Orphans No More

Today is the day that will forever change our lives and the lives of 2 sweet boys that we have fallen head over heels for. I look in their eyes, and see so much! These boys that would have gone forgotten if not for a blurry picture that captured our hearts and propelled us on this journey of adoption. They are no longer forgotten but are true sons! We are not done yet. We have over 2 weeks before we can bring them home with us, but today our motives and means were searched and we were granted the right to become the parents of these two amazing boys. These boys that truly fit perfectly within our family. It is amazing to me how perfectly God's will works! I had a friend send me Isaiah 43:1-7 a few days ago. I have looked at, prayed, and claimed these verses many times over these days of anticipation for our court date. Often with tears for the amazing promises I felt God was giving to us. I have no idea what the future holds for these 2 sons, but I am so very thankful that they now have a future. Many have told us what a blessing we are to the boys. I know that is true. I also know that they are just as much a blessing to us. In the 2 weeks that we have spent getting to know our sons, they have brought such joy to us. I cannot wait to see what God does in their lives. He has His fingerprints ALL over their stories, He will be faithful to complete this work that He has begun. Today Tobias Stepan Quiambao and Josiah Yaroslav Quiambao are orphans no more. They are our sons (and brothers too!)

         Isaiah 43:1-7

           But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel:  "Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.  For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior:  I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.  Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you;  Therefore I will give men for you, And people for you life.  Fear not, for I am with you;  I will bring your descendants from the east And gather you from the west; I will say to the north, "Give them up!"  And to the south, "Do not keep them back!"  Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth.  Everyone who called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory;  I have formed him, yes, I have made him."

When the Dream becomes Reality

For many months, we have dreamt of our boys. We had two pictures and a few sentences to form those dreams on. We prayed that God would go before us and prepare their little hearts for our family. He has answered that prayer in such an amazing way. The reality of these boys is so much better than a dream. To smell their little heads, kiss those sweet cheeks, and to be feel their bodies in my arms. God has opened their hearts for our family. When they brought Tobi around the corner this morning, he gave us a big smile. There was recognition in that smile. He is already figuring out that we are different. I am pretty sure he can tell that we love him. That is foreign to him, but welcomed. They are in a good place, as orphanages go. We have met or at least seen most of the nannies that have cared for him this last year. They are happy that we are there. We saw Josiah for only a few minutes the first day we arrived. He was in the local hospital here because he has had pneumonia on and off for several months. They took him early yesterday to the big city in our region to have some testing done. That hospital has given us permission to visit with him while he is there. We will jump on that offer! The doctor from his orphanage will be going with us on Sunday and will help translate and guide us to him. Here hospitals provide doctors and testing, but families provide food, meds, and diapers. Of course we are happy to provide anything that will allow him to get better so he can come home. They are hoping to get answers as to why he cannot get over this pneumonia. I have a few theories, but I just want him out of there so that we can bring him home when it is time. He is very spunky, strong, and so happy! It is hard to imagine that he has been sick for so long. He certainly doesn't look or act sick. Because we have to hire a driver to take us there and back (and wait for us while we visit) and pay for medicines and such each time, our budget has changed some. If you noticed the thermometer has gone up just a bit, that is why. We were fully funded for the trip, but this will stretch it. Not by a lot as there was some emergency funds already figured in, but some. I will go into more details later, but now it is time to go see our Tobi boy for our daily visit!