tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44156344163138568592023-11-15T10:23:55.229-06:00to be a blessingApril Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-9319793596230777362014-01-28T08:41:00.003-06:002014-01-28T08:41:42.149-06:00Last Blog EntryThis is my last blog entry here. I am combining my photography blog, family blog, homeschool blog <a href="http://www.aprilhollingsworth.com/" target="_blank">all in one</a>. I'm not saying I will be blogging often. I don't know how much I will be sharing about our family. I at least hope to do more Bible study posts as well as our homeschool happenings. I am currently working on designing an animal classification notebook. Hopefully by the year's end it will be worth sharing. But don't hold our breath!April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-18811464678376015782014-01-02T21:21:00.000-06:002014-01-02T21:21:11.028-06:00Paleo Diet Day 2Chicken/Bone broth is still simmering. The smell is something to be desired.April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-39295767503482193062014-01-01T23:29:00.002-06:002014-01-01T23:34:28.447-06:00Paleo Day #0.5We didn't start out our day in Paleo mode. The kids ate regular ole breaded chicken fingers for breakfast. Yes, I said chicken fingers for breakfast. Seth didn't eat good yesterday so I wanted him to start the day with a full tummy.<br />
<br />
The kids actually ate <a href="http://www.thepaleomom.com/2013/01/mustard-and-rosemary-roasted-chicken-21dsd-friendly.html" target="_blank">mustard and rosemary roasted chicken</a> for supper. This was a miracle for Seth. I don't think he has EVER eaten a bite of non-breaded chicken without almost gagging. So, for a reward I made <a href="http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/04/recipe-chocolate-date-squares.html#comment-26355" target="_blank">Paleo chocolate date bars</a>. They were a hit!<br />
<br />
My day ending with me getting <a href="http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/03/recipe-chicken-bone-broth-revisited.html" target="_blank">bone broth</a> going. It's <a href="http://wellnessmama.com/5888/how-to-make-bone-broth-tutorial/" target="_blank">uber healthy</a>, but at first, it's super nasty looking. Imagine, a pot full of water with 2 chicken skeletons and giblets floating around in it. And it takes 48 hours to complete. My house smells great!<br />
<br />April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-80064014398250840032013-12-31T21:49:00.000-06:002014-01-01T23:31:13.808-06:00We Go PaleoAlmost two years ago (man, time flies) I went almost Paleo for 2 weeks. I lost seven pounds. I gained it right back when I started eating my usual modern-American/Western foods. Over the past 6 months, I've gained a pound here and a pound there. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the kids seem to be loosing their battle with asthma. It's not life threatening at this point, but when we are shelling out $165 a month PER KID for a daily control medicine and they are still having to get breathing treatments because of coughing and congestion... well, something's gotta give.<br />
<br />
A new friend of mine told me in passing that her sister is some sort of wellness doctor. I cannot remember her title, but it's not really important. I got her number and we talked for almost an hour. In short she told me the kids needed to be on the Paleo Diet. <br />
<br />
Now that the holidays are over and we are back in our own home, away from grandparents who mean well, but love to shower the kids with sugar, starches and more suger, we are going Paleo. So far, it's not going well. Raine can barely swallow eggs. Seth physically cannot eat meat that requires much chewing. <br />
<br />
I Googled "Paleo for Kids" and found this great interview with a six-year old. Boy, can Seth relate to her pre-Paleo days. I hope he'll eventually relate to where she is now.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thepaleomom.com/2013/11/like-meat-now-interview-6-year-old.html">http://www.thepaleomom.com/2013/11/like-meat-now-interview-6-year-old.html</a>April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-38194878573656122222013-12-25T01:07:00.002-06:002013-12-27T09:08:40.349-06:00This is My Christmas Post<span style="font-family: inherit;">FYI: This blog is maintained by me (April) only. This blog does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of my husband.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was planning on holding my <s>tongue</s> fingers until
after Christmas before I did my annual Scrooge post. But since I have
bronchitis and was given a major steroid injection, I am wide awake at 1:00 a.m.
this Christmas morn. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Usually by this time each year I have gone through my usual
questions about the truth of Christmas. Then, a friend or pastor convinces me
that Christmas is o.k. to celebrate. I quickly wave my hand over my forehead,
wiping the sweat from my brow in relief because I just love shopping for toys
to give to my kids. I love to watch them open presents on Christmas morning. Yes, my eyes would roll each and every time I heard a
reference to Jesus’ birthday. But, for the most part, I enjoyed the holiday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, this year is different. This year I read Deuteronomy
Chapter 12. I’ll begin in verse 28 here, “Be careful to obey all these words that I
command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you
forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God. When
the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations whom you go in to dispossess,
and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, take care that you be not
ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that
you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their
gods? – that I may do the same.’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in
that way, for every abominable thing that the LORD hates they have done for
their gods, for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their
gods.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not only does God tell us to worship Him only. He doesn’t even
want us taking practices from other religions and using them for Him. His
people have tried to worship Him in their own ways since Cain and Abel.
Apparently Cain knew what offering he was supposed to bring for the LORD, but
he chose to bring something else. When the Israelites were waiting on Moses to
come down from the mountain, they knew that golden calf couldn't do a thing for them. They
were planning on worshiping Yahweh the next day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But let's think about something else for a minute. Would it be ok if we, today, each made our own golden calf, placed it on our mantel and said it
was in honor of Him or His son? Would it be ok to use a Buddha statue in honor of him? What about a yin-yang? What if we took a holiday that was used by Muslims, scratched out all reference to "Allah" and replaced them with "Jesus." How would that make our God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob feel?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m pretty sure He feels the same way about Christmas. I'm also pretty sure that he'd rather us observe the Holy Days He Himself set forth. Christmas is not a Holy Day. There is nothing Holy (set apart) about it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
practices of Christmas started looonnnggg before Jesus was born. I could write all about it here, but there are
plenty of other blogs, websites and even books (check your local library) about
the history of Christmas. Yes, tomorrow I will be woken by my children who are
so excited to open their presents. My four-year old will probably tell us it is
Jesus’ birthday. I’m sure my kids will sing Happy Birthday Jesus as they blow
out the candles on a cake their grandmother made. And I’m fine with that. Why?
Because I know when they get older and begin studying the Bible, they will be
able to see the truth. I have faith that one day my entire household will be
worshiping the LORD our God in spirit AND truth. We shall know the truth and
the truth shall set us free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-58958234604956582492013-12-19T10:55:00.002-06:002013-12-19T10:56:11.770-06:00Wish I Had TimeI wish I had time to go through photos from yesterday and write all about our day... Eden's birthday. Let me just quickly hit the high points.<br />
<br />
*Raine was sick and we spent over three hours at the doctor's office, getting chest x-ray, waiting for her Rx, etc. Raine was asleep while Seth and I decorated cake balls and cupcakes.<br />
<br />
*Her fever broke by the time we got ready to go out to eat, so we still celebrated Eden as planned.<br />
<br />
*It felt weird and sad to celebrate my one year old's first birthday when we've only had her in our family for 3 months.<br />
<br />
*I think it was the fact that we had a plate full of cake balls and cupcakes with a "1" candle for our brown baby that got us lots of attention at Mr. Bill's. Some anonymous person paid for our meal. We were so humbled. <br />
<br />
All in all, it was a great day. Raine is feeling much better today. BTW: She was diagnosed with strep.<br />
<br />
Oh yeah, everywhere we went (doctor's office, outpatient x-ray, outpatient registration, etc. etc.) the kids were sure to tell those that commented on Eden's cuteness that it was her birthday. They are so proud of their little sister.April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-86875600264811742032013-11-19T13:23:00.000-06:002013-11-19T13:23:25.562-06:00Happy Holidays from Charles Spurgeon“We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas: first, because we do not believe in the mass at all, but abhor it, whether it be said or sung in Latin or in English; and, secondly, because we find no Scriptural warrant whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Savior; and, consequently, its observance is a superstition, because not of divine authority.” <br /> (Charles Spurgeon, Sermon on Dec. 24, 1871)<br /> <br /> <br /> “When it can be proved that the observance of Christmas, Whitsuntide, and other Popish festivals was ever instituted by a divine statute, we also will attend to them, but not till then. It is as much our duty to reject the traditions of men, as to observe the ordinances of the Lord. We ask concerning every rite and rubric, "Is this a law of the God of Jacob?" and if it be not clearly so, it is of no authority with us, who walk in Christian liberty.” <br /> (from Charles Spurgeon's Treasury of David on Psalm 81:4)April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-55135320042367616932013-09-29T22:22:00.003-05:002013-09-29T22:22:43.360-05:00Our First Feast of Booths<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Well, my first attempt at celebrating the Feast of Booths
was all but a complete fail. Why was I attempting to celebrate such a feast?
Because it is one of the many “holidays” ordained by God in the Old Testament.
Yep, there are actual holidays God has given us! Who knew? Now, why would I want to celebrate a holiday from the Old
Testament?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, if it is important to
God, it is important to me. After all, the Feast of Booths will be celebrated
during the Millennial Reign (Zechariah 14:16). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just how is the Feast of Booths celebrated? Let's look at Leviticus 23:33-43. </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text"><sup> </sup>And the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> spoke to
Moses, saying,</span> <span id="en-ESV-3437"><span class="text">“Speak to the
people of Israel, saying, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month and for
seven days is the Feast of Booths to the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">.</span></span>
<span id="en-ESV-3438"><span class="text">On the <span id="adtext_5"></span><span class="adtext">first day</span></span><span class="text"> shall be a holy
convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work.</span></span> <span id="en-ESV-3439"><span class="text">For seven days you shall present food offerings
to the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">. On the <span id="adtext_6"></span><span class="adtext">eighth day</span></span><span class="text"> you shall hold a holy convocation and present a food offering to
the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">. It is a solemn assembly; you shall not do any ordinary work.</span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span id="en-ESV-3440"><span class="text">“These are the appointed feasts of the
</span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">, which you shall proclaim as times of holy convocation, for
presenting to the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> food offerings, <span id="adtext_3"></span><span class="adtext">burnt
offerings</span></span><span class="text"> and grain offerings, sacrifices and
drink offerings, each on its proper day,</span></span> <span id="en-ESV-3441"><span class="text">besides the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">'s Sabbaths and besides your
gifts and besides all your vow offerings and besides all your freewill
offerings, which you give to the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">.<br /></span></span><br />
<span id="en-ESV-3442"><span class="text">“On the fifteenth day of the seventh
month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you shall celebrate
the feast of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> seven days. On the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the
eighth day shall be a solemn rest.</span></span> <span id="en-ESV-3443"><span class="text">And you shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees,
branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you
shall rejoice before the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> your God seven days.</span></span>
<span id="en-ESV-3444"><span class="text">You shall celebrate it as a feast to the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> for seven days in the year. It is a statute forever throughout your
generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month.</span></span> <span id="en-ESV-3445"><span class="text">You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All
native Israelites shall dwell in booths,</span></span> <span id="en-ESV-3446"><span class="text">that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel
dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> your God.”</span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I gave myself lots of grace in this. I borrowed a friend’s
EZ Up Tent instead of attempting to build my own. We would eat meals in the
tent and spend as much time in it as possible. Sleeping outside in the late,
but ever-so-hot summer with a baby was never considered. The kids and I would
decorate it with “leafy trees” that we would gather from nearby. I wanted them
to get as excited about our booth as they do about our Christmas tree. I also
invited a friend over to celebrate with us one night during the feast. Chicken
and dressing was on the menu as a means to get Jonathan excited about this “Jewish
holiday” as he calls it.<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the night of the fifteenth day of the seventh month, I
was driving home from the grocery store and noticed the full moon. I thought, “Don’t
all of the Feasts begin on a full moon?” When I arrived home, I checked the
internet to find that I had missed the first day of the feast! No big deal, we’ll
just get the tent up tomorrow. <br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day during Eden’s nap, <s>the kids and</s> I
assembled the ten. Note: when they named the tent “EZ Up” they mean that it is
only easy if two people are putting it up. By the time I got the tent ready, I was too hot, sweaty, and
tired for harvesting greenery. The next day was hectic as well, ya’ know with
three kids and all! Then, by the third day it had started raining. I just left
the tent up thinking it could withstand a little weather. The next morning, I
walked outside and saw that it had been demolished! Now where was I going to come up with $150 to replace my friend's tent?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later, I received an email from my friend informing me that rain would be coming on the evening of our marked fellowship. Since there was no tent anyway, we agreed to break bread inside the house. Then, the day before our scheduled meal, she emailed to cancel due to a minor illness. Bummer!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Determined to etch something in the memory of my kids in
regards to this feast, I sweet-talked my husband into pitching our little, but
serious, three-person tent in the middle of the living room. What a good sport
he was! He even helped me get this photo:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEqGzFfk4ZI/UkjuWH2g-5I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/v1uSwEHpUBM/s1600/tabernacles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEqGzFfk4ZI/UkjuWH2g-5I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/v1uSwEHpUBM/s400/tabernacles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<![endif]-->April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-13506147427544086742013-09-18T10:02:00.005-05:002013-09-18T10:03:00.251-05:00The Jump to Three Kids<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I don’t blog often. It’s just not my thing. But today I’ve
decided to take some time out of my laundry day to let you all know how life
with three children is going. I kept hearing and reading that going from 2 kids
to 3 was really difficult. When I read a particular blog post on the subject, I
thought, “Oh well, I’ll just have to quit my business and do the best I can.” </div>
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<br /></div>
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They were so wrong!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Going from 2 to 3 kids has been so easy. I wouldn’t say it
should be easy for everyone. The main reason I think it is easy for us is
because we adopted an 8 month old. She has already been trained to go to sleep
on her own. She practically sleeps all night now. She is very happy and content…
until she gets sleepy and I keep rocking her, refusing to lay her in her bed!</div>
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<br /></div>
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The jump from 1 to 2 kids was huge. Even the jump from 1 to
1.5 kids was huge. It was a lot harder to go to the grocery store with a 2 year
old and a huge belly than it is now. Pregnancy wore me out. Newborns wear me
out. Bringing Eden into our family has truly been, no big deal.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Na, in all actuality it IS a big deal. The big deal is that God has showered us with so much grace. He is all in this and we can feel
his presence. </div>
April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-55218790791162504792013-08-14T22:29:00.000-05:002013-08-14T22:31:23.250-05:00From Adoption to Redemption: Our Attachment PlanIf you are a mother who has given physical birth, I’m sure you remember when the nurse first gave you your baby. You were the first person your baby saw. You held her against your chest and she took in all your smells. Over the following weeks, she realized you must be someone important. You fed her, changed her, and rocked her. After a few more weeks, she probably smiled as you entered the room. Maybe she even cried when you left.<br />
<br />
As you are aware, I was unable to have all those moments with Eden. I didn’t give birth to her. I haven’t been there to change, feed, or rock her. She is now 8 months old and the “someone(s) important” to her are her nannies. In a few months, her new daddy and I will become the important ones. At first she won’t realize it. She may even wonder where her nannies are. She’ll wonder why she has been taken from her familiar bed and from the familiar sounds and smells of Ethiopia. Just because her life is “better” based on our standards, it doesn’t mean the adjustment will be easy for her.<br />
<br />
So for a while, her daddy and I will be the ones who will hold, feed, change, and rock her. We will be the only ones meeting her needs. We will not be leaving her in the church nursery or with any babysitters for a while. We don’t know how long this phase will last. We remain hopeful that she will attach to us rather quickly and you all will be able to love her like you do Raine and Seth. But until then, we ask that you love her from a distance.<br />
<br />
We appreciate each and every one of you who have prayed for us, supported us, purchased items from us, and given us money. While her adoption is almost over, her redemption is just beginning. What we need from you now, is time.<br />
<br />
We love you all!<br />
<br />
Grab some popcorn and a cola and enjoy the video I put together of our first trip!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2I-uXZELkM8" width="560"></iframe>April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-86488361860228387692013-08-07T21:45:00.001-05:002013-08-07T21:45:25.988-05:00To Jew or Not to Jew<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were in our small group class Sunday morning, looking at
Acts 2:42-47. During part of the discussion someone spoke up and said, “They
had to leave everything since Jesus came to do away with the Jewish religion
and replace it with Christianity.” Oh, my heart started pounding, I think smoke
may have even come out of my ears. I shook my head and just looked down at my
Bible in disbelief. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Why did I get so angry? Just a year ago I probably
would have agreed. Though now, having read the book of Acts with an open mind,
I see that the apostles’ mission was simply to preach about the resurrection.
They kept the feasts, the Sabbaths and even met in the Synagogues. They didn’t
celebrate Christmas or Easter. They were Jews and they remained Jews, just like
their, and my savior, Jesus Christ.</span></span></span>April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-49386885667824089682013-08-01T23:24:00.001-05:002013-08-01T23:24:12.919-05:00Together for the Good<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I just got home from our adoption agency’s annual women’s
event. The event features the testimonies of 4 women who play some role in
orphan care. Out of the 4 speakers, one is a foster parent and one adopted from
Uganda. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Somehow, I missed the memo about this event. I found out
about it last minute. A fellow adoptive mom encouraged me to sell my soaps
there as a vendor. There is no cost to have a booth and all vendors get free
admission. Sounded good to me, even though at the time, I had no idea what the
event was about.</div>
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I arrived, set up my booth and sold one bar of soap before
the speakers began. Our booths re-opened after the last speaker, and it didn’t
take long for me to realize that God did not send me there to sell soap. </div>
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A few weeks ago, when we were submitted to Embassy, I
thought that was evidence our case would go quickly. A few days ago, we received
an email stating they were ready to interview the police officer in charge of
Eden’s case. We got word that the police office would go to the Embassy at
their earliest appointment. I thought, “Alright, we’re days away from clearing!”
We then found out that the Embassy was backed up until August 7. No big deal,
that is just one more week. I pictured me waking up the next morning with an
email saying her appointment was on August 8. The next morning, I did get an
email, but the appointment wasn’t until August 13. Seeing that 13 was like a
punch in the gut. I know, looking back now, it’s not that big of a deal. It is
just 2 weeks, though it is 2 weeks away from getting our daughter. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, we started finding out that not only are plane tickets
high, there are no seats available on returning flights until late in the
month. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me just get to the point here because I really don’t
feel like writing all the details of what has happened in between. It’s just a
bunch of me trying to come up with a solution instead of being still and knowing
that God is God. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So tonight, as I sat in that room listening to other mothers’
stories, I knew why He sent me to that event. It was not so I could sell a
total of 9 bars of soap. It was so I could see what other parents have gone
through and see that this little problem of ours is just that… little. I have
been so foolish to dramatize this and make it feel so huge. Though even if it
were huge, it wouldn’t be too big for my God. He created Adam from the dust. He
parted the Red Sea. He saved Daniel from hungry lions. He made the lame walk.
He made the blind able to see. Most importantly He rose from the grave. So,
this little problem regarding seats on an airplane… that’s nothing to Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He may still choose for us to wait until September to
travel. But that would only be because it fits into his plan – not because He
couldn’t clear seats on the plane.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text Rom-8-28" id="en-ESV-28129">And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.</span> Romans 8:28</div>
April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-90345324733360441192013-07-25T09:13:00.000-05:002013-07-25T09:43:06.577-05:00Whata My Bid<span style="font-size: small;">My husband's one and only post:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">As
we come toward the end of our adoption process plane tickets have gone
up to 3X what they were just a few months ago. With the ticket prices so
high comes a need for more money than expected. Therefore, LAWNGISTICS,
LLC is offering a One Year Weed Prevention Program to the highest
bidder. The highest bidder will receive:</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Four (4) Pre-Emergent/Fertilizer Applications between September 1, 2013 and September 1, 2014. </span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">This
program includes 4 pre-emergent/fertilizer applications only. It does
not include post emergent weed control applications (although those can
be purchased seperately). The timing of the applications will be based
on need as determined by weather and Lawngistics for the maximum amount
of weed prevention possible. There is a 15,000 square foot maximum
limit. </span></div>
<div align="LEFT">
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Bidding starts at $300. To place your bid, simply leave a comment in the comment box. Watch the bid and feel free to comment more than once. Have fun! </span></div>
April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-78988943915629377282013-07-07T18:35:00.001-05:002013-07-07T18:35:38.979-05:00Bible ChallengeI will be posting photos of our trip soon. I want to write a detailed post about everything - not necessarily because I want you all to read it, but because I want to have it documented for myself. I took a journal thinking I would write in it each day. Who was I kidding? I hate journaling by hand. <br />
<br />
On another note, I want to do a Bible challenge for you. On the radio today, I was listening to a certain pastor, who will remain nameless. He made the statement that folks were angry at Paul because he was preaching the doctrine of grace. About 3 or so months ago, I would have agreed. However, I have recently read the book of Acts a few times with a clear mind, removing all preconceived notions and doctrines. I found a totally different story. Paul kept saying that he was being attacked for preaching about (fill in the blank). Can you tell me what it was? Can you count how many times he said it? Ready. Set. Go!April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-43229094537926159692013-06-30T21:43:00.000-05:002013-07-29T10:55:57.826-05:00Last FundraiserThis is Fantu, we call her Eden. She became our child on June 24, 2013. We are now waiting on the US Embassy in Ethiopia to approve immigration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLAkzY-IwVc/Ue5hbBcUqOI/AAAAAAAAB8I/MfJI4cg9Tys/s1600/ET01_0124+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLAkzY-IwVc/Ue5hbBcUqOI/AAAAAAAAB8I/MfJI4cg9Tys/s400/ET01_0124+copy.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<br /></div>
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During this time, we are fundraising for plane tickets. When we traveled the fist time for court, plane tickets were higher than expected and they can be even higher for this trip. I decided to make good use of my soap making hobby and sell my bars as a fundraiser. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqtnrtL7mZs/Ue3INpKX3BI/AAAAAAAAB7g/7aqptesMMdE/s1600/AustralianWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqtnrtL7mZs/Ue3INpKX3BI/AAAAAAAAB7g/7aqptesMMdE/s400/AustralianWEB.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Australian Outback contains tea tree essential oil and eucalyptus essential oil. Note: Each bar may differ in color and shape.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ622wViGRQ/Ue3IN4Q6JaI/AAAAAAAAB7k/seREQJMP0LQ/s1600/MSmudWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ622wViGRQ/Ue3IN4Q6JaI/AAAAAAAAB7k/seREQJMP0LQ/s400/MSmudWEB.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mississippi Mud is a reformulated version of my Cocoa Butter soap. Smells yummy! Too bad it isn't edible! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNtMxuk_2uA/Ue3IN0lkg6I/AAAAAAAAB7s/WZyUafyQc7c/s1600/oatsnhoneyWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNtMxuk_2uA/Ue3IN0lkg6I/AAAAAAAAB7s/WZyUafyQc7c/s400/oatsnhoneyWEB.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oats & Honey gives a super lather and a little exfoliation. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Each bar is approximately 4 oz and costs $5.<br />
<br />
If you need your soap shipped, please add that as another item. I can ship 8 bars for $5.95. up to 40 ship for $12.95. If you live in Tuscaloosa, I will be happy to deliver or meet you in town.<br />
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="paypal">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="NPWZE3FJAHNPY" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Soap & Shipping" />Soap & Shipping</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="Mississippi Mud">Mississippi Mud $5.00 USD</option>
<option value="Oats & Honey">Oats & Honey $5.00 USD</option>
<option value="Australian Outback">Australian Outback $5.00 USD</option>
<option value="shipping up to 8 bars">shipping up to 8 bars $5.95 USD</option>
<option value="shipping up to 42 bars">shipping up to 42 bars $12.95 USD</option>
</select> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input name="currency_code" type="hidden" value="USD" />
<input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_cart_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
If homemade soap isn't your thing and you would still like to help, we welcome donations.<br />
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="YHHC2HHSYQ5DN" />
<input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
<br />
If you are an adoptive family and would like information on selling my soap for a fundraiser, email me at aprilhwth (at) gmail (dot) com.
April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-46765992136925079812013-06-17T15:05:00.000-05:002013-06-17T15:05:06.001-05:00Here We Go!I've all but neglected this blog over the last 6 months. I'm finally taking some time out to update you all (whoever you are) on our adoption. If you are friends, family, Facebook acquaintences, then you already know that we are getting ready to meet our [daughter].<br />
<br />
Yep! That's right everyone, our second referral was for a girl. It's amazing, how everything has unfolded. I've tried to get through this adoption without sounding super-spiritual, but I cannot. It has truly happened in God's perfect timing.<br />
<br />
I admit, my heart's desire was for a little girl. And in the world of adoption, more often than not, if you do not request a girl, you end up with a boy. But still, I didn't feel right specifying the sex of our child. I knew deep down that if God wanted us to have a girl, he'd give us a girl. I didn't know how He would work it out, but now I know!<br />
<br />
Additionally, we are traveling the entire way with a couple from Birmingham. Just a few days ago, Jonathan realized he knew the guy! I must have been in a whirlwind this whole time as the other mom and I chatted back and forth via Facebook. It didn't occur to me until this morning that she and I (or shall I say, "they and us") live about an hour or so away form each other. Ummm... hello!? 2 girls, same age, from the same country, lived in the same transition home moving to the same state... let's just say we are going to keep in touch and see if the girls become good friends who can relate to one another. Is that awesome or what?April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-4946956717749839322013-02-07T22:16:00.001-06:002013-02-07T22:16:39.047-06:00You are Amazing, God
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You may remember last fall when I became concerned with
unethical international adoptions. We spoke with our coordinator and found out
about some changes that had been made in Ethiopia. We felt fine to proceed with
our adoption. That’s not to say my concerns were in vain. God used that time of
research and prayer to cultivate in me, compassion for birth mothers. Therefore
when we received the referral for Joseph, my heart immediately broke for his
mother. I don’t know if a day went by that I didn’t think about her. I knew she
loved Joseph. I imagine she thought about him every day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed and prayed that if she was able to
take care of him and WANTED to take care of him, she would be able to get him
back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When she appeared in court to relinquish her rights she gave
information that was different than what she gave at the orphanage. This meant Joseph’s
paperwork had to be amended. No big deal, right? Well, in Ethiopia (and
probably all throughout Africa) they don’t get in a hurry. They get to it when
they get to it. Sometimes I wish we lived like that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weeks went by with no word on his paperwork. Weeks went by
without a court date. Then, finally about a week or so ago, Lesley emailed me
to say we were just waiting on the paperwork to be finalized. Finally, we were
on the home stretch!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then, on Monday, my phone rang. It was Lesley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have some bad
news.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Uh, huh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Joseph’s mother changed her mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s ok,” then I smiled and praised God for being God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-56763336597192613672013-01-01T22:16:00.003-06:002013-01-01T23:11:06.680-06:00We Three KingsDid you know that that three kings did not visit Jesus at his birth and bring him gifts? It is simply a tradition of man that has somehow made its way into Christmas nativity scenes. The Bible never mentions how many wise men there were and it never says that they are kings. They did not visit Jesus while he was in the stable, but when they were living in a house after he was at least 18 months old.
<br />
<br />
There are other traditions that have become significant in Christianity and I am questioning whether or not they are honoring God. Christmas in general is always something that I deal with. Sunday worship is another. <br />
<br />
I know, Paul says in Romans 14:5-6,
"One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God."
<br />
<br />
I question whether or not that passage can even be used in context of Saturday vs. Sunday rest or with celebrating Christmas. But even so, why do we often use Pauls writings to justify something we do that Jesus did not authorize?
<br />
<br />
Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-19 "Do no think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
<br />
<br />
He also says in Matthew 7:22-23 "On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name... and do many mighty works in your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of <b><em><u>lawlesness</u></em></b>."<br />
<br />
Matthew 13:41 "The Son of Man will send his angels and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law breakers and throw them into the fiery furnace..."<br />
<br />
Matthew 15:6 "So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God..."<br />
<br />
I would say those are some mighty condemning statements. I'm not trying to be legalistic here. I am simply searching for the truth. It's getting harder and harder for me to write-off the statements of Jesus as if he only meant them for the three years he went about preaching. <br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more as I re-read through all the gospels without a filter, and without Paul.<br />
<br />April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-25804129488014753882012-12-11T13:17:00.001-06:002012-12-11T13:17:19.557-06:00One More FundraiserWe expect to travel within the next 3 weeks. We checked on plane tickets and WOAH! They are double what they were at the beginning of the month. If our court date happens to be in January, I don't suppose they will decrease in price since Ethiopia's Christmas is in January. <br />
<br />
We have enough for this trip thanks to our church family who have given so graciously to the adoption fund. However, we hope to leave some money in the account after we are finished in hopes it will encourage another family to adopt. Therefore I am launching another fundraiser.<br />
<br />
I made these peg people for my son last summer. I had forgotten about them until today when he got them out to play. He absolutely loves them. <br />
<br />
They come in a set of 8 (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white and black). You can specify if you want blonde (yellow), brown or black hair. You can specify skin color. You can also specify boy or girl (girls will have a bow painted in the hair.) If you have no preference, I will mix and match randomly.<br />
<br />
The cost is $16 for local peeps and $20 if you need them mailed.<br />
<br />
If you need these by Christmas, I suggest placing your order by the end of this week. We hope to get travel approval next week!! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CimGff9opCM/UMeDwCcnUoI/AAAAAAAAB2g/3ViEOvK07II/s1600/peg+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CimGff9opCM/UMeDwCcnUoI/AAAAAAAAB2g/3ViEOvK07II/s640/peg+people.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="SX5ULA943RFS4">
<table>
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on0" value="Peg People">Peg People</td></tr><tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="Local Pick-Up/Deliver">Local Pick-Up/Deliver $18.00 USD</option>
<option value="w/Shipping">w/Shipping $20.00 USD</option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on1" value="Options">Options</td></tr><tr><td><select name="os1">
<option value="Girls">Girls </option>
<option value="Boys">Boys </option>
<option value="Girls & Boys">Girls & Boys </option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on2" value="customize">customize</td></tr><tr><td><input type="text" name="os2" maxlength="200"></td></tr>
</table>
<input type="hidden" name="currency_code" value="USD">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
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April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-89795284556487583572012-12-04T09:22:00.001-06:002012-12-04T09:22:46.841-06:00This is Where it Gets HardOur preliminary hearing was yesterday. I waited patiently for Lesley to call and let us know how it went. The day came and went. I called her this morning and she basically said that no news is good news. Unless there is a problem, we usually don't hear from Ethiopia at this point. <br />
<br />
So now we wait for the MOWA letter. It could be a few weeks. No one really knows. <br />
<br />
And that's the hard part. Just sitting here, waiting for a call that may not come for weeks. Going about your day, hearing the phone ring wondering if it's Lesley. <br />
<br />
But what's worse is knowing that this doesn't even compare to how it will feel once we have been to Ethiopia, met Joseph, been declared legally his parents, came home without him, then once again waiting on a call that may take months. April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-21483392898469132432012-12-03T09:01:00.000-06:002012-12-03T09:01:10.640-06:00AnticipatingI am assuming Joseph's mother has appeared in court by now. I am anxously waiting to hear how it went. My heart aches for her, but I would be lying if I said I won't be sad if she decided not to give him up. I tried to guard my heart until it was official. However, a week ago while I was sitting in church, one of the recent photos we recieved of him popped up in my mind. I smiled inside at how healthy he looked. He appears to be kind of stocky. I then pictured him as a football player. At that moment, I fell in love. It had nothing to do with football. I don't even like football. I never want my boys to play the dangerous sport. It was just imagining him developing his own personality and his own interests. No doubt that whatever activitiy my kids decide to pursue, I will be there watching even if it's something as boring as dangerous as football, as boring as baseball, or as ear piercing as a saxophone (my least favorite instrument). I have already seen that in our daughter. She is not creative like me. She is scientific and mathematical and I love that about her. Because it's her. And I will love things about Joseph even if they aren't my favorite things. April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-47433193048803240822012-11-30T21:18:00.004-06:002012-11-30T21:18:49.040-06:00My PlaylistI am old school. I don't have a smart phone and my phone, obviously is not an Apple. It does have an mp3 player, though. However, when I started the Couch to 5K running program, I discovered that it wouldn't play iTunes mp3s. Apple has made it so that you must have an Apple brand mp3 player in order to use their iTunes. <br />
<br />
But there is a way....<br />
<br />
You can burn a CD using iTunes. Then open the CD in Windows Media player. Rip the CD, then use that particular mp3 file in your non-Apple brand mp3 player. I know, it's a lot of steps. That's why any more mp3 purchases will be done via Amazon.<br />
<br />
Now, on to my playlist that I will use to get me through the 20-30 hours of traveling.<br />
<br />
How Can I Keep From Singing<br />
From the Inside OUt<br />
How Great Is Our God<br />
Hear Us From Heaven<br />
Revelation Song<br />
I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous)<br />
Be Thou My Vision (one of my favorite hymns)<br />
Before the Throne of God Above<br />
I Have Always Loved You<br />
Jesus Paid It All<br />
Speak O Lord<br />
You and Me (so far the only secular song)<br />
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (my favorite Christmas song sung by David Phelps)<br />
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)<br />
My Savior My God<br />
The Wonderful Cross<br />
While I'm Waiting (my theme song for this adoption)<br />
<br />
I need more, so please leave a comment if you can think of one I should add.<br />
April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-40626646901777235052012-11-27T17:04:00.001-06:002012-11-27T17:04:07.895-06:00UpdateEthiopia is making some changes to the adoption process and we are excited about it!<br />
<br />
The preliminary hearing for our case is set for December 3. This is the hearing in which the birth mother is interviewed. Then, we must wait until all paperwork has been submitted before we will have a date for our portion of court. If you know anything about Ethiopian adoptions, you know that no adoption is completely approved before the MOWA letter is received. In the past, it was common for a family to pass court "pending the MOWA letter." Under the currect changes, we won't even have a court date until they receive the MOWA letter.<br />
<br />
I can already see God answering our prayers. We have asked. We have seeked. And we have knocked. "Please God, let our adoption be totally transparent and ethical. We are proceeding in faith. You and only you can shut the door on this adoption!<br />
<br />
So, now we just wait. We will wait on December 3rd to come. We may hear something the following day, we may not. We may travel in December, we may not. But I will gladly wait another month or two to meet Joseph if it means that the time between the two trips will be shortened. However, I do not know if these changes will affect the embassy side of things. We shall wait and see. It has been amazing to see how God is working in all of this. Rumor is going around that Ethiopia is trying to become a "one-trip" adoption process. Oh, that is our prayer for the families in the future!April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-4805087887323390492012-11-15T13:12:00.000-06:002012-11-15T13:12:04.742-06:00Story ContinuedWe hung up the phone and headed straight to the health department. Our plan was to wait in line for the shots, get the ones they had, then have them order the rest. We concluded that was the only way would be able to talk to "the nurse."<br />
<br />
We get to the health center at 4:00. "We stop taking patients at 3:30," a detail I somehow forgot. We told the lady at the clinic what we needed.<br />
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"Oh, yeah, we keep all those in stock. Come back on Thursday, but get here at 7:45 a.m. It's first-come-first-serve and if you get here much later, you'll have to wait a while.<br />
<br />
I'll spare you all the details and leave you with this....<br />
<br />
Seven hundred dollars (for both of us) and my left arm is killing me.April Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4415634416313856859.post-87533465079200865992012-11-13T21:54:00.001-06:002012-11-13T21:57:56.162-06:00Getting ReadyNow that we have accepted our referral we are waiting on a court date. There have been lots of people before us who find out their court date a week prior. We aren't ones to plan a trip across the globe with only one week notice, so we are getting ready now. <br />
<br />
There are certain immunizations that are needed. We've been told it's best to get them done at the health department as they are less expensive than getting them at your doctor's office. A friend of mine said they had to make an appointment and have some of the immunizations shipped from Atlanta (where the CDC is). I called the health department only to find out that things had changed since my friend traveled to Ethiopia 3+ years ago. They do not make appointments. It's a first-come-first-served basis. <br />
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"O.K." I said to the [lady on the phone]. "I just need to make sure you will have the immunizations we need. We've heard you may have to order them from Atlanta."<br />
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"You'll have to ask the nurse that question and she is only here on Tuesdays and Thursdays."<br />
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"O.K. Thanks"<br />
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Tuesday (today) gets here and I call the health department as soon as I got home from taking Raine to school. I went through the same spill as before.<br />
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"You'll need to speak with the nurse and she is in clinic right now. I will transfer you to her voicemail."<br />
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By 3:30 I still had not recieved a call from "the nurse." So I called again. This time I said, "I need to speak with someone who can help me. We need to get immunizations for travel to Ethiopia and I understand you may need to order them from Atlanta."<br />
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"The only lady that can help you is in clinic right now."<br />
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"No one else can answer my question?"<br />
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"No."<br />
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"O.K. Thanks."<br />
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Jonathan said, "Let's just get them done at the doctor's office." By this time, we didn't care. Certain immunizations take 20 days to become affective. Mathematics says we better hurry. I called our doctor to make an appointment. The earliest he had was November 26. Sigh. I then read the immunizations we would need. The receptionist said, "We don't carry all of those. We will have to refer you to the health department.<br />
<br />
to be continuedApril Hollingsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060739045932997754noreply@blogger.com0