Already a family of six

Elizabel brought this drawing home from school the other day and explained that it was our whole family. I love that she already considers us a family of six.

Elizabel and Olivia talk about him frequently, pray for him often and wonder about what he may be doing. Olivia asked the other day how we will find him and I explained that God is using our adoption agent to help us find him. She then asked how we would know he was an orphan. I told her that the Chinese government and ours would make sure of that. Since she is 4, that answer satisfied her. I didn't tell her that he would be found abandoned, most likely in a busy place such as a train station, hospital or steps of an orphanage. I didn't tell her the Chinese government would require a newspaper notification (a Finding Ad) and that it would be unanswered by his biological parents before he would be considered an orphan. We will most likely see this ad one day and I wonder if his biological mother watched the ad go unanswered day after day.  I have no anger towards his biological mother, in fact my heart hurts for her and I pray for safety...physically, emotionally and spiritually.  These heartbreaking thoughts ran through my mind as Olivia asked the questions. One day I will have to answer these questions to my son and will give him the hard, honest answers...when he is ready for them.

When the girls pray that he has a full tummy, a warm bed and toys to play with I think that there is a good chance his doesn't but I pray fervently with them that he does. I trust that no matter what he has or doesn't have that God is with him. Olivia told me that God takes care of the birds so of course He will take care of us! I love that she is learning and believing the Scriptures!! Elizabel will tell you that God is keeping little brother safe while he waits for us to get him and I am so thankful she is right. So at the times when I worry and get anxious I will follow my girls' in their faith!!!

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?  Matthew 6:26

Chosen Marathon

Ok all my runner and nonrunner friends...we have signed up to run the Chosen Marathon in New Braunfels as fundraiser for our adoption. We ran this the past two years for our friends to help them with their adoptions and loved being a part of it. I never ran long distance before but started to enjoy it after running the first one for the Halvorsons to help support them bring their precious Hannah home from China. Since then both Levi and I continue to run and hope to participate in Chosen for years to come for other families.

We are super excited to have Team Pool this year. The race is 10/26/13. You can sign up for the whole or 1/2 marathon, there is a kid's fun run that our kids loved being a part of last year and for all you nonrunners you can even sleep in. All of your entry fees go to help our adoption fees. We would be so thankful for your participation in helping to bring our little guy home. When you register sign up under Team Pool. Please pass the news to your other friends! If you sign up and are interested in training with me I would love it!!! Levi and I will be doing the half and all three kids will be doing the fun run. Thanks!!!!

                                                                Team Halvorson 2011
       

http://www.chosenmarathon.com/race/register-2/

10 years ago....

This Friday Levi and I will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. It has been an amazing decade and we are very thankful for the things the Lord has done. It is fun to think back on the early years that started our in a tiny apartment with Levi traveling most of the time for work while I studied in PA school.  I am so grateful for the man that Levi is. His love for the Lord, me and the children is constant and deep. His humor, generosity and patience always amazes me.  I could go on and on about my husband but most importantly I will share that since the foundation of our relationship is based on the Lord it strong, committed and filled with joy that could only come from Him.

When we got married I prayed that God would one day bless us with children...and my goodness how He has answered those prayers. Each of our children are very special and unique and we love them all fully!!! I would have never imagined 10 years ago that one of our children would be brought to our home the way of adoption but I am so glad that God's ways are not mine! 

We spent this past weekend in Austin relaxing, getting caught up on much needed rest, some delicious food and little pit stop to the Secretary of State's office. We got a pile of documents certified for our dossier that will eventually be sent to China. It feels so good to mark something off the to do list!