My Best Souvenir

Well, of course, you don’t get everything done that you want to when you are on a trip.  And no this was not a vacation despite the fun places we did get to see.   I didn’t buy all the Colombian souvenirs that I wanted.  I have read about all of these other adoptive moms that have planned ahead and bought iconic classic pieces of their new child’s culture to give them at significant milestones in their lives.  Not me.  I had my hands full with 2 boys for 4 and a half weeks.  I had brought so many books and toys and games and activities and scooters and food that I could barely get my own stuff back home.  We bought a few things, but what I realized about half way through our trip freed me from the pressure to get all of the perfect souvenirs.

This Boy is Colombia.  It is in him and will be for his entire life, I’m sure.  He is a speeding car driving down the busy road, where stop signs are optional and lane lines are mostly decorative, when present.  He bends the rules and pushes the limits.  He is passionate and expressive to the extreme.  He is always moving like a bustling city.  He is creative and persistent.  He is hopeful and eager, looking to the future. We will have to teach him to follow the rules of the road, but we will definitely let him keep "the model" designed for and given to him.

Cristo Rey--Christ the King

This is the big statue here of Christ looking out over the city.  E went there on a field trip this summer.  He said he prayed to Cristo Rey for a family and then he learned about us, shortly after.


http://www.dronestagr.am/cristo-rey-monument-cali-colombia/

We went to see it last week. We don't believe in worshipping statues, but in the Christ of the bible.  I know some friends who don't even want to look at or talk about idols.  But, I am telling you when we were up on that mountain top, what kept coming to my mind was the part of the Bible about Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. Luke 19:41  I kept thinking of this large city, especially of the poverty, the sadness, the sin, the sorrows, the situation and I weep.  

We are able to enjoy many things, too.  The plants, the birds, the animals, the varied beautiful faces of the people.  The plants are so huge, I feel like I am in "Honey, I  Shrunk the Kids".  Think of tropical houseplants and then imagine them 10 times bigger, growing along the sidewalks and gardens.  I will try to add some pics, but we are taking them on a digital camera and can't upload them because we don't have our laptop.  This is not the least of our technical challenges.  Phone communication is sketchier than we hoped and many movies and internet selections we thought we would have are not fully available here. We can get netflix, but the selection is very limited.  Youtube has come through with some good choices, even available in Spanish.

School is going well and there are many happy moments. E is interested in the bible stories we brought, so that is good.  We have to watch the boys closely, though because the rivalry can flare quickly, especially with the language barrier.  We haven't had any major fits in four days, though, so that makes me happy.  Our case is "going well" which is better than any other myriad of complications that can occur, but it is still difficult waiting for the process.

So far

Well, how do I describe all the excitement?  The sound of two boys playing and laughing is like music to my ears.  The sound of their squabbling or a (rare) fit is like nails on a chalkboard.  It will take some time for E to trust M to share his toys and even his parents.  There is enough for everyone and we will take good care of all with which we are entrusted.  Google translate is a miracle, that's for sure, but I don't think we can get that concept from there.

We are all coming along with the respective new languages.  Waiting to come home is hard, but the people who run this hotel are angels, ministering to adoptive families in any way they can.  From driving us places to ordering supplements and Kleenex from the pharmacy for us, they have done everything;  and they make it clear that they will do anything we want.  The owner is a man after my sales and marketing experienced heart--the answer is always "Yes!"  Even to the request to serve us smaller portions at meal time, which may have been insulting.  The food is too good!

Jeff's back is doing better with exercises, but now mine is acting up!  And Matthew has a fever today. Satan is busy trying to make us miserable, of course.  There is a woman here adopting that has been through far worse, and yet she is such an encouragement to us. The girls have been such a blessing as well, reaching out to her new daughter and helping with the boys.

Everyone remarks how well we and E are doing, so that's good.  I made up a reward system where the boys get points for following the 4 rules we have established.  Each point equals a minute on the IPad, redeemable in increments of 10.  They have both figured out how to manipulate the system, though, so we will probably be phasing that out!  Matthew was calling Esneider's name, just so he would look and get a point and E was getting out of bed last night so he could get one by getting back in when I told him to.

We enjoyed our trip to the world class zoo here, as well as taking in some other places while we are in our son's homeland.  I hope he doesn't think that we always get souvenirs and get to swim every day.

time zone

Jeff says we are on Latin American time so we are slow to update the blog.  ;-) For now, know that all is mostly well and we will post more later.  We can post family pictures  next week.  Thanks for all of your prayers!  Please keep them coming!

Be still my heart!

Well, we met our new son on Skype today. Not my first choice for a first impression, but it was aaahhhmazing!  He was so happy, friendly, social, engaging and KYOOOT!  Just as we expected from the video and all the info we have received.  As Matthew said, "Good thing there was an impersonator"  (interpreter), but we were still able to get a good glimpse of his personality.  He started by saying he wished for a family to Christ the King and his wish came true. And, he said mother was "bonita".

Be still, my heart.  My Spanish response popped right out of my mouth: "Tu eres precioso!"  Hopefully there is more of it in my head that will find its way out when we meet him in person.

He treasures the bilingual photo book of our family we made for him.  He read it to us and referenced it throughout the call.  So adorable! 

He says he's all ready to come and live with us.  He wants to spend a day with Father and he wants to learn to ride the scooter with Matthew.  We weren't allowed to tell him exactly when we are coming, but could only say,  "Llegaremos pronto!"

The real love

Well, our real travel date is a little later.  And, we spent Friday traveling up to Chicago to the Consulate to get our visas, waiting a long time and paying a newly added fee of $255 each to get our temporary visas (just for Jeff and I).  So wah, wah, wah, I continue:  I hope this boy knows how much we love him/went through/hate paperwork some day.  Then, it hit me this morning.  It's not about what we are doing to show our love, but about what Jesus did for him.  I can't wait to tell him that Jesus loved him so much that he suffered a humiliating death on the cross, for sins that were not his own, but ours. Soon, very soon! 

coming soon...the real picture of the real boy!

We have a tentative travel date!  Please pray for the details to fall into place.  We have been given the "week of Aug. 11" tentatively.  I think this might mean Aug. 9 or 10.  That's pretty soon!  Will let you know when we know.  All tax deductible donations need to be made by then. Thanks!

Fundraising Wrap Up

Dear friends,

Well, after a year of hoping that we could be celebrating the same holiday next year with our new son and nearly a year of signing greeting cards for special events from our family and wanting to include the 6^th  member, we are about to travel to go get Eddie and bring him home! Hopefully we will return before his ninth birthday at the end of September.  I wonder if he has ever had a birthday party.  I know he hasn’t had a Jackson style birthday party!

We are not asking for money because this is a calling we followed and a choice we made, but if you have a heart for orphans and want to be blessed by helping bringing Eddie home, we wanted to let you know about a couple of options. 

If you want to make a tax deductible donation you can either visit

Village to Village International (http://www.villagetovillageintl.com/the-jackson-family-family-95.php)

or contribute to a matching type grant through Brittany’s Hope Foundation. (See info on previous post).  This is a great group that operates on a “pay it forward” type of thing where they will give us $3000 if we raise $1500. 

There are stipulations and time limits to how these funds can be applied, so if you don’t care about the tax deduction, it’s best if you just send the money to us directly or pay through the button on our blog.  If you have a larger donation, you might want to check with us and see which way would be the most beneficial.  Either way, the tax deductible donations must be made before we travel, hopefully in the next 3 weeks.

If you want to have a fun night out, join us for our upcoming Salsa Dance Lesson Fiesta Fundraiser. See attached invite.  http://www.salsa29.com/programs/salsa-with-julio.html We are really excited about it. If I were you, I would come just to see Jeff  salsa dance. 

We are thankful for the support we have already received, the prayers, the donations and bidders for our online auction, the toy sales, the crop, the offers to help watch the dog and house while we are gone, translating.  We are thankful for the encouragement from our friends and family. 

Please pray for us as we work to get the details in place for travel and for adjustments for everyone.  You can stay updated with our blog at www.boysbecomekings.blogspot.com and as Lynn wrote in our Feliz Navidad post, if things are busier than we thought, consider this your Christmas card!  Thanks and blessings to you!

Jeff and Lynn 

Come Salsa Dance with Us!

Auction Item: Chocolate and Artisan Necklace

I love these chances to help enterprising hard working women to get out of their cycles of poverty and move forward. This necklace is handcrafted by a worker in Haiti.  See picture for more of a description.

Auction Item: 4 Cardinal Tickets (Redbird Club)

4 tickets to the July 22^nd Cardinal game – in the Redbird Club, Section 256, Row 7, Seats 1, 2, 3, and 4. Thanks Tom Bayer!

Auction Item: 7 Young Cam Jensen Mysteries

Thanks to our friends Angie, Ayla and Leslie for these fun, gently enjoyed books! 

Auction Item: 10 Amelia Bedelia Books

Thanks to our friends Angie, Ayla and Leslie for these fun gently enjoyed books!

Auction Item: 18 Penguins of Madagascar Books

Looks like good summer reading to me!  Thanks to our friends Angie, Leslie and Ayla! Gently enjoyed.

Auction Item: Long Distance Love Earrings 2 of 2

We were so touched to receive these earrings from our East Coast relatives, along with a note of encouragement and blessing.  Thanks for your prayers and contributions, Rebecca and Danika!

Auction Item: Long Distance Love Earrings 1 of 2

We were so touched to receive these earrings from our East Coast relatives, along with a note of encouragement and blessing.  Thanks for your prayers and contributions, Rebecca and Danika!

Auction Item: Authentic Italian dinner Basket

Talk about investing in the least of these...This basket is being donated by Ann Libri, founder of the Matthew Project in Springfield.  I was blown away when I visited there to make a small donation and saw what a top notch, meaningful outreach she has begun there.  Visit her site and prepare to be amazed at the difference she and her team are making in the lives of our youth.  http://matthew-project.com/ Thanks, Ann!

Artwork by Matthew 1 of 2

Matthew has created these pencil sketches and can color the pictures in whatever medium you request.  Note the ship from 'Frozen'.   Thank you! 

Artwork by Matthew 2 of 2

Canvas painting is 16x20 with Southwestern themes.  What an original!

Auction Item: Bedtime Basket with Barney

Matthew put together this basket with his gently loved doll and books that still make sound.  The pillow is homemade and the blanket is new. 

Auction Item: 2 Water Park Day Passes to Knight's Action Park

Summer's not over yet!  Bid on these two tickets and share a fun day with a friend before September 1, 2014.  Thanks to Knight's Action Park! 

Auction Item: Hand crafted vinyl record bowls with gourmet popcorn

2 bowls filled with bags of Lynn's fresh home made coconut oil, honey, cinnamon popcorn (or kettle corn).  Bowls are made from melted records.  Unique gift or snack bowl.  Keep one and take one as a hostess gift to your next visit! Popcorn will be made fresh to order. 

Auction Item: Made from Scratch Pumpkin Praline Pecan Pie!

Scrumptious pumpkin pie with a pecan praline topping and a flaky tender all-butter,
made-from-scratch crust. Perfect with a dollop of fresh whipped cream!

Can be available around Thanksgiving or at a mutually agreed upon time.

Auction Item: Personalized Growth Chart Stick

Personalized Growth Stick- Keep track of those precious years of growth and memories with a personalized growth stick. Each stick is 6 feet tall and can be customized with your child's name, favorite colors, and interests. The best part is that unlike a wall or a door frame, these sticks are portable and can go anywhere life may take you. 

Auction Item: Can you say P-a-m-p-e-r?

Who wouldn't like flowers delivered once a month FOR A YEAR?? This would be an average of $40/month retail value. Local floral designer will make and deliver a lovely fresh floral arrangement once a month. Springfield address for delivery only.

Auction Item: Hair by Hannah

Thanks, Hannah for the $40 certificate, good towards any service in her salon!  Wow! 

Auction Item: Gold's Gym 3 month membership

Thanks to Gold's Gym there's still time to get in shape before the end of summer! Retail value :$240!

Auction Item: Sister Love Jewelry 3/3

River pebbles wrapped in wire in 2 earrings and a necklace with jute twine.  C clasp.  Thanks, Alyssa!

Auction Item: Sister Love Jewelry 2/3

Blue sea glass with memory wire necklace and matching earrings.

Auction Item: Sister Love Jewelry by Alyssa 1/3

Matching bracelet and earrings of purple iridescent beads. 

Featured Auction Item: Scentsy Buddy

Thanks to Jennifer Crowder for donating a Scentsy buddy, Magnus the Moose, with a blueberry cheesecake scent pak.   www.jenncrowder.scentsy.us

It's a stuffed animal that you put this little sachet pak inside of!   Other animals available.  Each is limited edition and when they sell out, they are gone.

  I love it and will need to get one for Matthew.

Kiku Gift Card (2 of 2)

If you want a whole foods meal prepared right in front of you, in an entertaining way, come to Kiku Restaurant.  Their new location is fabulous and the customer service is outstanding!  $25 retail value

Kiku Gift card (1 of 2)

If you want a whole foods meal prepared right in front of you, in an entertaining way, come to Kiku Restaurant.  Their new location is fabulous and the customer service is outstanding!  $25 retail value

Auction Item: Brenna Jeffers Interiors consultation: Before and After Sample Pic

Before and After!

This project came from the unique and creative vision of our friend, Brenna Jeffers.  You can win a free consultation from her for your design project.  Value:  $75.  She specializes in making your space beautiful, incorporating your style, not hers. 

Featured Auction Item: Headband and Scarf set handmade by Marlana (3 of 3)

Get your Christmas shopping done in July! This cozy infinity scarf and matching headband are the perfect addition to any winter outfit, and they would make a great gift! Both items are handmade by Marlana with soft and comfy, 100% acrylic yarn.  For other colors and styles, check out the other listings.  


Scarf circumference: 54" width: 7 1/2"

Headband: 22" x 2"


Retail Value: $34

Featured Auction Item: Headband and Scarf set handmade by Marlana (2 of 3)

Get your Christmas shopping done in July! This cozy infinity scarf and matching headband are the perfect addition to any winter outfit, and they would make a great gift! Both items are handmade by Marlana with soft and comfy, 100% acrylic yarn.  For other colors and styles, check out the other listings.  

Scarf circumference: 55"  Width: 5"
Headband: 22" x 2"

Retail Value: $29

Featured Auction Item: Headband and Scarf set handmade by Marlana (1 of 3)

Get your Christmas shopping done in July! This cozy infinity scarf and matching headband are the perfect addition to any winter outfit, and they would make a great gift! Both items are handmade by Marlana with soft and comfy, 100% acrylic yarn.  For other colors and styles, check out the other listings.  

Scarf circumference: 80"  Width: 6"
Headband: 24" x 2"

Retail Value: $39

Featured Auction Item: Photo Shoot-Digital Memories by Sandy

Digital Memories by Sandy is donating a free photo session for a family or a child photo session. The package will include sitting fee and a copy of the photo disc. Each CD will include editing techniques and props are used in pictures for fun effects. You can visit her page on Facebook to see some of her work. Retail Value: $100

I have known Sandy for about 15 years and she is awesome!  She has a Daycare in her home, so she is great with kids and has won different awards and held leadership positions in Daycare Associations.  She is an overachiever type who expects a lot of herself, but is gentle on the rest of us!  I highly recommend entrusting her with your memories.

Featured Auction Contributor-- Grandma Pearl (Aubelita) with a Shirley Temple Doll

Eddie's new Grandma, who happens to share his birthday, donated this Shirley Temple Doll.

It is a 1950s 12" Ideal Toy Shirley Temple with original purse, 3 outfits, shoes, socks, and underwear.  Retail value up to $200.

She has a slight ring mark around her tummy from the elastic on the underwear (but, hey, the underwear is a big bonus!).  The pajama outfit must have been the outfit of choice because it is the most loved.