Our kiddos

As you can see we have superman and supergirl living in our home now. These PJ's light up and the kids wear them around the house trying to fly. I don't remember if I told blogged about how Luke accidentally launched himself into a sliding glass door about 5 days after arriving. He has some scratches on his nose from it. It reminded us of the windex commercial. Kinda shocked him and thankfully didn't do any damage.

I think the language barrier and trying to learn a learn a new language has worn Luke out. I love this picture of him. We have one of Laci as a newborn asleep like this with a bow on her back that has a gift tag that says "From God" I think this is her twin's picture like that. He seems to be really worn out at the end of the day.

This week we can tell he is missing his former friends and life and he is clingy a little more and just quieter. I think he is feeling unsure of what is to come and so we are making every attempt to let him know that he is our son and will not leave here-EVER. He is sleeping with us and snuggles at every opportunity. Many of the adoption books we have/are reading state it is good for kids to grieve and miss what they knew as normal. So we are trying to talk on the phone to people he knew and get with the other Haitian kids. That seems to ease his mind some. We plan on calling Yvonne from Haiti who took care of him prior to coming to the States and having him tell him he is our boy and no one will take him from us. We also feel he needs to know we will see all the people he can from around here that are associated with Haiti.

Here is our trampoline with Tim and his wrestling mania. They love to get in there and just dogpile on Tim. I think having twins is a great way to get into shape. We spend lots of time running, biking, playing, giggling, tickling and eating!!

I would ask that you pray specifically that Luke could supernaturally know in his heart that he is forever ours and that there is no threat of being moved again.

Remembering...

I have not posted much about the days prior to Luke's arrival but we knew from emails he was crying some and so we chose scripture to pray over him. The Lord led us to Zephaniah 3:17-20. We have fallen in love with these verses as we have seen the fruit of God's blessing on our family from standing fast on these.
"Don't be afraid.
Dear Zion,
don't despair.
Your God is present among you,
a strong Warrior there to save you.
Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love
and delight you with his songs.

18-20"The accumulated sorrows of your exile
will dissipate.
I, your God, will get rid of them for you.
You've carried those burdens long enough.
At the same time, I'll get rid of all those
who've made your life miserable.
I'll heal the maimed;
I'll bring home the homeless.
In the very countries where they were hated
they will be venerated.
On Judgment Day
I'll bring you back home—a great family gathering!
You'll be famous and honored
all over the world.
You'll see it with your own eyes—
all those painful partings turned into reunions!"
God's Promise.

We just read these and see how God is bringing home an orphan to us. What a gathering he experienced at the airport. A great family gathering there to welcome a new life into our home! Luke has been calm and has delighted us with his presence in our home. I also love these scriptures because this paints a beautiful picture of our own eternal adoption and of how we'll all be in heaven at a great family gathering. I just wanted to post this so I would never forget what a great and mighty work we have witnessed. Luke is not here by any of our works. Glory to our Gracious God!!

School

For those of you who did not know, we decided to have Laci do some easy stuff this year for school to help Luke catch up. This morning we decided to start school. He insisted on wearing one of Tim's tie"s and a dress shirt. Courtney said they dress up over there. I have taught him how to use the computer so that I can have Laci doing one thing and him the other for now since she is ahead of him. She is learning the alphabet sounds and he is learning about firetrucks. They are doing different things until the teacher has a place to put them together on each side of her(which is me). Courtney is doing her school over on the couch so I am running between the three.

I would like to ask you to all pray for the quick sale of our home. It is becoming very difficult to maintain and we are wanting to downsize. Thank you!!

Ronda

Rolling Hills

What a fun day!! We had a blast looking at all the animals. Luke loves monkeys and Laci likes the pink flamingos. She asked how do they walk with just one leg. It is a beautiful place in Salina and was fun to ride on the tram and walk around. Here are some photos. On the way home Luke just cried and cried and was holding his head and acting like he was going to throw up. He did this the other day and I have deducted that he gets carsick. We stopped got him out and he just said "bien bien" which means good, good. I think he liked the air. So we'll have to watch that. I sympathize with him as I get that way too. And with airbags he can't sit in the front. Maybe he'll get used to it. I never have and I am 40 so???? Pray for him as he adjusts to our confinement of carseats and backseats.

Here are some photos of our day.
Ronda

I don't know

Yesterday was an Incredible day. Luke likes the incwedibes. SO we watched it 2 times. Ok so maybe that is a lot of TV but it was nice to not chase both him and Laci around for awhile. Also thought it was funny that when we were reading stories for bed, I asked him what a picture was and he said, "I don't know" Just like that. Kinda neat. He probably spoke in English about 25% of the time yesterday. I can tell he is really understanding. It is pretty cool to see the light turn on.

He came into our bed at 3 am(seems we have this as a ritual already) and wet it at 5 so I am up, showered, and ready to start the day. The kids will get up and I"ll need a nap! We are meeting Tim's parents in Salina at the Salina Wildlife refuge so it should be a fun day.

I can feel God's presence hovering over our home. What an awesome feeling to see how Jesus loves our little children.
Ronda

Another fun day...

Today we met our friends with another set of twins, Han and Hud at playland. Luke loved it and just ran around and played. Hud took his swords and so they had to stay in the van but I imagine those two will have a blast together. Thanks Leslie for making us have another successful outing!!

I finally made it to Wal-mart and got pictures and frames to put around of Luke. He keeps seeing baby pics and says, "Luke as a biby(Baby)" I wish we had some. I pray that somehow God would provide that so we could have them for him. I have one of him at probably about 2 years old but none of him as an infant. Since he was not placed until about 2 1/2 there probably aren't any but we can just expect some sort of miracle. I am anxious for him to wake up in the morning and see a big wall frame with all of his happenings in one short week.

He had a sad time today and said some of the names of his Haitian friends. He kinda whined and cried. We looked at orphange photos and ones of the kids who are here close by. We need to schedule another play day so he can see he has not been deserted. He likes to snuggle when he needs comfort and we just stroke him and tell him we are sorry he is sad and we love him. It is kind of heartwrenching. We know he will grieve for him homeland and want to let him know it is ok to be sad. That is hard with the language barrier. Somehow God always uses Laci to make him feel better. I think she knows what she helps her when she is sad. Today she brought him a red popsicle. That is like a massage for me!! Then she turned on his favorite video and asked him to come sit with her. She just puts her arm around him and kisses his cheek. I took a picture because it is so sweet to see her feel bad for him. Today I told her that he does not know we won't leave him and so he is scared at times. She said , "you've never left me and so I'll just tell him." Someday we will be able to do that. Another family that adopted a Haitian boy about Luke's age said that in 10 months he totally forgot how to speak Kreyol and sounds exactly like an American. Makes me kinda sad to think that will disappear but I know that is how he will become united even closer to us.

Tim is off at noon tomorrow so we will post pictures of the trampoline that is compliments of my parents from the proceeds of the pumpkin patch.

Have a blessed weekend.
Ronda

More memories to remember

I thought of one other thing that happened yesterday to confirm Luke is one smart guy. The kids were out playing and I said ok two more minutes he looked at me and said no ten more minutes. Ok so I think he is understanding and figuring out pretty quick. Laci is doing much better. I think she is realizing that she is not losing her place in our hearts. Last night she slept in her own bed and wanted the door shut. Luke spent his last night on our floor. We are going to try to transition him to his own bed. I am desperately in need of about 24 straight hours of sleep. He is pretty noisy.

Some cultural things we want to remember. He opens the door for the girls, ties our shoes, cleans up his dishes, washes out his washcloth after he bathes. Has mastered riding his bike. Can braid hair, tie cool knots, and is extra gentle with little kids. What a sweet little guy!

Dr. Visit

Today we went to the doctor and found out Luke is pretty healthy. He will eventually need his hernia repaired but for now is ok. Also found out that if Laci does something he just patiently waits his turn. We owe her big time as she let the doctor do everything to her and then Luke watched and waited his turn. I am relieved to have that over with. He has had a little cough so we went ahead and treated him with antibiotics just to kill things that might get him down being in a new place.

Today I figured out his high pitching moaning sound. It is his way of trying to wear us down to get what he wants. Thanks the Lord the Holy Spirit showed us that. He went to Walmart for the first time and we did lots of oh we don't need that and oh we already have that but let me tell you the Chiefs jerseys were a hot item on his mind. I think we'd better get him one. He couldn't have one today because I told him to stop the whimpering and ask nicely. A bunch of foreign words he'll pick up on REALLY fast. Maybe he can be a football player for Halloween. Laci will be a cheerleader. How's that one!!

The kids are outside with Tim riding bi cik lays. That is how he says it. Oh another thing I want to remember is that Luke went around the house today looking at all the pictures on the wall and asked me, "where is El Peno Luke's pit ure?" SO this evening I am making a run to get some pictures to put in frames on the wall.

I'd appreciate your prayers. Tim goes back to work tomorrow and I know I will be fine but tag teaming sure helps the day go well. I have Courtney here. We'll do some crafts and stuff as he loves that. For those of you close to us, pictures of you would be appreciated. Luke is good with faces and I think if you could get us some he would really feel like he is part of the clan!

We are having a blast!
Ronda

From Pa Pa Tim

Words can't describe how this all feels. Although it is quite tiring trying to keep up with him and Laci Jo, the end of the day is quite rewarding. Luke is just fitting in quite well. Even though at times we feel the language barrier is played for all it's worth, we are understanding him and his patience with us is great for the most part. We have a boy who has got all the ladies officially wrapped around his little pinkie.

We've spent a couple of hours in the last 2 days learning to ride a bike. He's gotten quite good.
By the way, I just gave up my deodorant to Luke to keep in his drawer so if you smell something interesting just smile, hold your breath, and politely slip out of breathing distance. He is constantly trying to add things to his pile of, "El Pino Luke's" stuff. He now has a swifter, a mop, a set of keys (which we do need), some books and of course every hat I own that has velcro size adjustment (the velcro is the only acceptable ones since they can easily be latched around his hanger rack in his closet).

Last night when we visited our friends who adopted a 3-year old Haitian girl, Luke was truly amazing. He was so gentle and caring for her. It really brought into reality some of his culture and what makes Luke soooooo cool. We also got the bag containing the only possessions he brought with him. It is stuff I will cherish forever. He had just around 4 complete outfits, one underwear, and the bag. That is it. Everything he owned and was able to call his to fit into his single drawer he possessed at the orphanage. Saddening yet very grateful to have him here with us. If anyone reading this feels so compelled, there are at least 50 more of these little guys waiting to have more down in Haiti.

The final moment of confirmation for me is this, last night when Luke was talking to Yve (our Haitian Missionary who has been a big part of the orphanage and adoption), Yve asked him, "Do you want to stay with Mama and Papa?" Luke replied, "Yes, it is like paradise!"

God is so awesome in His plan! We may not understand His timing. I quit trying a long time ago!! That's OK, He's in charge.

Recap of our last two days...

For many of you this will seem like a LOT of details but I decided this is where I am going to plant my thoughts so later I can just print them out and paste them somewhere. Luke had a blast on Sat. We played at my folks most of the afternoon. He drove(on my Dad's lap) the tractor, lawn mower, and pickup. He went on his first hayrack ride and ate a lot of food. He went to bed one tired boy. On Sunday we were invited to the home of one of the couples who adopted a little Haitian girl named Lexi. It was so fun to watch them interact. The dynamics of how they acted towards each other were so cool. Whenever Lexi came close to Luke in the play car he would jump out of it and give it to her. Another time she about fell into the coffee table and he lost all interest in everything else and just focused on her and made sure she was ok. The kids were running in and out of the house onto the deck thru a sliding door. Luke saw another into the family room and superman style ran for the entrance and the door was still closed. He face planted into that glass door. Reminded us of the windex commercial for clean windows. Ami must really clean her place well. It was cute but we felt sad for him. He is so tough. He kinda showed it to us and then he was off. Yves(Haitian man from the US) was also at the home we were at so it was fun having him ask Luke things for us. He asked Luke if he wanted to live here forever and Luke responded with something that translated like "Yes, this is kinda like paradise." We of course all melted. He seemed a little worried that Yves was going to return him to Haiti but we kept telling him "our tega" which means our little boy sealed with lots of kisses. Even if he was unsure of staying he is stuck here.

One thing he is learning is that we like to kiss a lot. He has really started to play this up for ALL it is worth. If I am holding him he'll go to Tim for lots of kisses then to Court for lots of kisses and then to Shelbie. Last night when we got home from our friends' home he looked around and said Shelbie and leaned towards her. We translated this to mean tonight Shelbie is my girl. He has tried to use the girls against us. When we get after him, he wants to go to one of them. We have had to tell them to say to him, "Say sorry and then we'll hold you." Sometimes he does and other times he shakes his head. His expressions are pretty priceless and I want to get them on video because I think some of that will change once he can communicate better. His tone is harsh at times and we practice saying things in a nice voice. He likes to imitate us which is kinda funny right now but we don't tell him or let him see our almost laughing because when he is 10 it won't be funny.

Today we went to visit Tim's school. Tim is off one more day. I dread him going back because he is such a help here. I also love having him around a lot. I know Luke will miss him. For those of you who have boys you will giggle but I have had to learn a little about the potty business for boys. Seems like it kinda is a vague thing for how this works. I have learned not to ask questions just point in the right direction. He seems to have this mastered and we are glad for that and he also gets up in the night if he needs to go. But when he needs to read the newspaper he hollers "Pappa" when done. I keep teasing Courtney that we're changing it to "ort knee" That is how her names sounds.

Laci is doing pretty well. The process for not being the only princess is a little painful at times. Today we knew she needed a break so she went to our friends to play. She was delighted to leave and he was worried where she was. Kind of an interesting dynamic. We've had to make sure she gets her time but yet we need to make sure she doesn't take advantage of our desire to make sure she knows she has not lost her place. I am so thankful we have Luke because I see gaps in what we have taught her and so although difficult to keep on top of it at times, I think that God will use this to make us parent her better. I see how patient we are with Luke and have been convicted that I am not always that way with her so I have tried to become more tender towards her when she seems to need me.

Tomorrow we go to the doctor. Luke has a hernia, and I have some other questions about getting his health up to optimum as well as just making sure he doesn't have any other problems. Laci is going to be our example so he won't be scared. We heard that doctors there make rounds for usually painful type things like shots, etc... We have a great husband/wife team for our doctors so I have great confidence he'll be fine.

I am tryng to find words to express what I have been feeling. I think I expected a little forlorn boy that needed a home. What I am finding is that we have been blessed with a bundle of energy that loves people, is the life of the party and has a contagious laugh. We laugh that he is adjusted fine. We are the ones who need adjusting. The things we are learning from him have strengthened our bond as a family and as believers responding the call of caring for orphans. I don't want to sound like we aren't adjusting because we are. But I feel we are riding on a wave of God's enormous blessing and grace because we responded to what we felt him calling us to do. For those of you who don't know, Luke has a biological little sister. We are in the process of seeing what it will take to get her to the states.

Have a blessed day!!!
The Beougher Clan

How do you eat an elephant? Give it to Luke!

Can this boy put away food or what? I honestly do feel like a mother with a baby because I am constantly planning what Luke's next course will be. Yesterday he ate 3 PBJ's. I fixed 6 thinking if he saw there was plenty he would not have to eat like a horse all at once. This morning he ate 1 1/2 bowls of cereal and a bowl of oatmeal. Then 30minutes later he ate a banana and some crackers. For lunch he had a large helping of beef with tater tots and 4 pieces of baked chicken tenderloins. This afternoon we came to my parents home and my mom had planned for him and fixed his favorites. Guess what? He ate 3/4 of an entire roast. Not to mention we follow him around with healthy type foods and let him graze all day. If you would like to contribute to the Feeding the Beoughers, make your donations payable to "Tim" hehehe. So Doug I think we'll keep you in business!

He and I also had a battle of the wills at lunch. He would not stop when I said and so I scolded him and put him in timeout. Needless to say he is pretty stubborn and sat there for about 30 minutes. Wish we could tell him when you are feeling kind you may get up. But isolation seems to work as he is a serious social kid!

Tim and I are pretty worn out. I think the language barrier keeps our minds churning as we try to figure out what he needs. You cannot believe how quick I have picked up certain words and phrases. I don't know if I mentioned but about 2-3 weeks ago at work I ran into a family who had just had a baby and the mom speaks Kreyol pretty well. I text her certain things I need to know and she texts me with the way they sound so I'll say them right. Wish we would have had it on camera when I said "you are not listening" He stopped dead in his tracks. I think he was probably thinking, "wow, now I have to pay attention" His face was hilarious. Today he put Laci's doll in the play fridge and she said, "no not there" He just throws his head back and gives a belly chuckle. He also is gathering up pumpkins at my folks and putting them in the fridge. He may eat those there and so we wonder if he thinks we are crazy to leave them out. Hard to say...

I read on a friend's post that DNA is so overrated. I would say Tim and I heartily agree. Luke is very cuddly and so we loves to snuggle and tickle him and say, "Mwen Raman ou" which mean I love you. He has now started to approach us today and will tell us that. It really makes him mad when we have to scold him and we tell him that. He has some serious facial expressions but we ignore and still tell him. Little does he realize nothing can change that for us!! I wish I could say to him to go ahead and try us, you are stuck here buddy!!

His outings have started to be no big deal for him. Tim and I both have had to come and go a little just to deal with the daily happenings of life. Yesterday our horse ran his foot through sheet metal and severed and artery. We applied pressure and that save him but thankfully we had my parents over and they could help with him while we quickly hitched up the horse trailer and hauled Twister to the vet.(Twister is fine thanks to 45 minutes of hard pressure on that artery). He knew Tim and Courtney were gone but did not fret and we talked to them on the phone. That seems to help. We also say "vini habitete" which means come home so that seems to ease that worry some.

Well I will close for now. I am teasing everyone that I'll need help for weeks. After all, I have given birth to twins only 4 days ago. I can't be left alone yet. hehehe It is so much fun looking at our world through the eyes of an individual who had so little. Have a blessed weekend. Come by and meet Mr. Luke. He loves all!!
Ronda

Today

Pase' Bon Nwi!!(Good evening) to all. Today has been another fun day having "TWINS". Ok now I know how my friend Leslie feels! We have played hard all day. We have had a couple of moments which we are not sure if they are language frustrations or our Prince Charming just seeing how loyal his court is. heehehe. He got mad at us and spit on the floor. I about cracked up but we patiently tell him "NON" for no and then walked him to the sink or toilet to spit. We have had to use rete' a lot which is stop and vini for come here. I learned to say please so it didn't sound like a harsh command for I think our tone is universal. He shakes his head a lot no when he is angry and we just stroke him and tell him we love him in Kreyol but that we have to have kind hearts. He softens pretty easily to music but boy oh boy I think he may have a strong stubborn streak. Not to lose heart though because for now I am bigger and more stubborn so we'll see who will win! :)

He is such a blessing to us. His little personality is so fun. We are amazed that even without words we can see his culture peeking through at us. What a gentle and loving people they must be(strong and stubborn too) I think that is what gives them to will to withstand the conditions they live in. He wants to help fold, clean up(this frustrates Laci who wants to know why they just can't make a mess and clean later) and keep things orderly. Tonight after his bath he folded his clothes, brushed his teeth with his new electric toothbrush(laughing this hearty laugh) and then picks up everything. He even hangs up his clothes and makes a big circle with his arms and says "Mwa 's" which mean we think "this is mine" We say Wi which means yes and he says Mesi which means thank you. Today when I was giving him his lunch he said in pretty good English with his cool accent, "thank you momma" ok so I am melting. He eats like a horse, no more I think. We are trying to keep him from gorging himself. For breakfast he ate 2 1/2 PBJ's , a banana and loves his vitamins. We are giving him some potent good stuff to make up for his lack so far. Then as we play we keep small amounts of food around so he can see food is abundant here.

We watch him with sheer fascination and are prodded deep within our hearts at how good we have it. The gratefulness which he displays amazes us and makes us realize what selfish people we in America can be. We are seeing life through a new set of eyes. The delight as he rode his bike, teeter tottered, rode the lawn mower, rode the horses. But the coolest of all is the respect he shows us. He actually washed his own fork last night and put it away with a pride we don't see very often. Pretty special.

Call if you'd like to come visit. We are make short outings as we think that going kinda scares him that he somehow will have to go back to his homeland. We know how to say "you will live with us forever" He shakes his head no but I think that is just so he won't be disappointed. Boy has he got another thing coming. We do know that he will grieve for people we do not know but the newness will wear off and he will miss those he has known so far. Pray for him that he will get through it and we can show him a new love from people who will always be here for him.

The Twins are asleep so I had better get to bed myself. I am taking Tylenol PM tonight because I feel like a new mom and can't get rest. I need some. Laci is doing well. She figured out today that if you throw a fit you don't get anything. I think she saw Luke and how we tried to soothe him. So we told her no way chickie. Scooped her up and snuggled. We have had all four of us in bed so she is not left out. We kicked them out tonight and they each have a sleeping bag on the floor at the foot of our bed. I can't let my babies too far from me yet. Have a blessed evening.

Feeling indescribably grateful to our Maker...
Ronda

From Ronda

I don't know where I would start other than to say that God has brought our family a Charismatic Prince Charming who cleans! hehehe Yesterday was an experience that I cannot begin to describe in words. My emotions ranged from nervous to excitement to elation to crying. All at the same time. Before each of the girls were born, I threw up numerous times. Let's just say I wish I could have to rid myself of those butterflies in my stomach last night. Today we see a happy boy whom we are already in love with. He loves to kiss and hug and holler at us so we'll chase him. He was fascinated with the vacuum and the suction hose. He knows his ABC song, Jesus Loves Me, can write his name if we write and copy letters. I am sitting here listen to him talk in Kreyol and he is ironing clothes on the play board. At lunch he knew how to bow his head and fold his hands. Someone has taken the time to lay the foundation of Jesus for him. What a blessing for us and for him. He is so hilarious. He loves to talk on the phone as Shelbie said. WOW!! All I can say is God's provision is far greater than anything we can ask or imagine. We know there are some rough days ahead but this first day is so fun. Thank you for all of your prayers. They are coveted and felt wholeheartedly.

FIRST DAY!!

SHELBIE HERE AGAIN! :D

Today is Luke's first full day here in the UNITED STATES!!!!

Last night he slept all night till 6:00, he sat up, looked around and had to go to go the bathroom. So my dad got his first experience with taking a little boy to the bathroom! hahaha. Since there has always beeen girls, he hasn't had to to do this in the family! Then they went back to bed, and talked for a while..He pointed to my mom and said "mama," and to my dad "papa" and then himself and said "elponole" which is his Haitian name. I am not sure I spelled it right, but we are now saying "Elponole Luke" just to get him used to his AMERICAN name and so we can get his attention. He went back to sleep and slept until 10:45!! Tired little guy. Got up at about 11:00 and has been playing ever since.

Played in Laci's room for quite a while. He really likes this ice block game that you smash the blocks...giggles so much with that. He also picks everything up. Laci usually just pulls it out and leaves it, but he was picking it up and putting it nicely back in where it goes. We took pictures of that, hopefully this habit will rub off on all of us! hehehe.

He has this slight obsession with these 2 stick horses we have...he pretends they are swords and swings them around in the air making noises, like a ninja! he also has to wear my sunglasses, lots of pictures and videos!!

We hadn't been able to get him to eat till about 2:00. Abby, Molly and Macy brought us some stuff that we needed. So they ate lunch with us. he had hot dogs and spagetti noodles...TOGETHER! plus some apples and a boiled egg. He opened up the fridge and he looked like he had hit the jackpot! hahaha. White we were eating, my dad brought him one of his hats, so he put it on CROOKED! we all thought that was just the best thing ever, so court took a picture and taught him how to make a piece sign! REAL GANGSTA! hahaha

We have a fake snake that actually looks real if you look at it right. we handed it to him and he just looked at it like it was weird, and then realized what it was, dropped it and kind of squealed! it was so funny! Now he runs around and chases us with it, expecting us to scream!

He is very ticklish and loves to be tickled under the arms! He also realy likes this barbie that Laci has that sings songs. He just laughs and laughs at it.

He took a shower with my dad. Dad said that he scrubed and really hurried. He isn't used to being able to take his time, also doesnt like hot water. Now he is down stairs playing with Laci, putting everything away :D His jeans are too big, so my mom went over to tighten the waist, and he looked at her and said "MERCI" hahaha. I know it might not seem like much, but this kid has the coolest sounding way of talking.

Luke and Laci can fit in the computer desk chairs together and he was saying something to Courtney, but she couldn't understand him, so she said whatever "i don't understand" is in Creole and i think this happened like 3 or 4 times, so finally he went over to Courtney, grabbed her face, and pulled her ear close to him and repeated what he had been saying REALLY slow...like she was deaf person! It was so funny.

So far he has talked to every single person that has called. He says "HELLO" really cool..."Ello" and then he just says "Wie" (sp) to whatever the person says. I think he gets a kick out of it. And so do we.

As of now, he is adjusting really well. We all know that there will be hard times along the way. Continue to pray for him...We are all praying that it will be hard in about a week or 2...just so he can understand us better. He is already doing such an awesome job of this...but its still hard sometimes. Maybe more frustrating then anything. Praise God for this wonderful day, he has been good to us and he will lead us thru any "valleys" that we may come to walk thru!!!

From Courtney

To Luke

Yesterday you woke up in Haiti, didn't belong, unloved, no home, no place to run to when you were in trouble, no family, no family to love on you, hug, no sisters to kiss you, hug you, play with, no Mom and Dad that would love you no matter what you did, didn't know when your next meal was or where it would come from. Now today you woke in Kansas, you Belong, loved more than words could express, kissed at least every hour of the day, Sisters that will beg you to play with them, Mom and Dad that love you more than life itself, know when you next meal is and exactly were to find it, Today my best little brother YOU ARE LOVED!!!

Yes!!

More pictures

Waiting for Luke to come off the airplane.......

Luke is here!

HE IS HERE!!!

Hey Everyone,

this is Shelbie updating tonight

Luke is here. It was kind of a rough time getting him to come with us. But the Lord is awesome and sustaining and we were able to get him to the van before he really realized what was happening.

Anyways onto the evening...after waiting at the airport for what seemed like forever with so many people. A lot more than any of us thought would be there. His plane arrived and we waited another 5-10 minutes waiting for Amy to walk down with him. FINALLY, we saw her and Luke. It was such an awesome feeling, seeing him for the first time. He is soo cute and BIG. he has the biggest hands and feet i have ever seen. We all had on lime green shirts that we decorated this past week, and he had one on too. Amy brought him to us and my parents got down, and she introduced them "Mama Ronda and Papa Tim" but with some kind of accent! hahaha. He gave my dad a high five and hugged my mom. I honestly can't remember everything that happened from now until this next part, it was kind of a daze...Amy then tried to leave and he got scared and started to cling to her. My mom called a translator and she really helped the process. We all walked over to get their luggage, and since its pretty cold, especially for the haitian kids, we had to put their sweats and warm clothes on. Amy told my mom to just take him and she would try to sneak away. This is another part that i can't really remember very well because it happened really fast. But I know that Lucy, the translator asked him if he was ok and explained to him that it was ok and that he could go with us and he told her that he was scared. I feel soo bad for Luke, i can't imagine how he is feeling...coming to a strange country and going with people who don't understand you and you don't understand them...POOR GUY! So, Amy got away, and we basically just left. We got in the car and he started to cry, really hard. It was heart wrenching, I think he cried for maybe 10-15 minutes my mom sat in the back with him and held him for a while, and somehow he ended up leaning his head against my seat, so i put my arm around him and just kinda whispered "shhh" to him, and he calmed down and fell asleep. We are now home and he is in bed with my parents and Laci sound asleep. He kind of makes these little noises that makes me wonder if he is having some kind of dream. Courtney, Jason and me spent about 20 minutes just watching him sleep, touching his skin, and smelling him. He smells so good and his skin is so flawless and smooth! Its great!!

Pray that he will have peace and won't be afraid and that tomorrow will be in the Lord's hands! Pray that all of us will have patience and love and be able to be calm even when the going gets tough. I know that it will be...its really hard to listen to him cry, especially when we can't really do anything because we don't understand him! Also that he will catch on quickly to this language and understand that we love him and want him here and that he will begin to love the Lord and accept him as his personal savior....

Thank you all who have prayed for us and this process...May God bless you all!!

Our Haitian Boy

Just a update... We heard from Haiti. Our little guy is having a hard time. If you could all pray for him that his little heart will be protected from the pain of separation and that he will just know in his heart he is loved here and it will be ok eventually. We'll post pictures as we get them.
Ronda

This is Court at the fair. The horse on the left is her "baby". His name is Twister and he is just 2. He is a monster. She is looking forward to training him this winter.

Here is Courtney on Dabar. She has had a great season with hi

This is one of Shelbie's Senior Pics. Our friend Paula took them. She did an amazing job. We have over 350 so how will we choose? I will post a few so you can see how good they turned out

Ok, so to get this much it took me forever. I love the other blog backgrounds. Keep updated here on the arrival of Beougher #4. We thought this would be the easiest way to keep up with the happenings here. We'll try to post pics as soon as we can.