Prayer Warriors Called Into Action-Day 5

If you want to know the details on why we are praying go HERE and read the post.  It will give you some backround and reason for our Prayers over the next several weeks.

Tonight (9/27) we went to a Moon Festival celebration at the local Chinese school/temple up the road from us where the kids go to classes on Saturdays.  It was an interesting experience to be a part of another culture yet in America with our Chinese born kids.  This is the first time we actually went into the "temple" part of the building.  I felt a little like a fish out of water.  When we began to sing songs about their beliefs, I got a little uncomfortable.  But, really there is nothing to be afraid of.  We are covered by the Blood of Jesus whereever we go. And we are light no matter where we go. These very peaceable people just celebrating a traditional festival and they allowed us to join in.  There is privilege in that.

The saddest part for me was a line in one of the songs that talked about needing to be on the path to perfection.  And that is the way to heaven.  It was hard because I cannot imagine trying to be perfect enough to get into heaven.  I'm so grateful that Jesus made the way and broke down the barriers for us so we can call on His Name ourselves and realize He Did It All. We serve Him with our lives, yes.  But, we don't have to earn our way to heaven.  It was a free gift from God.

I explain all of that, because tonight when I was massaging the essential oils onto Emma, I came to the Frankincense and realized what should be obvious---this is a spiritual journey as well as a physical one. I'm not sure what our kids were taught about spiritual things, but I would like to boldly pray off any curses or generational junk that has followed our kids.

(frankincense comes from the tree resin of the boswallia sacra tree in Somalia)

Frankincense helped me remember this spiritual piece tonight.

It is such a powerful oil, many call it the "King" of all oils.  Think about it.  Frankincense was good enough to be given as one of the gifts to the baby Jesus.
I can only imagine why but I do know a few things:
1.  It has the ability to pass through the blood brain barrier--I won't go into details about that, but it's powerful.
2.  It helps fight against inflamation in the body.
3.  It has properties to aid the body in repair of tissue.
4.  Promotes feelings of relaxation
5.  supports healthy cellular function
6. promotes feelings of relaxation
and more.

So could you pray these things tonight? These prayers are not for the faint of heart or people afraid of tapping into some heavy stuff...=)

1.  Pray OFF any spiritual baggage that came with Emma (and Joshua if you'd like to pray for him tonight too)--generational curses, spiritual baggage, ties that bind her to something that is not Truth.
2.  Pray the BLOOD OF JESUS to cover her inside and out.  
3.  Pray for her to come to Know Jesus personally and truly understand His LOVE for her
4.  Pray the Frankincense Oil will also aid her in being open to recieving what Jesus has for her. There is something about it that I cannot fully explain that takes me deeper spiritually--and in particular feelings about "Father".  May she know the LOVE of her earthly Father as well as her heavenly Father.

to God be the Glory!!

Prayer Warriors Called Into Action-Day 4

HERE is the link to the reason we are praying.

Tonight as I was putting the essential oils on Emma, I took pause as I came to the Melaleuca oil.  Some may be more familiar with the term Tea Tree Oil.  The reason I am using this oil in preparation for her surgery is to help prepare her body for healing, to help promote healthy immune function and possibly guard against other threats to her body.

(melaleuca comes from the tea tree plant)

So that led me to pray Protection over her from any outside influences or threats that could hinder her healing process. And to encourage her immune system to be prepared for whatever lies on the horizon.  Also, for protection ahead of surgery from any "threats" to her immune system, ie bladder or kidney infections, colds/flu, or any other illnesses because those things could postpone or delay the procedure as well.

As we all know hospitals are a helpful place, but they are also a place where sick people go.  REALLY sick people.  And we have been told Emma will likely be in Intensive Care for a few days if not the entire time she is there.  That means she is also going to be where the REALLY sick people could possibly be.  I'm typically not a paranoid person, so this is just a request that her body is in such good condition, that this is simply not an issue.  Even the doctor said he stops doing these surgeries from late October to March (unless completely necessary) because there simply is no reason to invite trouble.

So today's prayer request:

Emma's body would be getting prepared in every way possible for this surgery and be in the best shape possible to combat any threats to her immune system or healing process.  

Prayer Warriors called into action-Day 3

HERE
 is a link to the page explaining our Prayer vigil for our sweet Emma who is heading into some major surgery on October 9 if you want to read more.

Todays Prayer

As I was massaging Emma's back tonight with Essential Oils, I couldn't help to think about all the intricate details of this surgery and how the doctor is going to have to have EYES TO SEE.

So today we Pray for Dr. Troup at Greenville Memorial Hospital. 

He is a neurosurgeon so I'm sure he is used to fine details.  But, he is also human.  

So, today we pray that DR. TROUP SEES all he can possibly see to help Emma. That his hands are guided to places he may not expect. That he is given an extra measure of wisdom and perhaps tries something he has never tried before and it is wildly successful in an unexpected way. And mostly pray he sees it all as the POWER of GOD at work.  

Prayer Warriors Called into Action-Day 2

If you haven't yet read what this is all about here is the reason we are praying.

Before I share the request for Day 2 let me share a precious gift God has given us.

Our sweet Emma has been one tough yet tender hearted young lady.  She is strong but also kind.  Yet, it has taken some time for her to allow us to hug and kiss her as we would any of our other kiddos.  We don't know the reasons for that other than it does require someone to be vulnerable.  We are very touchy feely people that love to give hugs.  We do not suspect anyone ever harmed her.  Yet, we have given her the necessary space she has needed over time.

Well, recently around her birthday--and approximately 3 1/2 months home, we started seeing more affection.  We're taking it slowly, but it's been such a gift to see her opening herself up and saying "I love you" without prompting, and even giving hugs.  Big brother Isaac got a REALLY big hug when he left for college the first weekend in September.  It was precious.

As a part of that whole puzzle, I attempted to do something called an "Aromatouch Massage" to her early on.  This is not truly a "massage" but it's an essential oil application technique where I apply about 8 different essential oils to the back and feet.  It takes almost an hour.  Everyone I have done it to has loved it, including both of our younger boys and friends.  Emma could NOT sit still for it. She was very tickelish, and jumpy and kept asking when it would be done. So I didn't do it to her again.

But, with the preparation for her surgery, I really wanted to get some oils integrated into her system to get it prepared for what's about to come. I want to support her immune system, her nervous system, her endocrine system, etc.  So, I asked her a few days ago if I could.  I took it slowly.  And I'm only doing it up and down her spine, very slowly and then around the base of her spine VERY slowly so she doesn't get jumpy.

For those interested in "which" oils I'm using, the brand is DoTerra oils because I trust them with my life and my kids lives--VERY pure HERE is a link to my website if interested in learning more.

But, here are the oils I've selected:

Balance, Melalueca(Tea Tree Oil), Frankincense, Deep Blue (blend), Helicrysum, and Marjoram

and last night I decided I'm going to alternate with Arborvitae, Cypress, and Juniper Berry because we want her kidneys also supported.

The first night she fidgeted a bit.  But, by nights 2 and 3 and last night, she was so relaxed she fell asleep.  This is SUCH A GIFT from the Lord.  I cannot tell you.  For her to let me just massage up and down her spine with oils and bless her and pray over her is HUGE!  I believe God is using these oils in so many ways as I look around me I'm amazed.

I'm also giving her some vitamin supplements from DoTerra, some probiotics, and something called DDR Prime which should support her cellular function.

So our prayer request today:

Emma's physical body would be getting ready to recieve what is about to happen.  That every nerve, every cell, every tissue would be getting ready so that the doctors can see clearly how to help her, and healing can come in ways we do not expect.  

please feel free to add additional prayers on getting her body ready.  we'd love to hear how God is speaking to you to pray.

Prayer Warriors called into Action-

We're calling out prayer warriors from all the corners of the earth. So if you are one or you know some, please pass this on to them. Or carry it with you...

I believe with all my heart we are about to see some miracles like no one has ever imagined or expected.

On behalf of our sweet Emma.

She entered our family through adoption, with her brother Joshua (also age 12-not biological siblings) from China just 4 months ago. She is blossoming beautifully. But as we have begun all the testing and doctor's appointments we are discovering more and more issues with her health. We knew we were in for a lot but we didn't know exactly what it would all look like.  

What I can tell you is the root of all the issues is a spinal condition which we've been told could be Spina Bifida. They may never fully know what happened, but her records from China indicate it and she had a surgery when she was almost 11 months old on her lower back. Her right leg is completely non functional with zero feeling or hip control, but her left leg is as strong as an Ox! Her upper body is "straight" and strong, but mid back on down her scoliosis curve is approximately at 70 degrees.  Along with that, there are indications that she is at a critical place with bladder and kidney damage.  

I say all of that, but honestly, not much stops her.  She plants her crutch and off she runs, scaling stairs 2-3 at a time. She plants that crutch and hauls off and kicks a soccer ball.  Honestly, this child is amazing. And SMART! Perhaps that is why I feel so compelled to make this Prayer Campaign so HUGE on her behalf. She is brave, happy, strong, a mediator and uplifts us all.  

This past week we scheduled her first surgery for October 9. There probably will be others. But, this one is possibly one of the most critical because it deals with deTethering her spinal cord.  Basically, the base of her spinal cord (which runs through the center of the spine of course) is "tethered" or "stuck".  Scar tissue or something has fused her spinal cord to another part of her lower back where the original surgery was. This is not uncommon at all with SB kids. But, that doesn't mean it is not a risky procedure. Since we have very little on her history in China, we don't know if she was born with some of this damage or it was created by years of not caring for it. We can pretty much be guaranteed that her severe scoliosis is caused by it. That doesn't mean she will suddenly have a straight back after surgery....but Hey if you feel led to pray for that I am soooo cool with that. Find your miracle and lean into it.

The timing of the surgery is important. Now seems to be the time for her.

Either way this surgery is very intricate, detailed and painstaking. Typically it lasts around 2 hours which isn't that long in the scheme of things, but the recovery means she must lay flat on her back (or in some type of prone position) for approximately a week possibly in ICU to heal. The doctor will be testing nerve responses while she is sedated. He will have to monitor closely what to release and how as he is in there.  

As the doctor spoke on Friday, all I could hear in the details was how Big our God is and How BIG He is going to show Himself in this process. There are so many many unknowns and risks with this surgery.  I'm telling you these things so you know what to pray for and against.  Because everything is related to the nerves and how and where they are attached or not attached, she could lose more function of things like her "good" leg. She could lose further function of her bowels, bladder, kidney's. There are just mutliple layers of things that "could" happen. And these are very real and unknown risks until they get in there.

So

How do you play a part in this?

WE NEED YOU TO PRAY WITH US EVERY SINGLE DAY BETWEEN NOW AND 

OCTOBER 9 

and beyond.

We are going to post specific prayer requests each day.

Please just pray a prayer as you feel led, but know that we are also praying specific things each day so we can join forces and make our voices heard in the Heavenly Realms.  

Our God created Emma.  

And we know whatever happens will be for His Glory.  

But, we are also given permission to pray Boldly and with Confidence and that our prayers are heard in heaven.

So let's do this thing....

DAY  1

Whatever happens, God's Name would be glorified and all GLORY AND HONOR AND PRAISE would go to HIM!  When amazing things happen--which they will--we must not ever forget, He had this in His plan from the beginning of Time!  None of this is surprising Him--

So how are they doing?

We have been home 2 months.

Here is our Crazy

Overall, I feel like the kids are settling in well.

We've had multiple doctor's appointments for both of them. Some of them are the normal appointments for checkups, bloodwork, etc.  But, we have had a UTI and also double Ear Infection/Swimmer's Ear with a bonus of a reaction to Amoxicillan. We've also been to Shriners twice.  It's been a busy 2 months.

But, the kids really are rolling with it pretty well.

Emma: (age 11)

The first week or so was the most teary for her.  She packed her bags a few times in the middle of the night.  But, after we began diffusing DoTerra Serenity Essential Oils in her room every night, she began to sleep better and seems more settled.  She asks for QQ (Chinese Skype/texting/connection) to talk to her friends ocassionally.  It used to be a lot more.  We don't encourage it a lot because we want them to connect here with new friends.

She is very bright.  She asks me English words for things and wants to try to speak it.  She also teaches me Chinese which is hysterical.  She is speaking some English but not as much as Lucas was by this time home.  She has some backround with English because she can write and read just a little bit.  She often translates things she understands to Fei Fei.  She is an amazing young lady.  She has tolerated some changes we've been making with her physical needs.  She doesn't always like it, but she just does it because we ask her to and she is ok with it.  She seems very well adjusted.   She doesn't really engage with the boy's antics when they get loony.  =)  But, she is also a mediator at times.  Her and Fei Fei primarliy speak Chinese to each other all day long.  For the most part it has been ok and we have not felt manipulated by any scheming behind our backs, which we were forewarned about ahead of time by several people.

She is a very "neat" and tidy young lady.  Everyday she gets up, makes her bed (better than I am capable of), gets dressed, makes sure her room is in order, brushes her teeth, lets the dogs out, etc. all by herself without saying a word.  It is REALLY nice.

Fei Fei  (age 12)

He is doing well also, but speaks less English than she does and asks her for coaching when he gets stuck.  He seems to not be able to write Chinese quite as well as she can into our translator so asks her for help.
He is a very helpful young man.  Whenever I come home from shopping he runs out to the car to unload it.  Sometimes all in one trip.  This is one of the benefits to adopting older kids...  =)
He had one day that he "grieved".  Otherwise nothing in that area.  He is very content for the most part.  He and Lucas have had a few "fist fights" that we've had to work through but it's really not his nature to pick a fight. It's usually because he's been pushed too far by Lucas.

He can be a bit whiny.  He likes to complain about the food sometimes.  "no good".  or even going to the store he wants the biggest thing which I can't afford and then gets kind of pouty because I won't buy it.  It's all part of the learning process.  Overall he is a sweet boy and a bit goofy.  He gives a nervous smile and giggle when he knows he is in trouble or wants something.  He loves animals and sciency kinds of things.  He's been begging for a hamster and he brought a tree frog into the house a few days ago.  He has already begged for a puppy. (um no!)

Lucas: (age 11)--Home 4 years--

Lucas is adjusting also.  It's been a lot of change for him.  And at times when he is frustrated, mostly because Fei Fei doesn't do what he wants, the two of them get into brother fights.  Sometimes phyisical.  But, they are working it out because within a short period of time they are usually sitting next to each other on the sofa hugging eachother and laughing.  Everyone wants to know if Lucas has picked up any Chinese since our trip there and back and living with the kids.  The answer is NO.  And please don't ask him about it.  He gets upset because he thought he would pick it up and so did everyone else.  He's had a few "meltdowns" but I'm not sure they are anything unusual for Lucas. He has learned to share toys, his room, his parents, his pets, and more.  He helps by spending time with the kids even though they can't always communicate.  He figures it out.  He is my little hero.  He has learned so much and loved so well.

 He is looking forward to home schooling this year with me.  I think we are all looking forward to getting into some routines.  Both of the other kids will go to public school which they requested.

Isaac (age 20)-

Isaac has been great with the 2 new kids when we've been together.  I think it's been yet another change for him as well, but they LOVE GeGe (big brother).  They both love him and he loves them as well.  He's moved into a new apartment in Chicago and is getting ready for yet another chapter of college life as he enters his 2nd year of school.  We are grateful for his love and support in all these crazy transitions.

And now for the parents...

How are "We?"
Well, it's been a huge adjustment as one may well expect.  Some of the things I've noticed...
* There are a lot more moving parts--just trying to wrap my brain around 3 people (and a 4th in college) on a daily basis is crazy at times.
* Laundry--yikes what just happened?  I need to learn how to manage that better.
* Food--these people eat a lot of food.  It's not like starting with a baby or toddler that eats just a portion of a regular sized meal.  These two can pound food if they like it.  Time to rethink some of our eating habits to fit that into the budget.  (she eats 3 full pieces of chicken at KFC if we go there).
* a Chore list is on the horizon---they are fully capable beings and will help if asked.  yay God!  Time to harness that energy before America zaps it out of them...lol
* Going out to eat does not happen much---it can be VERY pricy with this crew...=)
* Their language aquisition seems slower than Lucas's was.  I attribute that to trying to maintain Chinese while learning English, having eachother to chat with, being older, and only being here 2 months.  -- ok we'll give em a break...lol

And we cannot forget how Good God is and how Gracious He has been in this whole process.  Many of  the things we worried about in bringing 2 special needs kids into our life have been non issues.

If you look at Emma from the outside you may say "poor thing".  And people in public have said as much.  (kind of annoying--so don't say that).  In our house we see her as fully capable. (I've caught her standing on top of a chair on one leg with her crutch getting dishes down to set the table-not that I would encourage that).  Her personality lights up a room--not by overwhelming the room with "all about me", but by her sweet presence.  She is very thoughtful and kindhearted and smart as a whip--she's already catching our sense of humor.  I can't imagine why we hesitated so much and worried about all the things we would need to do for her physically.  The words "Spina Bifida" can be scary, but rest assured God has been so good in blessing us with her.  We have a journey ahead of us, but even though she appears from the outside to have the most "special needs", that pales in comparison to her preciousness.

FeiFei (Joshua) was in our minds less of an issue physically.  I wasn't really too worried about his "needs".  And for the most part that is true.  He has exploded a few times but only at Lucas--and dare I say with "good cause?" (brothers).   But, generally speaking he is also a blessing.  I think we my have some more academic challenges with him--but we will see.  His fascination with science and history shows on TV have lit Peter up.  That's his BOY!  =)  His kindness with Emma is palpable and his helpfulness is beyond what I could have asked for.

I think back on all the things we worried about.  Life has definitely changed.  But, once again God has shown Himself faithful as we follow His calling on our lives.  Our hearts are bigger, our life is crazier, the noise level is higher, but we definitely know God has this.  He has us dependent on Him once again and relying on Him daily.

Isn't that where we are suppose to be?

That We May...serve God Generously because of what He first did for us.
We can't outgive Jesus and all He did for us.
So here's our life.  Gonna be real.  But, also gonna serve Him with all we've got.

Their Spiritual Journey has begun

Today was one of those days that could not have been orchestrated by man if we had tried.

Taking a step back...

We've been home with Emma and Fei Fei one month today.

2 days after they arrived in the States, we went to church for the first time.  When the music started they jumped and then giggled.  We tried to explain some of the words to the music, but they were still so overwhelmed.  We go to a loud, unashamed church, Passion City, that is reaching the world for Jesus.

The next week they were excited to go, and we kept them with us in church again.  And the same last week.  But, they were getting quite comfortable and basically slept through the entire gathering. I can't say that I blame them.  If I didn't understand the language I'd probably do the same thing.  

So this week we put them into what our church calls "Passion Kids" -- (in another church this may be referred to as Sunday School--but it looks quite different at our church.  Each grade has tents for boys and girls and that is where they gather.)  Last week I had told one of the teachers they would be coming today to give them a bit of a head's up.

But, I had no idea what to expect for them today.

As I was signing them in, the wife of one of the teacher's handed me a children's story Bible she had purchased for our kids--in both languages.  Each page has Chinese as well as English on it, so we can read it both ways.  I thought that was amazing.  If God had stopped there, I would have walked away amazed by this thoughtful gift.

When I came back to pick them up, they were siting at a picnic table chatting with the teacher in CHINESE!  And there was a special ed teacher there as well just in case they needed that type of assistance.  Then we were approached by other teachers and assistants and the director of the program.  All of them were so blown away by the kids and their story that they offered to help in any way that they can.  Every week they will give them something translated into Chinese so the kids can understand for now what is going on.  Yes, eventually it will need to be in English.  But, seriously, what better way to begin to teach them about Faith and Jesus, than to teach it to them in their native tongue first?  When their English improves, they won't have to be so confused by the terms we use.  

It was one of those overwhelming kind of days where we were bombarded by God's hand in the details.  These are not things I could have orchestrated if I had wanted to.  And such an essential part of their spiritual growth is already beginning.

As I walked away in awe, I realized God was intricately knitting things together.  Out of obedience and privilege we stepped out to bring our kids home.  But, it doesn't end there.  Their story is still blowing up hearts. And these people at our church are serving "the nations" right inside their own "tents" in our church.  They are bringing God's Word---translated into another language right to our kids. We brought the kids to them, and they in turn are in tune to what God wants them to do next.  

And this is only a tiny tiny tiny part of the big picture.  I really have no idea all the things that happened today.  We heard other teachers were in tears over their story.  

I have to just sit down at the end of a day where God has allowed for us to participate in His plans and His Will and be in awe.  I swallow hard and think of the impact these kids will have in their young lives.  How could we miss this opportunity?  This privilege?  

To God Be the Glory!
and
Thank You Door Holders of Passion City Church in Passion Kids
We love you and have been blessed by your Generous Giving of yourselves to our kids