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Beneath My Heart

Good times with our Girl! {Adoption Update!}

FAITH & FAMILY

3 Jul

Hey Y’all!

Well, we have been over here for 3 weeks, and less than one week left.  We will be flying home on Friday!!

This trip has been so completely different than in December.  We have been super busy and enjoying the beautiful summer weather over here.  (Yes, I took that picture of poppies!)  :)

latviapoppies

One of our favorite days was spent at the most beautiful lake on the planet.  Seriously.  I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. 

We spent hours fishing and cooking out with S-‘s former foster family.  They have become like family to us, and we have enjoyed spending lots of time with them. 

adam2

The boys had fun trying to catch a fish with Cy.  

boat 2

We didn’t catch anything, but we still had fun.  

boat

The boys are loving spending time with their new sister.   

lake

They are so patient and kind with her.  Her behavior sometimes requires a little extra patience, but they are troopers!  :) They love her soooo much!

lake2

On the way home from fishing, the most beautiful rainbow appeared right across the road from a field of poppies!  Y’all it was like something out of a movie!

rainbow

We just had to stop our cars and take some pictures, and I am so glad we did! 

poppies2

One of my favorite pictures is the one I took of S- with her foster mom, Anita, standing by the rainbow.  Anita is a Godly woman who loves Jesus with all of her heart.  For years she has loved S- and prayed for her to find a forever family.  God is His goodness reminded us of His faithfulness and love for His children through His beautiful creation of that rainbow.

anita

Screen Shot 2016-07-03 at 3.13.57 PM

On another day, we went with the foster family to one of the most amazing parks I have ever seen.  I could never get it the credit due, but it was simply beautiful.  

sunni3

The forest was full of gnome villages (fairy tale style) in which the kiddos could climb in and out of.  

dd

We walked for hours through the forest from village to village.  It was magical.  

village2

Each of the gnome homes had actual little pieces of furniture and rooms.  

villlage

S- climbed up into this windmill, and I took snapped a pic.

sunni22

We also went into a little “shop” where they sold handmade items.  How cute are these little gnomes?!

crafts

The other place that we have spent a LOT of time at is the beach on the Baltic sea.  We have had fun playing in the water and sand.  It is a very short walk from our home, so we go there almost every day!

Screen Shot 2016-07-03 at 3.13.33 PM

The past two Sundays, we had the HUGE blessing of attending a Baptist church with the foster family.  The pastor was originally from Michigan, so he preached the sermon in English for us, and used an interpreter for his congregation.  It was super special!

 

 

 

church

I cannot tell you how it blessed my heart to hear “How great thou art” and “Count your blessings” in a foreign language.  I also loved hearing prayers lifted to our Father in another language.  I was reminded how God hears ALL of our prayers no matter what language we speak.  And I was also reminded how God is God everywhere!  He is the maker and ruler of this world!

How he brought our family and our sweet girl together is truly a miracle!

ice cream

We have been having a wonderful time, and eating a LOT of ice cream, but we are ready to come home!  We miss Luke and Jonathan terribly.  

We have to get S-‘s passport this week, and then we will fly home on Friday.  Your continued prayers are so appreciated!

WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

 

80 Comments

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Comments

  1. Mary Rautenberg says

    July 3, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    So happy for you all………

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:50 pm

      Thank you, Mary!

      Reply
  2. Sue Krznaric says

    July 3, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    So happy to hear you’ve been enjoying yourselves and have had such wonderful people supporting you. What a blessing to find an English speaking pastor! Enjoy your last days and praying for safe travel. Prayers also for S’s adjustment to her new(wonderful) life ahead.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:50 pm

      Going to church twice while we were here was two of my favorite days! It was so good to sit in God’s presence and worship with people from another country. :)

      Reply
  3. Sara says

    July 3, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    Made my week!!!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Mwah! :)

      Reply
  4. Dee Tracy says

    July 3, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    I’m so glad that you and your family have had such great experiences and such lovely scenery! You will really enjoy getting back home to your older boys! I’ll be praying. Happy 4th to all of you!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Yes! I miss Jonathan and Luke sooooo much! Can’t wait to see them! Thank you for your prayers. :)

      Reply
  5. Dianne says

    July 3, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    I can hardly wait for you to say you are HOME! Yes, the Lord truly has been with you! So glad to hear that she had a Godly foster mother that has been taking care of her!
    “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God!” Romans 8:28

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Amen! Yes, her foster family has been such a blessing to all of us!

      Reply
  6. Susan says

    July 3, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    Wonderful post! Continued prayers for the adjustments ahead for your family. I’m so happy for all of you!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:46 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  7. Lea says

    July 3, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    So happy to hear all the joy you are experiencing and soon you will ALL be coming home. Praying for God’s continued blessings over all of you. Tell that sweet angel she has many aunts and uncles praying for her and looking forward to her coming home.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:46 pm

      Yes! She certainly does! What a blessing! Thank you. :)

      Reply
  8. Pam says

    July 3, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    That is beautiful in so many ways. What a miracle from God. So happy for you guys. The Love of God is there. We will be praying you home.
    Isaiah 41:10.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:46 pm

      Thank you, Pam!

      Reply
  9. Leslie Clingan says

    July 3, 2016 at 4:28 pm

    I have fallen sadly behind in my blog reading as I have been out of town mucho over the past two months but your posts of this journey are the ones I read before any one else’s . I was so devastated for you in December and am celebrating every moment of this second chance. Sending prayers of gratitude and continued safety and strength for all of you.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:45 pm

      Thank you so much, Leslie! We treasure your prayers. ;)

      Reply
  10. Becky says

    July 3, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    Glad to hear what a wonderful trip you are having as a family. The rainbow pictures are all simply a treasure!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:45 pm

      Thank you, Becky! It was so magical! And truly a blessing from God. :)

      Reply
  11. Rebecca says

    July 3, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    What blessings and what a beautiful place. Thank you so much for taking us on this journey with you and your family. I hope the rest of your time there runs smoothly and y’all have a safe trip home.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:45 pm

      Thank you, Rebecca!

      Reply
  12. Chrystal says

    July 3, 2016 at 5:17 pm

    Happy tears for you, your family, and your beautiful new daughter!!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:44 pm

      Thank you, Chrystal!

      Reply
  13. Ginger Hiller says

    July 3, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    Enjoy your remaining time there. The rainbow/poppies photo is beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us and reminding us that no matter where we are, God is there also.

    🙏

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:44 pm

      Thank you, Ginger! We have certainly felt God’s presence with us throughout this trip. It has been such a blessing. :)

      Reply
  14. Claire @ A Little CLAIREification says

    July 3, 2016 at 5:45 pm

    I was so happy to see this in my inbox – I know so many of us have been checking in for the update. I am so happy your journey has come this far – definitely a lot of happy tears here too.
    Praise God for his blessings and continued prayers for a safe journey home!! xoxo

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:44 pm

      Thank you, Claire! We are almost there! 3 more days until we fly home. yay!!

      Reply
  15. Carla says

    July 3, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    Such a beautiful chapter in your “new” life. God is surely pouring out blessings.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you, Carla! We are so thankful for this new blessing that God has brought into our lives. :)

      Reply
  16. Dorothy says

    July 3, 2016 at 6:18 pm

    Such a beautiful visit you have had and I know your family at home is waiting for you with open arms. The excitement we all feel as we read your story is growing every day. Blessing to all of you and safe travels.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you, Dorothy! We are so excited!!!

      Reply
  17. Sandy A says

    July 3, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    So happy your visit is this time is filled with so much happiness! Blessings and prayers for your journey home and this new beginning for your family!!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you, Sandy!

      Reply
  18. Lana @ ilovemy5kids says

    July 3, 2016 at 7:05 pm

    What a beautiful story! I love that magical village – so much fun!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:42 pm

      Thank you, Lana!

      Reply
  19. Cherie says

    July 3, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    So incredibly blessed to read of your adventures! God is sooo awesome and I am continuing to lift you and your family up in my prayers for the processing of your daughter’s passport and safety in your travel home. To God be the Glory, GREAT things He has done!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:42 pm

      Thank you, Cherie!

      Reply
  20. Cat G. says

    July 3, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    I’ve been following you all on Instagram, you’ve been having a wonderful time with S~ in her native country before you bring her back home, I enjoy all the photos!

    The poppy fields have Beautiful! You’ll have to put “The Wizard of Oz” on for S~ when she get home so you both can say the lines and remember the Poppies.., “Poppies. Poppies. Poppies will put them to sleep. Sle-ee-p. Now they’ll sle-ee-p.” hehe

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:42 pm

      Wizard of OZ is one of my favorite movies, and I felt like I was in the movie when we were taking pictures in the poppies! ;)

      Reply
  21. Lea says

    July 3, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    Wow! what a story you are creating and what a lucky little girl. Blessings abundant for an uneventful flight home.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  22. Dianne says

    July 3, 2016 at 8:43 pm

    Praying this last week goes smoothly and you all will be together soon in the USA! Hugs!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      Thank you,Dianne! We got the Orphan’s Court approval today for her to go home with us to America! 3 more days! :)

      Reply
  23. Dianne Gingrich says

    July 3, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    so glad to hear your having a great time there and making new memories.
    Praying for safe travel as you bring your new daughter back home to the US!
    God is Good!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:40 pm

      Thank you, Dianne!

      Reply
  24. Stacey says

    July 3, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    This is such wonderful news! Prayers for all of you.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:40 pm

      Thank you, Stacey!

      Reply
  25. Jody says

    July 3, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    Need her passport? She is able to be you always now? How wonderful. She will have the best parents and brothers.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:40 pm

      Hi Jody! Yes, she is coming home with us! :)

      Reply
  26. Deb says

    July 4, 2016 at 2:15 am

    What a blessing! Thank you for sharing your incredible journey. Wonderful to see God’s hand in this and reminds us that being a part of His family knows no boundaries. Can’t wait to see what He has planned for your new family.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      Thank you, Deb!

      Reply
  27. Peggy says

    July 4, 2016 at 9:03 am

    Continued prayers —

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      Thank you, Peggy!

      Reply
  28. Diane Cravens says

    July 4, 2016 at 9:17 am

    So happy for all of you. God is good! Know you are anxious to be home and pray for safe and fast journey home–thank you for sharing your life and all the beautiful pictures.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      Thank you, Diane!

      Reply
  29. Beth Hunter says

    July 4, 2016 at 10:15 am

    Beautiful testimony all around! Praying for safe travels and smooth passage as you prepare to come HOME!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      Love you, Beth! Can’t wait to hug your neck!!!

      Reply
  30. Carla Dixon says

    July 4, 2016 at 11:58 am

    Hey Traci, this is Carla Dixon, Courtney’s old room mate Alex’s mom. I am so thrilled with the nearness of your adoption success. What a blessing the entire family will be on your precious little girl!
    Question – what app do you use to turn your photos into drawings. I love that. Thanks a bunch.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:38 pm

      Hi Carla! So great to hear from you! I just use a “pencil sketch” app on my phone. There are lots of them to chose from. :)

      Reply
  31. Hilary says

    July 4, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    I am so happy to hear all of your wonderful news! What an exciting time for your family. So thrilled for all of you!! Happy 4th!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:38 pm

      Thank you, Hilary!

      Reply
  32. Paula says

    July 4, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    Tears of joy…so happy that He is in control, and working this all out for you. Blessings!

    Reply
  33. Lisa says

    July 5, 2016 at 12:41 am

    Truly amazing how this has worked out; God’s will is always better than whatever we often want in the moment. (Something that impatient people like me tend forget.). You’re story is so inspiring!
    After seeing you gnome adventure, I know right where you are and it sure is a beautiful place to have a summer full of adventures! Your boys are so lucky to experience this…best of luck this week & safe travels!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:38 pm

      Thank you, Lisa! It has been a wonderful visit here, but we are so excited to be back home soon! ;)

      Reply
  34. NormaJean says

    July 5, 2016 at 10:27 am

    Only a few more days and you can start your life as a complete family! Praying that all the final arrangements necessary to bring your daughter home will go smoothly and that on Friday, you will all be flying home. Safe travels and God’s blessings!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:37 pm

      Thank you, Norma! The Orphan’s Court approved her to go home with us on Friday, now we just have to pick up her passport! Almost there! ;)

      Reply
  35. linda says

    July 5, 2016 at 10:58 am

    Being a forever family is a indescribable blessing! So glad your time in coutry before coming home went well. Hope it makes the transition a bit easier.

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      Thank you, Linda!

      Reply
  36. Linda Whittaker says

    July 5, 2016 at 11:51 am

    What a welcomed update…you all have been in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I pray for your safety and travel mercies as you begin your journey home. Love to you all until next time…

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      Thank you so much, Linda! LOVE YOU!

      Reply
  37. Lisa Lynne says

    July 5, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Loved this post! Beautiful pics! God is So Great! Blessings and safe travel home!

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  38. shawn says

    July 5, 2016 at 12:26 pm

    So Happy for your Faimly!! I know that this has been a blessing for you all to share in S’s country and this will always be the start of her new life with her new family!! Now you will always be able to share your wonderful memories of her country with her over and over again!! But the bottom line here is we want GOD to finish out your journey there and bring you home safely to her forever home here in the USA! We here in blog land want you all HOME!!! Please keep us following along in this journey as you feel like family to me even though I never meet you all. I know that GOD got everything ready and is going to continue to make this a smooth ride as you all adjust to your new life as a FAIMLY!!!! Even if it takes alittle extra patience!! And that’s what I will pray for also. Love to you all!! Can’t wait to continue to follow along in your journey!!! Friends from Hagerstown, Maryland!! Shawn

    Reply
    • traci says

      July 5, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      Thank you so much, Shawn! We cannot wait to get home too! I appreciate your prayers and your sweet words so much! We are so thankful for the “online family” that God has blessed us with!

      Reply
  39. Tanya says

    July 5, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    So happy for you guys! That little village in the park was so cute :) I’m hoping your trip home on Friday goes smoothly.

    Reply
  40. Andrea C. says

    July 6, 2016 at 9:59 pm

    Traci- It blesses my heart to hear this trip is going so well! When I stopped to consider the symbolism of the rainbow and the poppies, I couldn’t help but smile at how the Lord uses things like this to remind us of His goodness, faithfulness, and plans.
    Praying the rest of your visit goes well and for a safe trip home.
    Many Blessings!

    Reply
  41. Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says

    July 8, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    I am sincerely happy for you and your family, Traci! Your blog was the very first blog I ever read, quite a few years ago now! And to follow along on this special journey is very special! Will be praying for a safe flight home and as your little girl settles in smoothly with your family! xo

    Reply
  42. the uncommon pearl says

    July 11, 2016 at 9:59 am

    Rejoicing with you over the goodness of God and answered prayer!

    Reply
  43. Harry Middleton says

    July 16, 2016 at 3:53 am

    You are a very cute family! :) You had the perfect vacation. I envy you!

    Reply

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