Hansen family of six!

Hansen family of six!
Home with Emmi

Sunday, November 30, 2008

A bittersweet Thanksgiving

On Saturday, our usual Thanksgiving since Billy usually has to work, was wonderful. I love to have everyone over and enjoy food and fellowship. Everyone has to do my corny tradition, which by the way we have done for 8 years now. We talk about how at one point the pilgrims had only 5 kernels of corn and no one died of starvation. So we all have 5 kernels of corn on our plate and share 5 things we are thankful for in the last year. It is so good to reflect on the year and hear all God is doing in everyones lives and all the blessings we have. It is a blessing to be able to do it every year.

This year was the hardest for me. I really thought Emmi would be home and when it came my time to share I was overwhelmed with emotion. So another holiday goes by without our sweetie. But how grateful am I for the people in my life right now and I am always reminding myself that God is in control, I have no control and life is good now. But we do miss Emmi. The good news is in one week I will be on the way to Haiti with my oldest son, Willy. I am so looking forward to time with him and with Emmi. See life is good!

I hope you all had a wonderful time of feasting and love. After being to Haiti twice and sitting at our table full of food, I was extremely blessed to be in this country, even with all the junk going on. Those of us born in America are very blessed and need to find out why we were born here and how we can reach out to the less fortunate.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and friends. Sending love from the Hansen's!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Hunger in Haiti

This is a sad story, but true. It is so hard for us to believe there are people dying from hunger. In our country you can probably find a meal every day. It is a good reminder of the big picture and that we need to reach out and give because we have been so blessed, and there are so many in need.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27826184/

Monday, November 17, 2008

One step closer!

I am excited to say that our paperwork has moved to second legalization. What does that mean? More court stuff, but the most important is that we are one step closer! I know it sounds crazy, but every little thing matters in this crazy, roller coaster world of adoption. So today is a good day and in 3 weeks I will get to go and see her. God is good!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

October update!

We finally got an update on Emmi. Last month due to the hurricanes we didn't get an update, so here it is. There has been absolutly no movement in our paperwork and we can't seem to figure out why, so start praying that we can get some answers and if there is anything we can do here. At the orphanage she is doing well; "sleeping is perfect", she is happy and plays with others well. She is sick right now with a cough and cold. But fortunately due to the donations of everyone, she is able to take some vitamin c and other medications. Thanks to all the people who have given in so many different ways.

On the homefront we continue navigate our way through life. Billy is enjoying his new job, but has to work a lot so he is missing us and we are very much missing him. Willy is working at Target part-time, taking a class at Whatcom Community College and 4 classes at Meridian High School. he is such a good student and is doing very well. He is currently on brake from baseball but it buffing up for the upcoming season. JJ is at Meridian High School full time and is doing awesome, he has adjusted from homeschool well. Wrestling is just around the corner and he is anticipating a tough season after winning first last year. Sierra is homeschooling and attending MP3 where I teach while she is in class. She loves it and has made some great friends. She is also loving dance, and is very good at it. Sierra and I joined a homeschool co-op this year, I love it! I wish I would have found it when the boys were little.

All of the kids were involved in a government class of some sort so we all learned a lot and became very knowledgeable about the government and politics. The elections became a family thing, and we all felt it helped us make educated decisions about he elections.

As for me, I continue to be the mom, wife and friend God has called me to be while continuing to seek Him daily through prayer and reading. One thing I have learned from the adoption so far is prayer, and the peace that can come from prayer. I am in so many different situations where really all I can do is pray. Also taking a dance class can be really fun and exercise!

So in less than a month Willy and I will head to Haiti and see Emmi, hopefully she will be better then. My prayer is that we will learn more about her case and have some great bonding time for us with Emmi and Willy and I. Of course safe travels. Have a blessed day!