One Week and Counting

Today is Monday and it's been a week since we submitted our application. I know, only a week. I know what you are thinking...if she's having problems after only a week God help her and us. No, I am fine I was just letting you know. Things have been going really well and last week was such a great week. Let's see if I can catch you up.

Thursday Jayden and I had to get our eyes checked and that was a totally new experience for me. They put a local anesthetic in my eyes in order to do this certain test and then proceeded to dilate them. Let me tell you, I have a whole new appreciation for my sight. I felt blind for what seemed like hours. And whats worse
is my sunglasses weren't enough so they shoved these black film looking things between them and my eyes. Yeah and stupid me thought well how bright can the sun be. I shouldn't have checked. It made things much worse. It seemed unfair b/c Jayden's went back to normal after only an hour. Needless to say I am thankful to see as well as I do. Later that evening we met a friend of mine who's an amateur photographer to take some pics since we are long overdue for a family photo. We got a couple good shots but I'll save those for another time.

Friday was really fun. Jayden was picked for one of the authors of the month so we went to hear him read his story to his peers. His story was about One Wish he had and his was how he died and got to go and meet God. He talked about how God looked really responsible and intelligent and how he worshipped at his feet. About how he read the bible to God and how amazing He was. Then it talked about how we were sad b/c he had died and him and God were looking at us. WOW! It finally ended with him saying he hadn't really died but he did wish he could go and see God. I have to say I was pretty impressed he'd been chosen considering its a public school.

So, that same day my son invited me to have lunch with him. My 14 year old. Can you believe that? And he didn't invite me to pick him up and take him to lunch, he invited me to actually come to his school and eat with him in the cafeteria with all his friends. I, of course did not say no. I felt so cool. His friends were so nice although I tried not to talk too much just in case I embarrassed him. We talked mainly about what they were all involved in, the different cliques and of course the upcoming Homecoming Dance which Jared informed me he wants to attend. Since I didn't attend school in the US of A I am really not sure what this is about so they all explained.

The weekend was packed with cleaning, homework, baseball games, church and youth. Not to mention a beach party and baptism and a Bucs games for Brian. All in all a fun filled week and weekend. How was yours?

A Little Rusty

Yesterday was a looooong day. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I babysit a little girl named Kylie. She is 3 and a half months old. She is a really good baby. Yesterday, not so much. Now this wouldn't have normally bothered me except I was also babysitting another little girl who was only 16 months old. Let me tell you, I was so out of my element. It's amazing to me how quickly we forget. I mean, I did that. They weren't quite that close but I had to juggle the baby and toddler thing. It wasn't that the day was hard per se but I was exhausted. Right when I thought I had got them both settled one would wake up. I would get one fed and then the other would be hungry. It was non-stop. WOW, I have so much more respect for people who do that everyday in daycares and such. I'm sure glad I'm only adding one more and not two.



A massive THANK YOU to my precious friend Betsy Leeuwner for re-designing our template. I cannot thank you enough for all you did. Just like our first time around with this blogger thing huh?








Quick donation update (which you can also see in the sidebar) we have had 2 more come in. Thank you thank you thank you!! God is faithful.

Officially Official (Long Post)

Well, the papers are on their way to St. Louis as I type these words. There really aren't words to describe what I feel knowing we have started the ball rolling. If I'm honest some of the words that come to mind are words like ~ fear, trepidation, insecurity, doubt and while this is the truth of what I sometimes feel the words that truly describe the nature of this journey are passion, love, hope, faith, amazement, joy and excitement and so you see those words out number the first set. Thank you for being on this road with us. We could never do it without the support of all of you.

I get have a devotional sent to my email everyday and today's was entitled Discipline or Regret?

This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
— Hebrews 12:1-3

In the 1968 Olympics within the stadium in Mexico City, the stands had gone dark after an extremely busy day of some of the finest track and field events in the history of the Olympics. All that remained inside the stadium were a few judges, the clean-up crew and a handful of reporters who were filing their reports. All of a sudden out of nowhere, a runner in his country’s track uniform half hobbled and half ran into that great stadium. He was a marathon runner who was literally hours behind the official last place finisher. He ran around the track and crossed the finish line. One of the reporters ran down to the field to ask this runner why he bothered to finish the race since he was obviously hurting and no one would even count him as a finisher. The injured runner looked up at the reporter and said, “My country did not send me over 5,000 miles to start the race but rather to finish it.”

This man persevered, endured the pain and finished the race. What a hero! What do you need to do today to sustain your life, your faith, family, or health over the long haul? Is there something in which you need to wholeheartedly persevere to finish the race of life well?

Remember this great piece of advice offered to me by my good friend Bill Hall, “When the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of changing, you will change.” The way I figure it is that in life, we either choose the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. Choose today the pain of discipline.

This was really interesting to me b/c I know it will take major discipline to get through this adoption. And the part about when the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of changing... For some months now I have been asking God what is it you want me to do with my life, what is my purpose? What is OUR purpose? I know I'm a mom and a wife and I'm striving to be the best I can be but I knew there was something more. I had a sense of dissatisfaction. Little by little He's been showing me and Brian and guiding us. This adoption is just the beginning. There is so much more to come that has been birthed b/c of our passion to adopt a child in China. I thank God He is opening our eyes to it and as things progress will be sharing with you what else God has placed in our hearts.

Be blessed and please check back often.

Blessed beyond measure, already

I am moved to tears. The donations are already coming in. We feel so incredibly blessed. There aren't words. Our first donation came in from my sister and her family in Oklahoma. WOW!!! God's goodness is all over this. Thank you just doesn't seem to cut it. As soon as I can I will post some pics of the fab peeps already helping us.

For Shannon

I have been reprimanded for not posting enough. I honestly thought since there was nothing going on with the adoption why post? Well, Shannon told me I was wrong and people wanna know what's happening. We are still set to send our app in this week. Waiting for the pics to submit with the app. Anyway, thought I would share with you the pics we are submitting. We had to show 4 of the house, one of the outside and 3 of the inside. One of mom and dad and all the kids. I won't bother with the ones from the house but here are the ones of us.
















I know unless you have gone through or are going through this, you can't possibly imagine what an undertaking it is just to get the application in the mail. This is going to change our entire lives for the better. I can't tell you the peace we have in doing this.

Oh, side note: I know you are a bunch of smart people and I am counting on you all! Any fund raising ideas you have please send our way. We are looking for lots of innovative ideas. We've got several to start with but need lots more so I'm looking for those comments. Thanks!

Seriously?

Alright it has been almost 24 hours since this post and while I would like to say it was a great success... Not.
So, how about this?
Be the first?
Yeah, maybe you can be the first to give $1 and for that I will post your picture and short story of what a great philanthropist you are?
Or not?
Either way somebody be the first!
Lets get it started!

A SIMPLE PLEA?

THIS IS A SIMPLE PLEA FOR $1
YES YOU HAVE A DOLLAR AND BUY DONATING THAT DOLLAR TO GRACE YOU ARE PART OF BRINGING YOUR DAUGHTER HOME. THAT IS RIGHT YOU DONATE AND YOU BECOME PART OF THIS MIRACLE ADOPTION AND YOU SHARE A PART OF A LIFE GOD CREATED TO DO SOMETHING BEYOND OUR OWN HOPES AND DREAMS!

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? PLEASE HELP, FOR GRACES SAKE!

OBVIOUSLY IF YOU GIVE MORE WE WONT HOLD IT AGAINST YOU EITHER!!!!!

Finally getting started

As most of you know, Brian and I posted SEVERAL months ago that we were beginning our adoption journey. Allow me to clarify. At that moment we decided yes this was something we knew we were supposed to do and made the call to the agency and they mailed us the paperwork. The packet came in a bright yellow folder and right away I tore through it. Then, it kind of just sat. And sat, and sat some more. Then one evening out of the blue I thought well the least I can do is start filling it out. Then it sat again. Then February came and we moved. So, it went from sitting on a table to sitting in a drawer. I would think about it frequently and wonder was this something we were still called to do? It still burned in me. I thought about her all the time, prayed for her. Hoped for her. I had doubts. We didn't and don't have 20 grand sitting in the bank. Was this God? Did I dream this? No, I couldn't have. Then one day another package, only I wasn't expecting this one. I opened it and burst into tears. My dear sweet friend Shannon who is also waiting with expectancy for her little girl to come home, had put herself aside for me. She made me a gift, a beautiful gift and had Grace's name embroidered on it. She said in her card she wanted me to have something to hold onto while I waited to hold her. That little gift now sits on my dresser as a constant reminder she is coming home. As we all know God's timing is everything and now is that time. I am thrilled to say our application will be in the mail by the week's end. Tonight at dinner we brainstormed on fundraising ideas and all the kids were on board. I cannot tell you the peace I feel about this. I know there are tough times ahead but I know God would not have birthed this in us if He wasn't going to walk through it too. Thank you for praying and don't stop. I would also encourage you to please point anyone you know our way if they have gone through or are going through a chinese adoption. We would love to connect with anyone we can on this. Be blessed and stay tuned.

It's been way too long...

No excuses. Well, except life. So, here we are, summer is over and the kids are back in school. Here's the latest in the life of maciaszek. First off, we had the greatest summer. I quit my full time job and went back to Starbucks part time in order to be there for the kids all summer. We spent most of it at the beach or someone's pool. Skateboarding and playing outside with the 5,0o00 other boys who live on our street and of course now we have a house with a backyard, grilling out. Yeah baby. There is nothing like dinner on the grill. We also spent time with friends from back home who decided to visit the new place. The Beckley's, The Pybas', The Daigle's and The Leeuwner's. Did I forget anyone? Sorry if I did.

So for the update. Jared's a freshman!!! Are you kidding me? I really thought God was not going to back out of the deal. Which was...we get raptured, I don't have to deal with highschool. Not sure which part was supposed to benefit God but never the less it has happened. He also turned 14 the week prior to school starting which was very emotional for me. He is attending a school in our neighborhood that is brand new this year which means NO SENIORS!!!! He is loving it. He is already part of the cross country team and then will play baseball in the fall. Jackson is in 4th grade now and Jayden is in 3rd grade. They also attend a brand new school in our neighborhood. They both have awesome teachers. Jayden is playing winter ball (that's a joke, winter in Florida) and Jack will start basketball in January. Brian is still selling food and recently won a trip to Atlanta to see the Braves play. No wives however, so it wasn't as good as it could have been. ;) I am now working part time at Starbucks, nannying 2 and a half days a week and cleaning an office. Yes, I am aware I am nuts. We are still very involved at our church and will start yet another home team in September. Hopefully it will be a way to connect more with our neighbors here where we live since we moved 30 minutes north of church. Are you bored yet?

Since we moved into a brand new house everything was white. I'm not talking pretty nice white either, this white is nasty and can't even keep clean white. So, that had to be taken care of and fast. Everyone knows paint is the cheapest way to spruce things up so away I went. I picked colors and we did half the kitchen, half bath, living room, up the stairs and part of the loft. Anyone who knows me knows I HATE TO PAINT!!!!! But I gotta tell ya once I got into it and started seeing the results, I was hooked. I can't wait to finish the rest of the house. I have to admit though we were so beat when we finished (we did all of that in 1 week) we have yet to touch up and as I look around I know it will take just as long to do that.

Now for the info that has been on everyone's mind. J/K. The adoption papers are being filed this week and to tell you the truth, I am terrified. They have been filled out for over 6 months but for some reason I have not been able to send them in. I know this is something we are called to do and I know this is something we want desperately but still the unknown is scary. We need your prayers to take this step and put our faith out there for something we can't see. Thanks.

Well, I think that about covers it for now. Know you are all welcome here anytime. I will try not to leave it so long in the future.

P.S. Will have more pics and hopefully another house tour. Love to you all!

The Way I Remember Her...

Today marks the 4th anniversary of my mother's home going. The days and weeks leading up to this one day can, at times be very difficult, very emotional. For example Mother's Day is the hardest day of the year for me of all the things we celebrate. So many people have made the comment "but your a mom" yes I am a mother, however I had a mom long before I was one. If you had a mom like I had a mom you would understand. Fortunately for me we have had out of town guests for the last 2 weeks which has afforded me the luxury of not being overly consumed by it. I am not a depressing person by nature but for me it is a constant healing to remember her last days and all of her life and the way she lived it. Most who visit here know or rather knew my mother. Here are just a few of the ways I remember her...

Her smile- it always made her whole face light up.
Her laugh- it was infectious and you couldn't keep but laughing with her when you heard it.
Her love for God- it was overwhelming to me how much she loved her God.
Her insatiable appetite for His word- I don't remember a day ever in my life when I didn't see my mother begin her day immersed in the Word.
Her voice- she sang with passion, she sang with victory, she sang beautifully and she sang for Him.
Her passion for leading people to Jesus- I have never in my life seen someone who chased souls for the Kingdom the way she did.
Her love for her husband- my parents had their problems just like we all do but she loved him without condition. When I recollect through the years all they went through I am blown away by her continued love for my dad. Thankfully, he too is a Christ Follower and since her death serves as a marriage counselor at their church and once again feels purpose.
Her love for her kids- my mother wasn't an affectionate person by nature nor was she very verbal about things. However, I knew my mother loved us girls. As I became an adult and was having babies of my own I knew it even more. She was a strong presence for me as I began raising my boys and one of the hardest things for me since her death is not having her to turn to.
Her un-ending faith and strength- though out her life she endured many hardships, the last of which was the cancer which took her life and I never saw her faith weaken. Now, I did see her lose some strength from time to time. Especially when the doctor gave bad report after bad report. But a few hours immersed in His word and she came back out of her corner fighting once again.
Her love of life and not material things- my mother always thought and lived eternally. She knew none of the things in this world mattered. I guess you could say she was kingdom minded.

I miss my mother so much sometimes I can't breathe but this one thing I know, I will see her again and I encourage all of you who still have a mom...treasure her always. Because there is always someone out there like me who would give anything for just 5 more minutes.

Somebody's really love me!!!

Surprise, surprise. WOW!!!!! That is the only word I can think of. Last Sunday the 29th all was well as we headed for lunch after church. I was tired and could think of nothing better than going home for a nap after an exhausting baseball day Saturday. Since it was my birthday the 30th I figured I was entitled. Then as we walk into the restaurant I hear "Would you like to sit at this table" (I think that's what she said) I turned to see none other than my good, good, great and wonderful friends MARTIN AND BETSY LUNAR!!!!!!! It was over at that point. I was screaming, I was crying, I was OH MY GOSHING, I could not believe my eyes. My husband was somewhere patting himself on the back on a job well done. They had got me and I'm not easily gotten. It was THE best birthday surprise in the history of Rachel birthday's. So, once I got over the shock we all sat and had a great lunch followed by great time at the mall followed by great nap time. Well they napped. I was too wired from all the excitement. We did lots of laid back stuff like eat, shop, go to the beach, compute (which Betsy was left out of ;) ), skip work (private joke), catch up on life and of course Starbucks! She is a worse caffeineaholic than I even remember. HAHA! Anyway, we had such an awesome time and I feel so honored they thought enough of me to surprise me like that. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LUNARS, WE LOVE YOU!!!!! Thanks again!
P.S. BAD ME, they took all the pics.

House Tour

So many people have been asking for a tour of the new house so last night we put together a quick one so the suspense might end for those of you who care. Everything is still white and some parts are still in the "unpacking" mode but this gives you a basic idea. We will do another one when we are a lot more settled. Hope you enjoy it and come visit us soon.



P.S. By the way, nothing in the house is orange, the digital camera is old and I guess the quality is not that great plus the lighting is anything but professional. HA! Maybe Iris Media can hook us up for our next tour.

The First Visitors

I know it's once again been way too long since I've written anything on here but there isn't alot to say. Life keeps us so busy and moving just adds to it. We are finally all unpacked and we got it done just in time for some very important visitors. Our good friend Linda and her 5 and a half month old Hudson Cash were our first visitors in our new home. Dad is Pillar's front man so was unable to join b/c he was on the road but we did manage to attend a couple of shows. Anyway, we had a blast and I've already fallen in love with Hudson. He has to be the most adorable little boy ever. I am so sad not to be close by to watch him grow up and of course I miss Linda terribly already and look forward to many more visits. Here are a few photos I thought I would share from our few days together.

Waiting to Exhale

It has been an exhausting couple of weeks. After waiting and waiting to hear if our loan went through, they call us Thursday (day before the close) to tell us its not approved and we will not be closing. I am devasted. We had already given notice at our current dwelling so this posed a huge problem since they had already re-rented for this Saturday move in. Ok, we are not beaten yet. Knowing we would be homeless for who knew how long, we rented a penske truck and yesterday Brian and 1 friend (the moving gods must be mad at us b/c no one else showed up to help) loaded the whole truck. Thank God for Shawn. We then stuffed both our cars as full as they would allow, left the rest in the garage and headed to our pastor's house where we were welcomed with open arms. Thank God for Hal and Sandy. With no news of when we will be closing I am at work unable to concentrate wondering what I am supposed to be learning from all of this...............NEWS FLASH.................as I was typing this the man called and said we just got the go ahead to close tomorrow at 3pm, THANK YOU JESUS!!!!! Please pray for great weather and lots of help. We'll post some pics at a MUCH later date when I have gotten over my nervous breakdown. Love you guys!!

One step closer to Saving Grace

Yesterday Brian, Jared (our oldest), and I went and met with the contractor for the walk thru of our new home. Last I had seen the house there was no carpet or applianaces and things were still pretty messy. It was so exciting to walk in and see the carpet done and the house cleaned up. As we walked around pointing out all the things that needed to be touched up (the joys of buying a brand new house vs. one that is already built) I got really excited thinking about moving in and giving it the Maciaszek touch. Well, the female side anyway. When we talk about bedrooms we have already designated which one will be for Grace and have already decided we will decorate it right away in preparation for her home coming. We also know how far away this feels and have felt so much encouragement from all of you we hope you will stick with us and stay to the end. Anyway, back to the walk thru. We finished and scheduled another one for next Friday at 9am, then we will close at 11am. Talk about a full day. We are thrilled. Once we are in we will give you the grand tour via video and post it on here. I hope wherever you are you will pray for a smooth closing and also celebrate with us as we are now one step closer to bringing our baby home. Thank you for your comments and emails of encouragement, we cannot walk this road without you!

Seeing His faithfulness...already

I realize I have already fallen short with this blog however, since there hasn't been anything going on with the adoption per se I haven't felt there was much to say. Well, now that I sit and think about it that couldn't be further from the truth. Here's the deal. When we started this whole thing our attitude was we would fill out all the application stuff and even though we lived in a townhouse in the middle of an apartment community we would go ahead and do the home study here with faith that one day soon before Grace gets here God would some how help us afford a house since with 3 boys already she would have to have her own room and a 3 bedroom townhouse won't cut it. WOW that sentence was way too long and probably not grammatically correct. Anyway, with the way the housing market is here and how expensive they are in comparison to where we used to live it can be overwhelming. All I can say is this...God's ideas are always about timing. 4 weeks ago we weren't even considering buying a house and had our application ready to submit. Now, we are waiting to close on a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath with a loft 2000+ sqaure foot house that isn't even finished yet. Oh wow the goodness of God. Now the part regarding the adoption. We were going to submit the app anyway since we had the new address but they also want photos of where you live. They want one of the outside and 3 of your choice from the inside. So, we are waiting to move to take pics of the house b/c that is where Grace will come home to. At first I felt somewhat frustrated b/c all I could think is...one more month to really get going but then I realized...THIS NEW HOUSE!!! That is our beginning. I cannot begin to tell you what it means to be where we are. I see so much of God's hand in this already it blows my mind. If He can provide a house when we thought there was no possibility, we have nothing to worry about with regards to the money for Grace. She will be here in no time. Soon after we move we plan to get her room ready and just keep on towards the finish line. As we walk this road we have already received so much support and encouragement from people its just crazy. However, when it comes down to plain old inspiration, hands down it comes from Carlos and Heather Whittaker. They are couple from Cali whom we have never met who just recently brought their own little bundle home from a foreign country and Carlos has THE most amazing videos of their journey on his blog. I watch those repeatedly to keep my head above water and to be reminded it will be a reality for us too. Anyway, thanks for being with us on this journey and please send any messages whenever you have time but most of all please just pray for baby Grace. Love you all!

THE GIFT THAT KEEEPS ON GIVING

This is the gift I get every year that reminds me what Christmas is all about!


I love my wife!

A PROUD MOMENT!

OK THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ADOPTING AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH OUR FAMILY. JUST WANTED TO SHARE MY FIRST VIDEO PRODUCTION, SO LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK? SUFFICE IT TO SAY THIS WAS A PROUD MOMENT FOR BOTH RACHEL AND I. IT IS NICE TO SEE THAT AFTER 13 YEARS OF SOWING YOU DO REAP. I DID NOT PUT THE CAMERA ON US CAUSE THE CAMERA WOULD OF HAD A GREATER CHANCE OF GETTING WET TOWARDS US THAN AT THE HUGE BAPTISMAL. ENJOY!

WHY?

Some may ask why and that is understandable. We think the why of God birthing this in our hearts is sometimes something we don't even understand. However, when we saw this clip of a family bringing their baby home after a 2 year process it all clicked and we knew this was all God and His perfeect timing. All I would ask is for you to take a moment and watch this video and that should answer all your questions as to why. Also, if you can watch this without bawling like a baby then I would have to say you might want to check to see if you have a pulse!
P.S. Application and step by step packet is on it's way to us. A small first step but a start.





Want to see more? Go to RAGAMUFFIN

IN THE BEGINNING

Welcome to our website dedicated to realizing our dream of adopting a little girl from China. This all started for me 3 and a half years ago when I lost my mother, Nita after her 3 and a half year battle with cancer. My mother was my everything, she was my best friend, confidant and mentor. When I lost her I felt as though I lost a part of myself. I really began to search and seek God earnestly since it was the only thing I could do to relieve the insurmountable pain I was in. As I began to go deeper with God and pray about next steps in my life and the life of my family I really began to desire to have another baby. However, there was a little snag, since having a hysterectomy 4 years ago and Brian having undergone the BIG "V" and I am not talking about Venezuela, it was a physical impossibility. Anyway, my desire grew and grew and I began to consider adopting and immediately thought of China, mainly b/c my Grandfather has an adoption agency in St. Louis. (See sidebar) So, I called him and talked at length about what was involved. I have to admit, I was very overwhelmed and began to pray God's timing would be everything and if this was not His will my desire would diminish.

I missed my mother so desperately and longed to have that again. There is something so precious about a mother-daughter relationship and my mother and I had such a great one. Anyway, time passed and Brian and I just kind of stopped talking about it. It never really left me but I just believed God's timing was everything.

Since uprooting our lives 15 months ago and moving to another state there have been a number of exciting changes in our lives and now is the time. About 12 months ago my passion and desire to have another baby was once again heightened and this time I just knew it was right. Brian and I even sat down and talked to the boys (we have 3) about how they would feel if we had another baby. They were so excited about it and started talking about diapers and bottles and taking care of a little sister. It was so cute. We started to pray and researched adopting over seas and of course talked at length. About a month ago we decided it was the right thing to do and both of us have such passion about rescuing a child and giving her a life she wouldn't otherwise have.

We really wanted to name her b/c we had already been praying for her so long and we wanted to be able to pray for her by name. So one day I was sharing with my friend Alexis about how we had decided to pursue adopting a baby girl from China and how we were going to raise the money first by asking for donations via a website. Without hesitation she said "What about Grace? Saving Grace." I was just like oh my gosh, it's perfect. After talking to Brian and praying about it, it just made sense. Grace is so multi-faceted. I mean, look at what God's grace did for us and how His grace makes it possible for us to do things like this.

Won't you please join us on our journey to bring our daughter home. We don't, at this point have any information about her or if she is even born. Most of this process is simply having patience while we raise the money needed to fulfill this dream. There are several ways which you can support us. The first is to join us in praying for Grace. The second is to send us emails or leave comments of encouragement and support. The third, if you feel so led is financial. I can assure you the money is deposited into a secure interest bearing account for the sole purpose of this adoption and as money is raised we will publicly display how. We will be back regularly to update you on our progress and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for joining with us. God bless.