friends of Rachel's, Reghan and Avery. Aleks told them to watch a video he had made of me last night. He said to them, "watch mom, she is funny."

So, when he is talking to others, he is referring to Kevin and I as mom and dad...at least some of the time.

That is exciting to me...

A few fun things...

2009-07-04T14:31:00.003-04:00

So many firsts…

2009-06-30T09:17:00.002-04:00

Aleks has had a lot of firsts over the past few days. I love his curious, playful mind and sweet spirit. I see a young boy with a lot of energy and a thoughtful heart. He has jumped into our family with both feet…literally, with a few back flips added for impact. The changes have been very simple, but yet they are major at the same time. Aleks has been in a place where you survive and figure it out on your own. He is very independent and yet has longed for someone to help him, do something with him, and to just play with him.

For the past five days we have connected in so many ways and there is such a long way to go. I feel he is afraid of the unknown, and so am I! He wants to be here, in America, but has not truly made the connection that we are his “forever family.” Each day will get better and a little more personal; each day will feel a little more like “home”…

Aleks is learning to trust us, to be truthful in his feelings, learning how to show his emotions. This is something that will just take time…lots of love and patience with each of us.

Here are few “firsts” with Aleks and his new forever family…
First time:
- to have “sisters” (lots of picking and teasing, I love it)
- to have a have a watergun fight with so many friends and family that love him
- to have a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie for breakfast…yum…it’s healthy!
- to go to a church where there are so many lights, bands, dancing and so many people knew his name
- to go on stage to sing and dance with me (I was totally surprised – just wish I had a camera). It was hard to sing and dance and not cry!
- to say church “is good”
- to pull his tooth and experience Tinkerbell – opps, I mean the tooth fairy.
- to have his very own bike, his own room, his own toys, his own shoes and clothes…things that are his.

There are many more firsts to experience. I am experiencing many myself…and it is a bit emotional and overwhelming, but in a good way.

I pray he will soon understand just how wonderful he truly is and what a special gift he is to our family and to me…just, me…I just look at him and my heart is so moved…God has given each of us a personal present…Aleks!!!

The arrival...

2009-06-25T23:39:00.003-04:00

As I stood in a line waiting for the little blue shirts to turn the corner, my heart and mind were racing! I felt nervous and so excited. Earlier in the day Rachel had worked hard on a welcome sign that they held for him to see. With my camera in hand....we waited! As the kids turned the corner, I watched one by one to find my little blue shirt!!! He was all smiles as I pulled the camera down and shouted, Aleks!!! We walked up to each other and I give him a big hug. "Aleks, you are finally here! You are finally here!"

I have been waiting for this day for six months to be able to touch him, look at his blue eyes, to see his smile and hug. It was amazing! Almost slow motion.

But then everything started moving quickly as we were the first to have a photo take and then we were off and moving to the car. Aleks was ready to go. And we all but ran out of the airport.

The car ride was a bit quiet. He sat looking at us in the back seat. His little face had a look of concern and wonder. He just stepped into a car of people he had only heard about and briefly talked to via Skype. One day, I will ask him what he was thinking that first night.

We arrive home and headed to his room. He took it all in and just touched everything. He had a room, his room.

Today, we have an energetic, curious and creative son that is not afraid to check out anything and everything inside and out of our home. We have spent the day together enjoying Chick-fil-a, playing soccer, having water gun fights, pizza and catching fireflies. (which he had never seen before)

There are many adventures to come...Aleks is home!!!

Waiting...

2009-06-23T18:05:00.002-04:00

A few more hours of waiting...

I love this statement:

...be Encouraged...God is with you...and I know He specializes in adoption...

Kevin received this statement from a classmate.

That is what started this whole journey. Knowing that each of us have been adopted by God. We are all unique and fit perfectly together as a family.

Today, I feel excitement, nervousness and wonder. Tomorrow, I will be waiting for Aleks' escalator ride up to where we will be standing...the waiting will then be over.

We will be together, fitting perfectly together as a family.

Four Sleeps!!!

2009-06-20T16:19:00.002-04:00

Today, was a very special day for our family. Rob and Beth Tuttle and Tim and Deina Samples (Kevin's Brother and My Sister) and their families, pulled together and created a wonderful summer party to celebrate Aleks joining our family. Lots of hard work went into the event and everyone had a wonderful time.

I am so looking forward to Aleks meeting everyone that has been a part of our adventure to get him. He is so blessed to have all of you in his life. We all are!!!

Thank you all for your prayers and support. You each are amazing!

Countdown...

2009-06-12T21:51:00.004-04:00

Eleven Days and counting!!!! Aleks will be here...

The girls have each been at an away camp for the week...and they are both back this weekend. I love to hear their stories!

Lots of activities...This week Kevin made our reservation for our two and a half week stay in a small apartment in Liepaja in August!!!

Aleks has some of his room done...we still have to get a few things...to make it feel like home!!! But I think he is going to like it.

And my best friend is in China getting her daughter. She called me today...I can't wait til Sunday! That is the day she will be holding Charis in her arms for the first time.

There are lots of emotions that I am feeling...

God is so good to let me be a part of this journey.

Aleks will be here...June 24!!!

2009-06-09T10:40:00.002-04:00

16 days...

We have a lot to do before Aleks arrives. We have to finish setting up his room...bunkbeds, sheets, comforters...but is is getting there - almost done!!!

I am so excited that he is finally going to be with us. Our summer is going to be full of adventure and adjustments. The girls will have to work through having a brother...and being picked on and teased. Or maybe Aleks will be making the adjustments on having two sisters that take over the bathroom...

Either way...life is changing...and so moves the journey.

Monday Morning meeting…June 2

2009-06-03T07:47:00.001-04:00

Well, I headed to my meeting and still had not heard anything yet. You see we had petitioned to go to orphanage court in June and had been waiting to hear…did we need to get our flights and all the details set for the girls and dog…work…

At the start of the meeting, I texted Kevin to see if he had heard anything…but, nothing. Half way through the meeting, we were heading into a break and still nothing yet….The meeting continued and at the end of the meeting and the room was cleared, one friend left in the room…I opened my e-mails to find a message from Kevin…Robyn and I read it together!

There it was our letter from Latvia. With a court date!!!! -- Tears --

Dear Kevin,

The orphan court didn't accept your coming on June, but they can work with your adoption immediately after the hosting program. You can come together with the group and August 6 will be first orphan court. Is it OK for you?

Daina

Is that OK for you? YES!!!!

So, backing up, through the last few weeks we thought we would be traveling in June…God had a different schedule. Our thoughts were, not to worry about the hosting program due to us being in Latvia before it started…but if we choose not to host him we would not see him until August.

Well that decision was easy to make. Of course we want our son with us during the hosting program. But we had to make sure he was still set up to come over as a host child….Kevin got on the phone with New Horizons for Children. They let us know that Aleks’ shirt for the program with is ID tag was pulled out of the box and sitting on the desk…But the funny thing is, the box had not been shipped yet – just like God…

So now, we will have our son through the summer and he will arrive on JUNE 24. We will spend all summer together! He will get to be with his new family. Meet his new friends. And we will adjust to each other for six weeks…then, we will head to Latvia – TOGETHER!!!

The court date is scheduled for August 6, my birthday. Happy Birthday to me!!!

What’s in a name?

2009-05-20T10:49:00.002-04:00

Do you know what your name means?

Well, our daughters were named Kristen (Christ follower) Sarah (Princess) and Rachel (like a lamb) Brooke (gentle water). We put great thought and prayer into each name and I believe their names fit them perfectly!

Names say a lot about you even if you don’t think so…and even if you don’t like the earthly name you have been given…as a Christ follower, we are given a special name by God. Which I think that is really cool…He give me a name, personally fitting to me and who I am to HIM.

So, as we approach Aleks’ arrival into our home. I have been thinking about his name. The name his birth mother gave him. The one she looked at him on his birth day and said for the first time into his ear – Aleksejs. I wonder if it was a family name, one that she picked when she found out she was pregnant. Did she know the meaning? Did she give him the nickname Aleks?

My heart needed to know the meaning…so, while looking up his name, I found out it is the American name Alexander. What does Alexander mean? It means(defender of mankind, warrior). God has a plan for this little guy…and it will be amazing. But, I have to tell you, I have been trying to figure out what Aleks’ middle name could be. I really wanted him to keep Aleksejs, because it is his past heritage, something his birth mom gave him that he will have forever in his memory. But I wanted his middle name to be a name I could say, we picked special for him for his new journey…but, just didn’t know what it would be.

God is so amazing…on Sunday, May 14, really early, He woke Cindy Denise Tuttle up to tell me Aleks’ middle name…

…but before I tell you, I have to say, I have struggled with something through our quick three month process of adoption…I have thought about what I had missed in Aleks’ first 11 years of life…all his “firsts”…you know – the crawl, the walk, the words, hugs, blowing kisses…etc.

So, through my struggles…again, God wrapped His arms around me…with a big hug and said – Zachary!

Okay…it is really early…3ish, I almost asked out loud, “what does it mean? Really, God, did I just hear you say, Zachary?” So I grab my iphone and google…

What happened next, I will NEVER forget…

Zachary – the Lord recalls, the Lord remembers, the Lord brings back…

I am comforted by the special name God has picked for Aleks.

Aleks Zachary - I think it fits him perfectly too!

The final piece...

2009-05-07T18:10:00.007-04:00

Today was the day!!!

Around 12:30 the girls and I picked up the mail and received the final piece of paper to travel to Latvia.

We headed to Everything Coffee & Tea to pick up Kevin and then to get the document notarized. After it was notarized, we made our way downtown to get three copies of the LAST document apostolled. This process took about 5 minutes...and around 3 p.m. it was done. The Tuttle family headed back to Everything Coffee & Tea for the UPS pick up...below, is the picture of our UPS driver - Matt...he helped make it official!!!

The package will arrive in Latvia this weekend!!!!

Kevin gives the play by play of all the next steps in our journey through his blog: www.lifeisbigger.blogspot.com

Would like to know, please….

2009-04-26T22:38:00.001-04:00

Could I just see what is happening? See the details! I know that paperwork is being translated. Our file is being review at the USCIS. And we are WAITING…I am not very good at that!

I totally love the journey God has for me. It hasn’t always made sense or been easy, but it is always an adventure. So, for now I am waiting…God is preparing me for the next turn.

I am very nervous, afraid, anxious, sad, happy…and VERY emotional. I can’t talk about this walk without getting tears in my eyes. God has a plan and so many things race through my mind. How can we connect with him? Will he feel loved? How can I help make the changes easier for him? and so many more…

But I also think of his journey and what he may be feeling…will they really love me? Why do they want me? Is it really going to happen? Will they really come and get me? What if they don’t? and so many more…

All I know, is God has a BIG plan for Aleks and for me and it is so much bigger then we both can understand – for now!

Good news…

2009-04-12T22:03:00.002-04:00

Today was Easter. It was a day of celebration. We were at our church most of the day. There were so many elements of the day that made it special. We sang and danced together, we heard an incredible message how Jesus came to save each of us and he wants to give us life. The day was wonderful …and I am looking forward to have Aleks here so he can experience EVERY part of a day like this one. I can not wait for him to meet each person that I call my family and to join the fun events we had today with all of our family members.

Even though we were not able to give Aleks his Easter basket with goodies in person, he received it with excitement and was able to enjoy and share the fun!!! I pray Kevin will be able to talk to him about the details this week.

I am so thankful to be able to live this journey and see our lives changed on a daily basis.

Waiting to know...

2009-04-07T21:53:00.005-04:00

Kevin was able to talk to Aleks last week and to let him know he was getting a package from us. Kevin also talked to him about what he would want his name to be in America. He said he wanted to keep his name the same - what we know as "Alex"...but, we want to spell it the way he does in Latvian - ALEKS. I am glad he didn't want to change it...I just know him by Aleks and think it would be hard for me to see him as something else.

This past weekend, we were able to spend time with our friends that hosted Aleks over Christmas, Jamie and Chris. It was fun to talk about his personality, the things that Aleks liked to do while he was with them and just hearing what they experienced over those weeks with him.

We also received our date for our biometrics (type of fingerprinting). We will be heading to Atlanta on April 16. It will go to the US Homeland Security. Once we get our approval the file will head over to Latvia.

I am still wondering what Aleks thought of his package of "goodies"...what did he think of the photo album? Did he share all the tattoos? I am still just waiting...

Even through all the waiting, we are so excited we just can't stand it. I was just talking to Christy, one of my best friends, that it our worlds are getting ready to change...forever. You see, she has just received her referral for her baby daughter. And they have been on this journey for 3.5 years. They too are getting ready to travel to get their little girl, Charis from China. So many things are happening and this journey is packed with adventure...

Until, my next entry, I am waiting for God's next step.

Pics of our Dossier

2009-03-31T15:06:00.002-04:00

It is really ready to go!!!

2009-03-30T21:20:00.002-04:00

Okay, from the last post until now, we have had a few "fixes" to make on our paperwork. But today, Kevin took the pages of our life- our dossier, downtown to be apostilled. He called me late this afternoon to tell me "it is done!"

We are now ready to send our dossier to Latvia for translation. How do we get it there? I know you are wondering....Well, we get to ship our documentation to a new friend of our family in Virginia. A family that we have only met through our blogging and by phone calls. But we have a connection with them that is very neat to us. They have adopted their daughter from the same orphanage. And they are making their second trip into the country in their adoption process. The coolest part is they are leaving this weekend!

We are putting together a "we are excited about you" package for Alex too. Our friends will take our dossier and Alex's package with them on their visit.

Kevin and I had so much fun shopping. It was like putting together a fun Easter basket without the basket. We are giving him a photo book of his "forever family"...pictures of us: mom, dad, sisters and extended family...and, can you say....Spiderman...? Lots of tattoos...candy... Crayola and of course, Silly Putty!!!

Another really cool thing to think about is the time frame of all this process...Kevin and I were just talking about it today. It all began mid-January. That means is has been around eight weeks ago.

This is amazing to us and we are so thankful for every detail of this story God is writing. I am thankful to a part of it!!

Check out Kevin's blog: www.lifeisbigger.blogspot.com

Big Stack of Papers…

2009-03-22T17:15:00.004-04:00

March 22, 2009

Have you ever wondered what your life looked like on paper? Well, now I know…maybe in a very short form. Yesterday was Saturday and Kevin and I took a few hours to work on completing the VERY LARGE stack of paperwork that is called our dossier. It is everything about us on paper without all the colorful describing words. It would probably fit in a two inch binder.

But after looking over everything and then looking over everything - one more time, then checked off everything on our “checklist”. We are DONE!!!! The last thing to do is have every page notarized and send to One World Adoption with a check for $2300. The agency will send the dossier over to Latvia to have it translated – page by page.

I am jumping and cheering – YEA God!!!! Wow, what a journey!!!

Approval...

2009-03-14T22:12:00.003-04:00

March 14, 2009

What has been going on??? Well, all of our doctor's visits, medical tests, fingerprinting, certified documents, marriage/birth certificates and many forms are now in a nice, neat folder...

Yesterday, we received an e-mail from Kelly - Our Home Study has been APPROVED by One World Adoptions. YES!!!!

Kevin delivered all of the original documents to Kelly TODAY and now we need to send our application and $$$ to USCIS (United States Citizen and Immigration Services).

I am still amazed at this journey and how many people we are meeting along the way. God has placed other families in our path that are on this same journey with us. One family is waiting on reuniting with their son and one family has their daughter with them now. I am so excited as God walks with us each step of the way.

Oh, and Kevin talked to Alex yesterday too...he had excitement in his voice as they talked. I am crazy about him...and we are counting down til summer.

More news later...

High Speed, hold on...

2009-03-03T17:41:00.004-05:00

March 3, 2009

Have you ever wondered why you put so many things on your calendar? After all, there are seven days to get it all done and at least 24 hours in each day…Well, I think there just wasn’t enough time or days in the last few weeks.

At the start of the craziness – two weeks ago, Kevin was out of town for the weekend, Kristen had a dress rehearsal for dance, Sunday morning activities, a doctor’s visit that lead to a mix up and then had to reschedule my doctor’s physical, a DVD that would not render for four days (computer issue), girl’s dance classes, Worship Team rehearsal, weekly Bible study, a one day conference, a meeting with Kelly at the mall for our last home study, Kristen’s doctor checkup (Rachel's was the week before), EC&T’s board meeting, Kristen’s competition in Buckhead for the weekend….and more fun Sunday activities …

By, Sunday night, I was a little pooped…but through all of this busyness, you are wondering what the latest and greatest God-moment is??? Well, here it is…

We just received word a few days ago that another family received their call and is headed to Latvia on the March 17. What does this mean for us, you ask? If we can get all documents and money for our Dossier finalized by March 16, our paperwork will travel over with this family to be delivered to Latvian authorities for review.

That is just two weeks to complete the Dossier and get the $2300 that needs to go to Dina in Latvia. Oh...and the $1000 for Kelly to complete the Dossier by March 16...

Not much to God (but kinda stresses me and excites me!)

Smile!!

the Anticipation...

2009-02-21T00:59:00.004-05:00

February 20, 2009

Our anticipation of the call.

I know you have all waited for that one important call and the waiting of the ring…then your heart jumps.

Well, today was the day. Today, was a day of excitement for all of us. The girls and I waiting for Kevin to call us (he is out of town), Kevin was excited to have made the call and Alex was excited to receive the call. Today, Kevin was able to get through to the orphanage to talk to Alex. He had tried many times on Thursday, and there was just no connection. It was frustrating.

So when Kevin called us today, we wanted to know every detail. As we drilled Kevin with “what did he say?”, “what did you ask?” Kevin shared a little taste of what I know to be future conversations with our Alex.

You see, Alex knew Kevin was going to call him, yesterday…and there were problems with the phone lines. Kevin was not able to get through on the line. So, today, Alex said – “I have been waiting for you to call me”. Talk about an emotional feeling inside. Wow. Through a short 20 minutes of chatting, and translation, Alex told Kevin he was excited to come to America. Kevin also asked him is about calling him again. And Alex replied, “call me again, tomorrow.”

So, for today, we have been moved to a new connection with our son. Through the next few months, patiently waiting for July…we will be talking to Alex via phone connection. That is really exciting to me.

A Bump...

2009-02-17T22:39:00.001-05:00

February 17, 2009

Got up this morning and found out via an e-mail that another family in Italy wants to adopt Alex too. It was just a short e-mail without a lot of details. Just stating just that and we need to work fast on completing our home study.

My heart sank. There were so many thoughts and emotions that started racing through my head. How could this happen? What is this family’s faith values? How did they find Alex? Why Alex? Does Alex know about this? How is he feeling if he does know? Will he say yes or no to them? Does he have a say? How far is this family in their adoption process?

I then stopped just for a second, and said out loud…this is not a race. This is not “first one there gets the prize”. I had to stop and pray – “God, you totally know where we need to be and totally know where Alex needs to be. God you know the journey and have our best interests in mind.”

I must say though, I wanted to get to the answers for all the questions running through my mind.

As the day went on, we asked a few people to pray with us. And Kevin was able to talk to Kelly and our dear friend Chris. We found out that one of Alex’s caregivers, Santa (yes, that is her name – cool, huh?) is hopeful that Alex would be able to be with a family from America. That would be US!!!

We have given Kelly our list of “things” that we are working on over the next two weeks. Doctors visits for all of us, FBI fingerprinting, 10 hours of on-line training, and copies of marriage and birth certificates and I am sure there are other things I am not remembering right now…but, the plan is to get it all done by next week.

The dossier needs to be sent to One World Adoption Agency as soon as possible. We are trying to move as quickly as possible. And I am feeling like my head is spinning!!!

I don’t want Alex to live anywhere else!!! I need him to be here with us. There are so many people I want him to get to know, I want to introduce him to all the people that have been praying for him on this journey. I want him to see his name on the door in the main auditorium and explain why it is there. I want him to know what a loving family is really like.

So, for this bump in the journey – I am thankful. Even if I don’t know what will happen from it. One thing I do know, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10, NLT

New Horizons for Children

2009-02-15T15:29:00.007-05:00

New Horizons for Children

Below is the web address for New Horizons for Children. Please look through the site. This is part of our beginnings with connecting with Alex.

http://www.newhorizonsforchildren.org

Mission...

2009-02-14T20:45:00.003-05:00

February 12, 2009

Thursday, okay, it was a busy day. There was a lot to do and we needed to keep to somewhat of a schedule. The girls and I headed to the church in the morning. They worked on their school day and worked on Sunday details and prepped for our exciting Kidzu event. Kevin was downtown working at the annual barista competition.

Now, I don’t like to over book our schedule, to then get frustrated. So, Kevin and I talked earlier that morning and were reminding each other to stay on top of the busy schedule and not get distracted.

We were schedule to have our second home study at 5 p.m. We were on a mission.

We worked through our day and left our places and projects to rush home by 5 p.m. Kevin and I talked via cell phone on our way home just to see how we were doing. I arrived at our house at 20 minutes til 5 p.m. and in my drive way was Kelly. She was early.

The girls, Kelly and I headed into the house and I started the personal interview process. This visit was to find out about Kevin and I. You know the personal stuff. What your parents were like, what you learned from them, what your childhood memories were, if you have hobbies, how you will teach your child, who all our siblings are, where all family members live…and the list continued…and about half way through my questions, Kevin arrived to share his answers. Now, I have to tell you this was one of the most interesting and difficult things for me to do…and it really wasn’t the questions being asked of me. Any one that knows me, knows that I always have a lot to say. The problem was that Kelly was on a tight schedule too and she only had one hour to talk to us…so, I talked a lot, really fast and I had to share my talk time with Kevin.

In the end, we did it – our second home study done, with all our life details in under one hour. I know, I know, it is hard for me to believe too.

One more meeting to go and a thick file of paperwork to complete…more later.

Official...

2009-02-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

February 9, 2009
Well, it is official.

Have you ever been talking about an event or planning for something and when it takes place you can say, “it’s official”? Like an engagement, wedding, or birth of a child…the preparing, the planning, just the feelings and emotions become so real when it finally takes place.

Well, yesterday, I had those feelings inside as I ran around the house Tuesday morning. I was cleaning, straightening and getting ready for the event of the morning. It was our first home study. The girls were folding and putting away their clothes, making their beds, cleaning up bathrooms, Kevin was taking out trash, making coffee and putting up our new fire extinguishers. Then it happened, at 10:30 a.m. Kelly walked in and introduced herself to us for the first time. With her folder in hand we sat in the living room and looked over our first of many checklists. We had completed our first six items on the list. We were instructed on the next steps and would need to process our next 15 items on the list. Then we walked her through our home, showing her each room sharing something about each and what makes it special; from the big, open living room, sitting room in the kitchen, basement of storage to where Alex would sleep and play. We were told our home was warm and inviting. And that is what we have worked for when we built the place we call home.

The girls were nervous but did a wonderful job and sharing who they are personally and how they felt about adoption. I am so proud of them. They spoke from their heart and I am every thankful for their hearts of love.

After all was said and done. Deep breaths were taken. And we said our good byes to the “first visit”…I can say it is defiantly “official.” Our journey to see Alex home, is not just a thought in our minds…it’s now in progress.

A Journey...

2009-02-05T22:06:00.001-05:00

We have all wondered what was going to happen in our future. Many of us have put it on paper, planned it out, and even booked it on the calendar.

I have thought about my future in wonderment, just thinking maybe I could figure it out - one day… And each time it looks a little different. I love to think about life as a journey, a process, that something exciting is just around the corner of life.

Through resent years, there have been a lot of changes that have happened in my life. Some have been hard, some sad, and some very exciting.
• I have learned what my passions are and some just keep growing.
• I have been learning ways to share my faith in God to the children in my life – creatively, of course.
• Been working through the process of how to "really" love others, even the difficult ones.
• And to go outside of the "comfortable"...
• I have experienced, personal one-on-one chats with God and have learned what "fast and pray" really means.

I am comforted by the faithful guidance of the One that is clearing the path for me.

Today, I am on a new journey. Another corner to turn, one that my whole family is holding hands on…we are opening our hearts to love someone we have never met. We are sharing our faith with someone that may not know our Savior. We are making our home a “home” to someone that doesn’t know what that is. We are going to share tears, laughter, fear, hugs, bike rides, long walks, prayer time, meal time, family time, car rides, vacations, our church and all parts of our life journey – with ALEX….this only the beginning.

You see, you just never know what that future will look like completely. And just when you think it is all planned out and clearly defined…God may say, let’s take this route…

…and I'm looking forward to what is ahead.