Our New Journey WITH Samantha

Now that Samantha is home, our journey TO her has ended, but our journey WITH her has begun. As I sit here today, I pray that what I learned on our journey to her will stay with me. There were amazing things I learned about God's faithfulness, His ability to work in silence, the peace that is found in resting in His sovereignty. Now, I need to trust and apply some of those things I learned as I attempt to find a new routine for our family.

Having Samantha home is an answer to so many prayers, but I will admit I was a bit naive about how easy I thought it would be. Being a mom of 4, you would think I would remember how bringing home each child upset the apple cart for a while, but I had forgotten. This week has been better. School has been done, the laundry is mostly caught up (if they'd just stop wearing clothes...), everyone's been fed (which is no small thing, as some of you have heard!), I cleaned a bathroom yesterday, and we made it to co-op with the older kids (thanks to a Nana who was willing to watch the two sick ones!). So, I guess it's not all bad. And yet, as a mom, I focus on what didn't get done...thank you notes I'm determined to write, two other bathrooms that need to be cleaned, beds that really need clean sheets, the list goes on and on and on.

In my quiet times, God is reminding me that I need to focus on what's important. Am I doing what He's called me to do? Yes, and for today, that's just living life and enjoying where we're at.

I've been reading some of Amy Carmichael's writings. How I admire that woman and hope to live as faithfully as she did. Earlier this week, as I was struggling with sleepless nights and a lack of hubbie-time thanks to our precious new addition, I read about our unchanging God. Amy talked of how one day the clouds hung low in the sky, shrouding the mountains and blocking the stars. But, just when she thought the mountains would be swallowed up, the higher peaks pushed through and when it appeared the stars would be veiled, the brighter ones shone through. She dwelt on the thought that even if the mist completely covers the mountains and blocks out the stars, it doesn't change that fact that they are still there. It was a not-so-subtle reminder to me that the mist of my feelings of sadness and loneliness and inadequacy, don't change Who God is. I have to quote this, as I could never say it well enough myself...

"Our feelings do not affect God's facts. They may blow up, like clouds, and cover the eternal things that we do most truly believe. We may not see the shining of the promises - but they still shine! And the strength of the hills that is His also, is not for one moment less because of our human weakness. Heaven is no dream. Feelings go and come, like clouds. But the "hills" and "stars" abide."

I hope that you, too, will be encouraged today to look past the clouds of your feelings to our steadfast, never-changing, unshakeable God. How thankful I am for the saints who have gone before me who encourage me today to live the life God has called me to live. A life I can live victoriously and with joy because of Him!

Blessings,
Amy

Isaiah 32:17 - ...and the fruit of righteousness will be peace; and the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

Happy 1st Birthday!

I don't have much time to post...diaper to change and house to pick-up...but wanted to wish Samantha a very happy first birthday.

I've posted some video so you can see her delightful smile and hear her beautiful laughter. We are so blessed!

Blessings,
Amy

Gen 21:6
And Sarah declared, "God has brought me laughter! All who hear about this will laugh with me.

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Home Forever!

We had an amazing time in Guatemala. Our children did so well. We pray now that the time spent there will continue to be used by God, as He guides and directs their lives.

Samantha is doing very well. Rob & I were so excited, as she slept through the night Saturday night. We got up Sunday morning about 6am, shared coffee and hot cocoa and congratulated ourselves on a good night's sleep. About 7am, Kayla came downstairs carrying Samantha. We ooohed and aaahed over our smallest daughter and complemented her on sleeping through the night. To which Kayla replied, "She didn't sleep all night!" When questioned further, Kayla informed us that Samantha was up at 3:30am, but Kayla rubbed her back and Samantha went back to sleep. So, I guess Mommy and Daddy slept all night, but not so much Samantha.

There are lots of adjustments to be made for all of us. But, for now, we are praising God for completing the work He began almost a year ago. As I gaze upon our newest addition to the Carr family, the trials and challenges of the journey fade away. Truly, every bit of what we were asked to endure was worth it! Thank you for loving us and supporting us along the way. We are so blessed to have friends and family who are willing to walk the road of life with us, no matter where it may lead!

I've added new pictures to the bottom of the blog. Enjoy!

Blessings,
Amy


Phl 1:6
And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.

Embassy Day

TGIFriday´s, our traditional celebration spot for Samantha

Today was Embassy Day. We were up at 5:30 to get everyone dressed, fed and in the lobby by 7:30. It was a bit chilly and windy. We arrived at the embassy at 8am and got in line to wait. An 8am appointment simply means YOU need to be there at 8. It does not mean you will be seen at 8am. About 8:45, we were taken inside the embassy. Our facilitator took our papers and our money and told us to go wait in the back while she did the work. We brought new Legos for the older kids, so they curled up in a corner to build. Samantha took a bottle and Giovanni, being his happy, sweet, content little self, played on the floor with his bear.

About 9:45 we were called into a little room, where we were asked some basic questions. The nice man then stamped our I-600A, approved, and sent us back out to wait some more. About an hour later, we were called up to a window, asked some more questions and then told that our visa would be issued tomorrow!! Because we visited Samantha in August, she travels on an IR-3 visa, which means she is officially a US Citizen once we clear immigration in Houston!

Not suprisingly, our kiddos did amazingly well today. It´s been a full week. Lots of late nights and tired kids. We´re all ready to come home.

Our love,
Amy

Snow!!

Looking out the front door.



Shoveling a path


Lots of wind blew the snow into large drifts


Here's the view from our house today! We got about 14" of snow yesterday, with more to come tonight and tomorrow. Looks like there will be a break in the weather, so we should be able to get out to Guatemala without any problems. Samantha will have some adjustments to the climate to make when we get her home! But I did buy socks, so her little toes will stay warm!!

Blessings,
Amy

PINK!!

The email arrived today! We are PINK! Samantha is coming home!

The flights are booked. We leave on the 10th. Our embassy appointment is the 15th, with a visa appointment on the 16th. Samantha comes home on the 17th!

In so many ways, God's timing is perfect and we are so excited. To Him be the praise and the glory for all He is doing!

There's much to do, so I'll sign off for now. Thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf. We look forward to introducing you to our precious daughter very soon!

Blessings,
Amy

Proverbs 25:25 -- As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country. (NKJV)

Car Seat & Shopping

We are now pretty much as ready as we're going to be. We purchased Samantha's car seat yesterday and then Nana and Kayla and I went shopping for some new outfits. We should hear something any day. I'm getting antsy. Other families are posting receipt of PINKS from Friday and Monday. This is good...other people who were before us are getting out of the way. I know it's just a matter of time, but I'm ready for a date! Trusting in God's perfect timing and relying on His grace to help me accomplish the tasks before me today...laundry, bathrooms, school...

Thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf. I was challenged by something I heard on Focus on the Family this morning. The program was on prayer, specifically praying for our Nation and the upcoming elections. However, something Dr. Blackabee said really hit home. He asked, "Do you not think the prayers of one person can change a nation?" There are multiple examples in the Bible of how the prayers of one man or woman changed the course of history. So, thank you for your prayers. We have seen over and over how God is listening and answering. We continued to be blessed by your friendship and support as we walk this road.

Blessings,
Amy

James 5:16 - The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.