Happy Birthday Seth

You don't look like you have a twenty two year old...

At least that's what I tell myself when I look in the mirror. :)

Yes, it's hard to believe, but today, my firstborn is 22 years old. Can't believe that he's that old, can't believe that I am as old as I am either.

22 years ago today, Seth made his way into the world. I went in the hospital on Friday morning and he was born Sunday at 10:15 a.m. Can you say 56 hours of labor? FINALLY, Dr. Jones shuffled in on Sunday morning and said "why don't we get that thing out of there?" I was the first to agree. So, in just a matter of minutes, I was wheeled into the OR and had an 8 lb. 2 oz. baby before I knew it. We had decided on the name Seth, but had not decided on a middle name. The first time Pat held him, he said that I could name him what ever I wanted. So, Seth Patrick Hood it was.

Seth, you have been a joy and a blessing to our lives. We've grown up together, so to speak. We were so young when we had you and we've made our share of mistakes, but one thing has never changed, and that's our love for you. We are so very proud of you and what you are becoming. We can't wait to see what God has in store for your life. We love you and hope you had a very happy birthday!

Happy Birthday,
from the fam!

Thanks for reading everyone.

He's Baaack!!!

Finally, after 6 months Seth has returned to the good ole U S of A. It is wonderful to have 3 of my children back on the same continent. We've still got one or two missing, but they will come in time. By that time, Seth will probably be somewhere in Southeast Asia again.

It was a great homecoming and I think he is really enjoying being home. After picking him up at the airport, next stop was Cracker Barrel. He decided on the Sunrise Sampler, by the way. We enjoyed burgers on the grill followed by cherry cobbler and ice cream. It was a very good day. I am very relieved to have him back safe and sound and am so thankful for God's protection over his trip and travels. Here are a few pictures from the day. Thank you all for your continued support to be me and Seth. He was so encouraged by your comments on his blog and I am so grateful for all the prayers on our behalf. God has done such a work in Seth's life. I am continually amazed by him. He came home so mature! I guess it was all the weird foods, it'll make a man out of you!

Thanks again for loving on my boy. Continue to pray for him and his journey as he begins school, work and has a full plate.

K K K K Kathmandu

Well, the time has come for Seth, what he has been waiting for for 12 weeks.  He has now arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal.  

Yes, as Pat said, it makes me a little nervous, but I know God is in control.  Seth was so excited on Sunday when we talked with him on several occasions.  He could not wait to get there.  I asked him if he was nervous, he said no.  He repeatedly said that he was very excited.

The unrest in Nepal has settled to some degree, for that I am grateful.  I know God is holding this child in the palm of His hand and that Seth is exactly where he is supposed to be.  The next 6 weeks will not be easy for him.  It's definitely not a vacation.  He has been told that at times, they were not sure where they would be sleeping or where they will be eating.  I'd just like to get some sleep. :)  But, Seth is in his element, and Lord knows, he will eat anything.

Seth, I am so very proud of you and for what you are becoming.  You are an example to us all.  I love you son and I pray for you every day.  He will not have computer access very often (if any), so I will post on my blog and on his information as it is available.  Thank you all for praying for him while he has been gone and I asked that you continue to do so.

Picture of the Week

When we talk to Seth on Skype, which is very often, Jadyn loves to talk to him. Many times, she wants to sit on the computer desk, right up next to the monitor. She shares her "tag" with him, gives him a drink of her milk or juice, and all those fun things. I love to watch her as she talks to him. She also gives him lots of sugar. Seth, I hope you can feel the love from across the world!

Our Story...Part I

How refreshing it is when you look back and see the how a few of the pieces of the puzzle fit together. It always causes me to stand in awe of the Father. Some of you may know our story and some may not. So, for those of you that don't, the following paragraphs will allow you to look into the window of our lives. While it's tough stuff to deal with, I feel compelled to share our story. It's always important for something to be learned from your situations and circumstances. Equally, sometimes it's for someone to learn from your situation and circumstance. After all, if you don't have purpose for your pain, you just have the pain, and nothing to show for it. Let's begin, shall we?

January 7, 2007 2:08 a.m.

In May of 2005, we began a journey of a life time. We started the adoption process and looked forward to the addition of a new family member in the upcoming months. The wait time was a short 5-7 months for referral. We were logged in Oct. 21, 2005 and I don't have to tell you what happened with the wait time. It was at that moment that time began to nearly stand still. We received the referral of our precious Jadyn on March 5, 2007, traveled as a family in May 2007 and brought Jadyn home May 19, 2007. It was during that wait time of 2 years that my family experienced many ups and downs such as the death of my Mother, only 2 months after beginning our paperwork. It was a tough time, but it was only going to get tougher. It was also during this time of great pain that we began to watch our oldest son, Seth, pull away from his relationship with God and begin to live in rebellion. After some very difficult times, he moved out of our home out on his own, where we had much less control. With Pat being a pastor, we have lived in a fish bowl most of Seth's life. And, of course, the rumor mills began to crank out those rumors. Many of which were just blatant lies. Imagine that, the enemy using lies and the people that spread them, to bring you down. What a novel idea!

We had always planned to take both Seth and Zachary with us on our trip to China, but with Seth's growing rebellion, we had made the difficult decision to leave him at home. We explained this too him. He didn't like it, but understood. Again, in spite of the anticipation and excitement of seeing our daughters face for the first time, it was dampened by the situation going on around us. Even with the joy of our impending referral, it was a dark time.

Fast forward almost 2 years. We began to see God working in Seth's life, little things here and there. Comments he made, things that he did etc., were demonstrating that God was turning his heart toward Him. Pat and I really had to mind our own business, and allow God to mind Seth's business. We made the decision to give Seth a list of guidelines that he had to follow to allow him to go to China. He did these, all of them. So, after much prayer, we decided to let him go with us. We left May 8, 2007 China bound. On May 13, 2007, we witnessed the beginning of a transformation before our very eyes. We traveled to Jadyn's orphanage on that day, a day that I must say for obvious reasons, it changed all of our lives. But, a miracle happened that day. I watched as my 21 year old adult son knelt down beside a little girl in dirty clothes and in a dirty walker with snot dripping off her chin, and and ever so gently wipe her nose and face with a tissue he borrowed from one of our travel group ladies. Seth has always been very caring and gentle, so I was moved, but not surprised by his action. Little did I know, I was watching as God was transform the heart of my child, before my very eyes. Seth was very moved, and left in tears after visiting with "the least of these" that the Bible so plainly talks about. It was a life changing day for us all.

Again, fast forward. Tonight, as a family, we drove to the airport in Nashville and watched our 21 year old son, go through the security gate alone, to board a plane bound for Malaysia - to serve as a missionary there for the next 6 months with YWAM (Youth With Mission). We were met there by friends and family, who were there to see Seth off and be support for us. After returning from China, Seth begin to sense a calling had been placed on his life to return to Asia to demonstrate the love of God to "the least of these". We watched him move back home, begin college again and complete the semester with 3 A's and 1 B (and he was MAD about the B), spend time EVERY day with God, work full time, and live a God honoring life.

During the 2 year wait for Jadyn, I questioned MANY times God's plan in this all. Why so long? Why were we going through these things? Why was God not answering my prayers? and so on. Looking back now, I see so many pieces of the puzzle and how they fit together. And what I see, is on a small part of the puzzle. And, as I sit here tonight at 2:08 a.m., unable to sleep, because my first born son is somewhere on a plane bound for Taiwan and then on to Malaysia, I felt an overwhelming prompting from God to share our story. As I was replaying the events of the past 2 1/2 years in my mind, God reminded me of something. "This adoption that I lead you to was not about you, and it wasn't about a little girl living in an orphanage in Fuling, China, and it wasn't about the transformation of Seth, it was about Me and My glory - all the time." This journey is not about us, it about a much bigger plan - one that is life changing and transforming.

So, whatever the reason, God had me share this with you. Maybe you are in the middle of a storm with a child that is rebelling, God has a plan. Maybe the crushing feeling of increasing wait times has you feeling defeated, God has a plan. Maybe you are wondering how this adoption will change your life, God has a plan. I don't know, but God does. We think we have it all figured out, but what we know barely scratches the surface. God used a little girl with a runny nose to bring a 21 year old to say "I just want to share Jesus with people". You never know what the impact of this journey that we are all on, whatever your journey. I am so very grateful that the Master Artist is making all things work together for good.

Pray for Seth, as he spends the next 6 months sharing God's love with others. He will be in Malaysia for 3 months and then spend the next 3 months in another location. He will seek God's face on where he is to go, but it will be somewhere in South Asia. I have a link to his blog from my blog, should you want to follow his journey. But mostly, I just ask for your prayers - for his safety and that he can effectively communicate the transforming power of the gospel to the people of South Asia.


(I wrote this in wee hours of the morning after taking Seth to the airport. It was one of the toughest times of my life. But, seeing God work through this, made it easier to bear. Thank you for praying for our family)

Amy

Friday Photo Fun

This is a picture that Seth took on one of his outreach visits. They visited a camp of illegal immigrants that is made up of men from all over Southeast Asia.

I don't know anything about this man, except that his name is Johan and he is muslim. But, there is just something about his "look". These men live in the unfinished houses that they are building. Most of them have left their countries because of political strife or family problems. Looking at his face reminds me of how important it is to pray for the nations.

Father, reveal Yourself to Johan and draw him to you.

Bless God for Technology!

It is wonderful to hear from Seth over the phone, but it does my heart good to actually get to "see" him. We talked night before last on Skype (thank you Lord for Skype) and actually got to see his face. Believe it or not, I slept all night that night, which is you know me well, that is a feat in and of itself. Here are some pictures that I took that night, so you can see his face too!

We Have Luggage!

Talked with Seth last night about 6 times on the computer with Skype. It was so good to see his face. He looked great and sounded great. He said that he felt much better after resting.

He then called twice using someone's cell phone - somehow it didn't cost the guy anything so he used it, we got cut off, and he called us back.

He called this morning using a phone card that he purchased for $3 USD. He has an hour and a few minutes on the phone card. He talked to all of us and sounded really good. The best news of the day is he got his luggage! Praise God. He feels so much better about that, he said that they even had his book that he left on the plane - go figure! It is about 10:30pm there and he was going to finish unpacking and go to bed. He has moved rooms and now has 2 Malaysian and 1 Indian room mate - all super nice he said. He is doing great and for this we are so thankful.

The Time is Here

We are loaded up and ready to go. This was in the driveway - we were planning to leave at 4:30pm and it was 4:32pm - Go Hoods! that is an accomplishment in and of itself. Of course, we were not quite out of the neighborhood and had to go back for my camera - Boo Amy! now, that's more like it. Seth was talking to my brother and sister-in-law.

Good, we made it. We are riding the people mover, on our way in the airport. Another proud moment for the Hoods!

This is quite typical of the looks that Seth gives Zachary, of course, Zac don't pay much attention to Seth's looks - after all, he's taller than Seth.

This is where things took a turn for the worse. American Airlines was not going to let him get on the plane because he did not have a Malaysian visa (which he is NOT required to have) and said that he would be deported when he got to Malaysia. We told her that we would take our chances, but apparently this AA ticket girl is in charge of the WHOLE Malaysian immigration department. I wanted to say "call them and tell him to be on the look out for him, he wearig a green shirt", but I thought it best to keep my big mouth shut. Pat was mad enough for all of us! :) She sent us to another lady who processed it right on thru, then 5 minutes later, called Seth over the intercom because the Malaysian Immigration Representative for AA (NOT) had talked with her. We went through the same dance with her and finally, she called China Air - they said "no problem" and we were on our way - again. It was, however, quite the scene.

The Zehrs, the Mills, the Overbys and our family gathered around and prayed over Seth. It was a tearful and powerful moment. Thank you guys for making the trek to the airport, you will absolutely NEVER know what it meant to us (me especially) to have that support.

One last quick family picture, not sure why Jadyn looks like she had been in a wind tunnel. I was trying to keep my composure and not fall onto the floor in a fetal position, okay, maybe it wasn't that bad - but I REALLY wanted to burst into tears.

And from here, he was on his own. Wow, he got through that security gate, turned around and waved too us, then came the tears. Seth, we are so very proud of you! We then went to Toots and stuffed our faces - food always helps you know!

Hard Days Night

Well, it's the middle of the night and I can't sleep. Big surprise, right?

Yesterday was one of the hardest days of my life. I can't tell you about how thrilled and excited I am for Seth, but as I sit here, knowing that he is somewhere over the ocean in a plane bound for Taiwan, then Malaysia, my Mother's heart aches. I'm not nervous about him traveling at all. I just want him to love what he is doing. It's the fear of the unknown for me. For those of you who don't know our story, Pat's sermon yesterday was wonderful. He shared a portion of Seth's story and it would be well worth your time to listen to it on line.

Here's the link.

Sermon - Sunday 1/6/07

What a proud and tough day it was. I will post pictures later on in the day, I really need to go to bed. Pray for Seth and for our family. God is good.

Amy

But God, He's My Firstborn...

This is what I have told God many times over the past months.

As you may or may not know, Seth, my firstborn, will be boarding a plane to Penang, Malaysia tomorrow for a short-term mission trip with YWAM (Youth With a Mission). He will be there until he returns to the states on June 16, yes, I said June! That's 5.5 months. If you know the whole story of where Seth came from, where he went, and where he is today - God is truly amazing and He is working mightily in Seth's life. How proud I am as his Mother to see what he is allowing God to do. He is truly seeking God in everything he does and he just wants to tell people about Jesus - it's that plain and simple. Seth has a story to tell - I am grateful that God is allowing him to tell it. Some time ago, he told us that he feel like God is calling him to the mission field. He is currently corresponding with a group in Africa that he is considering becoming a part of AFTER he returns from Malaysia. Wow, is all I can say sometimes.

But, then there is the reality of it all. It's a tough thing for a Mom to let her child go and experience the world, but really experiencing the world, on the other side of the world, scares the heck out of me. I am about to send him to live in a foreign country, by himself for 6 months. At times, I feel almost a choking feeling in my throat when I think about taking him to the airport tomorrow and watching him go through that security gate. He will be living with a group of people that he don't know, in a culture that he's never experienced, in a place that he's never been. Have I prepared him for life? Have I done my part as his Mother? Have I done enough? It was a decision that he made on his own. He prayed over and chose this location - it was all between him and God. But, nonetheless, he is my firstborn. Oh, I know that the God I serve is Sovereign and that He is in complete control, but I am his Mom.

I am so very proud of him and am VERY excited for him. Pray for Seth and pray for us. He is thrilled and excited, but anxious about leaving Jadyn, go figure! They have become quite close since we brought her home.

If you want to follow his blog, here is the link to it.

Seth's Blog

I would appreciate any encouragement that you can give him and comments that you leave on his blog. Pray for us as we take this monumental step in cutting the apron string.

I love you Seth and I am so very proud of you, my firstborn.

How great is our God,
Mom

Favorite Photo Friday

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear seth, happy birthday to you! Can you believe it, Seth is 21 years old today. Now I really feel old. It seems like just yesterday Dr. Jones told me, you ain't ever gonna have that baby. And, after a million hours of labor, decided to do a C-section. How we love him and can't wait to see what God's going to do in his life. Happy Birthday Seth, we love you!!!