Please Pray for the Rally Family

OK... I come to you all again with yet another prayer request. Our family has been blessed with so many wonderful friends on this journey of adoption. Some of them we know only on the phone or through email...others we actually get to meet and spend time with. Early in their adoption process, we were put in touch with the Rally Family. Initially they were thinking of going with Guatemala... but they decided to change to Vietnam. Their daughter was born May 19th, 2007... and they have named her Sydney. Ruth is in Vietnam now. She left to travel on September 29th... and they received Sydney around the 1st of October. However, things are not going well. I wish I had more details... but here is what I know:

Jennifer, hello from vietnam, hope this goes thru....i am praying for your adoption process. i really need your prayers because things r not going so well. been here since sept 29th, miss my kids and tom had to leave. many troubles with the last group of adoptive parents and paperwork investigations...some were not allowed to bring babies home, they wont issue visa's, am afraid that that will happen to us...what should be exciting has now been overshadowed with extreme fear and anxiety...i think i have lost 15 pounds, my pants wont stay on..(needed to but not this way) the last group has been here 5wks...i just want to take my baby home...i have her and am so in love with her...she was pretty sick, but we are on our way to recovery. i wll be devestated if we cant bring her home....my kids will be too and my faith is being tested...so i need a saint like u to pray for our family...i am not as strong as you or as strong as God thinks i am. i forgot to bring your email, so i hope u get this. take care, love ruth

I wish that I could give you more details - but this is all I know. Ruth has a blog, but she is unable to post anything on it. I cannot imagine being 6000 miles from my home, my children and Tim... and have the stress of not knowing if I would be able to bring my baby home with me. Please say a prayer for Ruth - and for all the families that are there with her at this time.

Adoption problems, bureaucracy and red tape are not issues that affect only Guatemala. In the adoption world we hear about them all the time. There is no rhyme, nor reason, nor ethnicity that is subject to scrutiny more than another...it is all sheer madness in my mind. We have families willing to open their hearts and homes to these children. We have children that NEED to be loved, cared for and adopted... and then we have the red tape. The investigations... the election strategies to close adoptions... the mismanagement of paperwork, of children being switched, of raids on orphanages... we hear of the baby smuggling in some countries... and yet, when there are children waiting... we cannot wrap our minds around the fact that still there is such a WAIT. I have said it before, and I will say it again - Adoption is not for the faint of heart. It is a hard, grueling, and emotional roller-coater ride adventure...and even knowing that before you go into it... it is still hard to keep your heart in check during the wait.

So many problems... so many issues... but nothing could be more terrifying than being where Ruth is right now... and feeling all alone. I ask you to please, as you go to bed tonight... and over the next few days... please remember this family in your prayers. They live here in Kentucky - and while I haven't had the privilege to meet Ruth face-to-face... I have spent a lot of time over the past year getting to know her over the phone and via email. She is a wonderful person, that loves her family and loves the Lord. Let's just pray this baby home... and unite this family once again!

Rumblings, Ramblings... and the Fish Face

This is a 3-part post. It's much more effective that way. I get to tell you my scoop, give you my thoughts for the day... and post adorable photos in the process. :) It's really a win-win for all of us. The first part of this post... is about the RUMBLINGS.

The Rumblings on the Internet are both good and bad. There is a post at http://www.guatadopt.com/ that states:

Ortega, Amendments, & Campaigns
Latest and Greatest:
1.) JCICS is reporting that the Hague permanent bureau is supporting allowing in-process to continue. This is excellent news for in-process families!

2.) The Guatemalan papers are reporting about amendments being offered to the bill and that the executive branch is not happy that the bill will undergo so many changes. The UNE party seems to be the one most supporting significant changes, or at least they are the ones saying that the bill in its current form has many issues.

3.) It does not appear as though the amendments will be voted on before the Nov 4th election. We are hearing it will be on Nov 14th. All parties in Guatemala seem to be agreeing that they must not allow the adoption law to become a campaign issue.

So this could end up being good news. It's still hard to say... so we want to ask for prayer to continue in this matter. At least until the final reading which takes place on Tuesday, October 9th. In the meantime... what can you do to help our family personally? Call Mitch McConnell's office 202.224.5968 and speak with Erin Hauer. Call Ben Chandler's Office and speak with Jim. 202.225.4706 (Sorry - don't have Jim's last name.) You need to give specific NAMES (Tim and Jennifer Hanks - in Paris, KY) and tell them that this does effect you personally, as you are relatives/friends/family/loved ones...whatever you want to say. JUST PLEASE CALL. Our Congress is one of the final hold-outs of supporting the "grandfather clause" amendment along with UNICEF in Washington. (Don't even get me started on all the money I collected as a child for UNICEF...)

As for my RAMBLINGS... they go something like this: I was riding in the car today with Tim and the kids. We were going to Sadieville to get some HAY. Tim's best friend Allen Smith lives there... and was KIND ENOUGH to take pity on the Hanks Horses... and gave us some hay. The reason that it was a family affair.. is because Allen and Angie just returned about a month ago from Guatemala bringing home their adorable daughter, Isabella. Naturally... headache or no headache... I was going to Sadieville. As we were driving home... I began to reflect on our lives...and all of our blessings. I met Allen in 1991, the same year I met Tim. It was a package deal... they were inseparable. Allen is one of those people that is loyal to a fault. He is kind, he is honest, he is funny... and I liked him immediately! Despite the many changes in their lives... marriage, family, work... Allen has always been around. It has been a challenge for me to BEAT Allen to be the first one to wish Tim a "Happy Birthday" each year. I promise you... I think this year was the first year I can remember doing that! I wonder now if the two of them ever had any idea 16 years ago... that their lives would travel the same journey... to the same country... to bring home such precious blessings!

It amazes me. It is something that I have talked a lot about with Cynthia... who has been my very dear friend... for more years than either of us care to admit. (We don't talk the "age" thing anymore.) ;) Cynthia and Adam have also journeyed down the path of adoption... all the way to China... for two very precious babies. Keegan and Romy are my kid's favorite playmates. I see them all together - and I think... "WOW - God! You are amazing!" Did we have any idea when we became best friends at the age of 10 that we would travel such similar and amazing paths? Did we know that at this point in our lives - and at this age we would both be parents of TODDLERS? No - we had no idea. but God always knew. He had a perfect plan... and he worked it all out for our good. He always does.

So... my ramblings end with this: I know that everything will be OK. I have a peace about that. (Initial meltdown aside -thank you Jamie, Cyn, Jane and Krystal for getting me through it- I have a peace about that NOW. Thank you everyone for your prayers.)

And here are a few photos of some of my very favorite people. I just wish we had Keegan and Romy in the group shot, too. (Too bad they are in Hilton Head. I bet they are just miserable there. Bah hah!) Someday soon we will have to have a big get together.

Oh the things I could tell these kids about their parents. HOWEVER... will I? NO WAY! They know way too much dirt on me! Enjoy the kiddos. The FISH FACE courtesy of Miss Isabella is my favorite.

The Battle JUST GOT BIGGER

Today, Wednesday October the 3rd...The Guatemalan Congress passed the Ortega Law.

Birth mothers currently have the right to relinquish their child for adoption, to know who will care for the child during the process, and to know that the child is going to America. This law takes those rights away. Also, unless an amendment is passed, this law says that our adoption is now null and void. This law also says that the home in which Sara is currently receiving EXCELLENT care will no longer receive any funding from adoptions. It is currently 100% funded by adoption fees. The law provides no place for her or the thousands of children in this situation to go. The implementation date has not been set, but it could be as soon as 30 days. There is still hope for the amendment to allow our adoption to be processed under the law in which it was initiated, but this is a huge knock against us and other in-process families. We will not stop fighting for Sara, but the battle just got bigger. Please pray for the children of Guatemala.

(Thank you Krystal for allowing me to steal your words... when, for once, I find myself at a loss of words.) Fore more information: http://www.adaguatemala.org/English/news/

Or see the post below...and join us in this fight!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We need your help!!!

Guatemalan adoptions have been "under fire" for a long time now, but the threat of adoptions ending has gotten more and more serious. Now not only are we looking at the possibility of adoptions closing in the future, we are also faced with a very real risk that current pending cases will not be allowed to be completed. In response to this threat, the Joint Council on International Children's Services has created the Guatemala 5000 Initiative to help mobilize a response to the proposed changes. There are approximately 5,000 pending cases right now, so if "in process" adoptions are ended, 5,000 Guatemalan children could be left with an uncertain future. The Guatemalan government has NO infrastructure, NO budget, and NO PLAN to take care of these children. Guess who is 1 of the 5,000? That's right - it's our Sweet Sara!!!!

Please join us in the fight to make sure that pending adoptions are completed. Please go to this petition, read it, and sign it. Please pass this link on to everyone you know and ask them to sign. http://www.petitiononline.com/foafoa1/petition.html

I have copied the JCICS recommendations for calls and e-mails below.

Guatadopt has form letters that make it very quick and easy to make these contacts. I am sending ours out tomorrow (Tuesday) via e-mail.

JCICS Call to Action --What can you do?

Make six simple phone calls and one email.

1. Call your U.S. Senator.· You can find your Senators’ phone numbers at www.senate.gov· Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff.

2. Call your second U.S. Senator.

3. Call your representative to the U.S. House of Representative.· You can find your representative at http://www.house.gov/ . Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff.

4. Call or fax the Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues· Their number is 202-736-9130· Their fax number is 202-736-90805.

5. Call or fax UNICEF Headquarter· Ask to speak with Ann Veneman, Executive Director· Their number is 212-326-7000· Their fax number is 212-326-77586.

6. Call or fax UNICEF Guatemala· Ask to speak with Manuel Manrique· Their number is 011-502-2327-6373· Their fax number is 011-502-2327.63667.

7. Send an email supporting Intercountry Adoption to guatemala5000@jcics.org

Write briefly or at length. Joint Council will use the cumulative email petition in our advocacy for Intercountry Adoption.

When should you call?

Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday (October 8th, 9th 10th)· For maximum effect, we are asking you to make these calls within a 72 hour window!

What should you say?

Speak from your heart and give them the following information.

• The Guatemalan government has announced that all adoptions with the U.S. will be suspended on January 1 2008.
• Their announcement also indicated that there will be no ‘grandfathering’ of adoptions already in process.
• If children referred to families are not allowed to be adopted, they will languish in institutions or foster care.
• Your office must get involved and sign the CCAI sponsored letters to the President of Guatemala and UNICEF. These letters ask that all adoptions in-process as of January 1 2008 be allowed to processed to completion under the existing notarial laws.
• Your office should contact the Office of Children’s Issues at the Department of State. Their number is 202-736-9130.

Can you explain the problem behind the pending crisis?

Here is some additional information…

• Guatemalan President Oscar Berger has announced plans to effectively stop all adoptions into the United States including those children who have already been referred to adoptive parents.
• Over 5,000 children have been referred· The birth parents for these children have already relinquished their parental rights. As a result, they currently have no family and the Berger suspension will result in these children having no prospect for a permanent, safe and loving family.
• The government of Guatemala currently does not have the finances or facilities to even provide housing for these 5,000 children.
• The Berger plan is a crisis waiting to happen.

I know that this is a lot of info - and a huge request. But you all know the blessing that these children are to each and every one of us. I have a huge burden on my heart for these children... for ALL of them. There are so many that we have met and fallen in love with along the way... and our hearts break thinking that some of these children will never be coming home to their families.

Please join with The Hanks Family in working to get these children HOME, and to work to keep the Guatemalan Adoptions open... for the thousands and thousands of children that are still in need.

Thank you!

The Families That We LOVE...

I am a homebody. It's really not a BAD thing... I'm just a momma bird that likes to be in her own nest... with all her birds in the nest with her. ;) So when we began to make plans to go and visit Sara back in August... I began to stress over what to do about the kids. McCaleb doesn't have a passport yet, so taking him to Guatemala with us was not an option. Do we take the girls and leave him home... do we take just Ali and leave the younger two children behind... or do they ALL stay home together? It was really a tough decision. But when the reality settled in that I would be leaving all my babies here... I knew exactly where they needed to stay. I called The Whitley's. Mom and Dad came over the first night we were away... and the rest of our trip they spent over at the Whitley's Farm... swimming, eating, playing, chasing goats, swimming more... and all in all having a WONDERFUL time. Leaving my babies is not easy for me... (see previous post) but knowing they were getting tons and tons of love and were keeping so busy they didn't have time to miss us made it easier. Plus they were with people that are so dear to us, and that truly love our children just as much as we do! The Whitleys , Rankins and Stampers are part of our family - and we love them all to pieces! We can't thank them enough for taking care of the things that are most precious to us! I only have a few photos from their visit with the Whitely's... but since virtually all of them involve the pool and bathing suits... and I have not asked permission from Shelby or Katrina to post THOSE... I will post pictures of the Whitley/Rankin/Stamper crews... along with our children at the recent FFA Show and Sale. These folks are our very dearest friends... and we are so honored to be a part of their lives! The FFA Show and Sale was a lot of fun. Rachel was all about the animals... she didn't want to leave. McCaleb just wanted to find Cory... he loves that Cory! And Ali... well... I will let the pictures speak for themselves. We all know what it is that she loves the most...or whom. ;)

(And PS... I didn't even post ALL of the photos!!!)

Our Other Child... Tadiwos Alemu

Back in April, I took my annual pilgrimage to Columbus, Ohio to attend the Women of Faith Conference. I hate leaving my children. I hate it for even a few hours. As much as my life can become hectic and chaotic... I have learned to love the chaos. As a matter of fact - when my children are not home... it's entirely too calm... too quiet... and much too lonely. So leaving them, even for one night, is really hard for me. When I left for Women of Faith - they all promised to be good, promised to miss me, promised to help Daddy... and then said - "Bring us a prize!" Now - they could care less if they got something that was $25... or the hotel lotions and soaps... they just like the THRILL OF THE PRIZE. And every time... I try to find something that will really thrill them, WOW them... and bring to their faces a SMILE.

This year, I started out with PEZ candies. (I found the cutest ones...while shopping for long sleeved shirts and sweat pants at the WalMart next to our hotel. I had packed all my usual Capri Pants and cute shirts... and this year it was 40 - 50 degrees in Columbus for WOF. Brrrrrr!) When I arrived at the Conference... I was not immediately "wowed" by anything. Usually I spend the entire first day trying to decide what I want to get the kids... but this year... I was having a hard time choosing. On DAY TWO... I had a migraine. It started out small...so I did what I usually do when I am getting one of these. I began to eat... and take medicine. The last thing I wanted to do... was MOVE. So during one of their Intermissions... I stayed in the auditorium. They showed a video for WORLD VISION. Every year, I sit there and watch these videos... listen to the stories... and think what a good idea that is. I would look around at all those women and think of how many lives could be changed... how we should all think more globally... and how reaching out is so important. And every year - I walk out after doing NOTHING. This year though, was different. As I walked around with Carolyn, I kept finding myself drawn to the World Vision Table. This year, I stopped. It hit me finally what I could take home to the kids that would mean more to them than a T-Shirt or video. Tim and I have tried to raise children that are aware of the world around them. Not just the "world" of Paris, Kentucky... but the whole world. We also hope that they grow up to be "color-blind" and see people for more than just the clor of their skin. What better way to share that with them than to become a World Vision sponsor? It was a great plan... I only wished I had known how hard it would be to CHOOSE A CHILD. As we approached the table, I told Carolyn my plan. I would select a child - and take that child home to the children as their "prize". It would be our new family project... and something that we could all participate in.

Selecting a child was the most difficult thing I have ever done...I walked to the table and could not make that choice. Every child I selected laid next to 2 dozen others that I would leave laying there... little faces with sad eyes looking back at me. I asked which need was the greatest - male or female...hoping that would help me narrow down my choice. I even asked which ages were most crucial. I was told that the boys around the ages 8 - 10 were at the most risk of being taken to use as Guerrilla fighters. Still - I ended up with a handful of children and tears in my eyes. Finally - seeing the difficulty that I was having, one of the workers came over and took all the pamphlets from my hands. She said - pick a birth date. I chose Tim's birthday - March 16th. She asked me which sex I had selected... and I told her MALE. She went to the box of March birthdays, went to March 16th and came back with the ONLY CHILD with that birthday. Tadiwos Alemu from Ethipoia. He is 10 years old. I fell in love with him the moment I saw his face. He lives in a village called Leini which is about 365 kilometers south of the Capital Addis Ababa. His father is a farmer, his mother a homemaker and he is the oldest of 4 children. They live in a hut built of wood, mud and covered by grass. They get their light from a lamp - and they fetch water from the nearby river. As I read a letter to the children from Tadiwos' father (that was written by his case worker) I was reminded once again of the many blessings that we have - and take for granted each and every day. The kids and I spent a week or more selecting small items to send to Tadiwos - things that might be fun for him and might bring him and his siblings some joy. We are limited to a 6x9 envelope - so we needed to be creative... but the kids really took great care to think of things that he might enjoy. This weekend, we received another update of Tadiwos. It even included a "progress report" of his schoolwork.

I can't tell you how much it has meant to me - and to our family to be World Vision Sponsors. We talk about and pray for Tadiwos each day... especially at bedtime. The kids have asked questions about where Tadiwos lives and what we can learn about him and his family. We have already received so many blessings from Tadiwos...and are so honored at the opportunity to be a part of his life. Sponsoring a child is not for everyone. But if you've ever thought of giving your family a more global vision of the WORLD... I would encourage you to look at World Vision. The cost is about $1 a day. Even with the many expenses that we have been saving for to bring Sara home... we have gladly made the sacrifices to continue sponsoring Tadiwos... a child that might not have the opportunity to hear the message of God's Love, or to know that there are families out there that care about him and his family. I can promise you the BLESSINGS have all been OURS.

Slip Slidin' Away....

I think that one of my friends Sig, posted recently that the end of summer was here - and she was sad. I didn't really think of it at the time... because I always look forward to the leaves changing... and the seasons. But then I began to think of all the fun that we have had this summer... and I did get sad. Where does the time go??? We love being outside... we love to play and get dirty and have fun... WATER PLAY is very big here at the Hanks House. I personally like to be in charge of the water hose...but little McCaleb is quite the sneak... and I have taught him some very bad habits. Here are a few of our recent pictures. I was sad that the digital camera didn't have any of Ali on the slip and slide... she is VERY good at it. She was sick the day Daddy took these photos...but I finally did find the roll of film of her diving off the diving board at Buddy's house... so hopefully I can get those posted soon! The dogs are enjoying the "cooler" weather that we have been having. Does anyone else think they look a little "rounder" than usual? OH! Please note the very distinguished dog in the far background... that would be JD. He turned 15 years old on the 8th fo this month. He is such a sweet dog... we love that fella.

And finally - my kids are the BEST. I have been so sick this past week... and they have been so helpful. Rachel LOVES to wash dishes (and nothing was broken) ...Ali weeded the entire flower bed on one side of the house... and McCaleb scooped up the yard - which is a full time JOB with 10 dogs around. He had help from Ali... but once she showed him the ropes, he could do it all by himself. The great thing about this boy - he loves to work... no matter what the task. Last week we picked up sticks in the yard... and he was carrying out branches that were 6 feet long. (This week we all suffered from the bug bites to prove our efforts, but they were very proud of themselves... and bragged on their hard work to their Daddy.) They helped feed the animals on the nights that Daddy was working late... and helped water and feed the horses. They are precious, sweet children that are easily entertained... and on weeks like this I am reminded how very blessed we are. They are all so sweet and kind.

I am sad to see summer leave. But I look forward to all that fall brings! I have a slew of photos from the Scott County FFA Show and Sale... and I hope to get those posted this weekend. In the meantime - enjoy this little snapshot of our summer fun... and stay tuned for more fun in the Fall!

(PS - and for those of you that know... we have these "free range" chickens that visit each day. I've told the kids... if you catch one, you can keep it. I have YET to get the daily chase on film. IF I DO... I will post it. It is hilarious!!!)

(OH! And one more PS...a very special cousin has a very special birthday this week. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEITH! It seems like just yesterday we were cruisin' downtown Louisville in the convertible Mustang... and watching you ride the unicycle...swimming at the Cross' house...those were fun times! Where does the time go?)

Bittersweet Birthday...

Today is a special day... Sara turns 8 years old! We wish that we could be there to celebrate with her... but we emailed her a photo this morning to let her know we are thinking about her. We did get to send a package down two weeks ago when Allen and Angie went to bring home sweet Isabella. Thank you Allen and Angie for carrying our sweet Sara a special package for her special day. (I'll link you to Isabella's blog once they get it up and running... hint hint, Angie.)

Our case is back in PGN, so as most of you know... we WAIT. Waiting is truly the hardest part... but we also have preparations here at home that we need to be getting busy with!

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA...this will be the last one you spend without your family.

(Update on Lucas...his case was sent to the Court of Appeals. This can take up to a month for a decision, so in the meantime we are still praying that they will allow him to remain where he is - and will issue his COA so that he can come home to his forever family. Thank you for all your prayers!)

Shopping for a Van or Truck?????

OK - so here's a shameless plug for our friends Cynthia and Adam. Cynthia (who most of you know) is a stay at home mom... that wants to keep staying home. You know those two precious babies Keegan and Romy - they are such dolls! If you know anyone in the market for a nice 2006 Toyota Van or 2005 Toyota Pickup - please let me know... or you can contact them directly!

859-389-9460 or 859-494-3120.

Brayden's Big Day

OK... so Bounce "U" was on Saturday, August the 18th... and on Sunday the 19th we were invited to Brayden's Big Birthday Bash! He turned 2 years old (on the 22nd)... and is such a little sweetie pie! I love this boy. He has a smile that will melt your heart. Can you believe that this was the first Sunday in weeks that the temperature was not 90 degrees or above? The water in the pool was COLD. Since I was photographer... I obviously had to stay out of the water... ahem. But honestly, our kids had just as much fun playing with the other kids... swinging on the swing set and jumping on the trampoline. Jordan, as you can see, is very shy. :) She is a doll baby - and says that I can have this pink and brown bikini once she outgrows it. Isn't she sweet? And Tia's curls just fascinate me! She is so cute!!! There was another cootie at the party - and that is little Kaleb. He shares a birthday with McCaleb... so we had birthday boys everywhere! It was really fun to see them all together. Try as I might... I could NOT get a picture of Parker G that shows what incredible baby blues she has. She is just the cutest... but my pictures did not do those beautiful eyes justice! It was a wonderful day - we had a complete blast - they sure did put on a spread!

The process of adoption is one that cannot be explained or understood until you actually experience it. There is a bond that forms between families that take this journey together - and that bond is something that I still cannot explain. These families (The Maguires and the Pikes) travelled this path with us before - and they are travelling it with us yet again, each in the process of adopting again. Please continue to remember both families in your prayers. Adoption is such a leap of faith. You truly have to know that God is in control... and turn the rest over to Him. We all experience anxieties, moments of worry or just flat-out times of panic. It's such a blessing to have these great friends (and all those others out there...) to turn to for support, encouragement and just an ear to listen to a good "rant" from time to time. The Hanks Family is so blessed with so many wonderful friends!!!

OK - so when you look at these photos (and yes... I take and post too many - sorry) but check out some of these. First of all, my favorite is the last one. Everyone wanted a group photo. Everyone but Kaleb. He was playing with his balloon and didn't want to stop. He was so sad. Check out my kids... they are looking at him as if they have never seen someone cry. (yeah, RIGHT!) Then look at Jordan and Tia on the tramploine - I caught them in a few good jumps. But I LOVE the ones of Brayden with his cake... he loved playing with the icing. So very cute! And in the pool - the temperature did not phase him in the least. I felt sorry for Michael, that had to be in the pool... bless his heart. The things we do for our babies... ;)