We woke up to sunny skies today. I had it all planned in my mind. Get around have breakfast and coffee... then hang up the wet clothes to finish drying. Well I did get them hung and they dried most of the way before the clouds and light rain set in for the remainder of the day. Just after lunch the place cleared out and it seems weird not to see hardly any activity. Today being Sunday is hard as we would like to be in our church back home. We played outside till the rain started and then it becomes a struggle to find fun and interesting things to do. Wellington likes to watch TV and so I let him watch a soccer game... can you imagine soccer on basic TV? I told him there is little soccer on TV in the US. I told him about American Football but he asked about baseball. The children are learning more English each day and they may not say everything they know. We will ask them to do something in English and sometimes they will do it... so I guess they are beginning to understand. Gabe has his fussy times still but is getting better. This weather is not ideal for asthma so he probably will not be 110% till we get to Rio or home. If people knew everything about adoption or what they would encounter; there would probably be fewer adoptions. Not that they are all bad... they can and are demanding. That said I think it would be good for every Christian to be involved in the adoption process. Obviously I don't think everyone should adopt a child/children into their family. Not everyone is called to do this. However, everyone has something to offer the families that do adopt. I want to take a little time to point out some examples of things that can be done to help. I will also mention some names... but in doing so I will not remember everyone I should... but don't worry, God knows and will reward you for your faithfulness. How do you thank the people that are caring for your 5 children back home?? Thanks Terry and Kevin for taking on the 2 younger ones. You will never know what relief that brought us. Mom thanks for all the things you are doing... I won't even try to guess what you are doing with the 3 older ones. Also you (and dad) are to blame for the adoption... you raised me and taught me so you share some blame. Godly wisdom and advise from (I won't remember everyone) Pastor Goebert, Pastor Scott, Kevin F, Pastor Rich etc. MaryJane Dunn for e-mailing and encouraging us for the last year (they adopted 5 from Brazil last year), Kevin Foster for the fundraising dinner idea, and for all the generous people who helped financially. Then there are people like Greg Millard, Larry Minor, Jeff Hall and Steve Baker who helped get the basement ready (added a bath, bedroom, and office). Barry Mowry family... keeping a watch on the homestead, meals from Mary, boys doing chores when needed. Luciana from LIMIAR (if you want to adopt from Brazil... use them), Mary Holtapp from Bethany Christian Services (great for domestic and Int'l adoptions and foster care). Frank Gorsline shares blame in this. Two years ago he dragged my family and me to Brazil for a 2 week mission trip... we were at an orphanage on that trip and rest is history. (Frank you should come and visit me... you owe me a churrascadia (spelling) ). Everyone who has and is praying for us, is heavily involved with adoption. You are approaching God's throne on behalf of these children. What greater thing can anyone do? Please keep praying. (Health is a concern as Rebekah and I are getting sick and I think Lidiane is as well.) Our home church Factoryville Bible also Calvary Baptist, and North Bridge Church. These are a few examples of people involved in adoption. So like the old poster that has a picture of Uncle Sam on it and says, "I need you"; imagine a picture of a child in need of a family and the words saying, "Get involved"
God Bless you all,
Dave

He's baaack! That's right Gabe is back. Finally after a couple of days off, at dinner time Gabe found himself again. Happily shoveling food down. He also wanted some of Mom's coffee. Once he gets home Grandma Mowry will gladly fix him coffee. Listen carefully to me Mom, if you give him too much, you get to watch him till the caffeine wears off. As I believe I mentioned yesterday, there are a lot of people here this weekend. It is a real mess. You have Catholics, Lutherans, Missionary Alliance, and who knows what else. Even though it was gray skies again all day it wasn't as bad. There are other kids here for the children to play with. The hard part is figuring out where each one is at any given time. Rebekah did some laundry in the sink yesterday afternoon and some of it still isn't dry yet. She found a wash board today and did some more. I hung the clothes on a clothesline in the back and took them down at sundown. It doesn't even seem like they have dried at all. Obviously there is moisture in the air but it doesn't seem humid. It didn't reach 70 degrees today I don't think. I guess the hair dryer will have to come out again tomorrow morning... I hate damp underwear. Yesterday I wrote about the coffee... the food. For all who have been to Brazil, will understand. For the rest, you need to be thankful for the variety you have in the US and should enjoy it. Rice and beans are a staple. I am here to tell you, two years ago when I first came to Brazil, I looked at the rice and beans and thought "I better take some to be polite"... but they were good. Not like our beans in the US. However, you have them everyday. Also I want to send a message out to Jim (and MaryJane) Dunn. "Hey Jim! would like to come down and have a ham and cheese sandwich with me for breakfast and dinner everyday". All kidding aside, I like the food, especially the fruit... mango's, bananas (prepared 30 different ways), oranges (at least 3 different varieties), watermelon, etc. They also have a dessert that looks like large tapioca but is purple in color. Its pretty good. I just found out why. They cook it with wine....ssshhh, don't tell Pastor Goebert. All in all I am very thankful for everything here. The people are so loving and giving. Two nights ago the group that was here decided to go out to eat and not dine in. We didn't know about it till a lady in the kitchen told us that they prepared enough food for us and delivered it to the small kitchenette at the end of our hall. People are thinking about us all the time and I am so grateful and humbled. Today Rebekah pointed something out to me about the children. They are changing. When we first got them, they always held hands wherever they went. Wellington looking out for the other 3. Lidiane being a little mother to the younger two. Now they don't hold hands as much. I believe they were very insecure before and little afraid. I hope now they can learn to be kids and let Mom and Dad be responsible for them. They can trust us more and more to love and care for them. As young Christians may hang on to the old way of life because it is all they know. Little by little they come to know (love and trust) their heavenly Father and let Him take charge of their lives. Thanks to all you send messages. Please continue to pray for us and our family back home.
God Bless
Dave

Last night was great!! We all slept. All that coffee didn't keep me from sleep. Ah!! Great coffee anytime of the day. I did learn something about Brazilian coffee. They don't send the best coffee to the US. They don't even keep in Brazil. They sell it to Europe, especially Italy gets the best beans. The lower quality stuff gets sent to the US. Rebekah is not much of a coffee drinker but she has it for 1 - 2 meals a day now. She liked it 2 years ago when we visited a coffee plantation near Londrina, Brazil. Enough of that stuff. Gabe is doing better today. Less coughing but wasn't back to full energy yet... that's not all bad. His appetite is not what it was the first few days but I'm sure it will be back. It was a complete gray sky day here and I don't think it got much more than 60 degrees. I believe there are many people hear who think I'm the crazy American not wearing a coat. I was in my short sleeve t-shirt all day. There are many people who wear scarfs all day even in the office. We met a Brazilian who said the weather forecast for next Tues called for 0 degree Celsius. I can handle that as I bought a jacket from Walmart.... but.... they don't have any furnaces here or in many places around here. I haven't found any duct work or thermostats or roof top HVAC systems. In the summer it doesn't get much above 85 degrees here. Remember we are further south in Brazil. So next week I may freeze... stay tuned. Today we took a walk "off campus" with the kids for the first time. We went to a grocery store and bought some laundry soap. We broke down out of desperation as we haven't done laundry since we got here. Rebekah washed enough clothes for tomorrow. You can tell what rooms we are staying in... the ones with pants, shirts, underwear, etc hanging out the louvered and sliding windows. Problem is they probably won't be dry by morning. Rebekah asked what we should do... I told her it was a good thing she brought her hair dryer.... not a good answer. Yesterday was difficult on the children as they were thrown off schedule... not that we have a tight one, but everything was different. Today was smoother by far. PTL! We have been here for a week now so things are settling into a routine. Tomorrow we can use the playground as it is the weekend and no school children will be around. We are learning the personalities of the children more each day so that helps. Today I caught one of the girls saying a sentence using both Portuguese and English... that's a start. Communication has been hard but we are learning more and they are understanding more English... that is except for one phrase I use and they still don't respond.... "hey guys". They don't look up or respond. They just keep doing whatever they have been doing. I then have to remember to call them by name. It isn't that great... they all have a name. We all have a name and God knows us and calls us by name. One part of our trip I have been dreading, hating, etc. After our stay here in Curitiba, we fly to Rio to get US visas for the kids. That means staying close to the US Consulate to avoid high cost of taxi rides. Which means staying in the center of town. Since we will be ready to take the overnight flight on July 3rd, we would arrive in the US on July 4th... the ticket prices skyrocketed. So we booked flights for July 6th. That is 5 days in Rio instead of 3. And we are on our own there. Limiar is not able to have anyone there to assit. Now you know why I dread, complain, hate the thought of it. So in my mind there is nothing that I can do... just suck it up and do what you have to do. Well God has other plans. Here at Lar Betania, we met a couple. Luis is a pastor from Curitiba but has been pastoring in Rio for a short time. He is here for a few days to have some follow up medical test performed. He doesn't speak much English but I had an interpreter ask if he knew of a hotel close to the US Consulate. A little while later he came to us and said he and his wife spoke and he wants all of us to stay with his family. And he will drive us where we have to go. You have got to be kidding me!! You want 6 practical strangers to invade your small place for 5 - 6 days. Of course my personality says that we would be a lot of trouble and hassle and I don't want people to be bothered by our needs. Rebekah later scolded me and said let people give you something if God has laid it on their heart. So it looks like we have a place to stay. Why didn't I pray about it? Did I think I would be bother to God with a selfish issue? Sometimes you have to go thru "un-fun" stuff and maybe sometimes we wouldn't have to if we just prayed about it. God cares about ALL the things in our lives. When will I ever learn to bring everything to Him. Do we have an awesome God?? He knows me... my weaknesses... and even when I don't ask, He is there providing and ministering to me despite my complaining and lack of faith.

Today was the longest 2 weeks of my life! With an opening line like that you know the guys are saying, "This is going to be fun reading" and the ladies are saying, "Oh my! I wonder what happened, I hope everyone is OK" If my spelling and grammar is/are worse than usual I'm operating on about 2 1/2 hrs sleep. So please excuse the word slurring from sleep deprivation. I'm operating on 3 cups of Brazilian coffee and a glass of Guarana. Gabe had a rough night. Fever started going up, breathing continued to be labored and shallow. Finally at 5:00 AM we called Lino. He arrived about 6:00 and took Rebekah and Gabe to a Hospital. Fortunately Curitiba has excellent medical facilities for South America. Some say the best in Latin America. After Rebekah left I continued to pray till 6:30. I included in my prayers that God would have the 3 children sleep an extra 1/2 hr. They usually get up at 7:00 sharp. And God answered my prayer... "my grace is sufficient for you" not the verse I was hoping for. At 6:40 the girls came in and that was end of sleep. I told them to get dressed for breakfast which doesn't start til 8:00. I was hoping for 5-10 minutes of sleep. Not a chance. They started bringing clothes and asking me to pick between 2 choices. I couldn't remember what pants they decided on by the time they brought in their shirts. Needless to say when Rebekah returned later, she hoped I wasn't the one who picked out their clothes for the day. Hey... they were modest, no one really looks that close at color co-ordinating. When it was close to breakfast time I looked at Pamela's hair and did the wisest thing I could think of... "Lidiane, could you please do Pamela's hair?" After dragging out breakfast for as long as I could... including 2 cups of coffee.... it was time to play hide-and-seek. Wellington and Lidiane teamed up against Pamela and I. I dragged that out as long as I could. Truth be know I was in no hurry to find them and end the game. After 2 hrs of that I had to kill another 1 1/2 hrs before lunch. Can you guys say video. Just before lunch I finally called Lino's cell ph#. Rebekah answered and said they would be leaving soon. Gabe had 6 different breathing treatments and some other medicine for viral bronchitis (spelling). By the time they arrived we were having lunch and Gabe was much happier. PTL. Lino said it would have cost R$550 (Brazilian currency) but they went to the free medical side of the hospital as it was so early in the morning and they got right in and didn't have to wait. I was fearing and dreading the cost. The rest of the day had its issues and by 4:45 I was thinking it had to be supper time. We did eat a bit earlier in hopes of getting to bed a little earlier. This morning as I was praying for Gabe, I found myself worrying and fearing all sorts of things. Is it pneumonia (spelling), will he have to stay in the hospital, what about the cost... no Blue Cross Blue Shield down here, will the other 3 children be all upset that Gabe and Mom were gone when they woke. Help Lord! I don't know what to do. Peter said something similar to that as he was sinking in the stormy waters. Fear... what should we fear? When we put the girls to bed they like to have a light left on all night. And they would say something we didn't understand. The 2nd night they said it, we discovered they were saying "We are afraid!" I sat down, looked at Lidiane and said... "Pae es aqui y eu ajudo"... "Daddy is here and I will help" She smiled, lay down her head and fell asleep. They next time I am afraid I hope to remember... Daddy is with me and will stretch out his hand. Did God answer my prayer... Gabe is doing better, the kids were kept occupied, it cost very little for medicine. Fear... what should I fear?

Happy Birthday Gabriel!! You are 2 years old today. Today turned out to be a busy day. In a small way we celebrated Gabe's b-day. The 2 Grandma's sent presents for him to open. They were not actually wrapped in paper like most are use to in the US, but he will never know the difference. Today we had our first meeting with the CEJA social worker, Daisey. Lino was with us and after Daisey had spoke with us she went to speak with the children. Once she left, Lino said she took longer than most as she seemed a little nervous. (She just transfer into this dept. and we are her first case.) Lino said we didn't seem nervous when she was talking to us. Again I tell myself, "I have never been thru this before to know if I should be nervous... maybe I should be." The meeting went so well that they asked if we would stop to see a judge in the same building. We have not met this judge as this is in Curitiba and when we got the children we met the judge in Cascavel. They wanted us to meet this judge to show that sibling groups do well together going to the US. In Curitiba the courts declined an adoption referral of 4 children to the US as the couple didn't have any children and the courts felt they needed experience. So they wanted to help pave the way for the courts to reconsider their decision. We just stood there and smiled and told them we didn't plan on getting a divorce. (The judge asked the question). After we left Lino told us he was surprised the judge would ask such a question. The biggest news I want to share tonight is a prayer request for Gabe. He still is having breathing problems. It reminds us of Andrew (our oldest son back home), when he was younger he had allergy induced asthma. The retreat center has a breathing treatment piece of equipment. We have given him about 4 treatments today just to keep the congestion from getting worse. We have an appointment with a Dr tomorrow at 10:30. Pray for a restful night for Gabe and Rebekah. We have to hold him on our lap to keep his head up and not let him lay on his stomach. I am sorry if I sound repetitive, but please keep praying. Someday you may find out the impact you have made.
Dave

Today started great. We woke to sunny skies and I couldn’t wait for breakfast to be over. Yesterday when I went to Wal-Mart I bought a soccer ball for Wellington, but I didn’t show it to him last night as I didn’t want him to go crazy kicking it in the room, down the hall, up/down steps, etc. After we ate and brushed teeth, I brought out the ball… he was ready to go. Although he could play any position in the US, he likes to play goalie here. Needless to say the time between breakfast and lunch went by quickly. This afternoon the clouds rolled in and we had on and off light rain/sprinkles making it a long wait before dinner. At dinner tonight the impossible happened. I have told Rebekah there is probably no food that Gabe won’t eat. That boy sees food and he thinks it is his and if it isn’t his he wants some. He eats more than the 2 girls combined… easily. I don’t think his stomach is ever empty. If you look closely at his pictures it may seem like he doesn’t smile much… he does but his cheeks are so chubby its hard to tell. Anyway, I found something that Gabe won’t eat… watermelon. Of all the things in the world to dislike… watermelon?? There is a mission organization with their offices here called CCI (Crossover Communications Int’l). They have an international phone that they pay $30/month for unlimited calls. They have said we can use it to call home. It doesn’t cost them anymore…PTL. We called and spoke with Titus and Peyton. Grandpa Smith was watching them as Terry and Kevin were in town. They talked about fishing. We put Pamela on the phone to talk… and she did. They didn’t understand too much. The boys seem to be doing well. Later we called home and spoke with Wesley and Amilia. We put Lidiane and Wellington on to talk. The girls talk mostly about Amilia and Wes. It will be interesting once we get home. As the evening set in we noticed Gabe getting a lot of congestion, drainage, coughing. A Brazilian family that is staying here for a few weeks, called a Dr and took Rebekah to a Rx to get medicine. Please pray for a quiet night sleep for him (and us). Lest you think the kids never do anything wrong, they do. I think it best not to include too much of the issues and difficulties. It probably would be too easy if there wasn’t the language barrier. This keeps us depending on God and not on ourselves. Last Friday (before we met the children) when we were meeting with the Judge; he pulled out the file and showed pictures of the children before they were taken into custody. It basically shocked us. I would not want them ever to see those pictures. There would be few people in the world that would want to get down on their level and reach out their arms to give them a hug, let alone hold their hand or even touch them. They had nothing to offer anyone in the world. If I saw them then would I be here today?? Just thinking about this, how can I not say " what did God see in me?" I had nothing to offer. I was filthy. I was helpless. Spiritually dead! God didn't and doesn't need me and all that I need is HIM! His love brought adoption to my level, held out His arms to embrace me and made me beautiful in His sight. What greater adoption story is there than that. There is more lessons I am learning daily but this will do for tonight. Please keep praying for us as I know many are. All you prayer warriors are part of this adoption whether you realize it or not.
God Bless,
Dave

I knew it had to come to an end. After all, it is later Fall (almost winter) down here. We woke to wet sidewalks and a light rain that was on/off most of the day. The worst part... rain is in the forecast now thru the weekend. Not that it is a tremendous amount... some days it may rain 5.... mm. Don't ask me how much that is but the farmers back home would probably say "it didn't even settle the dust". So we had to spend more time inside. It was unfortunate for me... I mean Rebekah, as I went with Lino to exchange money, look at a car to rent if needed, and shop at Walmart. They do have what looks like peanut butter down here but I didn't buy any. Cost twice as much for 3 times less... figure that one out all you math geniuses. By the time we got back, Rebekah was glad to see me. Pamela was standing at the window looking for me to come thru the gate. One great answer to prayer... Hallelujah!!! the 2 suitcases carrying all the kids clothes arrived. As you may remember we were living on 3 changes of clothes that the orphange sent with the kids. Wellington continues to come out of his shell and is a big help. He will get after the others if they are not obeying. Lidiane is letting her guard down more also. Pamela had her moments today but we are working thru them. Gabe didn't sleep well last night so was cranky. Many times when he heard the word "no"... it was pitch-a-fit time. They are learning more all the time. Lino watched and spoke with the children. Later he said to me the kids are doing great. They said they liked us. He said compared to most adoptions they will give little trouble. But what does that mean? Little trouble?? Could it mean that when you ask the children to write their name, including their new last name, they respond by saying that is not my name. It could be difficult to comprehend why wouldn't they want my last name. After all look what I am doing for them. Do those adopted into God's family ever have a problem with what God has called all to be. In I Peter, God wants His children to be... "obedient." Do not live in the old sinful ways of the past. I am Holy and I am calling you (to be) holy. But that may mean I need to change... a lot. I have lived fine without you... this is who I am. Besides, You said You loved me... always have and always will. For those truly born "adopted" into God's family, this attitude will change. It is part of the maturing process. I was glad when later in the day the kids were talking about their "new" name. Oh, if it could always be this easy. If I could always respond that quickly to God. It only hurts me when I resist.... and WHY do I resist? I must always remember..... love.... always has and always will.
Dave

So far today has been more quiet and relaxed. Most all of the guests left before we went to cafe (breakfast). We went to the playground, made things with play dough, played catch, books, etc. I went to a grocery store for food for lunch and dinner. I didn't get off easy as they don't seem to have peanut butter here. But as I watch the children and see and realize all the work there is to do, it would be easy to ask why would I or should I adopt. Then it struck me! Why should God want to adopt me as His child. I know when He first looked at me, He knew there was going to be a tremendous amount of work. Doesn't God have enough things going on in the world?? The continual issues in the Middle East, famine, natural disasters, dictators suppressing people, politics (ok let's not go there). So the answer to my question: Why would God want to adopt me? Because He loves me... always has... always will. What great comfort to know that. Nothing can separate me from His love. When the four children run screaming down the hall and I say "No, No, No... no running... walk. They keep going. But I want obedience. I spoke... didn't they hear my voice? Do they know who I am?? When we are newly adopted into God's family, do we hear God? Do we need to learn what God wants us to do, and expects of us? Obedience?? We could say to God, "What am I doing wrong... I'm just having fun like always. I am not doing anything wrong." Slowly, and in His way; God will begin to work in us. But for the beginning He will give us milk. So I need to remember the children will not always understand what is expected of them. I must start with simple words not eloquent language that is meant to impress. Words... simple words... come, stay, please, thank you, good, yes, no, and one word they really have no good concept of... father. Just like most newly adopted into God's family probably don't completely understand their heavenly Father. So for now, I will speak their language so they can learn my language and my love.
I had this on my mind and wanted send it while I had a few minutes. We sure do miss our family and church family, especially on Sunday. Pray that our luggage arrives tomorrow. Lino will meet with us Mon afternoon to exchange money and get other necessary things (I forgot my jacket) at the local Walmart... Yes! that's right! a Walmart. I will see if they have peanut butter there. Wellington is feeling better today, and little by little is coming out of his shell. They all are saying a few English words, even Gabriel. Mom has taught him to say "I love you". The girls are listing all the kids names and are realizing there are 9!!! We have made it thru 3 days with the kids. When we have needed anything the people hear at Lar Betania have been gracious and helped us. They are a blessing and answer to prayer. Please keep praying for good health for all of us.
Dave

Wow.... WOW. I am so glad as we start this part of our adoption story that we have an awesome God who is all powerful and is in control of all things. If He was not then I don't know what I would do. (This post will have to be short as I need to buy an adapter to charge the laptop battery.) We arrived Thursday May 21st and by the time we had a layover in Sao Paulo and then flew to Iguasu Falls it was after 4:00 pm. We were met by Lino from LIMIAR. He will be helping us while we are down here. He has been great right from the start. LIMIAR has a gem in him. On Friday at 9:00 am we were at the Judges office taking care of the 30 day custody paperwork. The judge is very concerned about the children in the orphanages. I was asked if I was nervous... I really didn't feel nervous which surprised me. I said "I probably should be but I have never been through this before". Later Rebekah said she wasn't nervous either. When we finished signing we were told the kids were coming in.... and then there they were. All 4 of them. It was a wonderful time of quietly getting to know them. Wellington woke with a fever so he was a little reserved... I think that is his nature anyway. Lidiane was smiling and warmed up to Rebekah faster than to me. Pamela.... let's just say Pamela will probably meet few strangers in her life. She was all hugs and talk... and more talk... and more talk... you get the idea. Gabriel (Eduardo) was very shy and just watched for the first 15- 20 minutes. Then he warmed up and loves to be held by both of us. The kids all watch out for each other. After this time with the Judge, we sent 2 suitcases by bus to Curitiba (they still haven't arrived) and stuffed the rest of the luggage and all 7 of us in Lino's car and drove 7 hours to Curitiba where we will stay till June 30. Lino was surprised at how well the kids have behaved. They were concerned that Gabriel would cry a lot with new people and surroundings. He has done this in the past. I believe all the prayer warriors were busy asking for a good day... you all know who you are... thanks and keep it up. We are staying at a Christian retreat center called Lar Betania. It looks like it will be a great situation for us. We have 2 rooms with a bath between. They will serve us 3 meals/day Mon-Fri, and breakfast on the weekends. But if they have larger groups on the weekends then we can have 3 meals then too. Guess what.... there is a large group here today so we get 3 meals on our 1st full day here, making it easy to adjust... Praise the Lord. Tomorrow, Sunday, we get breakfast and then will figure out the other meals later. There is also a school here... so on the weekends we have access to their playground... PTL. So we have been using it. The kids are good, actually excellent by adoption standards, however, we can see the kids testing us and seeing how we will react. Some are better at it than others. Please pray for us as you remember... we will need it everyday. Also pray for all of our health. Pray the 2 suitcases get here. Not only did they have the kids clothes... they had most of the diapers. The nuns at the orphanage sent clothes in a small bag, so we have clothes for 2 days for them... PTL again. We will try to add pictures later.
Dave

Hey all!
We are starting this blog to document the adventures of our adoption.