God's timing

Last Thursday Scott took Braden, our 11 year old, to the doctor. She initiated a conversation with Braden and asked if he could have any 3 wishes, what would he wish for? Now I do have to say I have the most selfless, compassionate, and amazing young man - in case you don't know him. :) Before the doctor could finish her question and without a hint of hesitation, Braden said, (wish 1) to get my brother home (melt my heart). The doctor asked what wish 2 would be and he replied, play outside all day long. He didn't have a wish 3. Most kids his age would want toys, video games, candy, money.. I just love his sweet heart! Now if that wasn't enough, later that day I got a message from our case worker. Unbeknownst to us, she had requested the Sisters at the orphanage call baby Ryan by the new name we've given him. She said the Sisters told her Ryan was now responding to his new name! And if THAT wasn't enough, the exact same minute I got that message, an email landed in my inbox from Hand in Hand Christian Adoption, Inc.  We have been awarded a $5000 matching grant! For every dollar we raise, they will match up to $5000. Awesome, right?

All these amazing signs, all on the same day, two occurring at the exact same time.  God's timing is impeccable. Truly in awe of how God is working in our lives - and so very grateful, during this Easter season, for the God who sent HIS son to die for me, would weave a way for OUR son, 9200 miles away, to our very family.




If you feel led to make a donation to this fund, please make your tax deductible check out to “Hand in Hand Christian Adoption” postmarked by May 2, 2013 to: (for tax purposes please include our name on the outside of the envelope only…do not put our name on the check itself)

Hand in Hand Christian Adoption, Inc.   

Scott & Natasha Chalker 

18318 Mimosa Court

Gardner, KS  66030

We appreciate the love, support and prayers that have been extended on ours and Ryan's behalf. It means so very much to us when you ask about updates, send messages letting us know we are in your prayers, and reassure us that this WILL happen on days when we feel discouraged. Thank you sweet family and friends <3

                                                                                                                                                                                                           

miracles abound

What an emotional week/weekend...

A little background first - in August of 2011, cancer was detected in a lymph node under my husband's arm. He had surgery to remove the node, then had an additional surgery to remove 23 more lymph nodes in that area just as a precaution, followed by 30 radiation treatments. He received a clean bill of health in early 2012 and has had no issues since then. A week ago he found a lump in his leg, had an ultrasound and the surgeon recommended surgery and biopsy. We spent the week praying specifically for miracles, the kind of miracles that can only come from God. Well, really, all miracles come from God. :) Without a hitch, God provided TWO amazing miracles.. the surgeon removed the nodes Friday and found them to be completely benign (still sending them to be biopsied) and he was in no way concerned in what he found. Praise God! PLUS we received our referral paperwork from India. All on the same day! 

We waited ten weeks to get this paperwork! What a sight for sore eyes - especially after a day spent at the hospital!

We have officially accepted baby boy "N" as our son. <3

Today, on St Patrick's Day, I'm remembering I'm not lucky but blessed.

no news is good news..

unless you're adopting.

Our updated home study was approved in early February and we received the supplement for our immigration approval this week. We are still waiting for referral paper work to be sent from India. We were told it was sent last week...

so we wait.

and wait.

and wait.

Once we sign the referral paperwork it will be official even though we were "matched" nine weeks ago. It can be so painfully frustrating to wait for something one week, which then turns into another week, which turns into another week and before we know it months have gone by. Daily I am asked how things are going with our adoption and daily I have to say, nothing much is happening.

Waiting is hard on me but it's not about me, it's about our sweet boy who needs to be home with his family.

Adoption is hard. That is all.  :(