I Choose To Be Thankful ...

My heart has been heavy these past weeks.  Truth hasn't seemed to win out, and it anguishes me. 

The Ebola outbreak.

A few weeks ago, missionaries that were just a few miles from our children came to the US, to seek medical treatment and have been healed.  Don't get me wrong...I prayed for them, and am so thankful God showed his mercy and healed them. 

And now our country thinks everything is over.  Ebola hasn't won.  And it's over.

But it's not.

It is worse than ever, a matter-of-fact.  People are dying constantly everyday.  It seems I can hear the wailing as I sleep, and in my waking hours.  The wailing of hopelessness.  It seems I can feel the depth of despair and even the questioning if God is listening.

Our country has sent over experimental drugs to help those in this fight for their lives.  But our country has sent over drugs to a corruptive country.  Liberia's government will see who gets help and who doesn't.  They will make sure one tribe will survive over the other, and the government will see to it that they themselves are safe.  But those in the bush, those in the orphanages and those who don't matter (in the country's eyes) ... they will never see the "help" that was sent.

This disease needs to be isolated, true.  But in Liberia it is the extreme.  I know one particular story that a son tested negative to the disease, but his whole family died.  He was still shunned and isolated ... left to starve and die, because he was related to the deceased, even though evidence proved he was safe.  Villages and slums are quarantined.  Food doesn't come in.  And because of the state of the country, food isn't necessarily grown.  Starvation is now a factor.  And those who have food, are selling their goods at an outrageous price ... and we are talking about the second poorest country in the world.  I can imagine the food going bad before the price could be met. 

Things seem hopeless.  My heart remains heavy and in anguish.

Yet I'm reminded through Paul's words in Philippians of the hope we have.  That we are to look outside of the situations.  Look outside of the prison walls he knew so well, look outside of the cross our Savior endured but look to the One that is our prize.  (Philippians 3:14)  I'm to rejoice in the Lord always, not to be anxious about anything, but in everything , by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present my requests to God.  Today I search for the peace of God which will transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and minds in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:4-7)

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.  (Philippians 4:8-9)

I admit, it is hard to find good, noble, right, pure and lovely, admirable and excellent things in this situation that strikes close to our home.  Our children could be starving.  They were hungry before, and the depth of hunger pains are more likely increased.  They could be isolated.  The country is so poor, communication isn't an option.  Fear is evident from what we do know.  Fear rises in me as well.  How can I be thankful?

But I choose to stand on faith.  I choose to believe the God that says he hears, hears.  I choose to believe the God that says he fights, will fight.  I choose to believe the God that says he comforts, will comfort.  I choose to believe the God that says he protects, will protect.   And I choose to believe the God that says he is hope will remain hope. 

I choose to shift my eyes more upward.  And I consider it my thanksgivings - the boy I shared many laughs with, the girl I held and let become a peanut butter mess.  I am thankful of the songs of joy as they danced and sang before the Lord.  And with the thankfulness, somehow I know God will rise above this all ... and even in this hopeless mess, everything will be ok.  
 

Happy Birthday Our Little 4 Year Old!

Ruthie, I don't know if you even remember me, as you were only 1 when we met.  But it doesn't matter ... you are on our hearts, and you continue to remain in our prayers.  We are so thankful for you - the life God gave you, the joy you bring to those around you.  We are thankful that God does have a plan for you, and we will continue to pray that you will see the path set before you and choose to walk it.  It is Him that will make that path straight.  May your days to come be filled with so much joy, peace and favor.  We love you greatly!

Dear Liberia Government,

You may not know me by my picture.  You may not know me by the paperwork you have.  But I have been part of your life and you have been a huge part of mine for the past three years (as of August 30th).  I have enjoyed learning about your country.  I have enjoyed visiting your country and meeting your people.  I have a deep respect and admiration for your country and for it's people.  I have longed to come and visit again.

You and I have had some serious problems these past few months.  I know I am from the United States, and time is at our fingertips.  We just press buttons and have whatever we want instantly.  Your country is different.  When you have something else you would rather do you cancel meetings.  When you would rather not deal with a matter you have a tendency to draw the matter out.  I have defended you, for I know your ways aren't ours, as well as, ours aren't yours.  I have respected both cultures. 

As of three years ago, you and I will always be part of one another - wether we like it or not.  You see, three years ago we agreed to obey a calling God laid on our hearts and add to our family by what was a two year old boy (back then).  We weren't just welcoming this little boy into our home, but welcoming you as well.  We strongly believe that our son was to know his roots that started in his country, as well as his birth parents.  Since our commitment to our son, after we received his court decree (which states by your law that we are legally his parents) we have learned of his baby sister.  We agreed to take her as well, knowing that each other is all that they have.  Seperating them is unthinkable.

I have had much patience with you, because of the respect and understanding I have had with your culture, knowing it is different from ours.  I confess to you that my patience is growing thin.  You continue to set new "rules", yet not have anything in print and properlly through the legislation as your laws state.  Each person in your government seems to have their own polices and ways of doing things.  With this being said, I wonder if you are trying to get me so tired of the wait, or if you are testing if I will continue to be there for my children.  I have news for you.  I will wait.  I will not give up - even though my respect for you is not as much as when we started. 

I'm tired of your lies.  You tell us that you don't have the paperwork - we have proof that you do.  You tell our government that you can not proceed with adoptions until the president lifts the moratorium.  Yet others have received their visas and have come home with their children.  You say there is a moratorium, yet the President has never processed it legally and there is nothing in print.  What your President says doesn't make things so. 

It comes down to money.  We have taken all of ours and obeyed our God and pursued our children.  We have given more money to continue to care for our children, since your govenment won't.  Your officials in your government will be happy to process all our paperwork for a "small fee", yet we won't do business that way.  The funny thing is you are hurting yourself.  Since money is of great importance to you, why not lift this "moritorium" and allow people to have a reason to travel to your country.  Adoption will bring tourism to your country and will benefit your people.  Since you obviously don't want to spend money on orphan care, and would choose to allow your children to starve, why not allow them to come to a place they can call home and get all the care they need.

We also hear you have had a fear.  You fear that we will raise our children to respect and love the country that they came from, and this will bring them back to your country and possibly come into your government office and be even over you.  Pride.  Fear.  It's not becoming, and gives you less respect from me and my people.

We also hear that you have tribal conflicts.  We understand that.  Your tribal conflicts is a lot like our racism.  But you remain with a constant statement that you care for these children.  Then why is it that some children that belong in a certain part of the country under a different tribe than your own are allowed to be forgotten and uncared for.  Frankly, your actions are not living up to your statements.  Lies - continued lies.

Frankly, Liberia I don't like you anymore.  You are a country full of deceit, lies and corruption.  If you say this is untrue, then I expect to see some changes in the very near future.  And in spite of all this, I will continue to teach my children of your country and it's culture with understanding and respect.

Sincerly,
Karen Archibald

Thank You!!!

Our family would like to thank each one of you that has supported our endeavors to go to Liberia. As you can see by the thermometer we have been "still" for quite some time. We still have hopes going. However, the amount raised is the exact number we added into our funding for food for the orphans. We have heard the past few months how the children at Addy's Hope is out of food. Food that came in gave them a meal a day. Now there have been days they have gone without all together. It breaks our heart. So our family has decided to send this amount that was given to feed these kids, and fill their bellies even before we eventually arrive.

For those of you who still want to get involved. Please contact me. Those of you who would love a t-shirt - we still have plenty! Each penny raised will go towards this project.

Thanks again for all those who have contributed by either donations, purchasing locker shelves or t-shirts. Your contribution has helped so much! Thank you!

T-shirts For Sale!

I wish I could share everything we have endured! So many trials, so many lies, so many "yuckies!" But what I can share with you is GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!!! God has remained faithful and true, and all those things that were under cover in darkness are being exposed in HIS light, and can not have any hold on us anymore!

With that said, we are going full force and "stepping out" as God has told us to do. We have to raise 20,000 dollars in a matter of a few weeks. Approximately 15,000 will go toward the airfare, lodging, traveling, food for the five of us to go to Liberia and stay there for two weeks. We are trying to raise 3,000-4,000 for a car for Addy's Hope orphanage. The orphanage has been out of a vehicle since this summer. That seems like a mild and unnecessary problem, but it is making it difficult for the workers to get the supplies needed, and getting children to the clinic when the need arises, and keeping the workers away from the fight for the orphans to be released. We are also trying to raise funds (2,000-3,000) to feed these children, and even go out to the "bush" and see what we can provide there. We are READY to go, and be God's hands and feet.

Lindsay and I have met with our art teachers, brainstormed, sought God and came up with a design fitting for our trip and to bring some awareness of the need not only in Liberia, but in the continent of Africa. This is the design Lindsay came up with and our new t-shirts...

These forest green t-shirts are selling for $20.00 each...only 1,000 needed to sell to pay for the full trip. Those of you not near us and desire a t-shirt, you can have one too with shipping and handling. Please email us at archiengirls@msn.com to place your order! If you would like to simply contribute to our trip please write your checks payable to Addy's Hope, and put Archibald Mission Trip in the Memo and send them to...

Addy's Hope Adoption and Child Relief Ministry

1908 W. Wall Suite D

Midland, TX 79701

Thank you for your full support!!!!

Room in the Inn?

As you have been reading it is the girls plan to go and serve in Liberia this Christmas. Unfortunately they have not raised the full amount needed, the t-shirts aren't ready to sell, and the airlines don't have any available seats. We are seeking plan B (I suppose God's original plan): which will be going back during spring break, if not sooner. For those of you who are still wanting to support the girls endeavor, we have made arrangements for you to receive a tax-deduction by making your checks out to "Addy's Hope", with "Archibald trip" in the memo. You can send it to them or us. Thank you for your support!

The girls were heartbroken. Duane and I were too. I'm thankful that our disappointment fell during the start of a season of Hope and Joy. So, we went back to the traditions, that come with this time of year; and each of us seeking the true meaning of Christmas...Jesus, our Savior, Deliverer and our Greatest gift of all.

We are still seeking "the place" where we will go and get our tree each year. We like to make a day out of it...just the five of us (soon to be seven). This year we headed down to Colorado Springs and spent the day there, singing along to Christmas songs, and giggling throughout the car ride there.

We found our trees!!!

The girls, in all humor wondered if they could get their parents to choose this one...needless to say, we simply said "I don't think so!" :)

It is our Christmas tradition to get a second, little Christmas tree. Those of you who have known us for quite some time, probably remember a specifically hard time in our lives - when we moved from Oakley to Concord; and the home we purchased turned out to be a "buyer beware" home. As quickly as we moved in, we had to move out due to a major water leak, which brought with it mold. For three months we lived in a hotel room, without our belongings or the comforts of home. Nothing went according to plan.

We purchased a little "Charlie Brown tree", which we brought with us to our new home when it was safe to move in again. Unfortunately, the only access we had in our new home were the bedrooms; so it was our room that our little tree stood.

All of our belongings were packed and unable to get to. As the girls brought arts and crafts home from school, and our family made some ornaments we soon had our first ever home made Christmas.

I remember being grateful that Christmas that there was room in the "inn" when we were seeking shelter. We were grateful our family and friends were always willing to take us in during those dreadful three months. But we couldn't help but wonder, why couldn't Bethlehem make room for Jesus? His family were strangers I suppose.

So every year we make our home made Christmas tree (which stands not in our bedroom but rather our family room) and remember. We remember how God took care of us when everything was taken away. But it also stands as a reminder to make room always for Jesus. And that is our challenge to you this season...do you have room for Him? Is there space for Him to come?

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Are you ready?

My Girls Amaze Me

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14

The girls have been talking about going to Liberia for quite some time. The more they hear about the history of the country, see pictures and develop their knowing of a brother and sister who live their; a stirring arises in their spirit. Also, when they have heard the countless numbers of stories of how the orphans are treated and grow an understanding of all that is available to; their hearts are overwhelmed. I wish I could record their prayers and their questions as they seek, and their righteous anger that arises when they hear what the Liberian government is doing. I can honestly say God has their attention.

It didn't surprise me when the day came, and they decided that they were going to go and serve. What has surprised me is how they are truly seeking support and how they have been truly thankful for every penny that has come in.

Let me share with you some of the ways we are experiencing His blessings.

I received a call one day, our church was asking for help. They were having a memorial service and the family involved needed a babysitter for the little one. I accepted to help, to serve a family who has lost so much. I never expected to get paid, and even declined. However, God started our funding this way....before we knew we were going.

Courtney's Bible teacher challenged her class. She challenged them to memorize all of Romans 12. The first person who memorized it would received $5.00. Courtney memorized the passage the following day and recited it. But it didn't end there. The girls attended our Bible study a couple weeks after. She recited Romans 12, each member gave her $5.00 as a love offering.

The girls have continued to sell locker shelves, that Duane continues to make.

Katie and Courtney have decided to give their birthday money to the trip, for going to Liberia is the gift they want.

Lindsay has created a logo, which is now at the printers. We are waiting to see it so the girls can start selling t-shirts.

It excites me to see these girls work, but it excites me more to see God stir up the hearts of these girls. We are looking forward to seeing what He is about to do next. And as He continues to reveal Himself to us, we will let all of you know.

You have set your glory above the heavens.

from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.

Psalm 7b-8a

Family Mission Trip to Liberia

November 1, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

My sisters and I send our love to each one of you, and are thankful for each one of you in our lives.

We have already finished our first quarter in school. And as always, we are looking forward to the coming months as we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas…and of course, having some time off from school. Our school has a mission statement: To be boldly Christian, academically equipped and globally prepared. I have realized how much I have taken for granted; simply by attending a Christian school throughout our lives. I am thankful I have been able to. I see how our school is not only giving me the academics needed to go to college but is also a place where I feel safe to represent Christ freely and give Him all the glory He deserves. As I look back on my education I see how my school has given me a foundation in Christ and an education to prepare me to go out into the world.

For the past 2 yrs and 2 months we have been waiting for my brother, Elijah and my sister, Ruthie to come home. Through this waiting time my sisters and I have prayed and learned about Liberia. Our mommy got to go to Liberia at the beginning of this year and we have been able to see Liberia through her pictures. In this time we have developed a heart for the country that our brother and sister call “home”. We wanted to make this Christmas special. So with that, we decided to go to Liberia and bring Christmas not only to Elijah and Ruth but also the other orphans in the home.

My Mommy and Daddy have work to do for our adoption agency as well. You see, the agency just got finished completing a new orphanage which has classrooms in addition to the bedrooms. They need to help train the nurse how to do some paperwork and also help set up the classrooms. They also need to help the workers develop a routine. My sisters and I would like to do a VBS, as well as bring some Christmas cheer to their lives. We want to meet the Liberian people and experience their culture. Through a lot of prayer we have seen God open a door for us to go.

My sisters and I have sold several locker shelves that my Daddy has made. That has only been a small start to the funds needed to travel. We are hoping to be selling note cards and t-shirts soon. But still in spite of our efforts to raise money, we still need your help. We need to raise 15,000.00 in one month. That seems impossible to me but I am reminded in Phillipians 4: 13 “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me”. My family and I are expecting to see God do something great!

We are asking for your help. If you are able to help provide towards our mission trip to Liberia we say THANK YOU! Please send your provision to Archibald Family. Our first request for our mission trip is God’s provision and all the details to simply work out. We are in the process of gathering our prayer supporters and be able to send our requests out to our team. Please be part of our team, and email us at archiengirls@msn.com. We will also be posting on our family’s blog.

Thank you for your support! We all look forward to sharing with you everything God is going to be doing in the next few months.

In Christ’s Love,
Lindsay Archibald

Today Is The Day

Well, the day has come. The day I was hoping to avoid is looking at me right in my face. I see the calendar. Today is here...whether I wanted it or not.

Some adoptive parents mark their anniversary's of starting their journey by when they actually started taking the first "baby steps" (that could be really discouraging for us for it has been years and years since we have started that), some mark it when it was laid upon their hearts (that started before we were even married...so it is going on 17+ years)...but we mark it by when we called the agency and said "Yes, Elijah belongs to us." So with that being said, today is the day we celebrate 2 years since we have accepted Elijah's referral.

How do we approach this day? How do we deal with this day? How do we look back and see what was suppose to be a 7-12 months ordeal, now a 2 year and counting ordeal? How do we face the doubts of those who are watching us and reading this blog? This is how we choose...

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice an be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24
and

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances..."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Yes, that is right. Today we choose to remain in joy. Today we choose to be thankful. We will pray, but there will be a celebration of thankfulness and joy in it. Let me share with you part of my prayer journal.

"Father God, people are watching us, watching our situation with this adoption. They don't see your victory because Elijah and Ruth aren't here, and God there are days I fall into this same lie. But today I claim your victory once again. I continue to walk in obedience to you. I have seen that you have NOT closed doors, but rather OPENED the doors that have increased my faith. God, in the beginning of this journey I thought I knew you, but now I see where I stand and look back and see that I didn't know you at all. "

I remain in joy for I have seen my faith increase in this journey. I remain thankful for the intimacy I share with our Savior.

I remain in joy for I have the full armor of God on: I have the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, my feet fitted with gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:11-18) I remain thankful for the all His provisions.

I remain in joy for my God fills me with that joy. I remain thankful for He remains good.

I remain in joy for this battle is not mine, but HIS. And He is victorious. And for that alone I give Him thanks.

We remain in joy for how He has grown this family through the past two years. I am thankful our family stands together and will give Him our all in all.

We remain in joy for the favor God has for our agency. And we will thank God for the agency our children and we are apart of, and for God's grace and compassion that is shown through it.

We have much joy to be part of lives in another part of the world, lives who are celebrating the God we serve together...even with them there, and us here. We will give thanks for the staff at the orphanage, who continues to work even though there are no funds to cover what they are doing.

We are joyful for God is our Protector. We will give thanks that our children are safe and under a brand new building and playing in a play yard.

We are joyful for our God is a compassionate God, and full of abundance. We will give thanks that God has given us an abundance...for we started this journey with one child and now have two!

We will remain in joy for our God listens. We will give thanks for the answered prayers as we received the court decree and passport for our son, and the answers soon to come.

We will remain in joy for our God is building His people up. We will give thanks as our whole family has the heart to go and experience the Liberian life as our other children only know.

We will be joyful for our God has redeemed the five of us here, individually, in our marriage, and as a family. We will give thanks, as our marriage has flourished and become even stronger through this added stress of waiting as well as our financial state.

We remain in joy through the strength of our Lord. We will give thanks for God has been our strength through all this. He has not only wiped each tear that has fallen, but knows the exact number we have shed. He has given us patience and joy. He has been our Sustainer.

We are joyful and give thanks for our God has remained Faithful. He has never left us nor forsaken us.

Today we pour out our joy and our thanks upon a God who is Faithful, Good, Just, and Compassionate, and we have the privilege to call Him our Father and Friend. And because of the God He is, we have joy and reason to be thankful.

Liberia Needs Your Prayers

Please turn music off at the bottom of the page.

Breakthrough!

Sometimes I am in such a place, where I feel forgotten. I know I'm not the only one that has been there, there are so many times we all go in those places. I have looked at God, and wondered..."Do you hear me?", I have even thought "oh, since I'm in such a place...I'm on the path that God doesn't want me on." I remember being told so many times that "things happen for a reason", meaning that if something doesn't go the way we want it to go "then it wasn't meant to be." Sometimes it is hard to be transparent, because as much as I love to receive sincere questions, they too lead to these doubts in my mind. And sometimes this transparency leaves you feeling even more isolated.

This past couple of weeks I have been searching for answers of "why". If I have to be honest, I have doubted that I have been on the right road with our whole adoption. I mean, I know I serve a God who can move mountains, who can change the hearts of his people, and can take hold of every opposition that stands in our way with not only this adoption but for the orphanage project and make it all happen. And if He can than why doesn't He? I have been trying to be obedient to Him, obeying where I thought He was leading but perhaps I just have it all wrong...I mean perhaps, just perhaps "it wasn't meant to be."

Satan thought he won His battle. But then God came with a week of breakthroughs!

I have mentioned that I am in a Bible study that I believe was just written for me. Every page I turn there is something God is trying to get through to me. And being I am a hand's on learner, He has given me circumstances each weak to help me learn the points at hand. I was reminded through the study of Esther, in order to celebrate God's victories we have to experience and see what is against us.

Mr. Geebro, the Minister of Health in Liberia has stood in the way of adoptions, has rejoiced that the President of Liberia has stopped adoptions and hasn't followed through with her promises, and now is standing in the way to bring the container the agency has sent (providing a building to be the new orphanage, solar & wind power instruments, supplies for the orphanage and so much more) from entering Liberia. This man and his accomplices have proved themselves over and over again that they aren't to be trusted, they aren't people of their words, and their actions clearly are against the agency and more importantly God. It is clear these government officials are a huge obstacle. And as I'm sure in their sight believe they are victorious. Is that you? Do you believe that this battle is just too big for us to be in? Have you looked at our situation and lost hope, because your eyes are on the situation and not on God?

Beth Moore said "some of us with little previous battle experience have no idea why God is allowing us to go through such difficult times in a place we thought was His will. He's trying to make warriors out of us, Girlfriend! Rise to the occasion! But we aren't meant to fight unseen forces alone. You and I have the Godgiven right to lock arms with our sisters and brothers in Christ and defend ourselves with the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith. Here's the best part: When we do, we are guaranteed the victory. I said guaranteed."

I read these words, and felt as God was gently telling me something - gently telling me that I know you are in a difficult place, I know you thought you were in my will and you are! You are not alone, stand in the fight with your fellow believers and fight, I am with you and I want you to see how victorious I am". I am reassured God has me where I'm to be. A new friend reminded me yesterday that God puts desires in our hearts because He has so much love for us, and because He loves us so much it is His desire for those things to come to completion. I know some of you reading this, think that the breakthrough I have referred to was that of our children coming home. No, it's not. It saddens me too to think of them being away from me. But the breakthrough for me is knowing I am on the right path, that the old lies that I have been planted in my mind are no longer there because God has overcome it all. I know oppression will stop in Liberia, orphans will come home, and God's victory is coming. I do not know the day nor the hour, but I do know I want to be there to see it! "The Lord my God...turned the curse into a blessing for me, because the Lord my God loves me." Deat. 23:5

I know there are some government officials in the Liberian government celebrating because they believe they have won the fight. I know that there are some of you reading this not understanding how I can actually be celebrating because I don't have any physical evidence of what I say is true. But I know I have reason to celebrate for "The Lord my God is with us, He is might to save. He will take great delight in is, he will quiet us with his love, and will rejoice over us with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 Our God is honest. Our God is true. Our God loves. Our God saves.

The Archibalds are called to "fight the good fight" (1 Tim 1:18-19). And knowing that we are on the path God has chosen for us, and knowing our God is standing with us not against us, we accept to be His warriors. So we ask our fellow believers to stand up with us, link arms together and pray that God's will be done, that these curses we are enduring will be turned to God's blessings, and that Satan doesn't hold any power over these situations nor us.

We ponder over this quote, and is now a prayer for our family and Addy's Hope. "When because of your faith, your life too becomes perceptibly different; when your reactions are quite opposite to what the situation seems to call for and your activities can no longer be explained in terms of your personality; that is when your neighborhood will sit up and take notice. In the eyes of the world, it is not our relationship with Jesus Christ that counts; it is our resemblance to him!"

Torn Between Two Worlds

Well, I should be writing you journal, day 3, 4, ect. But time is an issue these days, and frankly, I just don't want to. To sum up all the days I was there...God moved each day. He made divine appointments each and every day, and not just one, but several. We met with congressmen, representatives and the agency even met with the vice-president. What I personally saw was scales falling off eyes, and the truth revealed. I saw many surprised expressions, as well as some faces surprised that we would be so bold to speak the truth. God opened many doors, and was moving. Bottom line, what does it all mean? Do we have a date that our kids will be home? No. But I can and continue to trust that God will have our kids home when He wants them home. And too, I am that much more confident that God has led us to the right agency and has built our agency director for "such a time as this".

The biggest question that I have received from everyone is "Was it hard to leave your kids?". Am I a horrible mother, because I have to say honestly "no"? I had God's peace with me that day. I knew I when I was going I wasn't necessarily coming back with them, I was hoping, but knew during the trip that our home isn't ready. We have more to do to get ourselves ready. I need to prepare and educate our girls more as to how to deal with different scenarios that will arise, so they know it isn't just a brother and sister that is coming home, but a culture too. We have nothing for Ruth, and we need to get her baby essentials, and of course, we want to do what is best for her and her adjustment so we research everything. I was embraced with peace that day, and left in full peace. Peace too that I knew that one day soon, I will see my kids again, and until then they are in a safe and loving environment, and most of all in God's most capable, able and loving hands. Because of that knowing, I had peace!

The biggest battle I have is now. There hasn't been a day that has gone by that I haven't thought about Liberia. And believe me, I have tried. The other day God had laid on my heart to get a certain woship CD to renew our time together. I picked it up at Target yesterday, as I peaked on the back to see the list of songs I saw a song that is sung by the artist and Watoto choir. You see, no matter how much I try God is not allowing "Africa" out of my mind, sight, ears - and now my heart. Yes, my heart. I cried in Target yesterday, and must have been a sight to see. But the burden I carry in my heart for these people, for this country is great. I long to even help, but what can a person like me do?

Each day I get behind the steering wheel. I have the anxiety of getting places constantly on time...sport practice, music lessons, doctor appointments, volunteer work at the school. Each place we are heading is led by the clock. The moment I got off the plane, and grabbed my luggage we were off to get the girls from school and trying to make a basketball game. I just got back from a country that has no concept of time to a country that is purly controled by lack of time and going 100 miles per hour because we fit too much in our days. I hate it! Each day as I get behind the steering wheel, I cry out to God "I know there is more to life than this. I have seen it. I have experienced it. Now what? Now how can I bring the there into here?" I am literally torn between two worlds. I have had a privildge and calling to go to Africa twice. This time returning I have had what many of you would call "culture shock". However, culture shock doesn't involve your heart and has nothing to do with stirring a passion within your soul. When I returned back from Uganda, I did experience "culture shock" and over time was able to accept the American world back into my life, but this time all I can say is that it is different.

I have now held my kids. I have laughed with them, fed them, cared for them, slept with them, even cried with them. I miss my kids! I long to have them with us, in my arms once again. And I am thankful I am not alone, for as much as I am longing to have them home, I know God is longing with me. He sees the big picture, and together we will wait until He says "go and get them", together we will wait, together we will long and together we will miss our kids.

Until they are home, I have created this video of all the pictures I have captured of Elijah and Ruthie while I was in Liberia. Enjoy seeing a glimpse of them, and please continue to pray with us that they will be home soon. (And don't forget to turn the music off at the bottom of the page.)

Journal, Day 3 - February 17, 2009

Our director took care of so much business today - arranging appointments, meeting with people and such. Amos, the in-country director arranged a press conference for tomorrow. An interesting fact about press conferences - one must pay for the press to come! During our director's outing she met with someone who wants to work with Addy's Hope and license each of the workers and educate them about protecting the kids from abuse and such. She also wants to work with those in the states to educate us as adoptive parents as to the culture we are bringing into our homes. This is another great thing, and another divine appointment set up by God. Everyday I see more and more that God is building block by block getting Addy's Hope ready for something great!

We went out to meet for lunch. Elijah now cries everytime I leave. It breaks my heart but I know too it's also an act of trying to get his way. I rocked Ruth asleep again today and it just feels so right.

I called Duane last night and let Elijah talk to him. I believe I heard some emotion from Duane. Elijah kept asking "Papa, when are you coming to get me?" Oh, if he only knew a yar ago we were ready.

I also gave Elijah and Ruthie some left over pizza. Afterwards we went out to get some fruit and when I returned the first thing was "Mama, my stomach hurts". I felt so bad - his little stomach wasn't ready for such rich food. He slept next to me tonight, and I keep looking over to make sure he is really there. I still feel as if I am living a dream.

Ruthie just wants to be held all the time. She doesn't like to walk too much and also doesn't like to be smothered by the kids. She is deathly afriad of the teddy bear I brought her! She screamed until it was put away. And what amazes me is that she is just over a year old and has already learned the "Liberian pout" to get her way.

Journal, Day 2 - February 16, 2009

I am in Liberia. I confess I am still a little nervous thinking of what Elijah and Ruthie are going to think, how they will respond. We stopped for dinner before heading to the orphanage.

Liberia isn't a shock for me, for some aspects it reminds me of Uganda, but too it does have it's uniqueness. Funny thing is it all seems normal to me, and I have this sense of being home. We arrived at the orphanage and the kids were swarmed all around us to greet us all. Elijah and Ruth were not to be found - they were asleep. The workers went to get Ruth and brought her out to me. She reached out to me, and it was all such a surreal moment; my baby girls is in my arms. I was cradling her, rocking her and then her big brown eyes looked up to me, studying me and it was then my spirit leaped and I had an instant bond with her. We belong together, she is my child as my birth children are. Then the workers brought Elijah to me. And just like an Archibald, he was still half asleep, not able to take in the fullness of it all, nor able to comprehend all that was happening. Although he was awake enough to push all the other kids away from me so he could have me to himself. I went to bed knowing for the first time my youngest children are with me.

This morning we were up early ready for action. I stayed back at the orphanage while our director, another parent, the country's director and pastor went to arrange some meetings. The first door opened was our director running into a woman who is a Liberian congressman. They made arrangements to meet tomorrow about the issues at hand as well as how she can help us Americans by educating us about the Liberian culture.

Addy's Hope's social worker, Rachel came by to pick me up to meet everyone else for lunch. We then headed to the adoption meeting led by the very people who have been against us and have been trying to extort money from us. We found the meeting to be postponed until Thursday...surprised? No.

We then headed to the new site for the new orphanage. It is much bigger than what I have seen. The oppression on the neighboring people is worn on their faces. Addy's Hope is not just focusing on trying to build a better facility and focus on themselves by bringing hope and education for these very people that surround the land. These people are excited and welcoming to us. Adults are excited that they will even have the change to learn to read.

We then met with the attorney, who happened to be the advisor to the President (we never knew that fact until the end and were very surprised to learn that bit of information). She was surprised to hear of all the problems we have endured with some of the government officials. She recommended that we start with the press and educate the people of Liberia what adoption is, what our agency's goal is - and to stick to the facts, not the emotions. We were also told to meet with the legislation and request an investigation to the problems we continue to have.

Tonight I saw the truth exposed for the first time and scales starting to fall off some eyes. God has already opened many doors and we give Him all the glory!

On my way to Liberia - Journal, Day 1

On my way to Liberia! So many thoughts and feelings. Feelings of excitement to finally meet Elijah and Ruth, and even feelings of fear. Will they like me? Will I meet their expectations? Will they learn to love me? And then those questions turn into "what-ifs". What if they don't like me? What if I don't meet their expectations? What if they won't love me?.... all boils down to - FEAR. Oh, how Satan would love to capture me there. I'm reminded of God's most frequent command over and over again as I travel on - "Do not be afraid". I rest in the knowing that God is with me and has already gone before me, so truthfully I have no reason to fear.

Why is God sending me? I continue to see the answer to that question. I need to know so I don't miss what I am suppose to do. I still haven't a clue.

We have had our first battle - that in Brussels airport and all because of luggage. It was enough to scare me and tell God "oh, you have the wrong person. I can't do this". And then turn around and go back home. I believe we were hassled because 1. we are Americans and 2. Satan wants us to start off discouraged. But the truth of it all is I can't do what He is calling me to do, but He can. I want so very much to be in His will. I think I am here for our agency's director, but I still am afraid that I won't clearly hear or see what God truly wants me to do or say or worse...perhaps I will hear or see what God wants me to do and I just won't do it because of fear.

Oh, God give me strength and boldness to stand where you want me. I know through You all things are possible. Rise up within me. I love you. Thank you for working in me now and growing me once again. You have prepared me for such a time as this.

I confess I have believed and continue to be captured in the fear of not being good enough. Because of it I have put God in a box and have assumed that God has been disappointed and ashamed of me and how God would like to have someone else other than me. These are my "old man thoughts", thoughts I am pushing away and trying to break free of. The truth is God loves me and showers His love upon me all the time. I have had the privilege to experience His heart for me and I thank Him for that experience. His love for me gives me the confidence I need.

Father God, this trip is You reaching your scepter out to me, and I am reaching out, touching it and accepting your grace and love You have for me and ready to be used by you. Give me the wisdom, discernment, boldness and gentleness needed to do what you want of me. Let my ears and heart be open. Let my eyes be open too. Above all, let me trust you each step of the way. I am excited to get to personally see You at work in Liberia and for you to move mountains.

Nimba County

I have been struggling since before I left what purpose God had for me on this trip. The past couple of days I found peace, accepted that I am here and wether I see it or not God's will will be accomplished.



Today I discovered I am a voice. A voice to bring to America and share with the other adoptive parents as well as the rest of America that Addy's Hope is much more than adoption - this is bringing hope, care and education to the people of Liberia. The parents that can't take care of their children anymore because poverty is oppressing them and they don't know where the next meal is coming from. They desire more for their children, they pleed for hope.



We met some of the birth parents/mothers and handed out updated pictures of their children living in America. We saw tears of joy, dancing in celebration and hearing praises lifted to our God. No one was regretting their decision. The hold onto hope that they will too come back one day educated, and to help their people, and possibly lift the oppression in this country. One of the grandmother's we met couldn't sit still, was praising and dancing to see her grandchildren in pictures. People came to her over and over asking "why are you selling your children?" and she responded "where is the money? I am not selling these kids.", and their response is that she will never again see her kids. Today proved all those people wrong, and she was loud to let everyone know.

I discovered too that I am a quiet voice for those in Nimba county. You see, the government has made it cleared that we Americans want to adopt children for their kidneys and such. Those seeing their pictures of their children see that these children are ok, they are in loving homes and are being loved. Today was a great start.

I tried to meet Elijah and Ruthie's mother. But because of a misunderstanding I wasn't able to. However, I did see the condition they were brought up in. Today gave me a reassurance and peace.

I am excited to be part of our agency. Our agency isn't just an agency. Those families who are in this agency just to get children are missing out. They are missing an opportunity to be part of a great work God is doing. This isn't just about adoption, this is bringing education for children and adults around the surrounding areas as well as medical attention, this is bringing hope to the hopeless. Does this ministry have everything down to a science? No, just like any new thing they need to iron out some wrinkles, but I see that God is getting ready to blossum what He has planted. I have seen tremendous break throughs during this trip, does that mean that we have seen the fruit of all that is happening? No, but that is where trust comes in. I trust and whole heartedly believe that God hasn't forgotten the orphans, nor the Liberians who live the oppressed life, nor Addy's Hope. God is on the move and will continue everything He is doing even when we leave.

Those of you who aren't part of this ministry please click on their link posted on the side column and keep your eye on all that is going on. Get involved! God is on the move!

A Quick Update

I am in Liberia! Thank you all for praying, and I ask for more prayers.

God is good and all the time! Our first day we went to try and attend a meeting with the people that have made this adoption process difficult, but found the meeting to be cancelled. But instead God had some divine appointments for the day. We have met people that are connected with the Liberian president and have counceled us and directed us to our next steps. The one person we met with was an attorney, who happened to be the President's advisor. I saw scales fall before her eyes when the details were shared as to what we have been going through, and I won't be surprised if the President, herself hears.

We need prayers. Tomorrow we are having a press conference to educate the people here of adoption, and to bring more truth to them. Pray that God's will will be heard and seen. We also will be going up against the "devil", and have to confront the very ones that have lied to us. I am praying that the truth will win out. I have told you all that I am expecting something big on this trip, and I'm ready to see it!

I have been staying with Elijah & Ruthie. I love my kids! They keep reaching out to me, and won't leave my side. Elijah is full of energy and has the "liberian pout". I often wonder if Ruthie can walk, because everyone carries her...not because she can't walk, but because she is very spoiled! I'm thankful I have three little mothers at home that will help.

I will try and update later, but because of our full schedule the next couple of days it may be difficult. Thanks for your prayers, and please continue.

Our God is Exciting!

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
~ Jeremiah 29:13-14, NLT

And I did. I receive power verses from KLove radio each day. Today the verse above was in my inbox. I pondered it, smiled and said "oh, how true".

You see, it was only a little over two weeks ago I was in a "dry" spot in my walk with God. I didn't understand where He was leading me, He had been kind of quiet when we were together, and I had so many questions. "Did I remember the dream that started this whole adoption right?", "Was it really Elijah that I saw?", "Did God speak adoption through this?", "Why would God continue to drag out our journey, if He wanted Elijah and Ruth in our home?, "Am I not a good enough mother, and that is the reason they are kept from us?" You know those questions...questions that run through our mind when we are in the midst of a long and hard journey, questions of doubt, questions of fear, and even questions of weariness. But none the less, I had them. Duane remained with confidence and knew Elijah and Ruth were ours. Duane began to pray for me and I began to search.

It was two weeks ago, God impressed upon me that He was in the midst of growing my faith and He also nudged me to go to our small group, because He had a message for me.

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Romans 5:3-5

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its works so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

James 1:2-4

Perseverance. Sometimes it is so hard. Sometimes we just want to throw up the white flag and surrender. And yet through it all we are to rejoice, and consider it pure joy. Joy isn't an emotion, but rather a choice. And so I received my message from God. I will consider this long road we are on and call it 'joy'. Our group laid hands on Duane and I and prayed, specifically that the truth be revealed. I continued to seek God.

The next evening we went to church. Joy was there! And just like the evening before, God had a message for me.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

You see when our mouths are thanking God for all He is doing, for all He is giving, for all His goodness, our minds are reminded of the giver rather than the gift. When we continue to thank Him even in the midst of our circumstances, our eyes fall off the circumstances but rather the Maker. The situation isn't our focus anymore, God is. And that is how it all began.

I pursued. I claimed our situation as pure joy. I gave thanks over and over again...and that is how my life turned to pure excitement. Anyone who knows me knows too that I'm not what we would call an exciting person. I don't demonstrate excitement, and I would even go as far to say I don't see excitement in the little things. So that is how I know that I know, God fell upon me, filled my life with joy and excitement! Because I had excitement that was growing every day.

I do a lot of my praying and worshipping in the car, for that is where I spend a great deal of time. I remember just clapping and clapping for it was the only thing I could do to demonstrate my excitement. When I arrived home, I was shaking, uncontrollably because of the excitement. The excitement continued to grow and then we received an email, from the Liberian president...

The gross mismanagement of the adoption program (which aims primarily at placing orphans in homes in the United States), by both Liberian and U.S. personnel in the concerned NGO is the subject of a report by a Special Committee which I appointed for this purpose. Essentially, we have discovered that many of the children in these orphanages are not in fact orphans but children taken from their living parents on the promise of support and a good life in America. Moreover, we found that young children were being sexually abused at some of these orphanages, while others including officials of government, have used the program to extort money from potential adoptors. We have thus suspended the adoption program until laws, policies and proper guidelines have been established and we have asked our concerned friends and partners in the United States to be patient as we try to correct the serious malpractices which exist. We expect the National Social Welfare Policy and National Adoption Act which will be submitted to you during the course of the year, will provide guidance and prevent such abuses in the future.

So our adoption is on hold, temporarily. As we see it, another "bump" in the road. Through this announcement I have seen so many loose their hope. Some, probably are calling it quits and some are weeping and trying to hold on. But I have to say the Archibalds are EXCITED!!!! Yes, excited! You see, we had prayed that the truth be revealed. God isn't just revealing the corruption in the government, but also what is going on in other agencies, in other orphanages. God is cleaning house, and we are excited about it. This is a good thing!

The director of our agency (and the only one) had been asked to come and help establish the laws that need to be intact. God impressed upon me to offer my administrative gifts to help. What? OK, now could I be going a little crazy? Am I really hearing God right? But, what if this doubt causes me to disobey what I believe He is calling me to do? So I did, I offered. And I received no response, until...

Two days ago I was given details as to what our director would like to see at the orphanage, and could use my help. We prayed. And apparently, God has booked a ticket on February 14th for me to be heading to Liberia! We are in disbelief, in shock, and frantically getting ready!

In all of this journey, I have to say my eyes and mind were so focused on God. It wasn't until days later that it even crossed my mind...I GET TO MEET ELIJAH & RUTH! A matter of fact, I will be staying at the orphanage with them. I will have to say 'good-bye' to them, but know that for some reason I am to go. There isn't anything any more clearer.

So please pray. Pray I will be able to accomplish all that the director has for me to do. Pray I will hear God, and that my eyes will remain on Him and not what He is doing. Pray for safety. Pray for Duane and the girls - harmony in the home and a group effort to fill the hole I leave. Pray comfort for Elijah (mostly) and Ruthie when I leave. Pray God will reign in this trip and mountains moved. And above all give thanks, for God has revealed Himself once again!

Prayer for Liberia

Once again...I have been lost in feeling of impatience, hopelessness and wondering if our journey will ever come to an end. But no worries, when I'm lost I search, when I'm lost I know my God is with me because I know when He says "I will never leave you or forsake you" it stands true today. So I have taken the last week to seek Him. And as always God spoke...

God is not a human being, and he will not lie. He is not a human, and he does not change his mind. What he says he will do, he does. What he promises, he makes come true.

Numbers 23:19

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-3

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This week we have heard a lot of news with what is happening in Liberia that could get us down, and I confess that I was starting that way. But sometimes joy is a choice, and even in our circumstances we are to be thankful. So when we are asked if we have any news yet...we don't, just more obstacles, more trials...but we are thankful and our joy remains in the Lord. This adoption remains in God's hands and so do Elijah and Ruthie.

Last weekend we had the privilege to lay hands on a container that has been bought through the orphanage project that I have spoken about. The container left this last week and is heading to Liberia, and tentatively will be there by the middle of March. I encourage you to continue to watch what God is doing in Liberia, in the midst of corruption, in the midst of oppression and in the midst of our trials...God is moving and doing a mighty thing! http://www.futurefororphans.com/

The filled container...

We wrote our "well wishes" to those on the other side of the world...And we prayed...

And I wondered...do you think we could just find some room so we can go too? :)

May God's will be done in Liberia. And may all nations confess Jesus is Lord!