Sunday, October 24, 2010

Large special needs family in California




www.allourboys.com

We are a very large family built through adoption. As such, many people are curious about our family life. We are often asked questions about our family. "How do the boys get along with each other?" "What does your family do for fun?" "Do you have any pets?" "What does Christmas look like at your house?"
For some of our children, our family is their first family. Prior to joining our family they may have lived in hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages or group homes. Other children have had multiple family experiences. Some have been abusive and other have simply "not worked out." Many of the boys joined our family through the state foster care system, other through international adoptions, still others through disrupted adoptions, finally a few through private adoptions. Our children have come from all over the world with many different life experiences, as well as, a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. It is our job then, as their forever mom and dad, to bring all of these strangers together and form a well-bonded and loving family.



This is the Silcock family in California. I started talking to Ann several years
ago when we first entered the adoption process.

Her heart is to take in only special needs BOYS.

The saddest realization for me was that many of these precious children came from nursing homes, private homes, orphanages and even hospitals.
Many "put away" because they were not wanted.

And many of these children still linger in the United States.... yes I said United
States without homes.

How can this be? In a country so full of blessing how can we let children linger
in nursing homes? It breaks my heart.

Thank you Ann for giving these children a forever home.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11


In this video her sons sings of how his life has changed since being in her home.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Hiking to a remote village in Africa








Six months ago I was in Africa and one of the highlights of our trip was hiking up into a remote village.

A child that had an adoptive home died due to contaminated water. The adoptive parents, along with the global director, put in a well. The village was SO
THANKFUL they macheted a road all the way to the village so they could put on a celebration for us.

It was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Who would of ever thought I would be hiking into a remote village in Africa!!

Of course along with all that excitement and joy came great sadness. People were starving, without any sanitary facilities and no medical help. A little girl
was crying in her brothers arms and holding her stomach. I asked what was wrong.
Her brother said that she has been in pain for several days. Of course being a nurse I had to investigate. Poor little girl was really distended.

I asked the pastor we were with how we could get her help. He said there is no money for medical help and any hospital is 3 hrs away. So the pastor arranged to come back and get her (six hour trip) the next day. One of the team members paid for the trip.
What happens when we are not there though?

My heart breaks at the thought.

Pastor Peter that serves his country so diligently is from the village we visited.
He has seen first hand the death of his people and recently the death of his sister...he now cares for her child.

So we join hands with Pastor Peter to touch the hearts and hands of Liberia in Christs love.....

Psa 46:1-3 — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

What I would like to accomplish in a day





Kids learning to Paint


My husband who is a painting carpenter by trade decided ALL the kids were going
to paint the outside of the house. Now my husband is pretty amazing but this
even amazed me! 18 kids 4-17 painting.....

While driving home from the Library field trip yesterday I just started to think and
write what things I REALLY wanted to accomplish in a day.

Now let me tell you right off the bat I NEVER accomplish all these things but we have to have something to aim for right?

I WANT to wake up early every morning and spend time ALONE with God.
I WANT to hear from God every day the direction he wants me to take.
Jesus tells us that His sheep hear His voice (John 10:27).
I WANT to homeschool every day with joy and a gentle spirit.
I WANT to always remember to pray, do devotions and have worship.
I WANT to serve Liberia Africa.
I WANT to always appreciate my husband.
I WANT to always remember to pray for our adult kids and grandkids.
I want to always serve nutritious meals.

Oh and I am sure I could think of tons more.

I know it all boils down to one thing.

SURRENDER

Believing that if my heart is right......

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Lu 6:45)

and...if I lay all of my wants at the SAVIORS feet everything HE wants will be accomplished.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Patience needs a home.



Sweet little Patience age 3 with downs syndrome needs a home. The goverment
in Liberia has given us permission to find a home for her.
I spent time with Patience last April and she was a little jewel. She was
so quiet and "PATIENT." Amazing how the little girl just lives up to her name.
She was abandoned in a feeding center in Liberia Africa and she was referred
to our special needs program.
If interested e-mail me at RonTanya777@aol.com