Below is a post from an adopted dad's blog regarding our president elect and what the day stood for! Even though we admittedly did not vote for Obama; this is eloquently written, no matter who you voted for. It gives us hope and peace knowing we will be bringing our daughter into a country where she literally can be ANYTHING she wants to be.
Blessings to all!
I am a white-skinned father with a black-skinned son.
A little over a year ago, my wife, Amy, and I adopted our son, Silas, from Ethiopia.
Silas turns two in December.
Today our conversations tend to revolve around our favorite snacks - yogurt and lemon pound cake at Starbucks - and favorite TV characters and movies - Elmo and Ratatouille. We also squabble very little these days. Sometimes Silas will take a swing at me when I take away the Wii joystick. And other times he'll treat the cheese sandwich I made him for dinner like a Frisbee.
One day, though, Silas will want to talk about other things.Like the color of his skin. And my skin. And his mother's skin. And pictures and events and people and dates he finds in his history textbook.
There are some historical dates I don't want to explain to Silas then. August 12th, 1955, for example. That's the day Emmett Till, a 14 year old boy, was brutally lynched in Mississippi by white, southern, "Christian" men.
Then there is September 15th, 1963. That's the day when four little girls were killed by a white supremacist bomb at 16th Street Baptist Church.
And then there is April 4th, 1968. That's the day Martin Luther King Jr. had his hope-filled voice silenced by a sniper's gun.
These are days in America's history that I don't look forward to explaining to my son.
But then there are days I can't wait to explain to Silas.
Days like December 1st, 1955. The day when Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man. That small, defiant "no" reverberated out into a large, defiant "no more."
There are other days, too. Like August 28th, 1963. The day Martin Luther King delivered his famous message, "I Have a Dream." It was a day unlike any other day. It was a day of dreaming of another kind of America.
And now there is November 4th, 2008.
This is a day I look forward to telling Silas about - not as a student of history, but as a participator in making history.
And I will tell Silas this: I voted for Obama. For you. For me. For us.
And I will also tell him something like this (I hope): "Silas, my son, this was a day that heralded a new day. A day of change. A day of hope. A day brimming with the promise of a new kind of political dialogue, a new kind of political leader, a new kind of American citizen, a new kind of America, and, for African Americans who share your same skin color, Silas, a new kind of dream, a new kind of role, and, most importantly, a new kind of responsibility.
Now know this also, Silas. Not everyone will share the enthusiasm your parents did on that day. There will be some people that your mom and I love dearly who disagreed with us. Don't worry: We still love them. And they still love us. Because what we understand is that Jesus' love conquers all things. And, Silas, if we can't practice this amongst each other as Christians, then I'm not sure who can.
But make no doubt about it, Silas: Not everyone on the day after November 4th, 2008 will look back with misty-eyed nostalgia. Many, especially in Oklahoma (which we may or may not be living in when you read this), will look back with red-eyed nausea. And some of those people will have a knee-jerk reaction.
They'll spew apocalyptic rhetoric. They'll entertain thoughts of doom and gloom and Armageddon. They'll re-read The Left Behind books and re-nurture the hope of an imminent rapture. And sadly, some will choose not to roll up their sleeves and get to work for the common good when President Obama takes office. Instead, they'll dig in their heels and look menacingly for someone to blame, scapegoat, and demonize for the world not fitting into their little egocentric matrix.
Others, son, will unfortunately have retreated back into their tribal matrix - whether their political party or religious ghetto- and will have completely ignored Jesus's call to us to embrace his worldcentric matrix of multi-tribal community, enemy love, forgiveness, generosity, and grace.
Others will reduce "God's politics" to single, hot-button issues like abortion and homosexuality, completely glossing over and blatantly disregarding the other issues near to God's heart, like extreme poverty, the dehumanization and violence of war, corporate greed, and religious indifference toward the needy.
Even others will try to guilt you. And me. And your mother. They'll insidiously project a tribal deity they have largely created out of a dark patchwork of isolated scripture, hidden fear and anxiety, and thinly veiled religious pride, racial prejudice, nationalistic xenophobia.
And finally, some will tell you they are "praying for America", when really they are secretly petitioning for God's judgment and wrath to come on everyone who doesn't think, believe, and act like them - the way the disciples did toward the Samaritans (Lk. 9:54-56), which Jesus rebuked them for.
So hear me, son: Change always comes with a great price. It can be a tremendous blessing. It can also carry a weighty burden. And in the end, it will take the Spirit who gives us the capacity and ability to forgive those who wound us, to understand those we disagree with, to show courage in the face of hostility, and to hold onto our faith, hope, and love, while we seek to mediate into the world, God's compassion, justice, and shalom.
And finally, my boy, I want you to understand this: November 4th was a day that many around the world celebrated. But it is not the day, it is not the party, it is not the celebration that in our heart of hearts we long for. At best, it was a fleeting glimpse, a tiny foretaste. For a day is coming in history, Silas, when Jesus, the true Lord, the true President, will herald the beginning of something that will never end. A new kind of humanity. A new kind of community. And a new kind of creation. And that day will be for all peoples of the earth - Democrats and Republicans and African-Americans and Latinos and Hispanics and Kenyans and Ethiopians (yeah) and Iranians and Iraqis and every tribe, tongue, and nation! Now that will be some party, Silas, my son! That will be some party!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
November is National Adoption Month
Psalm 10:14, 17-18
...You are the defender of orphans...Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN ADOPTIVE PARENT WHEN:
1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.
2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.
3. You can't watch adoption stories on TLC without crying.
4. The fact that if 7% of the world's Christians adopted 1 child, there would be no more orphans in the world, is convincing to you.
5. You spend your free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.
6. It drives you crazy when people as you about your adopted child's "real" parents.
7. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt, but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you, He will provide.
8. You have never taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.
9. You believe God's heart is for adoption.
10. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.
11. You know what the word "Dossier" means and you can pronounce it!
12. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.
13. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted her, knowing full well that you are the blessed ones to have her in your life
-Author Unknown
Yes, still waiting...It has been about 12 weeks thus far!
Love to all.
...You are the defender of orphans...Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN ADOPTIVE PARENT WHEN:
1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.
2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.
3. You can't watch adoption stories on TLC without crying.
4. The fact that if 7% of the world's Christians adopted 1 child, there would be no more orphans in the world, is convincing to you.
5. You spend your free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.
6. It drives you crazy when people as you about your adopted child's "real" parents.
7. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt, but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you, He will provide.
8. You have never taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.
9. You believe God's heart is for adoption.
10. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.
11. You know what the word "Dossier" means and you can pronounce it!
12. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.
13. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted her, knowing full well that you are the blessed ones to have her in your life
-Author Unknown
Yes, still waiting...It has been about 12 weeks thus far!
Love to all.
Monday, November 3, 2008
God continues to amaze us!
It has been awhile and already we have started November. I must say that I did not think we would still be waiting for our referral. But, we are!!!! The other day I was driving home and as I was saying my prayers asking God for His guidance and His patience, here is what I saw "My grace is sufficient for you.-Jesus" Ok, is that not an eye opener? We must wait, we must wait patiently! God knows who are daughter is and the right time for her to come and be with us.
Halloween flew by, we didn't even carve pumpkins until that evening. This was the warmest Halloween we have had here since I can remember. Ty did great, he was a little blue monster and was loving every bit of it until....we left the neighbors (about 6 houses up) and he fell into these ugly little cactus'!!!! Luckily Mat caught him before he had his face mangled, but let me tell you...the prickly things were embedded into his little hands. If you know Ty, he is NOT a crier, but CRY he did, SCREAM is more like it. Now we have been asking these neighbors to get rid of this cactus for the past 4 years because we have more little kids on the street now and several of the kids have been riding bikes and fell into them, etc. OK, maybe 35 years ago cactus were cool to plant but come on.....Needless to say Ty recovered, but that ended our night for trick or treating!
Ok, enough rambling, please pray for our nation and the vote tomorrow. And PLEASE make sure you vote. Please pray for the families traveling, having court dates, and waiting on referrals. The wait is agonizing, but relying on God and one another we can do this and when we bring home our beautiful children this will all be a distant memory!!!!!
Love and Blessings to all!
Halloween flew by, we didn't even carve pumpkins until that evening. This was the warmest Halloween we have had here since I can remember. Ty did great, he was a little blue monster and was loving every bit of it until....we left the neighbors (about 6 houses up) and he fell into these ugly little cactus'!!!! Luckily Mat caught him before he had his face mangled, but let me tell you...the prickly things were embedded into his little hands. If you know Ty, he is NOT a crier, but CRY he did, SCREAM is more like it. Now we have been asking these neighbors to get rid of this cactus for the past 4 years because we have more little kids on the street now and several of the kids have been riding bikes and fell into them, etc. OK, maybe 35 years ago cactus were cool to plant but come on.....Needless to say Ty recovered, but that ended our night for trick or treating!
Ok, enough rambling, please pray for our nation and the vote tomorrow. And PLEASE make sure you vote. Please pray for the families traveling, having court dates, and waiting on referrals. The wait is agonizing, but relying on God and one another we can do this and when we bring home our beautiful children this will all be a distant memory!!!!!
Love and Blessings to all!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Time is flying by, but my heart still aches!
Wow, I cannot believe we are half way through October already! We have now been waiting for our referral for 10 weeks! I guess I always prayed somewhere deep inside that our referral would come quickly. I keep reminding myself (about 50 thousand times) each day that it is all in God's timing and He knows who our daughter is and the right time for her to come to know us. But, ugh, this is so incredibly hard! This is definitely the hardest part so far. This is a million times harder than being pregnant!!!! OK, enough whining...I am sure you are saying to yourself; "do you want some cheese with that wine?" On to other momentus daily briefings:
Football is nearing the regular season end, and both teams have had a couple of hard losses. They are doing great, although, they would both like to redeem themselves this week. Lots of prayers headed their way. Last Sunday at church was our testimonial and our reasons for adopting and what our church could do to help. They have been so gracious as to host a spaghetti dinner there on the 26th of October. We are also having a silent auction and live music by Sharla Jackson. I think it is going to be a fantastic, heart warming event. If you live here in Colorado and can make this, send me an email and I will get you tickets. (matnstace@comcast.net)I am so excited to have Gracie meet our church; they already have so much love for her and she is not even here yet. Back in February when we first stepped foot into this church I knew we were "home." God continues to bless us with kindness. I am getting some "away" time this weekend, for our women's retreat down in Colorado Springs. I think this will really help clear my mind and recenter myself. We are so busy on a daily basis that I find myself feeling like a chicken with my head cut off! Ok, guess that is not a pretty picture. Sorry. Last week our agency said they were going to be giving out about 10 referrals very soon, but none are baby girls. At least some little, beautiful children will be one step closer to coming home to be with their families. Ok, anymore ramblings? No, guess not. All is truly well with the Trumans and we feel TRLYBLSD!!!!
From all of us to you; we send our love!
Football is nearing the regular season end, and both teams have had a couple of hard losses. They are doing great, although, they would both like to redeem themselves this week. Lots of prayers headed their way. Last Sunday at church was our testimonial and our reasons for adopting and what our church could do to help. They have been so gracious as to host a spaghetti dinner there on the 26th of October. We are also having a silent auction and live music by Sharla Jackson. I think it is going to be a fantastic, heart warming event. If you live here in Colorado and can make this, send me an email and I will get you tickets. (matnstace@comcast.net)I am so excited to have Gracie meet our church; they already have so much love for her and she is not even here yet. Back in February when we first stepped foot into this church I knew we were "home." God continues to bless us with kindness. I am getting some "away" time this weekend, for our women's retreat down in Colorado Springs. I think this will really help clear my mind and recenter myself. We are so busy on a daily basis that I find myself feeling like a chicken with my head cut off! Ok, guess that is not a pretty picture. Sorry. Last week our agency said they were going to be giving out about 10 referrals very soon, but none are baby girls. At least some little, beautiful children will be one step closer to coming home to be with their families. Ok, anymore ramblings? No, guess not. All is truly well with the Trumans and we feel TRLYBLSD!!!!
From all of us to you; we send our love!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
It's been awhile!
Oh, how sorry I am that it has been so long since I've updated our blog. I have had several people ask me, "When are you going to give us an update?" Life has been going about 100 mph with football and school in full swing, my new part-time job with 3:30 am wake ups and my darling husband's 48 hour shifts! Whew, where did the time go? Yes, it has gone by fast, but we have been officially waiting 5 weeks for our referral of our daughter! Now, in the adoption world, that is not a long period of time, but for a mom and dad and brothers, it seems like an eternity. For those of you who know me, I don't like waiting! I was always the kid who ran down the stairs on Christmas morning before anyone else in the house was awake, opened my presents, rewrapped them and then headed back to "wait" until someone else woke up! Now that is not a girl who patiently waits! Therefore, I have been reading a little book called, "Wait" by Russell Kelfer nearly every other day. Here is an excerpt so you have an understanding of why I am reading this:
"Waiting is certainly not a concept we humans would invent, but it is a priceless principle from the heart of God given to us for the ultimate benefit. Note Isaiah 40:31, "But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." When we allow the Lord to lead and guide us, when we stay in His presence and watch Him, it is then that we receive strength."
Now do you understand?
As far as what exactly is happening now, we are patiently waiting to hear back from many adoption foundations where we applied for grants to help with our adoption costs. We are still fundraisin by selling different items on Craigslist and selling our yummy Ethiopian coffee and "Grace" candles. Please email us if you would like to order either one of those. We can even ship! (matnstace@comcast.net) We are also planning a spaghetti dinner and silent auction at our incredible church, Light and Life. They have been truly a blessing to us and we cannot wait to share this beautiful place of God with Gracie. We have also started to design and work on her nursery. I think this is so much fun! I have never loved PINK as much as I do now!
So friends and family that is what is happening with the Truman adoption. We are enjoying this journey and hope you are too! I will try to get better about updating more often. With much love, blessings and hugs and kisses!
"Waiting is certainly not a concept we humans would invent, but it is a priceless principle from the heart of God given to us for the ultimate benefit. Note Isaiah 40:31, "But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." When we allow the Lord to lead and guide us, when we stay in His presence and watch Him, it is then that we receive strength."
Now do you understand?
As far as what exactly is happening now, we are patiently waiting to hear back from many adoption foundations where we applied for grants to help with our adoption costs. We are still fundraisin by selling different items on Craigslist and selling our yummy Ethiopian coffee and "Grace" candles. Please email us if you would like to order either one of those. We can even ship! (matnstace@comcast.net) We are also planning a spaghetti dinner and silent auction at our incredible church, Light and Life. They have been truly a blessing to us and we cannot wait to share this beautiful place of God with Gracie. We have also started to design and work on her nursery. I think this is so much fun! I have never loved PINK as much as I do now!
So friends and family that is what is happening with the Truman adoption. We are enjoying this journey and hope you are too! I will try to get better about updating more often. With much love, blessings and hugs and kisses!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Quick, Quick, Bunny, Bunny!!!!
I cannot believe it, we received our "golden ticket" today-our 171-H arrived!!!!! Shout it out, Praise Jesus! It really is amazing how He works. We are busy getting ready for our huge benefit garage sale on August 22nd. We are so grateful to all of our friends and family who have donated to our cause. We are truly blessed to have all of your support. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Boys have started school and football has begun, so it is crazy in the Truman house. We are hoping all this craziness helps make the time go by quickly while enjoying all the moments and waiting for our baby girl to come home.
On another note, last Sunday we attended FAITH DAY at the Rockies with our awesome church and after the game (the Rockies lost) we were graced by the presence of a concert by Steven Curtis Chapman. WOW, since losing his little girl on May 21st, this was emotional to say the least. I cried like a baby the entire time; and even saw tears rolling down my husbands cheeks. We both agreed after hearing his story, we are just that more convicted regarding adoption! It definitely is our heart and the heart of God for our family. Thank you SCC for that amazing, touching concert and letting the world into the depths of your suffering and pain, just to give us the story of what Jesus' redemption is all about. You rock! And this adoption journey we are on ROCKS!!!
On another note, last Sunday we attended FAITH DAY at the Rockies with our awesome church and after the game (the Rockies lost) we were graced by the presence of a concert by Steven Curtis Chapman. WOW, since losing his little girl on May 21st, this was emotional to say the least. I cried like a baby the entire time; and even saw tears rolling down my husbands cheeks. We both agreed after hearing his story, we are just that more convicted regarding adoption! It definitely is our heart and the heart of God for our family. Thank you SCC for that amazing, touching concert and letting the world into the depths of your suffering and pain, just to give us the story of what Jesus' redemption is all about. You rock! And this adoption journey we are on ROCKS!!!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Another Step Closer!
Just a quick update; our dossier has been authenticated in Washington DC, sent back to our agency, and then was sent to Ethiopia. Today we heard, our dossier has left Germany!!!! Wow-this feels amazing. I know once it hits Ethiopia it takes awhile to translate and then is sent to MOWA for approval. Hopefully a little time after that we will get our referral. I keep trying to remind myself though that it is all in God's time, not ours! Isn't it amazing though? This past week has been wonderful as both of my sisters were in town as well as my mom. We had sort of a "mini" reunion and getting to share these steps with them was also very special. Being "paper pregnant" is kinda funny but similar to being "biologically" pregnant because each little step or accomplishment is one step closer to "THE DAY!" Smiling from ear to ear while enjoying every moment!
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