Seventeen Months!

Our family has been on our agency's wait list for SEVENTEEN MONTHS today.

For those of you expecting to see a referral announced on this blog soon, I really don't think so.  Last night, we got an e-mail from our agency informing us that they haven't had a girl referral since May (sweet Hannah Claire, most likely) and that we can add 3-4 months to our timeline estimate.  So, we are looking at a referral between December '08 and April '09.

That is, unless, things slow down further, changing our timeline estimate again.

I'm struggling.  Maybe this is God shaking me up, saying, "don't trust in man, trust in Me."  Maybe our idea of perfect: perfect timing, perfect spacing between siblings, perfect whatever ...isn't His idea of perfect.  I know that there are countless examples of God's promises taking longer than hoped to play out.  

We feel that this child is a promise of God.  Further, we feel that God purposed us to care for one of His children- a child that needs a mother and a father and a home.  I guess it's just not supposed to happen right now.

Can you believe that it might be 2010 before we travel to Taiwan?!

I have more to say, and I certainly feel more right now than I can write, but I think I'll just go enjoy my kids, breathe in the fall air, and carve out some good meditation time today.  The crying isn't doing anyone any good.

Surreal

This week, Nashville has had a gas shortage.  Apparently, $4.00 gas prices haven't been enough to make us all consider our polluting ways- we've actually been forced into imagining the scenario of having no petrol AT ALL!  One statistic being put out this weekend stated that 85% of Nashville is out of gas.

Hurricane Ike interrupted work at the refineries in and around Galveston, TX.  These are the  same refineries that supply Nashville with gasoline.  There are specifics about a three-pronged distribution (Memphis and Knoxville being the other prongs), and something about 3-5 mile per hour pipeline flow.  But, all I know is that this could continue through the week.

It is completely strange to pass stations that are empty, with all of the nozzles covered.  Thanks to the fast traveling of information via cell phones and internet, it is pretty easy to find out which stations are expecting their next shipment.  The only downside is that these stations get slammed with cars hoping to fill up.  There is the potential to wait in line for an hour and have the station run out.  I've heard of people running out of gas waiting to put fuel in their car.

Friday night, Eric's sister was going to watch our kids so we could run out for a short date.  In arranging a drop-off time, she mentioned that they were having a mini-crisis because both of their cars were very low.  They just hadn't expected the shortage to be so far spreading.  We brought them our lawnmower can, which had about a gallon in it, and also dropped off our kids.  

On the way to their house with the kids, we passed the local Swifty mart and there were about 150 cars lined up because they had gas.  Eric and I went out to a local Japanese restaurant with hibachi grill.  I'd never done that before and it was fun (although, I still ordered sushi- that was what *I* was there for!).   Leaving the restaurant, we drove past Costco and noticed that people were filling up at the Costco fuel station and there was a very small line.  It was 9:30 at this point, so maybe that had something to do with it.  Anyway, I had about a half tank, but it was certainly worth topping it off then and there.  We also called Tim and told him to leave all the kids with Angie and to GET OVER THERE and get gas.  He did, and only two cars after him got through the line before they closed the station down.

I'm pretty much not going anywhere this week unless I have to and it has had me considering whether or not I could accomplish a quick run to the store by bike if I ever had to.  (yes, I decided I could).

This is completely strange.

I've already got one order for a Hidden Name painting!  Hooray!  Four more and we'll have covered the costs for one pregnant woman to receive care during the roughest time of her life.  We can do this!

50% to Morninglight Sale!!!

I know that the talent God gave me is not only for my gain.  In the past year alone, I have been able to donate pieces of my work to three charity fundraisers: two art shows, and one silent auction.  

Most recently, I have felt urged to donate a percentage of my profit to Morninglight Ministries.  As we are adopting from Taiwan, the need there and the people of that country have burrowed in my heart.  An amazing family, the Pan family, is paving the way for incredible work to be done in the lives of children and women.  I've spoken of it before.  Right now, even before a formal home has been built, the Pans have taken in two pregnant women who need a place to feel secure before and after they give birth.  $500 is the cost for medical care, counseling, and housing for each woman and I wish to see that covered for them.

So, until the end of October, any custom Hidden Name paintings I am commissioned to do, I will donate 50% of the profit toward Morninglight.

Cost: $220 ($110 goes directly to Morninglight)

What you get:

-consultation time with me via phone or e-mail regarding artwork

-custom 10x14 watercolor painting with your selected name hidden in the scene

-a color key to make finding the letters easier

-a bonus blank greeting card of my design as a thank you for taking part in this special fundraiser!

Q&A:

Q: Does it have to be my name?

A: No, silly.  This is great for children- and that is all I've done so far.  But, I'd also love to hide a family name, or a favorite word (for instance, "family", or "peace", or "hope" would be great).

Q: I don't really know what I want, but I like the concept; can you help me?

A: Absolutely!  I actually work best with few constraints and I believe that my clients have enjoyed the surprise.  Seeing the hidden letters is the best part.  But, I often hear that the second best part is seeing how I took their favorite things and ran with them.  Favorite colors, important places, cherished animals, or hobbies translate into completely original scenes.

Q: How long until I get my painting?

A: Once I've had a phone or e-mail consultation with you, I aim for 3 weeks working time before shipping your piece to you.

Q: Is there any way I can get something smaller, or bigger?

A: Sure, contact me and we can talk about it.

Q: I'm a bit nervous about purchasing without seeing the finished product.  How can I be sure I will like it?

A: As we work through your consultation, I will not begin painting until you're confident with the vision I describe.  That portion of the process is a collaboration and influences the final artwork as little or as much as you desire.  For the more visual types, I would be happy to work up a rough sketch, scan it, and e-mail for an additional fee.  We'll work together until you're happy.

Q: Can I see some samples?

A: But of course:

This is one of my most recent ones, done for Grant.  Not my Grant,  Rebecca's Grant, and the waiting brother of Owen from China.  I also had the pleasure of doing one for Owen himself (not pictured).

this one was for Ivan

for Jackson

for Violet

My walls are Happy!

Two new-ish paintings up in our home.  I love them!

This one is 16x24", acrylic on canvas.  My gumption was rewarded, here, friends.  Simon and Ruby marked me as a shop favorite on Etsy.  When I clicked on their shop, I fell in love with these abstract pieces and suggested that if she liked my art, and I liked hers we should trade!  And we did; isn't it fabulous?!

This piece is done by my dear friend, Amy.  It was given as a gift to me,  and I couldn't be happier with how it looks in our home.  While this photograph doesn't allow you to see the texture or the sheen in certain places, trust me that its charming, and perfect.  I have it hanging near my kitchen and only recently noticed that the pop of red pulls out the accents of another piece of art hanging nearby.  Serendipity.  Word has it that she'll be opening up an Etsy shop soon.  I'll certainly let you all know when she does!

With school back in session, I haven't devoted much time to art lately.  But, this week, I finished a piece I was commissioned to do for Rebecca.  Once she gets it in the mail, I will reveal it here; I just don't want to spoil the surprise.

Grant's Baptism

When Grant was 5 and about to enter kindergarten, he gave his heart to the Lord.  Leading up to that had been many question-filled conversations that Eric and I fielded with care.  The result was a little boy who knew that, regardless of the wisdom his age hadn't granted yet, he desired to walk with God all of his days.  Grant knew the price Jesus had paid for his sins (past and future), and prayed in thanks and submission.  He remembers that day, and that prayer, and can describe carefully where he and Eric were.  Three years later, after more thoughtful questions and prayer, he asked to be baptized- to show the world his faith!  The baptizing does not "save" him, it is just a public profession of the work that has already happened in his heart.

Sunday was the day.  Pastor Jeff Phillips baptized him in front of our church during worship with Eric there for support.  Family and friends celebrated with us.  It was beautiful!

We are very proud of our eldest, his resolve and commitment to grow in love with the Saviour, and to model his life after Christ.

Watch out world, this is one awesome kid!

waiting in the Living Room for service to start

a quick family shot beforehand

being asked about what he believes

being baptized in the name of the "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit"

dunked!