As it's past the midnight hour here, I have now just eight days left until I board the plane bound for Beijing. I can hardly believe it! I've got suitcases filling my already cramped living room (a seven-foot full Christmas tree isn't exactly the best option for an apartment dweller, but I love it!), Space Bags and Ziplocs spread out. It's amazing how small those Space Bags can get by simply rolling the air out. It's all about taking up as little space as possible in my suitcase so I can squeeze in more donations for the Home.
I would greatly appreciate your prayers for good health as I feel a cold creeping upon me despite vitamins and Zicam. I won't be allowed to interact with the babies if I'm sick, and I'll really be sick if I travel all the way to China and can't spend time with the babies.
Just eight more days!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Prayer for a Family in Need
For those not already aware of this news story, the Sheldon family had just officially adopted their daughter, Hannah, in China and were in the last few days of their trip before returning to the U.S. when Mr. Sheldon went into a diabetic coma, then died. Please remember Mrs. Sheldon and Hannah in your prayers as they start a new life together, sadly without the husband and father that should be a part of it.
Below is an article from today's Lansing State Journal:
Red tape cut, Lansing mom to return home with daughter
Adoption complicated by husband's death in China
Mike Hughes
Lansing State Journal
A Lansing woman's bureaucratic tangle has been resolved.
Sandi Sheldon is expected home from China today with her new daughter, Hannah, and the cremated remains of her husband, Dennis.
U.S. officials held up Hannah's visa for several days after Dennis Sheldon died while in China. But pressure from the public and congressional leaders forced the government to expedite the process.
"Everyone has been on the phone to make this happen," said Darlene Hill, Sandi Sheldon's mother.
That included the adoption agency, Bethany Christian Services, and the offices of U.S. representatives Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, and Vern Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids.
"We've dealt with a number of complicated issues involving immigration," said Sylvia Warner, Rogers' spokeswoman. "But never one this complicated - or this heart-rending."
Dennis Sheldon, 46, was head custodian at Pleasant View Elementary Magnet School in Lansing and was a natural for parenthood, said the school's principal, Madeline Shanahan.
"There were a number of children ... he went to extra trouble to bond with," she said. "He was absolutely thrilled when the adoption came through."
The school staff surprised him shortly before the couple left for China with a breakfast and an all-diapers baby shower. On Oct. 30, the Sheldons went to Guangzhou (formerly Canton), finalizing their adoption of Hannah, who is about 18 months old.
Dennis Sheldon died there. Hill said he died Nov. 12 apparently from heart failure, possibly aggravated by diabetes.
The complication that delayed Sandi Sheldon's return to the United States came from the U.S. Citizen Immigration Service, said John VanValkenburg of Bethany.
Hannah's papers were no longer accurate, he said, because they listed both Sandi and Dennis. "In a situation where circumstances change, that requires a change in everything else."
Friends and other adoptive parents flooded officials with phone calls. Rogers' office worked with the Immigration Service.
"We were able to persuade them to expedite the process," Warner said.
Late Thursday night, there was word that it soon would be worked out. Hill received news shortly after midnight that her daughter was coming home; Rogers received an official fax at about 4 a.m.
During that time, Hill said, false rumors developed. There were no complications from Chinese officials, and the cremation was not required.
"That was something that Dennis and Sandi always said they wanted," Hill said.
Dennis and Sandi Sheldon were married for 19 years, and Hannah is their first child, said Hill, who lives in Lansing with her husband, Herbert, and is now the grandmother of 13 children.
Sandi, 42, works part time at a Wal-Mart store, and Hill granted that money could be tight. Donations may be sent by check to Hope For Hannah, Fifth Third Bank, 6446 S. Cedar St., Lansing, MI 48911.
Below is an article from today's Lansing State Journal:
Red tape cut, Lansing mom to return home with daughter
Adoption complicated by husband's death in China
Mike Hughes
Lansing State Journal
A Lansing woman's bureaucratic tangle has been resolved.
Sandi Sheldon is expected home from China today with her new daughter, Hannah, and the cremated remains of her husband, Dennis.
U.S. officials held up Hannah's visa for several days after Dennis Sheldon died while in China. But pressure from the public and congressional leaders forced the government to expedite the process.
"Everyone has been on the phone to make this happen," said Darlene Hill, Sandi Sheldon's mother.
That included the adoption agency, Bethany Christian Services, and the offices of U.S. representatives Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, and Vern Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids.
"We've dealt with a number of complicated issues involving immigration," said Sylvia Warner, Rogers' spokeswoman. "But never one this complicated - or this heart-rending."
Dennis Sheldon, 46, was head custodian at Pleasant View Elementary Magnet School in Lansing and was a natural for parenthood, said the school's principal, Madeline Shanahan.
"There were a number of children ... he went to extra trouble to bond with," she said. "He was absolutely thrilled when the adoption came through."
The school staff surprised him shortly before the couple left for China with a breakfast and an all-diapers baby shower. On Oct. 30, the Sheldons went to Guangzhou (formerly Canton), finalizing their adoption of Hannah, who is about 18 months old.
Dennis Sheldon died there. Hill said he died Nov. 12 apparently from heart failure, possibly aggravated by diabetes.
The complication that delayed Sandi Sheldon's return to the United States came from the U.S. Citizen Immigration Service, said John VanValkenburg of Bethany.
Hannah's papers were no longer accurate, he said, because they listed both Sandi and Dennis. "In a situation where circumstances change, that requires a change in everything else."
Friends and other adoptive parents flooded officials with phone calls. Rogers' office worked with the Immigration Service.
"We were able to persuade them to expedite the process," Warner said.
Late Thursday night, there was word that it soon would be worked out. Hill received news shortly after midnight that her daughter was coming home; Rogers received an official fax at about 4 a.m.
During that time, Hill said, false rumors developed. There were no complications from Chinese officials, and the cremation was not required.
"That was something that Dennis and Sandi always said they wanted," Hill said.
Dennis and Sandi Sheldon were married for 19 years, and Hannah is their first child, said Hill, who lives in Lansing with her husband, Herbert, and is now the grandmother of 13 children.
Sandi, 42, works part time at a Wal-Mart store, and Hill granted that money could be tight. Donations may be sent by check to Hope For Hannah, Fifth Third Bank, 6446 S. Cedar St., Lansing, MI 48911.
Monday, November 12, 2007
National Adoption Month
It's that time of year again. No, not the approaching Christmas season when stores have already been blaring Christmas music and selling Christmas ornaments 40% off and offering new yard inflatables at great prices. Neither am I talking about the time for turkey, tryptophan, and the NFL. What I am talking about is National Adoption Month.
While the average family may have had no idea that this awareness month exists, to many of us it holds great emotion. To some, it will remind them of that day in which they were joined with their "forever family." For others, it is a time of longing for that day to come. And for some children, it is a reminder that they have yet to find a family to call their own.
From the office of the President of the United States:
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 31, 2007
National Adoption Month, 2007
A Proclamation By the President of the United States of America
During National Adoption Month, we recognize the adoptive and foster families who have shared their homes and hearts with children in need, and we encourage more Americans to consider adopting young people of all ages.
Families who adopt show the generous spirit of our Nation. Every child desires a permanent home, and when parents adopt a child to love as their own, lives are forever changed. For parents, the decision to adopt a child is among life's greatest and happiest turning points. On November 17, families across the country will celebrate National Adoption Day by finalizing their adoptions, and each one of these homes will be richer for the addition of new family members.
My Administration is committed to promoting adoption of children of all ages. We are working to bring together more children with loving, adoptive parents through the Collaboration to AdoptUsKids at adoptuskids.org and by providing States with financial assistance through the Adoption Incentives Program. The Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program helps improve care and services to children and families and ensure more young people in America have a caring, secure, and permanent home. Together, these efforts are building a brighter future for our youth.
During National Adoption Month, we honor adoptive and foster parents as they raise children of conviction and character. By accepting the gift of these children, parents are helping shape lives and contributing to the strength of our great Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2007 as National Adoption Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities to honor adoptive families and to participate in efforts to find permanent homes for waiting children.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH
The highlight is this Saturday, November 17th - National Adoption Day - when thousands of adoptions across the country will be finalized at the same time. 2006 was the first year all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia all celebrated National Adoption Day. More then 3,300 adoptions of children in fostercare were finalized. Yet sadly, over 114,000 children remain in the U.S. fostercare system.
I encourage you to learn more about adoption - and orphancare - this month. You can start with some of these great resources:
* view the video "A Family for Every Child" at the National Adoption Day website.
* listen to adoption-centric programs from FamilyLife, available by podcast by going to your iTunes store, typing in "FamilyLife" and choosing FamilyLife Today with Dennis Rainey. If you have Real Player or Windows Media Player, you can also listen at Oneplace.com.
* Shaohannah's Hope
* Cry of the Orphan
* Bring Me Hope
* Love Without Boundaries
And, of course, if you ever have any questions, just leave a comment or contact me at GO NEAR
When you tuck your children in bed tonight...or spend time with another precious child in your life...please lift a prayer for the millions of children who have no one to call their family. And please, please pray about how God would have you GO NEAR an orphan today.
While the average family may have had no idea that this awareness month exists, to many of us it holds great emotion. To some, it will remind them of that day in which they were joined with their "forever family." For others, it is a time of longing for that day to come. And for some children, it is a reminder that they have yet to find a family to call their own.
From the office of the President of the United States:
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 31, 2007
National Adoption Month, 2007
A Proclamation By the President of the United States of America
During National Adoption Month, we recognize the adoptive and foster families who have shared their homes and hearts with children in need, and we encourage more Americans to consider adopting young people of all ages.
Families who adopt show the generous spirit of our Nation. Every child desires a permanent home, and when parents adopt a child to love as their own, lives are forever changed. For parents, the decision to adopt a child is among life's greatest and happiest turning points. On November 17, families across the country will celebrate National Adoption Day by finalizing their adoptions, and each one of these homes will be richer for the addition of new family members.
My Administration is committed to promoting adoption of children of all ages. We are working to bring together more children with loving, adoptive parents through the Collaboration to AdoptUsKids at adoptuskids.org and by providing States with financial assistance through the Adoption Incentives Program. The Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program helps improve care and services to children and families and ensure more young people in America have a caring, secure, and permanent home. Together, these efforts are building a brighter future for our youth.
During National Adoption Month, we honor adoptive and foster parents as they raise children of conviction and character. By accepting the gift of these children, parents are helping shape lives and contributing to the strength of our great Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2007 as National Adoption Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities to honor adoptive families and to participate in efforts to find permanent homes for waiting children.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH
The highlight is this Saturday, November 17th - National Adoption Day - when thousands of adoptions across the country will be finalized at the same time. 2006 was the first year all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia all celebrated National Adoption Day. More then 3,300 adoptions of children in fostercare were finalized. Yet sadly, over 114,000 children remain in the U.S. fostercare system.
I encourage you to learn more about adoption - and orphancare - this month. You can start with some of these great resources:
* view the video "A Family for Every Child" at the National Adoption Day website.
* listen to adoption-centric programs from FamilyLife, available by podcast by going to your iTunes store, typing in "FamilyLife" and choosing FamilyLife Today with Dennis Rainey. If you have Real Player or Windows Media Player, you can also listen at Oneplace.com.
* Shaohannah's Hope
* Cry of the Orphan
* Bring Me Hope
* Love Without Boundaries
And, of course, if you ever have any questions, just leave a comment or contact me at GO NEAR
When you tuck your children in bed tonight...or spend time with another precious child in your life...please lift a prayer for the millions of children who have no one to call their family. And please, please pray about how God would have you GO NEAR an orphan today.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
The Journey of a Thousand Miles...
...begins with a single step." It is an oft-heard phrase, though I read recently that a more correct translation of the Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu's words would be "the journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet." Or yet another paraphrase, "even the longest journey must begin where you stand."
My journey begins anew right here, as the first step must be taken here, on native soil. I have felt it pressed upon my heart to begin an adoption/orphancare ministry for some time now, yet between the struggles of figuring out how and where to start, trying to get support, and just plain feeling defeated and overwhelmed at every turn, I know I must start somewhere or it will never happen. So I begin by taking the first of many steps that will hopefully grow into this ministry that will not only grow in my home church, but will hopefully spread and grow into a large network of ministries that will help children around the world.
It will not be limited to Chinese children or even international adoption. My vision is that this ministry will encompass adoption, fostercare, orphancare, and missions. I want to educate people on adoption and fostercare, offer support to those in the process or who have adopted and need the support of others that will understand the parenting issues that are unique to adoptive families. I want to encourage not only adoption, but to encourage others to reach out to the millions of orphans around the world, currently said to be at 145 million.
There are between 300,000-400,000 churches in the U.S., but only about 100,000 children are adopted in the U.S. each year. I believe it’s long past time for the church to wake up to its responsibility in the plight of the orphan. The ministry will be called GO NEAR, based on principles I’ve gleaned from a message by Dennis & Barbara Rainey of FamilyLife. The idea is that everyone can do something. Barbara Rainey states, “As Christians, we are not all commanded to adopt, but we are all commanded to visit the orphans in their distress.” We can GO NEAR financially – sponsoring a child, raising money for families who are adopting, sending supplies to orphanages; physically – missions trips, adopting, fostercare; and by prayer support – everyone should be a part of this.
We, the Church, call ourselves pro-life, yet we do not support the lives that need us most. God reminds us time and again in His Word that we are to care for the fatherless. He has adopted us as His children and we are to care for the fatherless so they may experience His adoption, as well. I recall an old Steve Camp song that states it simply yet profoundly – “don’t tell them Jesus loves them ‘til you’re ready to love them, too.” Our words are empty if we are not willing to be His hands and feet.
In the midst of my own adoption wait, I have felt led to take another step of faith. How can I call others to GO NEAR if I, myself, do not lead in action as well as words. And so I begin by taking that journey of a thousand miles - well, actually more like 7,000 miles or so - as I prepare to spend a week in December volunteering in Beijing, China.
Due to privacy policies, I will be unable to post the name of the organization on this blog. It is a home for critically ill and special needs children where children are given tender loving care and medical attention so they may have the best chance of life...and the hope of being joined with a forever family. I hope to be able to blog while I am there, depending on computer time availability, so please check back here December 8th through the 16th to follow along.
The journey begins in just 34 days...but it will last a lifetime.
Give time.
Give finances.
Give love.
GO NEAR
"I will not leave you as orphans,
I will come to you..."
John 14:18
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Song quote from "Don't Tell Them Jesus Loves Them," Rob Frazier & Steve Camp, © 1989 BIRDWING MUSIC/SPARROW SONG, admin by Music Services. Used by Permission.
My journey begins anew right here, as the first step must be taken here, on native soil. I have felt it pressed upon my heart to begin an adoption/orphancare ministry for some time now, yet between the struggles of figuring out how and where to start, trying to get support, and just plain feeling defeated and overwhelmed at every turn, I know I must start somewhere or it will never happen. So I begin by taking the first of many steps that will hopefully grow into this ministry that will not only grow in my home church, but will hopefully spread and grow into a large network of ministries that will help children around the world.
It will not be limited to Chinese children or even international adoption. My vision is that this ministry will encompass adoption, fostercare, orphancare, and missions. I want to educate people on adoption and fostercare, offer support to those in the process or who have adopted and need the support of others that will understand the parenting issues that are unique to adoptive families. I want to encourage not only adoption, but to encourage others to reach out to the millions of orphans around the world, currently said to be at 145 million.
There are between 300,000-400,000 churches in the U.S., but only about 100,000 children are adopted in the U.S. each year. I believe it’s long past time for the church to wake up to its responsibility in the plight of the orphan. The ministry will be called GO NEAR, based on principles I’ve gleaned from a message by Dennis & Barbara Rainey of FamilyLife. The idea is that everyone can do something. Barbara Rainey states, “As Christians, we are not all commanded to adopt, but we are all commanded to visit the orphans in their distress.” We can GO NEAR financially – sponsoring a child, raising money for families who are adopting, sending supplies to orphanages; physically – missions trips, adopting, fostercare; and by prayer support – everyone should be a part of this.
We, the Church, call ourselves pro-life, yet we do not support the lives that need us most. God reminds us time and again in His Word that we are to care for the fatherless. He has adopted us as His children and we are to care for the fatherless so they may experience His adoption, as well. I recall an old Steve Camp song that states it simply yet profoundly – “don’t tell them Jesus loves them ‘til you’re ready to love them, too.” Our words are empty if we are not willing to be His hands and feet.
In the midst of my own adoption wait, I have felt led to take another step of faith. How can I call others to GO NEAR if I, myself, do not lead in action as well as words. And so I begin by taking that journey of a thousand miles - well, actually more like 7,000 miles or so - as I prepare to spend a week in December volunteering in Beijing, China.
Due to privacy policies, I will be unable to post the name of the organization on this blog. It is a home for critically ill and special needs children where children are given tender loving care and medical attention so they may have the best chance of life...and the hope of being joined with a forever family. I hope to be able to blog while I am there, depending on computer time availability, so please check back here December 8th through the 16th to follow along.
The journey begins in just 34 days...but it will last a lifetime.
Give time.
Give finances.
Give love.
"I will not leave you as orphans,
I will come to you..."
John 14:18
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Song quote from "Don't Tell Them Jesus Loves Them," Rob Frazier & Steve Camp, © 1989 BIRDWING MUSIC/SPARROW SONG, admin by Music Services. Used by Permission.
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