Friday, June 27, 2008

"This is who I am, this is how I'm made!"

Wow, tonight I heard these words from our 8 year old, darling boy, Cameron! Whoever thought an 8 year old could be so wise. We should all live our lives with this in mind. God created each one of us differently. Special and unique. What more do we need to describe ourselves. This will be good advice when we bring home our precious one...to remind ourselves, family is not created by blood, it is created in HIS image and each one of us shine in His eyes.

I do need to share the previous part of this conversation.
Cameron: "Mom, this is who I am, this is how I'm made. After my 2 hour nap, I'm not that tired. I would like to watch TV to help me fall asleep. Can I? I don't know why this helps me, it is just who I am, how I'm made!"

What more could a mom say? I hope this leaves you smiling from ear to ear!
God bless.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Blowing Kisses in the Wind

Tonight as I get ready for bed, I talk to God, knowing he hears. I ask for safety for my husband who is at work, blessings for all of our friends and family, and the protection of my sweet boys tucked safely into bed (all but one, who is safely in Wyoming with Grammy and Grandpa.)Then I "blow kisses" to our little girl who is thousands of miles away from us. When we began this process, a friend gave us the advice, to ask God to place your faces in your baby's dreams, so she will know you when you go to get her. Aren't dreams wonderful? Dreams really do come true.Below is the poem. Enjoy and sleep tight!

Kisses in the Wind

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.
--- Author Unknown

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Why Ethiopia?

Many people ask us, why Ethiopia? First,this is the country that God has laid upon our hearts. Most likely because this is the country we feel has the GREATEST need. Some statistics for thought:
-250,000 children under age 5 die from diarrhea each day
-1/2 of the adult population cannot read and write
-average life expectancy is 48 years of age
-one of the 5 poorest countries in the world
-4 out of 5 people live on $2 per day
-the average Ethiopian lives on $100 per year
-1 in 10 children die before their first birthday
-1 in 6 children die before their 5th birthday
-44% of the population of Ethiopia is under 15 years old
-60% of children are stunted because of malnutrition
-the median age in Ethiopia is 17.8 years
-1.5 million people are infected with AIDS (6th highest in the world)
-720,000 children have been orphaned by AIDS alone, and there are 4.6 million orphans in Ethiopia
-Per capita, Ethiopia receives less aid than any other country in Africa
-1/2 the children in Ethiopia will never attend school and 88% will never attend secondary school
-Ethiopian doctor to children ratio is 1 to 24,000

Now I don't think the question is why are you adopting? It is why wouldn't we?

Thank you for your prayers and support.
The Truman's

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Happy Father's Day!

Today is an incredible day. A day when we can give thanks to all the wonderful men in our lives.
First and foremost we must praise our Heavenly Father for giving us a chance in this life. Thank Him for loving us unconditionally even with our faults. Secondly, I thank my amazing husband. He is truly my best friend, the best husband EVER and the BEST daddy EVER! Next I have to thank my dad, for loving me and supporting all my crazy ideas. Even though we are many states away, I know he is always with me. I am also incredibly grateful for my step-dad, Mike. What an absolute blessing he is to our family. He is ever so gracious with his love and level-headedness!!! (Not sure if that is a word, but today it is!) For those of you who know me, you know I often wear my emotions on my sleeve and Mike has a great way of keeping it all in check. Now, I need to say thank you to my father in law, Mike. I am extremely grateful to him for being part of the creation of my husband. Without you, Mike, I would not have Mat and for that I cannot thank you enough! One other important person is my grandpa. I love him dearly and am blessed to have him in my life. So Happy Father's Day to all the father's out there and to all the father's anxiously awaiting the day to become a DADDY.
Now, as for what is happening on our adoption front:
This week marks the 3rd homestudy visit for us. This takes place on Wednesday (6/18) and is the last visit before the homestudy can be put together. All the remaining paperwork should be finished this week!!! One step, almost done and we have begun the paperwork for the dossier. Whew, it does get overwhelming at times. I find myself constantly making lists. Our goal is to get our dossier finished in July and off to Ethiopia. It is all in God's timing, but keeping our fingers crossed for a court date in October or November. (This will be here before we know it.)
I also excitedly applied for a job at our local Starbuck's. I am hoping to hear from them tomorrow to set up an interview. What better place to spend some "free time" but with coffee?
The weather here has been beautiful and summer is in full swing. Swimming, friends, baseball, church camps and visiting Grammy and Grandpa. God is so good.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Where to begin????

We have created this blog so our dear friends and family can follow along on this amazing journey we have begun to bring home our baby girl from Ethiopia. We have been truly blessed by an amzing God and we know we want to share this with the world! Can you tell, I am ecstatic??? Jumping for joy every chance I get. For those of you who know our family, a lot of this will be "old" news, but for our new friends, we hope you will enjoy getting to know us.

Let us introduce ourselves:
Mom, Stacey, first and foremost a child of God, wife to my incredible husband Mat and mom to 4 wonderful boys...excitedly waiting to be a mom to Gracie! She is already deep within my heart!(Can you believe how blessed I am to stay at home with my children and take care of this crazy household?)

Dad, Mat, a magnificent son of God, husband to me (lucky guy!!!! LOL!), and dad to 4 wonderful son's. (Oh, he also has the greatest job in the world, he is a firefighter/paramedic. Every young boys dream, right?) Now you know I am excited, but you should see how much this man is loving PINK!!!!

Zach, oldest, 13, computer whiz and smart as the day is long! He is a lover of reading, CSI, youth group and really can fix anything electronic.

Justin, second oldest, 12, in love with athletics and Jesus, a huge help around the house. He definitely loves to cook and will even change diapers!

Cameron, not the "baby" anymore, 8, adores his older brothers and LOVES being an older brother. He loves football, baseball and basketball. He has an "old" soul and keeps us laughing. He always tends to say the cutest things.

Tyler, the youngest so far, 15 months, and thinks he should be at least 5! He CRACKS us up and consistently puts smiles on everyone's faces even if we've had a bad day. He loves EVERYONE and loves to read.