How Do You Know?

One of the questions that I have gotten in the past few days is "how do you know?" meaning how did we know that the little boy that I found on a waiting child list was the one that we were supposed to move forward with. That is a great question and I wish I had an answer.

For months, I have checked waiting children lists. On one of the yahoo groups, I ran across a link to Bringing Hope to Children and decided to check them out. So, for a couple of weeks, I checked their list fairly regularly. I even went so far as to request the files on a couple of little boys that were precious. There were some factors that we already knew. We knew that we were going to adopt a little boy this time, we knew we were going special needs, we knew for the most part what SN we were open to. A short list which included cleft lip/cleft palate and heart defects. While the boys files that I had requested were precious, there wasn't a "tug" of my heart.

On November 19, I ran across a boy on their list that had May 25, 2008 listed after his name. That caught my eye as May 25 is my birthday. I read the information about the little boy and requested his file. When I received the information on YHH, I opened the pdf and just sort of sat there. That familiar ache of my heart was there. Not sure what it meant yet, but it was there. I forwarded the information to Pat at the church and simply said "look at this little boy" in the subject line of the email. We continued over the next 2 weeks to go back and look at the pictures. I printed the file out and took it to our Dr. to look over, something that I don't normally do but felt like I needed to. I corresponded back and forth with BHTC with some general questions, all the while, feeling that longing in my heart when I looked at his pictures. I felt as though I had a pretty clear understanding of how quickly we could move through this process and what we needed to begin.

After much prayer, we did something that I knew in my heart all along that we would do. On Saturday, December 5, I emailed Bringing Hope and let them know that we were ready to move forward with the adoption of YHH if he was still available. This was on a Saturday. We heard back from them on Sunday evening and he was in fact still available and they would contact me on Monday about getting the pre-approval process started.

So, I tell you all of that to answer your question this way. I don't have an answer to "how do you know" but somehow, you just know. There was that familiar longing that I felt deep in my heart for this child. The kind that you feel when a part of you is missing. Can't explain it, but it's there. We think he is just beautiful and is just perfect. We can't wait until we can post pictures of his beautiful face.

Thank you for sharing in our joy. You will never know how much we appreciate it.

I'm Baaaaaaack!

Wow, It's been forever. Please do accept my apologies. It seems as though Facebook has taken over my life and I have let my blog fall the the wayside.

But, nevermore!

I can't use FB as the only excuse, however, my life has been just plain crazy since we returned from Ethiopia in June. What a ride it's been. Alyza Kate slipped right into our family and has adjusted beautifully. She just fits right in. Funny how God does that, huh? She has bonded quickly and has a fire in her that is not quickly dimmed. She absolutely cracks us up. She smiles ALL the time when she is not crying. There is no middle ground with this child. She is either smiling or crying. She still really good a crying when she don't get her way, she don't like to be told no, and she still tries to play the "I was in an orphanage" card occasionally. It use to work, for about a week, then I revoked that card.

We have such chaos in our lives. Imagine your world with a 2 and a 3 year old in it. The schedules are still the same, we just have 2 little ones that we have to drag everywhere with us. They really do very well. They are getting along great, for the most part. They have their toddler issues, but most of the time they do pretty well together.

We must be enjoying our life, because we are stepping out on faith and doing it again. We have begun the process to adopt one more time (Pat says this is the last one, but I'm not convinced) and we are now adopting a beautiful boy from China. I can't wait to tell you more about him and hopefully very soon I will be able to post his picture. Take my word for it, he is truly a handsome young man. We are in love. That's the sweetest feeling in the world too.

So, stay tuned for more information on our little man. We've got some exciting things on the horizon so check back on us often. I'll try to do a little better updating!!!

Love you all,

Leaving for Ethiopia

We are leaving for Ethiopia on Saturday. We probably won't have much, if any, internet access while we are there but most of the blogging will happen on our Africa blog. See you when we get home!

Introducing Our Newest Daugher!!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Update on Alyza Kate

Check out Alyza Kate's blog to read an update about her!

Click HERE!

Warning: Court Date Approaching

Have you checked Alyza Kate's blog lately? Our court date is THIS Friday, May 22. Needless to say, I'm a little restless.

But, God is good and yes, He is still in control. Check out her blog HERE.

Thanks for checking in on us and I will be putting out a call to all prayer warriors later in the week, so, stay tuned.

Gotcha Day Letter to My Daughter

My Dearest Jadyn,

It's so hard to believe that 2 years ago today, my life was changed forever. I am not sure that I even realized how much of an impact you would have on our lives. Oh, I knew that things would change on the outside. There would be babysitters to find, toys to pick up, doll shoes to step on, sleepless nights, ear infections, potty training and the list goes on and on. But change me on the inside?

When we made the decision to adopt, we knew in our hearts that we had a daughter in China. We did not know you name, or when we would get to bring you home. We did not know what you would look like or if you would even like us. One thing that we knew for sure, we knew that God was in complete control of leading us to you. We began the process on May 2005 and thought that we would have a very short period of waiting, little did we know. Every time I reflect on these times, I remember how very hard it was waiting to bring you home.

Jadyn, I pray one day that you will understand the mountains that you have moved. You completely turned around the life of a brother, you forever changed the heart of another brother, and you have melted the heart of your father. As your mother, you have given me a renewed purpose in life. The role that you have played in changing so many things about our family is enormous. We are so very grateful to our Father in heaven for creating you for our family. Jadyn, we believe that even before the world was created, it was God's idea for you to be our daughter. I will always hold a special place in my heart for your China mommy. She loved you very much Jadyn, I am sure of that. When I look into your beautiful eyes, I think of her. I am so very thankful for her and love her for the gift that she gave us. The gift of you.

The past two years have gone by so fast. These 2 years went by much faster than the two years it took waiting for you. Oh, how anxious we were to bring you home. And, at the exact time that was ordained by God, you became our daughter. That day was May 13, 2007. Today, as we celebrate you day, we want you to know how very much we love you. As we were crowded in that little conference room on May 13, 2007 we realize now that we are bonded to the other families in that room with a very special bond. We shared something that not many people get to share. We saw God perform 14 miracles at one time in that room that day. Each child was placed into the arms of the family that they were created for. How very grateful we are that you were the daughter that He chose for us. Thank you, sweet Jadyn, for being you. For making us laugh, keeping us young, and helping us to see that we are called to take care of the children in this world that have no one to care for them. We consider it an honor and a privilege to be your parents. You have made our lives so much better. We love you with all our heart and cannot wait to see what God has in store for your life.

I love you sweet girl. Happy 2nd gotcha day!

Mommy

Happy Gotcha Day Jadyn

Just to hold you over, here is a recount of Jadyn's gotcha day. It was 2 years ago today that our beautiful daughter was placed in our arms. In a small conference room at the orphange in Fuling, China. Our lives have never been the same.




May 13, 2007

2 Mothers, 1 Gift

OK, I'm laying in the bed feeling guilty because I didn't make more of an effort to get some pictures posted, I did try - really I did, but I was just SO exhausted. After I got Jadyn to sleep, caught a few winks and woke up with you on my mind. This is the best that I can do until she is wide awake tomorrow. This was a risk, snapping pictures of a sleeping baby, what was I thinking?

Let me just answer those questions rolling around in your mind. Yes, we think she is absolutely beautiful. She is truly a treasure and "Bao" means treasure in Chinese. We were deeply saddened by the conditions of the orphanage. This is one of the better facilities in China, but still it is an orphanage. And we were reminded of this with our visit. We were somewhat shocked back to reality. There were times all four of us were sobbing. The boys hearts were truly broken to know that she spent the first year of her life here. They will come away from this trip forever changed. And that was our goal.

She is still pretty somber, although, we are seeing a little personality. She has begun to play with her toys a little, self feed from our hands (love those Gerber puffs) and seems to be letting her guard down. No smiles on camera yet. Maybe tomorrow. She has on her "gifted" pajamas because what a gift she is. She is truly beautiful. What a day it was, life changing at the very least. We will forever be connected to a family in this part of China. The family that gave us the gift of our daughter. Whether I can look out the hotel window and not realize that they are just over the hill, or they are somewhere many miles from here in the countryside, I will truly be forever connected to the woman who carried, gave birth to, and loved my child enough to give her a chance. When I look deep into her eyes, I can't help but think of her Mother on this Mother's day. The joy, elation and excitement of one Mother is paralleled by the pain and sadness of another Mother. One that I will never know. But, on this day, there is a Mother who prayed for another Mother and praised the Father above for the connection that the two of us will forever have. The connection sleeping soundly just a few feet from me. Our daughter Jadyn Grace BaoJun Hood. Truly a treasure.


And yes, in case you are wondering, that is MY bed she is sleeping in. I just didn't have the heart to put her in that port-o-crib. Not quite soft enough in my book. Pat's sleeping well in the other bed. ;)

Reflections on China: The Greatest of Walls

Thinking all this week about where we were 2 years ago today. What sweet memories they are...


"We left the factory and traveled to the Great Wall. I'm talking the Great Wall of China - the one that you read about, the one that can be seen from outer space, the one that stretches about a bazillion miles through the mountains of China, the one that you read about in your history books and travel guides. Pretty incredible huh? But, here's the deal. It was amazing and it was definitely incredible. How many times to you get to climb the Great Wall in a lifetime? But, the strange thing is that, while we were impressed, standing at one of the highest points on the Great Wall, it just simply pales in comparison to the real reason that we're here. Sounds strange? An abandoned orphan girl, given up by her parents, while probably in tattered clothes and a bungee cord diaper, more exciting that the Great Wall of China? In my eyes and the eyes of every family traveling with us, you will get a resounding YES. Pat and I were talking on the bus on the ride back to the hotel and in less than 24 hours, we are going to get our little girl. That little girl that we have always wanted or at least that I have always wanted and Pat has wanted for the past two years. I can't help but wonder what she is doing right now and how she has no idea that in less than 2 days, her whole world is about to change as well as ours. Our minds are reeling and our hearts are full. Tomorrow is Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City, equally important, it's also a visit to the Beijing Harley Davidson dealer."

Reflections on China

Days 2 and 3 of our visit to China

"WOW! What an amazing 48 hours!!! I think we arrived in Beijing last night. I'm really not sure since I'm in the twilight zone. We met Hope Chen, the house mom for the foster home ran by the m* family where we're exploring starting a partnership with. We arrived at the foster home about 11:15 and went straight to bed."

We visited the city of Langfang, went to the small orphanage there and had a very somber tour of that little orphanage. We spent all day in Langfang and then were taken to our hotel, the Beijing International, in Beijing to meet up with the rest of the travel group.

"We arrived at our hotel in Beijing about 3:30 and got settled in before going to dinner and STARBUCKS with some of the families in our travel group. It's already been an amazing adventure and it's just begun. One thing I know, the people of China have a spiritual hunger that only Jesus can satisfy."

And here is the post from my blog:

WE'RE HERE! And we still can't believe it. Pat posted some pictures on his blog so be sure and check them out.

Man, what a trip. We are having a great time so far, but everything just pales in comparison to the real reason that we are here. My mind is on one thing and I'm having a little trouble feeling the excitement of everything else around us.

We had a great visit with a M family last night and this morning. They are doing an incredible work running a foster home. I so enjoyed seeing the children and visiting with them. All of the 12 children in their home are special needs. They are just so precious. We arrived at the hotel this afternoon and have been out walking the street looking for dinner. The guys ate at McDonald's and I opened the lid of a grilled chicken (?) sandwich that just didn't look to suit me - to much unidentifiable things attached to it. Oh well, the picture on the box looked good. Anyway, I don't think I will starve. I had part of a mashed blueberry muffin that I saved from the plane. :)

Remember to check Pat's blog for more pics. Remember to pray for our little girl. We're so ready to get to her. We love you all and we'll post more tomorrow!

Stay tuned for more reflections.

Here is the post from May 7, 2007, we were headed to China. I cannot believe it's been 2 years. What an exciting 2 years it has been. I will be posting all this week about our adventure. Let's take a stroll down memory lane, shall we?


May 07, 2007

WE'RE OFF!!!!

I can't believe it's finally here. We flew out of Nashville this morning at 8:12 & are now sitting in the Detroit airport waiting for our connecting flight to Tokyo. It'll take us about 24 hours to arrive in Beijing...this really gives new meaning to the phrase "slow boat to China."

We've been waiting for this day for two years & it seems almost surreal. I'll be updating my blog every day, complete with pictures & maybe even a little video, so check in & see where our adventure takes us.

We won't arrive in Beijing until 9:25 tomorrow night, which will be 8:25 AM in Nashville. We're being picked up by some missionaries & we'll stay the first night at their home. They'll take us to our hotel on Wednesday evening, China Time, so it may be Wednesday morning, Nashville time, before I'm able to have Internet access & give you an update.
If I have a chance between now & then, count on an update.

Until then, please pray that we all stay healthy & safe. Pray for Jadyn to have as little problems as possible attaching to us when we pick her up on Sunday. Pray that all the families with us have an incredible experience.

Jadyn's Birthday Slideshow

Sorry it took so long, I've had a little trouble with my printer transferring my pictures. Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Special birthday post to come...stay tuned.

Happy Easter!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Here's a Funny for You

We have this thing here at the Hood house where Zac argues with Jadyn back and forth saying "that's MY Mommy" and so on and so forth. I truly believe they would spend hours arguing over this fact.

What is really funny when the name Daddy becomes involved.

Last night Zac said "that's MY Mommy" and the argument ensued. Jadyn immediately bristles and with quite the bark in her voice says "that's MY Mommy. It continues and has a tendency to get louder and louder. During the course of the argument, Zac always says "well, that's MY Daddy". To which Jadyn promptly responds EVERY TIME "well, that's MY Mommy". We all laugh, Pat realizes his place in the food chain and Jadyn is triumphant as she marvels at her arguing skills.

I was standing in the kitchen during the said argument and Pat had stepped into the little pastor's room. Jadyn was arguing with Zachary and suddenly he threw her a curve. Zac said to Jadyn "that's YOUR Daddy" To which Jadyn promptly and loudly replied "NO, that's YOUR Daddy and that's MY Mommy"!

I'm telling, that child is a genius. She will NOT be out argued.

To this I must ask myself one question. Why is it that EVERYONE in my house will not settle for being outdone?

Sheesh!

Have a fun Monday!

Alyza Kate's Birthday Party

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Birthday, Precious One

I've said it before and I'll say it again, adoption is not for the weak.

Today is one of those days that leaves an indescribable feeling of sadness, yet happiness in your heart of hearts.

February 28, 2007 our sweet Alyza Kate came into this world. So, today is her second birthday. It's been a really tough time for me, even though I knew what to expect. You see, we missed Jadyn's first birthday and well, quite frankly, it stinks. The only way I can describe it is to think about being away from your child on his/her birthday. I think over and over in my mind, does anyone care that it's her birthday? Will anyone tell her happy birthday? give her an extra special hug? give her an extra tight hug?

I pray they will.

I would ask that you pray for us today also. These are the things that cause my hair to require color to cover the grey. It's the things that keeps me awake at night, one of many things.

Alyza Kate,

Happy Birthday sweet girl! Today is your birthday and you may or may not even know it, but your family here knows that it is. We are praying for you, thinking about you, and longing even more to be with you. We cannot wait to come get you and bring you home with us. We will have a big celebration then and you can have a big party at that time. Your family waits for you and cannot wait until the day that we can give you that birthday kiss in person.

I love you,
Mommy

So, if you will, remember our sweet girl today. Ask God to bless her a little extra today and pray that someone will love on her just a little more than usual. Thanks friends, for walking this road with us. We love you.

We Have a New Daughter!

We are please to announce that we have received the referral of our beautiful Ethiopian daughter. We got the call at 1:28 pm yesterday from Abbey, our social worker. We were so surprised.

Of course, Pat was in Murfreesboro and I had to call him to tell him to get himself home - NOW. I told Abbey I would call her back when he got home, ran and got the video camera set up and waited on him to get here. Finally, they made it home and we called her back. She wasn't at her desk because that would have been much too easy, so I left a message. Soon, she called back and she emailed the information/pictures to us. We all gathered around the computer and opened the email.

Because of Ethiopian law, we can't post pictures in a public forum, blog etc. until after our court date. Just take my word, she is BEAUTIFUL. She is a little peanut, 23 lbs, but has the biggest eyes ever. Her eyes are the biggest part of her. She will be 2 this month on 2/28 and we are so sad that we won't be there for her birthday. But, we'll make up for it when we get her home. Pray, pray, pray for a speedy court date and that we pass the first time. We just want her home.

We are blessed beyond anything that we could hope for or imagine. We are praising God for His faithfulness and for His goodness. Thank you for sharing in our joy and rejoicing with us. God is good.

Don't Forget About Wall/Window Decals

Hey everyone!

Just a quick reminder. Don't forget about the wall/window decals that are available. They look great on your car and on your walls! What better way to start a conversation about adoption in the parking lot of the grocery store? :)

Thanks for your help in bringing home Alyza Kate. We really appreciate it!

Happy Almost Birthday Uncle Vern!

Today Tomorrow is my brother's/Jadyn's favorite Uncle Vern's birthday! (I didn't notice that it was the 3rd and not the 4th) Oops! Anyway, Happy B-Day tomorrow, we love you! Here's a little present from Jadyn.

Enjoy.

I Have New Look! Like It?

My dear friend from afar, Becky, did a little work on my blog. Actually, she did a lot of work. A complete makeover and I LOVE it! Now that we are adding another daughter to our family, one that happens to be from Africa, I felt the need to move away from a China blog, and move to something that describes our family.

We want our family to mirror the family of God. That why God led us to adopt. We want to be a picture, all nations, all colors. Our life is a full life, but we would be incomplete if we did not have Christ in our lives. In John 10:10, scripture tells us that He came so that we would have life and have it to the fullest. He has blessed us with a full life. Herein, lies the ins and outs, the ups and downs of what it means to be a Hood!

Let me know what you think about the blog and check out Becky's blog if you are looking for a "new look"! She is wonderful to work with and hopefully, she won't say that I was the hardest person that she ever did a blog makeover for!!!

Thanks for reading.

What Do You Do With This Information?

It has taken me several days after viewing the following video to process what I saw.  To say that it touched me is an understatement.  In discussing this with my friend Susan, she posed the question that I have had rolling around in my head but was unable to put into words,  "what do you do with this kind of information?"

Speechless.

As I finished this video, I was left speechless.  Literally.  Very few things leave me unable to form words, but this video did.  But, very quickly, I found myself crying out to my God.  Again, I say, what is the significance of my existence?  Am I REALLY making a difference in this world.  Could I, realistically, hop on over to Expedia and book a plane ticket to Uganda? No.  Does that change the fact that I have a responsibility?  No.

But, what?

What responsibility do I have after receiving this kind of information?  This is not 35 years ago, when your parents were telling you about the starving children in Africa, this is here, this is NOW. This are 3 children who are most likely orphaned by AIDS, left to care for themselves, with no provisions to do so. 

There is money being sent to Africa through many different organizations - some very good, some, not so good.  I have a heart for children, I have a heart for orphans, I have a heart for Africa.  This video shook me to my core.  Let me warn you, it is VERY hard to watch.  Probably, as hard as most anything that I have ever seen.

So, I'm asking you, that if you choose to watch it.  First, pray and ask God what He wants you to do with this information.  Then proceed with caution.  I know that it will shake you to your very core, as it did  me.  Then, let me know what you think, when you are once again able to form words and/or thoughts.  

Leave me a comment and answer the question - What do I do with this information?

Happy Weekend!

Yay, today is Friday.  I'm off on Fridays, so I love it when that day of the week rolls around.  It means that I've got the next three days to spend with my sweet family.  I LOVE Fridays!

I have been such a slacker when it comes to blogging.  I really do have a lot to say, I just go around, mumbling it to myself, and never actually get it on the blog.  But, I'm going to do better.  There, I typed it.  I am going to do better.  I have so many things that I think, I need to blog about that, but just don't take the time to sit down and get it on my blog, but things are about to change.  

So, allow me to sweep out those dusty, dark corners of my mind and get rid of a few things.  Then, I can start again, refreshed and renewed. :)

1.  Yes, I watched the inauguration and had very mixed emotions about the whole thing.  I am committed to praying for President Obama, his way of thinking on many things scares me, but he is our president.  I found myself very reflective and contemplative about how far we have come as a  nation and where we are.  No matter who you voted for, this was a big day for our country.  But, what "gets" me is that people see this as an end to racism.  Yes, we've come along way, but we are not there.  We have so far to go.  I plan on doing a whole post on the subject of racism in our world today.  This is something that has been weighing heavily on my mind and I've got a few things that I need to say.  Another post for another time!   

2.  I cannot keep the dust and crapola off of my wood floors.  Where does all this stuff come from?  I could sweep 10 times a day and it still looks dirty.  What's up with that?

3.  I desperately need a pedicure.

4.  And a massage.

5.  We have been on the waiting list for Ethiopia for 4.5 months now.  I'm tired of waiting.  

6.  I am not a very good waiter.

7.  It's 2:46 a.m. and I should be in bed, but I made the statement that I am going to be a better blogger and this is the only time that I have any peace on the computer.

8.  I think adoption is the greatest thing in the world that you can do for your family.

9.  I wish I had a pool.

10.  I think the fact that my daughter carries her purse to bed with her is the funniest thing in the world.  She is such a grandmother.  Her purse hardly leaves her side and it is crammed, and I do mean crammed, full!  The other morning Zac said that he needed lunch money, Jadyn spoke up and said "I get it, I get it" and opened her purse, pulled out a $10 Disney Princess Dollar and handed it to Zac.  Wow, if it were only that simple.  She had her purse on the table while she was eating breakfast.  It's just never leaves her side, or course, if I carried as much Disney Princess Money around with me as she does, it would never leave my side either.  Other items in her purse include, 3 hair bands, 72 socks, SilverMist fairy with a broken wing (we are saddened that she only flies in circles now but being crammed in a purse with 72 socks is hard on fairy wings), a golf ball (not sure where this even came from), thousands of Disney Princess Dollars, a spoon, and finally, a pad and pen.  She takes notes and names often.

I'm sure that I could go on and on, but after all, it is 3:00 a.m. and I hear my warm bed calling my name.  So, I think I'll leave it at that for now.  

More later...

New Do

Baby girl has a new hair cut.  And, oh my, she looks so old.  We finally got the last bit of her "leftover" hair cut off and my has it changed her appearance.  She just gets prettier and prettier every day.  I love that little girl.  Go ahead, see for yourself.

New Countries Available

Hey all,

If you look to the right, I have added some new countries that are now available.  The following countries are now available:  China, Ethiopia (the country itself), Africa, Guatemala, Haiti and Columbia.  If you would like to use paypal, you can, but if you want more than one, email me directly so I can adjust the shipping.  Shipping will only be charged once.

Thanks for looking and for your support!

Wall and Car Decals Now Available!

Hey everyone!  I am making available these vinyl car and wall decals.  They apply easily to your vehicle  or wall and look GREAT!  I have both the China and the Ethiopia on the back of my van.  People are already noticing.  What an easy way to open a dialogue about adoption.  Great conversation starters!  I can do other countries as the need arises.  They will be the same price.  I can also do them larger or you would like to have a larger one for your wall.

These will stay on forever, but are EASILY removed should you decide you would like to remove it.  They are not reusable though.  They are like Uppercase Living products, if you are familiar with them.

If you are interested in one, and you want to use paypal, just click on the "Add to Cart"  button at the right, after you choose the one you want.  Shipping is $2.00, but if you want more than one,  email me at and I will adjust the pricing for the shipping of multiple decals!  Or, if you just have a question about the decals, let me know.  

Thanks for looking and thanks for ordering!