Random Thoughts from the Hospital

On Wednesday, as we were fixing Lori's hair - we noticed that it was sticky behind her right ear. On closer inspection, there was a scab around her incision site with some drainage. Gross, I know. We left it alone and looked at it again later that night. It was still draining. The next morning, a phone call to her cochlear implant audiologist office left us in a rush to get to St Louis. We made arrangements and headed north. After checking her out in the office, they admitted us to the hospital and scheduled surgery for Friday morning. The next day, they came to take her back around 10:00. A few hours later, they let us know that they opened up her old incision, cleaned out the site, moved the implant device up about an inch into her thicker musculature, and cut out any infected skin. The culture did test positive for your basic run-of-the-mill staph. Since admission, she had received antibiotics through her IV - so they wanted to keep her and continue the meds. Looks like we'd be spending another night.

During a calm moment, Jay and I left the girls with Lori in the room and went to grab a bite to eat in the cafeteria. We asked the question of "why are we here?" and shared some thoughts. I thought I'd share some with you.

As we sat in the admission waiting room (for 3 borrrrring hours!!), a commercial came on the tv talking about how everyone has a story. Lori does for sure. And being in the hospital provided us several opportunities to share her story. We were able to stand outside the room of an ill little boy and encourage his parents who are just finishing their Home Study as part of their own adoption. The fears and uncertainties of adoption are setting in and plaguing their thoughts right now - we were able to offer the reassurance that God will see this through. Our nurse asked about Lori - I love how people are so free to ask about her - since it's obvious by looking at us that she is adopted. This gives people liberty to ask a few questions. We told her story again, and this nurse shared how her brother and sister-in-law had just announced that they were going to adopt. I came away from that conversation hoping that by seeing Lori - this young lady would be able to encourage and support her family through their adoption.

Another thing we talked about is that as children, Jay and I rarely spent time in a hospital. Maybe a rare visit to ailing grandparents through the years - but nothing significant. However, for our children, things have been vastly different and we are so grateful. As we hope to raise kids who are compassionate and caring, we love the time they get to spend in the hospital. We love that they get to hold her hand as they place the IV, that they know how to silence the IV (vital information at 3 AM), that they know how to order a meal, that they know how to maneuver a bed with lots of bells and whistles, that they know how to find a bathroom, that they know how to call a nurse from the room, that they know how to locate a vending machine, and cup of coffee, etc. I could go on and on. We love that they have spent long, mindless days staring out of our 8th floor window - knowing that many families spend weeks and months with no end in sight as their kiddos fight for their life. We love that they spent time talking and playing with our "roommate", who was a 4 year old little girl who had been there a lot longer than us - and never once during our stay did she have any family (none, nada) with her.

I love that Madison now says she wants to work in a Children's Hospital. Maybe the Lord is using this season to prepare her for her future.

Lori is doing well - she looks a little crazy - with a big patch of hair shaved off, a ghastly scar behind her ear, and a puffy face. This too shall pass. She's running around like nothing ever happened. We are blessed and grateful. Now, if she would only swallow the meds without a fight!

A New Year

2011 was certainly a banner year for the Lancaster's.  So, so many things happened.  Some great - some agonizing.   Some pushed me to "my" limits (only God really knows what my limits are.....), some things were thrilling and full of excitement.  Others brought grief.  However, no matter what, we trust that each day's happenings come to help us reach the person Christ desires us to be.  So we try to remain thankful and grateful for the grace and mercy to get through whatever may come. 

I did read some great books during 2011, and made a promise to myself to be intentional during 2012 with slowing down a bit and reading more.  I love to read and can devour a good book in no time.  Some top picks for me lately have been:  Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God, the biography of Ann Judson, The Help, and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.  I have really enjoyed autobiographies this last year of great Christians that have paved the way before us.  They inspire me.  They help me feel like ordinary people can acoomplish the extraordinary.  I've also enjoyed reading everything I can find about China.  I want to help Lori understand the life she was born into.  I want to be able to give her some answers - someday.

Speaking of Lori - during these last few months - we've seen many of Lori's friends from China come home to their Forever Families.  We've also seen several of them continue to live life at the orphanage.  These kids need families - I'm using this moment to make a desperate plea for our readers - if there is any way you could offer a home to one of the least of these - now is the time.  They need you know.  Please pray for them.  At the very least - they need good, committed intercessors praying on their behalf.  You could be that for one of them.

As 2012 enters, we say Happy New Year to Lori's parents - wherever they may be.  We also wish our friends and family a very happy new year and hope each of us pursues the purpose God has planned for us. 

As a family, we have all recently sat down and talked about adopting again.  All the kids are in agreement that we have room for one more.  The majority have asked for another girl and most of us agree that China would be our country of choice.  I know this is absolute insanity.  I get that.  But, we just can't shake the feeling that this is the way God is leading.  So, please pray for us as we seek clarity for what steps to take next.   Adoption is VERY expensive and time-consuming.  Those parts of it scare me.  One common theme I've met with lately is that we should seek to replace our fears with faith.  Amen!  There is one particular little girl that has caught our attention.  We have sent off asking for more information on her.  We'll keep you posted.....

For the Glory of the King

My oh my - it's already Christmas time!  This year has surely flown by. 

Many of you know we are back at our "home" church - and were so blessed to make it back in time for our kiddos to help in the Christmas Play.  Chloe was an angel, Sam was a Sheep, and Jax was a Camel.  Annie was Jr. Director and Maddie ran the lights.  The play went off without a hitch and everyone had a great time.  Afterwards, one mom came up to me and said that when Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and Sam went up to the manger - she leaned over and asked her husband what kind of animal Sam was.  The husband replied that he thought he might be a Panda.  (hilarious!)  To which I replied - since "Joseph" was from Vietnam - maybe so!  Leave it to our crew to inspire an Asian Nativity right here in the Heartland.

As for the rest of the Month - we've been completely blown away again this year with Sheet sales through Lori's Linens.  I want to be careful to give thanks to God for blessing our little business - because it certainly is not due to our superb salesmanship.  It's a wonderful opportunity to be able to tell our adoption story over and over and to play a small role in helping other families bring their little ones home. By the end of December - we'll be close to the hitting the mark for 900 sets sold!

Thanks to all our friends and family for all your support this year.  It's been a CrAzY year (and that's putting it mildly :-)

Merry Christmas!

Weird

It's been a weird week packed with lots of emotion.  Every once in a while weeks like this come along and help refine us and force us to truly decide where we stand on certain issues.  Even though in America, we do not face persecution as believers do in other countries - we do face opposition to our beliefs.  The opposition we've faced recently has been good.  It has made us own up to our decisions, back them up with Scripture, pray for Grace and gracious words, and to love on people despite the differences.  All that said - I'll be honest in saying that we have felt a little beat up.  As many of you know - especially if you've ever ridden in a car with Jay - music is very therapeutic for this family.  This week we have focused on 2 songs that we wanted to share with you.

This one puts a smile back on our face and we've decided this is our family's new Theme Song!

This one humbly reminds us that His grace is greater than all our sin.  Hallelujah!  We stand in awe of a Mighty God.

Reading Kisses from Katie

If you read anything this year, first - let me recommend the Word.  Second - would be Kisses from  Katie.  You will not be disappointed (in either one!) Take a second to watch Katie's Video

In Christ Alone......Our hope is found

Thinking about our study of Ephesians during Wednesday night Family Class - isn't it amazing really that as Gentiles - apart from Christ - we had no hope.   But that - through His Son - God made a way.  Really - we should all stand in AWE of that fact.  Truly, truly amazing.

Book Sneeze Review

Here's a long overdue Book Sneeze Review.....

Voices of the Faithful - Vol. 2 is as great as the first one.  This book gives insigtful accounts of Missionaries who are living out life in the trenches.  These servants share how their faith is put to the test as they rely on their knowledge that the One True God is mightier than any obstacle they may face on the field.  Their stories grip you and often leave you teary-eyed.  These books have been used as a supplement to my daily quiet time or read out loud during Family Devotionals.  You will enjoy each page as you witness the absolute miracles that are taking place around the world as people just like you and me are taking the Gospel to the ends of the Earth.