Saturday, July 12, 2008

Too many to count

While in Ukraine, John opened up a whole new world to Dennis---------- a water world. Not only did Dennis appreciate when either of us gave him a drink of water, but Dennis absolutely loved when Daddy let him play with it.

Here are some up close and personal pictures of Dennis and his Daddy.

Dennis reached out to touch us all the time. I can't help but think how much physical touch and nurturing he has missed out on. This is where he will be blessed coming into our large family. He has 12 people just waiting to dote on him....... especially his Mama.

I just love this picture. Dennis is wondering why his hand feels all wet. I wonder how he is going to respond to his first bath.

Isn't he just adorable? Something about this picture and how he is letting John give him a drink. Oh, how I miss this little guy.

For those of you wondering, John flies out tomorrow evening on Lufthansa. Once in Ukraine, he will then fly out to the Donetsk region on the 15th to finally be reunited with our son. From that point on John will have custody of Dennis and they will scurry to get Dennis' passport before heading back to Kyiv where Dennis will have a medical to complete the paperwork at the Embassy. God-willing they will both be on a plane on the 18th heading home.

Admittedly, we were both very upset when we learned that the 10 days would not be waived because of the prosecutor. After reading letters from a pediatric plastic surgeon here in California and from the director of the orphanage who is also a doctor who both said that Dennis needs immediate medical attention, the judge was planning on waiving the 10 days only to learn that the prosecutor was threatening to cause trouble and hold us up for months appealing the judge's decision. As a favor, the judge didn't waive the 10 days.

But I have to again say how good God is. In the midst of this not so wonderful news, God was showing us that he is right there to provide no matter what. He has shown us numerous blessings since our court date. Not only did this 10 day wait give us a chance to come home early to see our kids, but it also gave me a chance to prepare for Dennis' arrival, and also witness the continual love and support from all of you. I am continually humbled by how many of you have asked to donate since we have been home. Total strangers have asked if they could send a little something for our new son. Fellow adoptive parents have offered to mail hand me downs. And even some very concerned readers/friends have contacted doctors on our son's behalf. Talk about blessings------ I don't think I could even count them all---- there are just so many. Thank you. I can't help but feel that Dennis is one very loved little boy.

Psalm 127:3 (Contemporary English Version)

Children are a blessing
and a gift from the LORD.

Ain't that the truth?

25 comments:

Chelley said...

Children are a blessing
and a gift from the LORD

That really spoke to my heart....

Prayers will go with John... I pray that he will have safe travels!

I cannot wait to see the first FAMILY REED Photo

Andrea Roberts said...

Christine, he is just darling and such a testimony to God's love and plan for his life. I am so tickled to have been even a small part of him finding a family...."my cup runneth over" :) Greatest thanks goes out to Meredith and Mike Cornish, they deserve a great big hug! lol Am also glad you were able to come home...many of our families choose to stay (for obviousy reasons), but somehow, when you make two trips, I think the time you have wait seems to pass a lot faster. God bless you and your family, can't wait to see pictures of him HOME with you!---Andrea Roberts, Reece's Rainbow DS Adoption Ministry

Shannon said...

It is amazing how the simple things we take for granted are such an eye opener when someone close to us experiences the simplicity of life for the first time.

It is amazing to me that you can manage the house, kids, pool (work I hear), and still have more time/energy to keep giving. God gives us all special talents and you have definitely come into yours. Sadly, not everyone is willing to take advantage of their talents. You will have numerous stars on your crown in heaven. For-sure!

You must be a very happy person. Does it seem like you have grown up yet or is it more like the feeling from childhood when you would play house?

I can see through your example of daily living that you and your family are Christians.

Jill (& Bob) said...

Children are a blessing and we can't wait to meet ours! Dennis is so blessed to be joining the Reed family. Safe travels to John!

Little Patch of Heaven said...

This is so true. Thanks for posting. I know that this touches people so differently but to me and my husband we truly know this from the bottom of our hearts. I hope that John has a smooth trip and it will be so wonderful to have Dennis home. I will be thinking of you. Take care.

Stephanie @ Ralphcrew said...

Love the photos! How did you decide who would be going back to get Dennis? I pray that things will go smoothly and you will not have any further delays.

Shea said...

God bless your family! Dennis is going to be one lucky little man. If I ever get to Cali, I would love to one day give him a big hug and you too.

Debora Hoffmann said...

I am so excited for Dennis to come home! How great our God is! I'll be praying for you all. I am praising God that He makes a home for the lonely, and that it's your home Dennis will be joining. :-)

Melissa said...

The main thing is that he will have a lifetime of love and happiness once he comes home.

adoptedthree said...

Hi Christine
Email me if you want the yahoo group for CL/CP kids
It is a great source of info!

Leanna
boomerseyler@yahoo.com

Mary and Michael said...

Safe travels to John, I can’t wait to hear when they are both home safely. I absolutely loved your video of Dennis from the previous post. Thinking of you all.

Martha said...

Praise God! This is an incredible journey. John will be in my thoughts and prayers this week, as will you, Dennis and the rest of the family. I am anxiously awaiting their arrival home too.

Chris said...

Children are a gift from the Lord and a huge blessing!

Praying for a great trip!

debi9kids said...

So, tomorrow it is official!!! How very exciting!!!!
So many blessing and such a wonderful God!

Christie M said...

It sure is the truth! :)

Anonymous said...

I happened to stumble across your blog late last night - I'm a mother of 5, including triplets with special needs. My husband and I are adopting internationally for the first time. We are going through Ethiopia this time, but we plan to adopt again... Ukraine is one of the places we've been reading about.

Anyhow, I just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you guys, especially safe travels for your hubby and new son. Dennis is such a darling little boy. I can't get enough of his happy face, and I just love how he appears so affectionate in those pictures.

I'd like to add your blog to my blog-roll, if that's OK with you?

Blessings & congratulations on your new son!!

Is Eight Enough? said...

Reading of people's love for you brings tear to my eyes! Dennis is one special little guy and so blessed to have you!!

Blessings,Justine
Waiting to bring home our girls
http://sixboysandalittlelady.blogspot.com

Connie said...

Dennis looks very happy :-)

Anonymous said...

Safe Trip for John and Dennis. Wish your family the very best.=>>

Zack, Jenn and William said...

Praying that John arrives (or arrived) safely. I can't wait to see reunion pics!!!

Julie said...

He is just too cute!

Martha said...

"... and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!"

amyl4 said...

Yes, Dennis is definitely a Blessing! I am so happy for you and your whole family!
Amy

Amy said...

Christine!
I was just curious if the pictures you posted were showing little Dennis without the eye patch/bandage?
I am hoping that you get the package I sent last week... sage travels to John...there are so many people out here sending prayers his way for a safe and quick journey!
So exciting! I hope that you have everything all ready! (what am I thinking? you are sooo super organized!)
Hugs!
Amy

Anonymous said...

Keep up the good work.