Friday, November 21, 2014

SuperHero Capes for Sale - through 12/15

SUPER PERSON capes for sale!!!! Order before 12/15 to get them in time for Christmas :)

Our girls put on a cape and the completely transform.  What a fun way to boost creative play!

Capes cost $20 each + $5 flat rate shipping (no matter how many you buy).
$10 of every sale goes straight to our adoption fund! 

ORDERING INFO: 
You can Paypal the total  ($20/cape and $5 shipping) and make sure you include 1) the design you want 2) your shipping address.  Please select the friends/family option so it doesn't charge fees :)
Here is the step by step on Paypal :)
1.  Go to www.Paypal.com
2.   Select Send money at the top of the page. 
3.   Enter jsrbrown@gmail.com, the total amount, and then press continue.
4.   Select "This is to friends and family."
5.  In the notes section, put in your address and design.
  
Once you pay you will get a confirmation email.  I will also get a notice that you paid.  I will send you a second confirmation from me to let you know that I got it and confirm the design :)  I've attached a picture so you an get a better look at the designs too!  They are all double lined satin and have a velcro closure :)


1 = Superman (Red on top & Blue underneath)
2= Superman (Blue on top & red underneath)
3 = Batman (black on top & yellow underneath)
4 = Robin (red on top & green underneath)
5 = Flash (red on top & yellow underneath)
6 = Captain America (blue on top & red underneath)
7 = Spiderman (red on top & black underneath)
8 = Green Lantern (Green on top & Silver underneath)
9 = Batgirl (black on top & fuschia underneath)
10 = Wonder Woman (red on top & blue underneath)
11 = Spidergirl (Purple on top & pink underneath)
12 = Supergirl (pink on top & silver underneath)
13 = Iron Man (Red on top & Yellow underneath)
14 = Thor (Red on top & Black underneath)
15 = Hulk (Green on top & Purple underneath)


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

How can I ever compare to the Proverbs 31 woman…..

     Today my number was called. It was my turn to be a lector. When I saw my name some time ago I went to read the passage. As soon as I saw the reference I wanted to bury my face in my hands. Really, God? Proverbs 31?! You have GOT to be kidding me. You want ME to read the passage about the Biblical, hypothetical superwoman. Oh boy, have you got this wrong…right? What can I say that compares to this woman; what I can illustrate to our Church about the “perfect wife.” Seriously, there are entire ministries, book series, t-shirts about this woman. No way, not me. Pick someone else. Period.
    But we don’t do that in our house. For better or worse, when we are called, we do it. Kicking and screaming in protest, we do it. So, I dived in. Even up until the night before, I was bargaining…surely there must be some mistake. Maybe they will email me and say it’s not Sunday. But they didn’t. What can I say that can compare to this noble woman. How can my words do anything but darken her?            
     But…then I realized. It’s not me. It’s God. I am me. I am dirty, broken, and will never be the perfect wife. But, I don’t have to be. God and my Adam love me in all my brokenness, for my brokenness. They love me for who I am and for who they see me as. It’s not about me darkening the Proverbs 31 woman but about God lighting me to be able to speak his word—and knowing that HE is the one that moves hearts. I am just the vessel. All I have to do is say yes.
     Our UCCSB condenses down Proverbs 31 for church reading (and I am ok with that—no one honestly wants to be in mass for 2 hours). So, even if I am not the Proverbs 31 superwoman, I can learn from the words.
      First, these are the words from a mother to her son. Ok, you got me. I am listening. With a son on the way, I am listening on how to guide a son.

 Proverbs 31:9 
"Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” 
Yep. Here it is again. The command to care for the underserved in our communities. It’s so hard to stay away from politics…but I will. For now. 

Proverbs 31:10, 20, 30 
"Who can find a worthy wife…(she does a lot of good, hard work for a few verses)…she reaches her hands out to the poor and extends her arms to the needy. ….the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” 

       Ok, so maybe we do have something in common, this superwoman and I. We both love God. And, all that work is good and well…but the most important thing is our relationship with God. So, when I fail and fall, and I do—I still love the Lord. And, in that, I find my rewards.

 Not because me….because I will never be that woman…but because God.



Friday, November 7, 2014

Auction is in full swing!!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Redemption, ransom and liberation..or, I know why the caged bird sings

Redemption, Ransom, and Liberation and why the caged bird sings

We use words.  A lot.  UC reported that, on average, we speak about 13,500 words a day.  In our house words are important.  Semantics are important—when you’re married to a legal writing expert for a husband, you learn to choose your words carefully (most of the time)! 

Yet, in adoption, we throw around so many heavy words.  I’ve been examining myself and the words I use in adoption lately.  In my self-conversations I use the word redemption a lot.  I think about our second little, our first adoption.  When she succeeds at school or gets good marks, I immediately think, here is the proof of redemption.  The child that struggled is not excelling-documented redemption.  However, that’s not really the case.  The origin of the word redemption means to “buy back.”  Ok, I can see that.  Yet, today, it’s defined in one of two ways: 1) the act of saving from sin 2) the act of regaining something in exchange for payment. Well, we can’t begin to touch one.  At 3.5, when she was adopted, was she sinful?  It’s certainly debatable, but I say no—at that moment in time at 3.5—she was exactly what God created her to be, a child, with little conscience of right and wrong.  And, this is not a reflection on original sin. 
            The second definition requires the act of regaining something through payment or clearing of a debt, from the Latin redemptio.  We didn’t buy her off the shelf.  Yet, did we exchange something for her? Possibly—having an extra child costs 2x the day care, more energy, more love, less time for oneself—but I can not acknowledge that is a payment for our child.  Do we make sacrifices as parents—of course.  However, it’s a joy to see our children grow because of the love that goes into them.  I don’t ever want our kiddos to feel like they are a cost or a burden—they are a joy.
            So…what about a ransom?  Ransomed is defined as the release of a prisoner after a payment was made.  For our second adoption, our Kuya, it often feels like we are ransoming him.  When trying to figure out the money makes me want to put my head under my pillow and cry I remind myself that he is worth it.  I remind myself that we are paying the ransom (in fees) for his life.  And his life is worth it.  But, ransom doesn’t sit well with me either.  Ransomed, to me, also signifies a single action.  We do not cease to parent when that ransom is paid.
            I had to examine what words float into my head after redemption and ransom that feel right.  I choose liberate.  Liberate signifies the setting free from a situation or limit of thought.  I can only imagine the restraints that a life on the streets and in institutions can bring.  I can only imagine how attainment goals differ for humans in such restricted situations.  Our goal is not to buy our son—but to liberate him, physically and mentally.  We want all of our children to be able to dream as big as the stars without fear.  Freedom from fear of death, physical harm, or being homeless.  Freedom to make mistakes with the knowledge that they will be loved.  Freedom from being homeless at 14.  Freedom from the void of never having parents who love you.  Freedom from isolation.  That is what we want to give to Kuya, liberation from a world where his wings are clipped with no hope of the future.  Because in love, we find liberation.  Because being in a family can blast open those years of being caged in fear.  Because, we saw, in him, a beautiful spirit.  Because, he has fought for so long through his cages, and his eyes are still alive.  Because his eyes still sparkle.  Because, his soul still sings. 




A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind   
and floats downstream   
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and   
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings   
with a fearful trill   
of things unknown   
but longed for still   
and his tune is heard   
on the distant hill   
for the caged bird   
sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams   
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream   
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied   
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings   
with a fearful trill   
of things unknown   
but longed for still   
and his tune is heard   
on the distant hill   
for the caged bird   
sings of freedom.
Maya Angelou, “Caged Bird” from Shaker, Why Don't You Sing? Copyright © 1983 by Maya Angelou. Used by permission of Random House, Inc.
            

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Birthdays and Celebrations. Maligayang Bati. You are Wanted.

Maligayang Bati
Happy Birthday

Today, our Kuya has a birthday.  It's not the day he was born.  It's his documented birthday.  If you're not familiar with international paperwork, and especially adoptions, this is common.  I won't get into the back story about why Kuya doesn't have a birthday.  That is HIS story.  Forever, his story and ours, are joined, however we choose to protect his story until he can share.  When it comes to adoption, we are open books.  We want friends and strangers to ask us questions.  We don't mind.  Because of those conversations, I know of at least two other families that gave children a family.  That is POWERFUL!  

Today is bittersweet for me.  It's sweet thinking of Kuya being gaining another year.  It's awesome to think that he's one year closer to a family.  But it breaks my heart that it is one MORE year without a family.  Children need to be pursued like God pursues us.  Children need to know that over and over, and over again, they are wanted.  

Our public vow to Kuya- we are coming for you my son.  No negative responses, no failure in our own relationships outside our 5, no storm tangible or intangible, not one single thing will keep us from pursing you as our son.  And we will not grow weary in doing good for you my child.  We will fight for you.  We will pray for you.  We will sing for you.  We will ransom you.  Because you are a child.  Because you are a child of God.  Because your life is worth it.  Because you deserve a family.  Because you are worthy of love.   








Friday, October 10, 2014

Fellowship and Grace

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[a] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.  Acts 2: 42-47


Waiting is hard.  Not knowing when/where/how is hard.  Adam and I are East Coasters through and through.  When we expect a contractor between 1 and 2, at 1:15 we consider that person late.  Waiting in limbo for a rubber stamp is hard.  Yet, there are some bright moments.  

Let me tell you about my friend JR.  If it wasn't for JR we wouldn't be in this place.  Bless her.  If it wasn't for her we would have never made that initial call.  If it wasn't through a Catholic group that we belong to we would have never laid eyes on our Kuya.  And, if it wasn't because of her…I wouldn't make it.  She is waiting too.  And it's hard.  When I was pregnant, we knew Z would come.  We knew when.  We we were going through the foster process, every Sunday, I prayed the chaplet of St. Joseph, the ultimate foster/adoptive Dad.  We knew it would happen and we knew the need was great.  We knew it would happen.  Here, there are no set times and the time that are set are not always exacting.  I can honestly say I would have thrown my hands up if it wasn't for JR.  It's easier, together.

And let me tell you about AA.  AA gave us gifts that no one else in the world could gives us.  She gave us precious pictures and videos of our Kuya.  She invited us into her home to talk with Kuya.  She stopped her life, gave of her time, so we could talk with him.  Had it not been for her, we would not be in this place.  Had it not been for AA we would not have felt so sure that this was our boy. 

And HG.  Where do I start with gratitude for HG.  I hope I never forget the first time I talked with HG. She was so compassionate.  I was so worried that we would start fundraising and miss a payment and be thrown out of the program.  I was afraid that if we took too long or could't raise the money that we would have cost a little precious time of finding a risk family that could afford him.  She told me that our agency cared far more about making sure children had homes than kicking someone for being late.  

Then there is JP.  JP has lifted me up in the taxing wait.  She has been through this rodeo before.  She has given me grace to be real.  No pretense.  And she reminds me what her eyes are set on.  Seeing through her eyes helps me lift my spirit--reading her words has lifted my heart to meet hers when its hard.  

And then there is AD.  I was worried when we moved to the suburbs.  Really worried.  I am not a Stepford Mom.  I often get lipstick on my teeth and my clothes are never ironed right.  How would we find community in a WASP suburb when we are anything but….Ok…so I guess we are the W…could make the argument that we are AS… and I grew up as a P…. But we are not WASP-y.  We work in social justice and public health.  We are a trans-racial family.  We teach our kids about civil rights and advocacy.  But, we also wanted high-performing free schools and a yard for our kids.  That meant the suburbs.  How would I ever fit in?  How would I ever make friends in my less-than-perfect-ness.  Then I met AD.  And she gives me grace every, single day.  She has seen my house at the absolute grossest and my kids at their whiniest.  And…she doesn't care.  Let that sink in.  She doesn't care about my messiness.  She gives me grace to be real.  To be me.  

And then…there is CH.  I don't know CH.  I don't know who does know CH.  Yet, I woke up this week to find a donation from CH.  Because of our community of believers and friends sharing our story--a complete stranger to us has been moved to help us bring our son home.  I do not have words for how humbling and moving this is.  

Fundraising is hard.  We've pinched pennies everywhere.  I've spent long nights working on adoption fundraising and my school and work has felt the strain.  My kids have felt the strain of Mommy being pulled.  My husband has felt the strain of a wife who has far fewer hours to spend doing the things I normally do.  There are friendships and relationships that I have neglected terribly…and then neglected more because I was embarrassed I'd neglected so long.  And, I still have to work on mending those bonds…especially my most cherished friend.  Adoption is not for the faint of heart.  International adoption is not for Type-A, impatient…(oops).  Adoption is for the community of believers.  

Without these people, and all the folks that are loving us and supporting us, I would've thrown my hands up long ago.  This is community.  This is fellowship.  This is a community of believers coming together for a good and just purpose.  This is what keeps me going.  Thanks to the grace the folks above have shown me, I feel ok being real.  This is hard.  


Saturday, October 4, 2014

Good News!

We received good news this past week.  Our agency has provided a grant of $1,500 specifically for Kuya!  (The fundraising thermometer has been updated)!  That puts us one giant step closer to bringing him home!  We also got word that the final stamp (of the initial approval--still a gazillion more hoops…) approval should be coming next week!  Once we have that we can start our home study process!!

And here is an update on our envelope fundraiser!  Many of you are (hopefully) getting invites to a Facebook event and a FB page.  Please, please, please accept those.  You don't have to go anywhere or do anything!  Those are the bookmarks for an online auction we will be hosting.  The event is public.  Please, please, please invite EVERYONE on your friends list!  I know that not everyone has an extra dollar to donate--and that's ok!  Please keep us in your prayers and commit to share our blog and FB pages! I promise a life is worth it!

Also, today is our anniversary and we are doing respite care.  Life is good.