April 28, 2010 Day 7:

Well I know you are all hanging onto your seats checking your status and waiting for my next post so I felt I must do it.. :-)
Today started with a blessing. This time it wasn't Gabriel shaking me to say he had to go wee.

Today I awoke and checked my FB to see a post of Ashlies blog. http://www.aarghistheperfectword.blogspot.com/

She writes about the orpan and their cause. If that post wasn't enough it was an even greater blessing to re-read her post from January entitled BEHOLD where she tells the beautiful story of our wild and crazy family and how we have arrived at this point.

If you only have five minutes go and read her blog today!

Today was a fun filled day. We hoped in a taxi and after circling the round about more than once found our way to the craft market.
Well since we were the only visitor when we arrived we had everyone speaking to us and wanting us to enjoy the fruits of their labors.
These folks, everyone one of them, is extremely talented, the paintings, the wood carvings will take your breath away! I would love a wood carved bed from Africa some day but it wouldn't fit in my suit case :-).
We made our way around and enjoyed the time and are coming home with some wares from Africa.

The highlight would probably have to be Gabriel finding a wood carved horse!

He loves horses, we will have to watch that he doesn't wander down the street unannounced at home once he discovers there are horses 2 houses down.

Tanner enjoyed talking with the vendors and just soaking it all up. After this we went to the Accra Mall for some lunch and then made our way home to the hotel.

Unfortunately we weren't able to connect with the Social Welfare Director as hoped, which I was sad about as I really wanted to meet and see him again. We returned to and hung out at the hotel, sorted our clothes etc and got packed to go.

We were paid a last visit by Romana and her 2 kiddos and then had some dinner while watching, you guessed it some Champions League Futbol! After that it was time to get Gabriel ready for bed.

We spent time talking about the airplane and tomorrow. Not too many questions yet but I imagine tomorrow may be a bit different. We are ready to soak up ALL tomorrow has to offer.

Until then read Ashlies Blog :-)...and who knows I may have my Ode to Tanner up tonite too! He has had a great trip and I am very proud of him! I know he doesn't know where to put everything he has seen and taken in on this trip but it is in and he will be able to pull and reflect on it all at just the right times in the future.

Cya!!!

Tanner and Gabriel wating for chicken dinner at the mall...after a long day of shoppng at the craft market!

Tanner and G-man getting ready to walk to Beacon House for the Exit prayer time and good byes!
Words for this picture....to many to say, none would capture the depth of all that this picture holds!

Dear Tanner

The time we have had together, while not perfect, I believe it has been perfect.

It's been an Oasis for us (fitting we are in Africa) without the many usual distractions.

We flew thru llife leading up and next thing we knew we were at the hotel in Seattle preparing to leave. The next morning we were off and from the 3am wake up all thru the day I couldn't beleive how awake and alert you were.

It was clear you were excited and anticipating ALOT!

Throughout our time in Ghana you have had a twinkle in your eye that can only be from God speaking to you and even if you don't know all of what He has said to you or has planted in you right now hang on to the peace and the good feeling I know He has given you inside.

The explanation and understanding will come in time. You never once complained, except when I was being irritable. :-). Instead you rolled with it all.

I really wish we could have done more with the kids, seen more sights and really been able to let you experience more of Ghana.

That said I am very thankful we were able to do all we have done. You loved on kids and God planted some of them uniquely on your heart and I know you will continue to remember them.

That's how God works He makes matches in our hearts with others to connect us. Sometimes it's to pray for them. Other times you are able to be more involved. It's ALL good.

We don't have to conquer it all but instead just learn to be obedient to the one or ones God has led us to. You and Gabriel have started a special bond and as you have said this time has also given you insight into John n Victoria that you wouldn't have had before.

• You have seen that the world is much bigger than our little corner we live in AND
• you have ALSO seen how people are different and NOT SO different.
• You noticed that people with little can be and are Happy.
• You also talked with and shook hands with people who work hard every day, day after day.
• You came to the conclusion on your own that the amount of money or things they have is NOT what makes them happy.

Hang on to these things and allow God to continue to develop them in you.

I think it has been awesome watching you grow up during these last several days in many ways. I wouldn't trade them for anything!!

Now as we embark on our journey home in just a few hours, stand guard over your heart and mind because the enemy is a liar and a snake and He will try to sneak up, sabotage and steal what God has implanted.

It's a no contest UFC match though...You WIN and are already victorious!

The battles will come but stand firm dude! I am honored to be your dad and am excited to see these seeds watered more over the years and also to see many of them harvested too!

Love you man!

Dad

April 27, 2010 (Day 6)

Yes I know I posted a note about “Seeing God Work”.
Consider that Bonus Coverage from Ghana! :-)

Today was a slow day, it began at 530 again with “Dad I have to wee”. Yes!
We then went back to bed again until around 8. We had a potential lunch date with the Social Welfare Director for the Accra Region but it was postponed as he had a conflict.

This is the man who came to the states last August. He has been the man who’s signature is not only on our adoptions but on the 30 or so that have occurred in the last couple of years. He is a wonderful man and definitely has a heart for doing what is best for the children. It amazes me that he remembers them all.

When he was in Washington in August he knew the kids and remembers their story. He was able to see them in our homes. It was great. He remembers John and Gabriel as he has been a part of the social welfare decisions their entire life in Ghana. It will be an honor to see him if it works out tomorrow. With the potential lunch meeting we just hung around the hotel.

Went to the pool, walked and got some Gelato (AGAIN), took a nap, reflected and just paused.

Then we went to a roadside chicken and rice stand for dinner! OH MY GOODNESS!
Would have never gone if it hadn’t been recommended by Beacon House teachers. Wood Shack, open air, cut the chicken up and cooked it behind the shack, reality stuff.

No they didn’t kill it and cook while we were there but we saw it earlier when we walked by. I was hesitant, which is why it took until Day 6 to try it.
I told Tanner after he was eating the chicken that it was probably the one we saw running around there earlier today. He looked at me with one of those “no way” looks and I let it sit.
HA HA He is probably still wondering. Who knows it could have been?!?! If not today’s loose bird it probably was yesterday, right?
Anyway it was delicious and spicy rice…not for the mommy tummy stuff for sure!

We came back and settled in for the night, tried to Skype but the connection is just not good enough for anything except text….so Gabriel and I laid down and watched some Champions Cup Futbol on the television.
Tomorrow we will venture out in a taxi (I guess, really truly would rather not, but must give Tanner the experience) and try to go to the craft market. As I said hopefully we can meet up with Romana and the Social Welfare man but if not we will have an Adventurous Day!

Two sleeps until heading home!

*When I showed the Kids the pic of Gabriel eating chicken and rice....there was a hoot and a hollar...."WE WANT Chicken and RICE.....so off we went to East side Market...got some chicken and in honor of Daddy's brave vendor on the side of the road, chicken dinner...we celebrated with Chicken and Rice!

April 26, 2010 (Day 5)

Monday morning!

An adorable son asleep on the floor to my right and another pretty awesome one asleep on my left!

Okay truth is the one on the floor to my left was awake before me saying, as he shook my leg to wake me, “Dad I have to go wee” I said awesome, John, I mean Victoria, I mean Gabriel (ha ha ha) lets go!
Very good that he woke me as the alternative I’d rather not deal with!!! He went and layed back down until I was just asleep again and then,…you guessed it, shake me again, “Dad I have to go wee again” Okay Gabriel lets go (Whew)! We returned and Gabriel says to me “Dad, its morning, as he points to the window that has light coming thru it.
I wisely looked at my clock on my phone and deduced, though technically morning, it was not time to get up. Gabriel very politely laid down and was relatively still for another hour or two until I could justify rolling myself out of bed and starting the day.
After breakfast Gabriel insisted on going to the pool, as you know from yesterdays post, he wants to be there but is very low key once there. We went and today he sat down almost right away on the first step. Tanner was gracious again and did every stunt and trick Gabriel requested. Since it was the middle of the day I wasn’t going to stay out in this “close to the equator sun” long so we headed back in.

When I got in I had a text from a friend who had resolved my phone issues and much to my surprise had also got it all set up for me to roam internationally as well.
This was HUGE as it allowed me to communicate with Carrie and also to post photos real time as we went thru the day!
Thanks KEN!!
We decided to go for a walk to the market down the road. Off we went. While on the way I was quite the site texting Ken to confirm it was OK to turn data roaming on as I walked on a dirt road in Africa.
We went into the store and got a few “guy incidentals” (potato chips, plantains and some Tampico juice). We also had some gelato (yummy) and then headed back for some lunch and rest before heading over to Beacon House.

So as our friends on the west coast awakened we were walking to BH one last time. Gabriel played hard with his buddies while I had a great conversation with Romana and Bernard about many things and how we can remain connected and helpful to Beacon House and their cause here in Ghana. As dinner was approaching it was time for Gabriel’s exit. Whew!

(Walking the road to BH one last time....Bh is on the left. This picture of Tanner and Gabriel SPEAKS more than 1,000 words! It will get printed and put on our Wall at home...transitions and attachements are a mile high and deep when you see the scope of what God is doing just by what you can see in this picture.) AMAZING!

The words will not explain how awesome and amazing this is.

Gabriel in the middle and all of the children sitting in a circle around him pray for him and us. Then the house moms and volunteers pray. Then it ended with Mama Shelter leading them in a song of praise and send off as each of them hugged Gabriel as they sang and sang.

The video of this will require a box of tissue I guarantee it! Even the dog (aptly named Romeo) had to give Gabriel a kiss of send off (ewww).

The day was drawing to a close and we returned to the hotel just the 3 of us. Gabriel had some things with him that he had collected over the years at the orphanage but was very quiet, much like when we first met on Friday.

I asked him how he was feeling and he was quiet and I could just tell he was processing ALL of it!

Knowing and trusting it is ALL good but not quite sure of knowing what to do with the feeling inside as he will most assuredly miss ALL of his buddies!

I scooped him up and we prayed and just let it all settle in for a moment.

I then asked him if he would show us the things in his bag and like a light switch being switched on he dove in and with smiles and joy began to show Tanner and I all of it. Good stuff!

Well once again a day of adventure and some life long and life changing memories for us all. I am so thankful to God for how he orchestrates it all. The people God has put in Gabriel’s life up to now can only confirm His love for us all…as the old song says “He’s got the WHOLE WORLD in His hands”

Think about it…the world is Big, and we are all in it with all our problems and needs and yet…He holds us in His Hands. It is in moments like this that God makes himself so very evident to me, His handiwork is around us everyday in His creation, but never is his handiwork more evident to me than when I see how He has and is taking care of some ONE.

In this instance today it was evident yet again that He was and has been taking care of Gabriel and now He has entrusted his care to me.

Thank goodness He is taking care of me too!!! Three more sleeps until the journey home begins!!!

Dave and Carrie Blaske

This is a SHOUT OUT to this AMAZING husband of mine!

As these journal entries come in day by day from Ghana, my heart skips a beat.

Not just because of what is written IN them...but because WHO is writting them!

Really...our marriage, partnership, love story is a GOD sized story! As I am here in Washington counting two more sleeps until my 2nd son, husband and new 5th son comes home my heart races with the story of redemption!

Is the picture of us for real...is the silly, fun loving, supportive, God loving man really my husband...YES INDEED!

In the worlds stats...with what we started out with in our marriage, the world says we should have been divorced a long time ago...

BUT GOD.....

He has a plan to bring hope and a future to all who love Him....ya know what...

WE LOVE HIM!

Dave, Thank you for loving God FIRST, loving me next, loving our kids, passionately loving kids in crisis and working hard using your God given gifts and talents to provide for all of us.

God called...we answered...and the adventure of a life time continues!

With all my love!

April 25, 2010 (Day 4)

Sunday In Ghana.
Today began with breakfast as we listened to the church begin above where we were eating.
We had eggs to quite the groove and clickity clack of dancing heels I presume.
Romana picked Tanner and I up and we were all off to church. It was testimony Sunday, a time where members of the church were sharing how God had made a difference in their lives. The music was awesome, I loved it! Songs were familiar and if they weren’t they were easy to pickup. 2 hours came and went.

Romana was able to obtain another water filter from a member of the church to use at the orphanage. On the way home I heard them discussing how even with this second water filter it is still approximately half the number of filters they should have at the orphanage given the number of people at the orphanage. I am going to see what I can do about that before I leave.

After church it was off to the Accra mall for some shopping, money exchange and of course lunch. Gabriel was asking, quite often, Dad what are we doing after church? I would tell him and he would say then what? So I would tell him and he would say then what? I smiled and said yes we will be going to hotel after we shop and eat.

On the way to the mall we stopped at some street vendors to buy some stuff. Some of you may be saying, did he say mall? Yes I did. In fact if you were to drop yourself into the Accra mall thru time travel (not that you could but I'm jus' saying) you would not think you weren’t in any North American mall in a large city. AC, food court, an apple store (which Tanner loved). Granted it is not real large but it has a movie theatre.
The difference here is that on the way to the mall there are the poorest of the poor approaching your car asking for food or selling something, across the street is a traditional market where you can buy some of the nicest African hand made crafts any where.

The streets near the mall are paved and much like a major city but it is not far and you are on dirt, pot hole, rutted roads. We eventually received our lunch and finished our shopping…nothing happens fast in Ghana!

As we drove you can see the build up and hype for the World Cup of Futbol (soccer) everywhere. In Ghana soccer (futbol) is king amongst sport. As you drive every spare section of dirt has a futbol field set up or a game is being played.

We got back to the hotel, just Tanner, Gabriel and I. Gabriel is quite the character. Expectedly testing boundries already. Oh how hard it is sometimes to not give in to the little adorable smile! Nothing to big just not the immediate obeying I know he can do, when it comes to going to sleep or taking a nap. I am remembering many of the habits and joys we saw with John and Victoria 2 years ago. Very respectful, not to say they don’t / didn’t test but as long as you hold a good line they obey (not too strict but not a push over either,...sounds so easy when I type it...HA)....

As I write this Gabriel is asleep in his spiderman jammies, traditional style, on his side with his head resting on his arm. No pillowsm no covers. Oh I almost forgot, we went to the pool today.

Gabriel wanted to go, had to go, was excited to go but when we got there he was not the fearless jumping beans his brother and sister were. He was happily content to sit on the side with his feet in and watched Tanner jump and swim and roll and do anything Gabriel asked.

As the day draws to a close, I am told we will have full complimentary internet beginning Monday, no more purchasing 2hrs at a time. They ran out of cards today so I have been without again but it looks as though we will have full blown access sometime on Monday for the duration of our stay.
We shall see....as anyone who comes to Ghana knows you just roll with it...
Tomorrow is a big day as we go to the orphanage for the last time and Gabriel says goodbye to his friends and teachers. It is and will be a joyous, tear filled time as the children he has grown up with and workers who have poured into him will pray for him and send him off with blessing!

It will be awesome and draining for sure. But before we go back to the orphanage we will spend the day together which I am sure will prove to be another day of adventure!

First time we got to SEE Gabriel with Daddy and Tanner....day 3...internet /skype WORKED!

It was a GIFT! My mommy heart jumped for joy as his little face entered onto the screen. He was so very cute getting really close to the camera and saying "hello"

(he also wanted to see the dog, the cat, the kids, the food etc)

Dave is doing an AMAZING job with his journal entries...so I will leave it and let you read on!

ENJOY!

(boy do I love that man!)

April 24, 2010 (Day 3)

We awoke, late I might add, and tried to get ourselves over to the Orphanage as soon as we could.
We arrived as the kids were just sitting down for lunch. Gabriel ran to meet us in the courtyard and gave us both a hug of greeting. Feels very good!
While inside Romana invites us to a fair/craft show for one of the schools in town. So off we went, Romana, Gabriel, Tanner, Romana’s son, Rachael and Grandma Judy.

We spent a couple hours walking around, had some lunch and had an enjoyable time. Tanner was amazed he recognized most of the music. All throughout the day there were kids dancing and singing on stage, just full of life.
I think Tanner thought all the music he listened to could only be heard in America. :-) Ahh expanding his view on how big the world really is. :-)

Tanner is doing great, when awake he is full on not wanting to miss ANYTHING that this trip has to offer, I think he really knows it is special and also doesn’t know if or when he may get to experience something like this again.

After the fair we return to the hotel this time with Gabriel for an hour or so before going back to Beacon House so Gabriel can have dinner and get settled in for the night.

I am SOOO appreciative of how Romana has worked out how to best transition the kids to their families. Each one is likely not exactly the same but I know she has worked out what works and what doesn’t and always is sensitive to what God is leading her to do in the particular situation based on the child or children being transitioned.

Before we head back though God decided to give us a gift of connecting with our family back home. The internet had not been working but this time when I tried I was able to get on and we were able to video skype with Carrie and the kids (all except Brock as it was early and he was still in bed, its Okay Brock we know you need your beauty sleep! :-)

Skype was a joy, though Gabriel was a bit distracted as the hotel had sooo many new things to touch and see what they did. I know Mom and brothers and sisters back home were very thankful as were we! I remembered being the one at home when Carrie was here with John and Victoria 2 years ago. Ahh good stuff!

We took Gabriel back for dinner at Beacon House, made arrangements for church in the morning and then came back to our hotel for dinner and in Tanners case some log sawing…he is out out out again! LOL
As for me as I close this day I am feeling much better, still 5 more sleeps (including tonite) before we get to begin our return but feeling held up and comforted.
Looking forward to enjoying what tomorrow has in store for us as we walk it out step by step….moment by moment….

Dave's journal entry #2 Ghana

Day 2 April 23, 2010 (Day 2)

We arrive at 7:20am in ACCRA.

It is 12:20am PST but we aren’t focusing on that. 21hrs ago we rolled out of bed in our hotel at Sea-Tac and began this journey.
We made it thru immigration without a hitch and found our ride holding the sign Mr Dave Blaske. They helped us to their hotel shuttle, along with numerous Ghanian “helpers” that they did not chase away.
These “helpers” are very friendly and make small talk with you as we walk to the shuttle van.

As we walk I see that there is not one and then two but 5 of them at least by the time we got to the shuttle and I only had 4 bags!!! I wasn’t sure who was with the hotel and who wasn’t.
I knew they were helping and going to want a tip.

This is my least favorite part of Ghana, I feel bad inside but also know they are swindling some also, they are just very friendly. I stepped aside to find some small bills.
I handed one man a $5 and without blinking he says oh give me 20 and then each of us have 5.
I said no that is what I have to give you.
They left without incident, though he did ask again but off he/they went.
I still didn’t like the feeling I had inside, knowing that I have much but I also knew it was fair even though had they asked I would have declined there help as I already had 2 gentlemen from the hotel and myself and Tanner to handle our bags.
Its always an Adventure getting out of the airport unescorted as a foreigner.

As we await the volunteer from the orphanage to arrive we/I unpacked and read thru the information my lovely (but missing travel agent) Carrie had prepared.

I began to get a bit anxious because I did not have any Ghanian funds yet, nor did I have a way to get food or water…yes I was fretting a bit, had the jitters and was quite irritable (ask Tanner)

The volunteer arrives promptly and we began our short walk to Beacon House.
Ahh now the thoughts that race thru your mind, I thought; will he run into my arms, will he smile, will he be sad, excited nervous etc.
One of the volunteers tells me they told him we were coming the day before.
They don’t want to tell them too early as it can be very difficult.

He has known we were going to adopt him for several months but as the adoption process goes you don’t want to get the childs hopes up and then have them dashed.

We anxiously await in the office…and then I hear them coming. The door opens and he slowly walks up to me and VERY quietly says "hi dad" I think it was very soft and meek).

I have to admit I was a bit caught off guard by his meekness, as I was prepared for an excited, exuberant boy.

Of course that’s what I wanted too but I believe God used this moment to help remind me of HOW BIG OF A CHANGE THIS IS IN HIS LIFE. He is leaving EVERYTHING HE KNOWS TO BE GOOD and SAFE!

Yes he wants a family and YES he is excited to go to America and YES he smiled. I smiled at him and gave him a hug, wasn’t sure if I was getting a hug back but that was OKAY I was here and knew that God was breaking in.

We talked for a couple minutes (actually probably 30 seconds) I don’t do well in uncomfortable silences . I introduced him to Tanner, he was still very meek.

As I have watched the video of this here at the hotel I am recalling the depth that is in his eyes! God has a plan for this boy!
Its as though he has been waiting a long time for something (us to arrive) but at the same time you can see he perhaps is ALSO processing that he will be leaving soon as well!
He bites his lip as if to hold back his emotions but presses on and into the situation of us being there in front of him. I asked him if he would like to see some videos of John and Victoria back home. He said yes!

So we watched these and let the “ice break” for awhile. After watching the videos, Gabriel asked if he could go and get his family picture book. I said sure. Off he went and back he came with EVERY picture we had sent him.

We looked thru them all and then he put it in my backpack to be sure it went with us.
Not sure but I think he wanted to double check that I was indeed the man in his picture book!!! LOL.

He was now talking in more understandable volume, questions were flowing, when will we go to America, he was naming his brothers and sisters etc. He went in and out for a bit, NOTE I AM EXHAUSTED, every time he went out I had to catch myself from nodding off.

He came back and thanks to one of the volunteers we had some card games (UNO) and a memory matching game to play and just hang out a bit with. I will post a video of this because the laughing and giggling that occurred warmed my heart and also confirmed to me he was getting more comfortable.

I know many peoples adoption “first meets” are not always easy and even awkward, the family wants so much for it to be as they have dreamt of and played out in their minds eye over and over and yet often times they don’t play out exactly as we have played them out in our minds.

This I know whether as you thought they would be or quite a bit different, they are perfect none the less!

Ours was no different..JUST PERFECT!

It was time for lunch and for me that meant trying to deal with my anxiety about the money, food and my lack of rest!!! What a wimp but being honest!
We went and exchanged some money and I went back to the hotel to try and catch a nap before returning to the Orphanage.
Tanner stayed with the volunteers. I went back to the hotel and battled, yes battled. I was so cooked, if I could find a way to skip the next few days and get on a plane with Gabriel and Tanner in a few hours and just get back to my comfort in America that would be just fine.

I had anxiety, the jitters, I was SEVERELY MISSING my wife and tour guide who on our last journey was here ahead of me so she had it all figured out when I arrived.

I tried to sleep but really couldn’t as the jitters were increasing.
I prayed and tried to focus but I was really feeling like I was losing it. I wish I could say that it left right away but it didn’t.
I continued to pray and speak that He is my refuge and my strength, I knew that I couldn’t get thru all that this trip had to offer without Him carrying me.
Oh and I hadn’t mentioned,…. no phone, no internet so I couldn’t express any of this with Carrie. UGH!
I got up as it was time to head back still feeling anxious and jittery. I drank some water and began the walk back to Beacon House on the red dirt roads, speaking God you are my REFUGE and MY STRENGTH, over and over.
As I walked I began to feel a bit better, no jitters, anxiety leaving…okay thanks God not completely gone but much much better.

I got to the orphanage and met with the Director who gave me all the information and paperwork I would need for my return trip in a few days. She invited us out for dinner (whew, one less thing to navigate while I was exhausted.)
Tanner played and played with the kids and crashed when we got back to the hotel. We went out for pizza (real Ghanian huh but when you can feel the blood flowing and it feels like THICK MUD my body and mind says to me no more adventure! I know, what a wimp!

We retired for the evening and some MUCH needed rest. Tanner slept for 13hrs straight, me I slept for an hour and then was awake for 4, wide awake, then thankfully my body slept very soundly for 7 hours.

Whew a VERY BIG DAY and a VERY LONG JOURNAL, but it was GOOD. NOTE I am writing this at the end of the next day so my hindsight is of course helping my perspective/reflection too…

Thank you Lord for being my REFUGE and MY STRENGTH!

Daves Journal entry #1

Hello everyone...Dave is in Ghana and has put this note on his Face Book page...I thought i would copy it here for those of you non-Face Bookers :O)

At this time the internet is a bit slow, but he was able to finally get it to work on his computer today. Our family got to Skype with him after he had been in Ghana for 24 hours with no communication with us:O) (Romana got a good laugh at me as I kept texting her to check up on them...it was all I could do to, not know how the "first meeting" with Gabriel went. More on that to come in next post. Until then...time for Dave to be the Blogger! Go Dave GO!!!

Great Adventure Part II

(Our Trip to Ghana April 2010)

April 22, 2010

Day 1 (Departure)
Tanner and I make the trek to the airport 3am :-).
Tanner is doing great. After a long wait to get checked in we get to the gate have a breakfast sandwich and finally board our first leg of the journey.

We arrive in NY and make it to our next leg of the journey with relative ease.

It is here in NYC that I am again hit with a wave of emotion (just like the last time just over 2 years ago). As sit amongst many many beautiful Africans I am reminded again of the journey and commitment to this little boys life I/we are making.

That is not to say I/we haven’t made the decision to adopt with great reflection, processing and of course some leaps of faith but God has used this point in my journey each time to “bring it all home”.
I had forgotten he did that last time with John and Victoria but I remembered here when I sat at the gate awaiting to board the plane to Accra.
This time I am not heading off to join my beautiful wife (more on that later), but instead am embarking on this journey with Tanner our 15 year old boy.
Tanner is giddy and it is awesome to see how polite and how he displays a servants heart on the plane helping people load bags etc. I must remember these moments when I can’t get him to wash up or put clean clothes on!! LOL.

The 1st day ends somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean or over the West Coast of Africa, depending on which time zone, PST, EST or Ghanian you are counting from.

"It's Time Mama"

A dear Beacon House adoptive mama of two great BH kiddos took this picture of Gabriel some weeks ago. She was there to go and get her son and bring him home. She graciously took over a small soccer watch and a letter from us to give to Gabe.
What I did not know until TODAY...was that she took this sweet picture of him and his watch.

TODAY, after a very long and emotional two weeks with new Embassy news and process of investigations, I was able to call my friend and say...."Got it Got it Got it"
"it" being a visa interview for Gabriel!

It was a GREAT DAY! It was a day of shouting God's glory to ALL I came into contact with!
So I shouted to this dear friend...a few seconds after we got off the phone...onto my phone popped this watch pic of my baby...and the caption said "Its time Mama"

TEARS!
Tears of JOY, release tears of stress from the last few weeks of uncertainty, and tears of a friend who knowingly held a BLESSING for me until just the right time!

TODAY WAS THE RIGHT TIME!

Gabey-Baby...and his throwing back of his head SMILE says it all! It is time and we are sooooo excited to go and get him! (we meaning Dave and Tanner are going and WE are all counting the days!)

Let me jump back to this Wednesday when ALL things pointed to Dave having to cancel the trip and WAIT while Embassy stuff fell into place....I wrote this in my journal this Wednesday as I pondered, processed and PRAYED!


"I was reminded by God this past Wednesday morning about Moses when He went up the mountain to get the ten commandments, while he was gone the people set up altars and made idols.

Holy spirit said to me " I am doing something good up on the mountain Carrie, WAIT for me....don't give anything at the alter of fear, anxiety or stress! ...You will like what I am bringing down for you!" So, I am holding on to that!"

For the record....I REALLY LIKE WHAT HE BROUGHT DOWN THE MOUNTAIN FOR ME!

"It's Time GABRIEL BLASKE....here we come!"

Attachment

Attachment, attachment, attachment....the buzz word of adoption!



In the big wide world of adoption, the word attachment is connected to most conversations in some way.
For me personally, answering the most frequently asked question of "how are the kids adjusting and attaching" is often answered with a smile and the words....."we are on a great journey, each day is a new discovery"

Attachment at the Blaske house has not been looked at as an item on a check list to be checked off...For example: "work on attachment"...CHECK, done...
Nope, it is the ebb and flow of discovery of all of our lives, stories and life situations blending, clashing, melding and connecting day by day for the rest of our lives.

Are we closer in some areas now then we were on that super "gottcha day" March 2008..YES!

In looking back at the almost two years of having J and V home, I can see a pattern of "attachment opportunities" woven into the fabric of our family.

It looks something like this:

CHANGE ='s re-checking SECURITY

~Dave has to work late a few nights in a row....schedule changes

??? Mom, did Daddy give you that wedding ring????

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Ashlie moves to her own house in town

???Mom, did Daddy kiss you on your meeting day???

(J calls our wedding our "meeting day")

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~I get sick and go to hospital for a day

???Daddy, did mommy wear that long dress at the wedding???

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Brock gets a job after school and starts coming home after the kids are in bed

???Mom do you get to do your wedding day again???

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

over and over and over and over and over and over

the "wedding/marriage" questions get asked.

Looking back at our two years, these questions get asked at times of change,

and when security in some form is in question!

A few weeks ago, Dave was at a meeting, Brock was at work, Tanner and Tristan were at church and Gabriels passport had come in....CELEBRATION!

I was not even feeling the ground under my feet, I was sooooo excited about the passport. There had been a buzz around the house all day!

In the evening while everyone was gone and doing their thing, J, V and I were snuggled on my bed reading before bed.

We finished the book, prayed and were getting up off the bed when the questions started.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What was your meeting day like mommy?"

"Did Daddy kiss you, do you kiss anyone else"

"where is your dress?"

Ahhhhh ha!

I jumped out of bed, went into my closet, climbed up got my wedding dress box down

and

OPENED IT,

It Swooshed out of the box as we all watched the train float across my floor!

GASPS

GIGGLES

LAUGHTER

MORE LAUGHTER and SQUEALS

from J and V as they rolled around on my bed!

I said, V, do you want to put my dress on?

"Y E S MOM!!!" (through LOUD laughter)

Down she hopped out of my bed, and in a moment she had stepped into my dress got zipped up and stood looking with HUGE eyes at me...

"mom it is soooo heavy and so pretty!" and out we marched to the front room where the full length mirror was. Twirling, swirling, giggling she stood staring at herself.

J, what was J doing...WIDE eyed he was attached to my RIGHT leg like a Velcro child, smiling from ear to ear!

How many times have the "wedding / marriage" questions been asked over the last two years? I do not think I can count.

How many more will be asked?

I do not know...but I do know that change brings up the need to check

and re-check and re-check SECURITY...

What could be MORE SECURE for a child than a healthy, happy SECURE marriage!

Who would of known that my special kiss, my beautiful ring, my trailing veil and fantastic dress would be a topic of monthly, weekly and sometimes daily conversation almost 17 years after I said "I DO".....

P A S S P O R T

Can I say....."PASSPORT!"

January...WOW, what a MONTH!

In a God size SUPER NATURAL way...January wraps up as being one of the hardest spiritual, emotional and physical battles our family has had since the start of Gabriels journey.

So many people prayed! So many people felt such a DARKness pressing in all around us in Jan.

Jan 27th, one by one the phone calls started coming in.

• "Carrie and Dave, we really feel like something has lifted"
• "Carrie, the urgency to pray has ceased"
• "Carrie and Dave, we have been feeling like we needed to cover you...that feeling does not seem as urgent"

*these were different circles of people, friends, family, adoptive friends, people from other states all pressing in to the throne room on our behalf....all having the same feelings.

God does amaze me!

Also I am blessed to have a circle of people who will listen to the Holy Spirit on our behalf.

Adoption is warfare...so glad we are equipped to FIGHT and do not have to do so on our own power.

FEBRUARY 1, 2010 NEW month, NEW day, NEW news...

Phone call comes from Ghana "Carrie guess what I have in my hand?"

P A S S P O R T

Then some of my favorite words I get to hear from the Director at Beacon House....

"Oh yes, oh YES"

As different families have walked this passport journey in the last few years...each family's adoption journey is soooooo different, but pretty much across the board...PASSPORTS tend to be the section of the adoption process that is very dificult.

The ride is like no other!

Each Beacon House family that I have been able to call and say "your PASSPORT is in" ....has been a JOYFILLED celebration when it is IN the HAND and correct!

I have been able to joyfully celebrate with many families!

One thing I know for sure in the last 2 years of doing the Volunteer BH coordinator job:

...when it is time for a child, who does not have a forever family,

to come home to forever family...a family who will lead them in the way everlasting through the powerful perfect love of Jesus...

The enemy FIGHTS!

Passports coming out seem to be a good target for sure!!

We stand in a position of victory and do not have to fight for victory...even when we can not see the how and why...GOD IS IN CONTROL!

Today we celebrate the PASSPORT....the tireless efforts of the BH Director and staff,

the ALL POWERFUL personal GOD who holds it all in His hands and lets us come along for the RIDE OF A LIFE time if we trust, believe and love HIM only!

I 600 approval, Visa and TRAVEL coming NEXT....will keep you updated!

*the passport on the top is the cover of John's passport...Gabriels is safely still in Ghana awaiting his VIsa / exit!

Daughter!

The Love of this mommy heart is FULL,

by the KIND and GOD FILLED words of my amazing oldest daughter.

Her view of our family story is on her blog....well said sweetheart!

http://www.aarghistheperfectword.blogspot.com/

We are all praying and thankful for God's PLAN for all of our lives!

"Through the intimacy of our relationship, you are being transformed from the inside out.

As you keep your focus on Me, I form you into the one I desire you to be.

Your part is to yield to My creative work in you, neither resisting it nor trying to speed it up.

Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace. Hold My hand in child-like trust, and the way before you will open up step by step."

"Jesus Calling Devotional" Jan 25th

Gabriel Blaske

Dear Jesus,
Tonight I sit and look at this sweet tender warrior you have so carefully fashioned by your hand, and I am in awe of Your POWER and LOVE!

THANK YOU for his LIFE!

I PRAISE YOU for all the workers at his first place of care, that cared for him

I DELIGHT that you connected him to BH, put him in the hands of those who speak LIFE........TRUE LIFE to his sweet lil life each day from your word....feed him, teach him, cloth him, show him what PLAY is....and seek out a forever family for him.

US

Really...it is US! How can that be? How can hearts get connected that are so many miles and oceans apart! Lord I PRAISE YOU for what YOU have done and continue to do!

HOME

There comes a time in the adoption journey where the Spiritual realm knows that there is a HOME for a child...and that progress is getting made to the HOME-COMING.

What was a fight is now an all out war...papers disappear, computers crash, backs get injured, trucks get crashed, family members get sick, sink pipes break and leak all over the floors, process gets back logged...........one waiting child starts to lose hope as his lil child like heart and mind does not understand "time and process" sees the hope start to slip through his grasp of understanding.

C O N F I D E N C E

Dear Gabriel, SON.....from the moment we first saw you in Jan 2008....as we watched your littleness skip around the play area and on the trampoline...we knew you were a very

"sweet" boy.

Many families who have come to BH come out saying

"we are praying for a family for sweet Gabriel"

We prayed for you since then...and being C O N F I D E N T that GOD had begun a good work in you...He chose us to be a part of that work.

WE ARE BLESSED TO CALL YOU SON, for you are a GIFT and already soooooo loved!

Sweet boy....hang on to the WORD of the ONE who created you.

Philippians 1:6 is a life verse for you.

I pray this prayer for you as we draw our swords and hold up our shields and fight well to the finish for you! The finish is not your home coming, but to see you grow in the design God set out for you...the PLANS that He has already started....and will complete.

We are just thankful that we get to be a part of seeing how God does it all,

and BE THE ONES Who's ARMS YOU CAN SNUGGLE UP INTO no matter how old you are.

Sweet boy....the concept of mommy is new to you, and son, I can not wait to play that out each day with you as you!

THANK YOU LORD FOR HIS SW REPORT, PASSPORT, VISA, and TRAVEL to his HOME!

(We know that You know, we NEED these four things and we are confident that you will complete it)

With LOVE....