Safe Harbor Adoption Ministries

Sunshine in Ohio

2010-04-16T09:51:00.003-04:00

We always look forward to the first days of Spring where the sun is shining, coats can be put away and we say...SPRING is finally here. Well, it seems to have arrived and we are thrilled. To soak in the rays, hear the birds chirping and yes--let's just be real here.. best of all...THE KIDS CAN GO OUTSIDE! LOL Oh my goodness they race to the door laughing and giggling and about tripping over one another to get out back to run and play. Now if we can just keep up with those flip flops and not lose 5 a day outside we'll be doing great. (My kids just do not like wearing shoes).

Life is as usual, busy, fun and full at the Litzke household. I'm gonna have to take up running with Dave just so I can keep up. "-) (Ah, who am I kidding, with these short legs I'll never keep up!) School is almost done and we are shouting HIP HIP HOORAY-summer break is on it's way! Softball, soccer, and track are in full swing and we do meet ourselves coming on many a day. THANK GOODNESS for friends and neighbors that we can carpool with and switch off transportation with. THANK YOU!

I do believe every single child is growing like a weed b/c half of their summer clothes packed were too small and were passed on to the next. :-)

God still is so faithful in equipping and providing though.

Our newest member of the family, DJ (Dakota Jordan) home from Haiti and a new miracle experienced turned 3 this week. To see the progress he has made over receipt weeks is just astonishing! Don't let his size fool you though, he is as smart as can be--too smart for his own good some days. His smile will melt your heart.

We are eagerly awaiting the call for our first trip to Armenia. Rejoicing in the anticipation of Kiara and Alyiah's homecoming. It still never ceases to amaze me (and I pray it never does) of how God orchestrates and puts all the pieces together in our lives and in our family. With every turn and every corner, God meets us there. Nothing takes Him by surprise and no matter what things may "appear" we can relinquish everything into the hands of the Almighty God, our Father and KNOW he works all things together for the good of those that love Him. He's the only one who can take the hardest times and make turn them into something beautiful that we can call a blessing in the end. Thanks GOD for who you are and for allowing us to walk this journey.

2010-01-15T09:39:00.001-05:00

Double the trouble, but oh can't measure the joy! :-)

New Year: Happy, Haiti, Hurting, HOPE

2010-01-15T09:10:00.003-05:00

January is half over and some have experienced what we pray and wish for... a HAPPY start to the new year. Of course there is always the discussion what IS true HAPPINESS? Does that mean everything has to be wonderful and go my way to be happy? To ensure happiness does that mean the journey must be "pain free?" Where does my true joy come from?

Some have already experienced pain, grief, disappointments, despair, bad news, losses, failures and heartache. Individually, we probably can all name a few in both categories. As a nation our minds immediately go to Haiti in the midst of the devastation they are facing. Our hearts here at the Litzke home are especially affected due to Haiti being Sophie's birth country and the connections we maintain there through the orphanage, friends and distant family remaining.

As I read my devotions yesterday, this came through my inbox and I just feel it is so powerful and something that we as parents pass on to our kids faithfully...but, Frank says it best ...

God does not waste an ounce of our pain or a drop of our tears;suffering doesn't come our way for no reason, and He seems especially efficient at using what we endure to mold our character. If we are malleable, He takes our bumps and bruises and shapes them into something beautiful.
-- Frank Peretti
THERE IS HOPE. When we have Jesus..there is ALWAYS HOPE. So today, I choose to cling to the promises of the Father and repeat the words of Mr. Peretti...GOD will use this in some way. We may never understand and God may never explain it in simple words to us. Our prayer is that we continue to come together as the "body" and respond in love as the hands and feet of Jesus--even when it gets tough--to our neighbors--to HIS CHILDREN in Haiti. That God reminds us all that we are blessed no matter what our circumstances because HE LOVES US! Oh He loves us..let's pass that message on to Haiti and around the world right now!

2009-09-07T11:02:00.003-04:00

3...2...1...BLAST OFF....and yes, we are off and running. Summer has flown by filled with wonderful memories, hard work, and some unexpected turns in the Litzke household.
We have once again been reminded of just how good and faithful our God is and how very much He loves us. Through the good times on the mountain tops and in the lowest valley, we still sing PRAISES to our Lord and King of Kings.
We moved early summer and though it was not in the big plan, we've learned to trust Him more. Opps here we go, another side note: When we choose to live in total obedience, even when it doesn't make a bit of sense...and we follow HIS leading in Faith..it may be a painful and sometimes costly path, but there is nothing that compares with the blessings that follow.
So, we have settled in our new environment, enter a new school district and the kids and mom and dad are feeling at home. They love the pool and I think spent more time there than any enjoying their time off school. WOW! Was it was such a blessing to have this. The weather wasn't the best for swimming this season, but we really won't complain. The kids didn't mind the cold one bit. Just the "ole folks". HAHAHA
Never did find that deal on a wooden swing set so perhaps He's got a bigger plan for that next Spring.

I gulp as I write this next sentence. We now have a Sr. in High School and a Freshman in High School. Hate this cliche, but nothing says it better...."WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?" "They indeed grow up far too quickly.
Now it's a new season of soccer and God has been faithful to help us make it possible for those eager to play to fulfill their dream. If I may just stop here for a second and share? It's harder in a large family to accomplish this, but we love to see that God even cares about the little things. Do you know how many times I hum the song "take it to the Lord in prayer" and then I respond--"OK, Lord, I hear ya, I'm on it!" "Needless pain we bear" is another line from that dear old hymn and it is so true. We often find ourselves so bogged down with needless pain and worry. If we'd simply devote that time to covering it in prayer and waiting on the Father. I love to watch God do the impossible and the unexpected. Sometimes it's a tough journey or a bend in the road..the road called "OUR PLAN" vs..."HIS PLAN"

We've learned a quite bit more about this topic in recent days. Seems God had a much bigger plan for us in our adoptions from Armenia. At the last minute some changes occurred--changes we were baffled and devastated with. We simply could not comprehend it's meaning for the life of us. When we stopped and sought His face he made it a bit more clear for us. You see there was a precious little girl that had been waiting for a family. She is so tiny and frail, possibly and most likely will need heart surgery once she arrives home. It seems God changed the plans to show His wonderful love for even this little life tucked away in the middle of no where. ALL of them are so important to Him. But He knows their needs far more than we could ever begin to. He created them and had a purpose before they were ever in their mother's womb. (I love that verse). Nothing takes Him by surprise. He knew all along the road ahead for us, but waited till just the right moment to orchestrate the next details to accomplish His will for His glory. Would you join us in prayer for our sweet girls waiting to come home? We covet the prayers of our family. We simply asked God for peace when it was all said and done. One cool morning as I stood by the kitchen window sipping my cup of coffee. I felt the warmth of the steam from the cup upon my face. I said oh, Lord it's so quiet and I can sense your presence here. I'm listening Lord. I am confused and my heart is so heavy, but I will wait to hear from you. In seconds He began whispering the words to an old, familiar song that I had sung almost 10 years prior and not really thought of much since. I love the song, it had just not come to memory. But, standing here, phrase by phrase He fulfilled His promise...the promise of PEACE. No matter what the circumstance look like, no matter what the "check list" and reasonable thing seems to be..if we simply look to Him, follow WHERE HE LEADS...there will be peace.
The words say this...

In the quiet of this hour
As we kneel before you now
I believe your promise to be faithful
I don't always understand
What your perfect will demands,
But I learned to trust you more
In your presence, Lord.
In your presence there is comfort,In your presence there is peace,
When we seek to know your heart,We will find such blessed assurance
In your holy presence, Lord.

There can be such sweet reward
When we wait upon the Lord
As we take the time, he gives us his perfect wisdom.
To be found in Him alone,
All our deepest secrets known,
we're surrounded by his grace
When we seek his face.
In your presence there is comfort,
In your presence there is peace,
When we seek my fathers heart,We will find such blessed assurance
an ever open door
To know our savior more,
In the presence of my Lord.

This Sandi Patti lyrics are copyright by their rightful owner(s) and uu Lyrics in no way takes copyright or claims the lyrics belong to us.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace coming down from the Father above.

God is opening new doors of ministry each and every day and it is pure joy to live serving our Lord in humility. I am doing some more writing with a dear friend (you can check out her ministry at donnanortonministries.com). It's exciting to see all God is up to! Working on plans for Orphan's Sunday in TX and several speaking engagements in the months ahead. This excites Dave and I to see God blast open the doors for opportunities to share about these precious children He calls HIS OWN and our awesome chance as the church to step up and live out James 1:27...caring for the orphans...in one way or the other. We'd never mislead ya and say it's not hard work, but oh the sweet rewards of watching them grow, heal and soar. God doesn't waste anything. So no matter the painful baggage that once weighed one down, God uses it to create something beautiful that can display His glory. Love is truly the greatest gift we can ever extend or receive. If we'd all just love a little more what a different place this could be. (3 fingers pointed back at me :-)

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and
yellow, black or white they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the
little children of the world.

New Year up and running

2009-04-06T11:41:00.003-04:00

2009 came in and we are off and running ever since. And to think it's Spring Break in our neck of the woods. School, soccer, ball, track, youth group and of course church functions are full swing. Yes, busy is definitely an understatement, but we can't imagine life any different. And even in the tough times despite all that life can throw at you, God is still God, He is still GOOD ("all the time") and ever so faithful.
What's new you might ask? Every day I realize the hard truth of the expression "they grow up way too fast". Man, some days I just say..wow God, can I catch my breath? They are getting too big too fast.
Joy and Sophie moved to a trundle bed. Joy was constantly climbing into Sophie's crib to sleep. So when the time came to a big girl bed, we just figured we'd be smart and beat the inevitable. I suffered from sleep deprivation the first weeks. Sophie loves to get up and peek through the door to see how fast she can run back to the bed before Mom or dad re-enter the room. Joy doesn't believe in sneaking...she just announces as she leaves...."Soapie, no no-bed, I see Mommy". About this time Paige chimes in and Joy must correct her as well..."Paigy Pie-shhh night-night." Oh she is such a little mother. She will even run and hug "Debon" and say "good job buddy!"

DEVON is walking. Bryce likes to refer it as "penguin walking" but he is determined to be running by the end of the month. He is so proud and we are so proud for him. What tremendous progress he has made. And yes, he STILL smiles all the time. But don't let that cute smile charm you too much...the temper is just around the bend.

The others are striving in school, loving life and seem to have a new question for Mom or Dad everyday as they return home. WE NEED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL to keep up with them.

We are now blessed with an even dozen. We don't really like to use numbers anymore. We never view any of our blessings as another "number" and sometimes folks can get hung up on those ole numbers. :-)
The boys are outnumbered. They are protesting. Recently, at one of our family "meetings" they informed us that we really MUST consult them before even considering any more females. (Esp cute coming from my 6 years old mouth with a grin as big as Texas on his face). They continued to say they feel any additional adoptions God would call us to would just HAVE to be boys. We all laughed and decided it was time for ALL THE GIRLS to pick on the boys.

Ironic...to be the poorest people, we think we certainly are REALLY the RICHEST (b/c of the huge blessings/JOY the children bring into our lives). Whoever came up with the title "cheaper by the dozen" must of not lived it. HAHAHA Can't say I realize the truth to that one. Not complaining mind you...not for a second. Wouldn't trade running to the store for MORE milk, even more diapers or additional socks that were eaten by the dryer...nope wouldn't trade it for a split second. We find it pure delight to have the priviledge to love and care for each and every one of these unique individuals that God has placed in this melting pot we call home.

Our project for the next few months is finding a used playset for the kids. A nice sized one is needed as you can imagine. If you know of anyone that might have one they need to sell, could you kindly contact us?

Your love, encouragement and support are so greatly appreciated. We never claim to have all it takes to run this race set before us...but we know we're called and we know the one who provides all we will ever need in this life time and after!

Humbly HIS and lovin living it out!

CHRISTmas time is here...

2008-12-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

That's right...the Christ of Christmas is here and with us. Emmanuel.."God with us". Isn't it wonderful to know it's not ONLY at Christmas time we can know He is with us..but always. Every day guiding us, loving us and carrying us as an intimate Father and friend would do.
Thank you Lord for your ever present companionship.

Well, once again I am playing catch up, so I will briefly let you know what's going on here at the Litzke household. All 11 kiddos are doing great. Each has their activities and schedules that keep us hoping, but all are doing super.

Lingxiao (just turned 14) joined our family about 2 months ago and is just a delighted addition. She is adjusting well and life seems already like she's always been with us. She has a beautiful smile and free-spirited. Has waay more energy than mom does, but that's ok..I love to see her hopping around.

Devon is beating the odds and PT says could be walking on his own in the very near future. He is verbalizing much more and getting braver with each new day. Even came down a step IN his walker last week. You GO BOY!

The 3 peas in a pod--trouble, trouble Jr, and double trouble (aka: Joy, Paige and Sophie) HAHAHA are all doing wonderful. The Christmas tree is a bit of a temptation though. You should hear them all sing Jingle Bells. Sophie by far desires to be a soloist. And they can move. I am sure the moves they are creating will be seen on the next music awards. :-)
Sophie is our little prayer warrior. She pushes her plate forward and reaches her hands out to those seated next to her and waits patiently to pray. YES...I DID SAY PATIENTLY...Sophie has finally began to learn PATIENCE. WHooohooo thank you, Lord. LOL
She smiles and prays..and sometimes feels we must bless our food about 3 or 4 times. Actually, one of my favorite parts of the day is when we are all seated at the table, holding hands and thanking our gracious Lord for the blessings he has bestowed upon us. How RICH we are (to be so poor by the world's standards)..WOW we are blessed indeed.

Molly, Bryce and Chase are all doing well and cannot wait to go visit grandparents in two weeks for the holiday break. Bryce asks every day how many more days until he gets to go see his buddy, Pop!

Morgan, Jami and Kendal are just growing up on me way too fast. All beautiful girls, inside and out. All very much into their agendas. :-) Jami is driving...need I say more. HELP. Morgan is 13 and the boys have DISCOVERED she is in fact a girl...HELP..and Kendal has decided she needs a boyfriend for Christmas..no help needed..shotgun loaded and ready. HAHAHA

Mom (that's me) and Dad are doing just great. Dave is looking forward to time off work to spend some extra time with the family. I am so looking forward to the kids being home, hangin out and visiting friends and family.

Ministry is expanding all the time. God is opening more and more doors and I truly believe He is using this difficult time in our world to help bring attention to those less fortunate than ourselves. I really believe He is calling us more than ever to reach out to the friendless, hopeless and be Jesus. When we reach out in love, when we respond to the call in any way, He is sure to faithfully bless US and provide all our needs.
No greater love than the love of my Lord. So I desire to hold nothing back when it comes to serving Him. Only for HIS glory!
So for now from the Litzke bunch..we say....Have a wonderful holiday season celebrating the risen and living Lord, Jesus and a new year filled with His peace, grace and love overflowing.

2008-11-17T13:31:00.001-05:00

School Days Are Here!

2008-09-03T23:02:00.002-04:00

WOW...where does the time go? Summer was awesome, but as always, it seems as if it flew by. I apologize in being so tardy in catching up here. Seems as my opportunities for speaking engagements, and/or the kids sharing increase it is harder and harder to keep up here.

A quick overview of our summer at the Litzke clan: We had the privilege to go to my home town and see my family and spend a few days with them. The kids sang at the church where I grew up and I led worship. It was wonderful and most of all, I loved watching everyone getting acquainted with all the kids.

Two of my girls and I went to MS on a missions trip. We were thrilled at the chance to be His hands and feet and serve in the love of Jesus. We met the nicest people who now we call our friends. Kendal saw the ocean for the first time (at least in America) and gained a few pets for the week...hermit crabs and a stick bug. We had the most fun watching her with those.

We attended a family church camp in a beautiful setting and had a wonderful time enjoying nature, family and fellowship with our "extended family"...brothers and sisters in Christ. It was indeed a blessed time together.

The kids, of course, enjoyed the usual summer pass times: swimming, outdoors, squirt guns, slip & slides; lightening bugs and watermelon--ok well, spitting the seeds was the best to them. :-)

Morgan won a few awards at her horse show. Chase triumphed in travel soccer. Jami, once again did very well in softball. Bryce mastered the bike--stunts and all..HELP! Molly is enjoying Girl Scouts and Kendal now has 3 musical movies memorized..I think I even have Camp Rock memorized at this point. LOL As for the younger ones...Devon is getting stronger every day and more independent. Climbing stairs and up on furniture now. You GO BOY! Sophie is quite the singer and dancer these days. She and Joy are best buds--but lets never forget Joy IS the BOSS. Paige is little Miss but with TONS of spunk!

So school is in session full swing and everyone is doing great! Bryce is in FIRST grade! So hard to believe. He complains every day that "my teacher just won't give me any more homework." HAHA Molly and Chase are in 3rd grade and loving every minute of it thus far. And I have two in middle school, one in high school. YIKES! 3 of the 4 younger ones are all special needs so they attend a preschool through our local MRDD program and are they are growing leaps and bounds.

Thank you all for your constant prayers and support. Life is full, but overflowing with blessings each and every day. I included just a few random photos.

God bless and keep you all as you endeavor to serve-

Mandy

No Orphans Of God!

2008-06-11T07:12:00.000-04:00

WOW...did you catch that? There are NO ORPHANS OF GOD! This is the title of one my favorite songs by Avalon. Not only because of the proclamation stated in it..WE ARE HIS-chosen and adopted by the Father! But the reality that there are those who desperately need us to reach out and respond in love exist becomes more of a reality as well. God tells us in James 1:27 to reach out..to "care for" such as these.
Recently this link was sent to me to the video of the song mentioned above. The statistics presented were breath-taking. Oh friends, we can't do it alone. We must care for one another, just as Jesus cares for us. What might the Father be asking you to do today? Can you/WILL you trust Him to be the very source you need to respond? I can tell you today, whatever He asks of us, He will always, always "out bless" us in the end. We can never out give the Lord.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJmRPdogf7U

Standing in His Grace-
Mandy

Homecoming for Devon

2008-05-07T11:39:00.000-04:00

Devon HOME AT LAST! Well, after a years wait our son is finally home! Devon made his way to his forever family on April 22! I got the privilege of traveling to Guatemala & seeing the beautiful country for a week. But as you can guess, the highlight of the trip was walking away that day, visa in hand and making our way to the airport, boarding and coming home with our son. Thank you, LORD!

Devon & His big sister Morgan

He is one precious boy with the sweetest nature. He is walking with assistance, but needs much help holding his own and supporting his upper body. His smile lights up the room and oh my all the hair this boy has. His adjustment and attachment are going wonderfully. Still clings to mom, but that is to be expected. Really opening up and allowing Dad to care for him more each day.

The kids are just in love with their new little brother and Joy is thrilled she has someone new to boss around and "mother" LOL!!!

Thank you for all your prayers, support and encouragement. It is a joy to travel the journey with Jesus. You just never know where He will lead you next. :-)

Mandy

Devon is coming home!

2008-03-16T17:05:00.000-04:00

OUR SON IS Coming HOME! YES, after almost a year of waiting, we received word this week that in just a few weeks the wait will be over and Devon Keaton Litzke will be on his way home. PTL!!! For those who may be new to our blog, Devon is almost 3 yrs, from Guatemala and has been diagnosed with CP (Cerebral Palsy). However, with the touch of God on his life he is going against all odds and is trying to walk with assistance and doing very well. We are so excited and cannot wait to have this new bundle of joy home...HIS HOME...with his family...FOREVER! God is so good. Though there have been times that we wondered with all the changes happening the course of Guatemala adoptions HOW this would ever come to pass, but God has proven once again that He is in control and His power succeeds that of all other sources. He can indeed move mountains and is still working miracles for His glory. Though we had no idea how, we trusted God to bring it to completion because He led us to Devon, told us he was our son,

Please keep us in your prayers as we pull together the final things to make the trip and bring him home.

Time Flies!

2008-02-26T18:44:00.000-05:00

Dedication Service Feb. 08

WOW how time flies. I am ashamed to admit but I have found the first opportunity in the new year to even update the blog. Now a mom to 9, Christmas holidays and moving...life seems to go at a pace faster than ever before. But, still wouldn't trade it for the world!

The new year has blessed us in many ways. God has given us some awesome opportunities to share with churches and various groups our journey. The picture above (top right) was at one of the events. Yep..Bryce IS as ornery as he looks in the pic. :-)

Then God, who is always faithful decided to bless us with a new home providing much needed space. It was filled with love and a wonderful family for 21 years prior to us. We are forever grateful. Once things slowed down a bit, we then dedicated 3 of our children in church the first of February. The picture above was taken following the beautiful service. My 13 year old, Morgan sang for the special event. Something that this mom will cherish forever. Folks are asking if she's destined to be on American Idol. Morgan is loving horseback riding and beginning track this month. So hard to believe she is 13!

I am learning new lessons every day. Folks ask me so often the age old question..."How do you do it?" Our answer is always the same....WE DON'T...God does it! Every day I ask God for the strength to accomplish all that He would have us do and in all His faithfulness..he grants every provision in ways that can only glorify Him.

Just a few highlights...

Sophie (top left photo) our little miracle from last summer) continues to make progress and awesome strides. She is standing and determined to try to walk. She is trying new sounds and even forming some words. Her smile still makes your heart skip a beat and her life is still just as much a testimony of God's healing power. Paige is doing wonderfully. She is so quiet and dainty, but has such a personality. She has adapted so well. We couldn't be more pleased.

Joy is loving being the big sister to Paige and Sophie. Whew...my 3 musketeers get into quite the mischief. Days are filled with laughter, diapers, lots of wipes and much name calling...JOY! What did you do? No..you cannot eat the dishwasher detergent squares. They are NOT candy. SOPHIE-Keep on your glasses! PAIGE-stay out of the wipes!

Each day is a new adventure. We never know what will fill the day...one thing we know for certain...never a dull moment! Every night as we kiss each precious face good night we are reminded that we were ALL once orphans, chosen through the love of our Father and adopted into HIS family. Love is a precious gift that we can give away and what joy comes from doing just that!

PAIGE & Daddy are HOME!

2007-11-16T00:05:00.000-05:00

YES!!!! They are home and mom is so busy that she hasn't even had the chance to update this blog before now. Paige and Daddy arrived home safe and sound and all are well! The extended stay in Vietnam was a disappointment but the moment we laid eyes on them, a few extra days wasn't the concern any longer.

Paige is beautiful. She has a smile--oh my a big ole smile--but only offers at HER discretion. She takes in everything and everyone around her. And you don't have to be a genius to see she bonded quite well with Daddy. She continues to bond so nicely with me and all of the family members. She particularly seems to like Chase. She gives him the funniest looks and will just laugh at him. It's so endearing. She enjoys pulling Joy's beautiful, long hair entirely too much, but Joy patiently looks at her and pats her head and tells her "nice".

Paige has this way of making a little "rasberry" sound when she wants to play with you. She LOVES to tease. Oh my! And she does this little "head jive" when she really gets wound up. We have so much fun with her...oh...with all of them!

Things are going well. The younger girls actually play nicely together. They are just so cute. For me...well, busy was an understatement before! But we rejoice that Kylie Paige is home and that God, once again has blessed us beyond measure. We finally broke down and bought a 15 passenger van today. God put it right in our path so we are incredibly grateful. It will need a small paint job to cover up the previous owners logo on it, but other than that--the kids are THRILLED. Who knew it was considered such fun to ride in a "bus" (words of my 5 year old!) NOW...we wait and pray for our sweet son, Devon to join us soon. Please continue to lift us up in prayers. We are still pulling together fees, etc, but know that God in all His faithfulness will provide everything needed. He is always more than enough in every situation.

I say it often, but even on the busiest, or worst-hair pulling-out day we ever have...at the end of the day, I fall into bed and I am so thankful for what God has given us. It is a JOY to serve Him through loving all of our beautiful children.

Now for my final task of the day....sleep! Mandy

PAIGE IS COMING HOME

2007-09-26T22:59:00.000-04:00

WOW! After 10 long months of waiting and praying and BELIEVING in miracles to make it happen....our daughter is coming home. It's even hard to grasp the thought as I write this now.

But, it's true. Dave will depart on Monday, October 1 for Vietnam to bring her home. As it stands right now he will be required to be "in-country" for 3 weeks. Yep, you read that right...3 weeks. I know it's not eternity, but my, oh my does it feel that way a bit as we are planning for this trip. We are praying for a miracle that he might be able to come home at least a bit earlier. But, God's timing is the ultimate deciding factor so we wait to see what He has in store...to fulfill His plan and purpose to HIS GLORY!

Paige will be two years old in December. I just believe she and Joy are going to be best buds. Joy already loves to be the big sister to Sophie...so we anxiously wait to see how these two bond. :-)

We would so appreciate your prayers during this time of travel, bonding, and transition.

For Dave as he spearheads everything in Vietnam to complete the adoption process and for me as I stay behind to care for the children on the home front.

Whoohooo...COME HOME PAIGE!!!!!!!!!!!! Your family is anxiously awaiting to meet you and kiss those sweet, sweet cheeks!

Singing for Joy w/ Daniel James Christian Pop Artist

2007-08-13T10:15:00.000-04:00

In July the Safe Harbor Kids and ALIVE worship team had the priviledge of particiaping in a community wide event called Celebrate Christ~takin it to the streets. The kids sang 4 of their songs including World of Difference and God Will Make A Way. One of the highlights was we got the awesome honor to "hang" with Daniel James for the day. His loving spirit and awesome talent really reached out to the youth and to us! Here's a shot of a few of the kids with Daniel.

Included is another pic taken as the kids sing for the joy of Jesus & spreading the word that with love and willing, trusting hearts..WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Meet the Newest Members of the Litzke Family

2007-08-12T22:55:00.000-04:00

Meet the newest members of the Litzke Family...

SOPHIE...A true miracle

SOPHIE...(top) Oh my...where can I ever begin? I guess the best way to describe it is it was another totally orchestrated blessing from the Father. Sophie, 26 months, arrived from Haiti and was only to be with us a short time but after the course of many events God turned those plans around. We never know what God is up to, huh? Sophie is a true miracle! Dr's are still shaking their heads at the outcome. She became very ill and was hospitalized in ICU with a very unfavorable prognosis. God spoke to my heart and gave me a promise that no matter what the circumstances appeared at the time, that if Dave and I stepped out in faith once again He would heal her. As always, our sovereign Lord proved faithful again! After 7 days of ups and downs a prognosis was made (Galactosemia...she cannot break down a sugar found primarily in milk). She's made a full recovery and is doing wonderfully. Her smile and precious giggle will send a bolt of joy into the air every time. Sophie is also partially blind due to cataracts, but will undergo surgery next week to repair.

AND YES...there is more on the way soon. Whew, sometimes it's hard to keep up with all the blessings He is sending our way...but we wouldn't trade it for the world...

Paige (our daughter in Vietnam) should be on her way home by first of September. We anxiously await her arrival. Sometimes I wonder how much joy I can take. My heart overflows at God's goodness.

2007-06-17T16:06:00.000-04:00

Well, as we have learned over the past year…things rarely stay the same in the Litzke home for too long. Seems about the time we get comfortable God says…I’ve got another journey for ya, will you keep trusting me and just follow? We enter gladly because we know where He leads…He always blesses and we grow more in Him. Just a few months ago we were contacted about a beautiful boy in Guatemayla that desperately needed a family. Jairo was 19 months at the time and had been waiting for a family for a long time. He is another very special child. He has cerebral palsy which affects his ability to walk. We were first asked if we would be willing to help bring him to the States and foster him on a medical visa to help ensure care and therapy needed to improve his quality of life. The services needed are just not available to him there in Guatemayla. We prayed and said yes and were so thankful for this opporutunity. As the weeks went on through many various cirumstances and God’s direct leading, it became very clear to us that we were not to simply bring him here on a medical visa, but he was meant to be ours. We were to adopt this beautiful boy.
Jairo, soon to be Devon Keaton Litzke, is a fighter, and is making excellent progress! We know God has His hand on him and has extraordinary plans for him. We have no doubt he will be another awesome blessing to our family. We feel we are some of the most fortunate people in the world. We tell folks, “no, we don’t have to do this…we GET TO DO THIS.”
We are excited about the doors God has opened up for us to offer these children-in-need a family to love and the opportunity to learn about Jesus. Once again we have stepped out in faith to answer His call knowing He will provide all our needs. He ALWAYS DOES!

After much prayer and seeking His direction we felt led and it necessary to give others a chance to be apart of the blessing this time around. We believe God has more miracles just around the bend and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
Recently we learned of Kingdom Kids Adoption Ministries, http://www.kingdomkidsadoption.org/ an organization that helps families raise funds for adoptions. Through this organization people can make tax-deductible donations toward adoption expenses! Any gift received will not only allow us to reach out to these precious children, HIS children, but enables those that contribute to be apart of the blessing of making a difference in another child’s life…an eternal difference.
What a priviledge it is to serve our Father in caring for His children. It is only through His strength that we accomplish what He asks of us.

We are excited about what God is going to do in our lives through these children. The process is long and not without obstacles but we are ready for the challenge...fully equiped by the Father.

Faithfully and Forever His~
Mandy

Busy Bees

2007-05-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Just as this picture indicates (taken last Spring), the Litzke bunch is busy, busy moving in all different directions these days. Wouldn't have it any other way though. School is coming to a close. Mom is thankful for a break...though I will be longing for a routine after about a week. Bryce is officially now a Kindergarten student and is so excited about it!

We just finished up soccer with Kendal and Chase. As you can imagine they both excel at soccer...all the days spent in Africa playing on dirt in flip flops. :-)

Chase just got word last week that he was selected to play on the next level traveling team. He is very excited and ever so proud. He will be the FIRST to tell you that he is a good soccer player and he does his very best. He is not lacking confidence, that is for sure. Kendal has expressed an interest in playing again in the fall, though she will try her hand at basketball camp this summer along with Morgan. Kendal also performed in her first piano recital last week. I am still utterly amazed at all that she has accomplished in her first year home. Morgan, soon to be my 7th grader (GULP) is still very active in gymnastics and doing wonderfully. Jami played in the Memorial Softball Tournament here in Marysville this weekend and her team (Stingrays) took 1st place in their division. Wore me out just watching them all in their activities. Think I'll stick to spectating and being the water boy. Bryce played his first season of soccer as well and is proving to be a rising star. He says his older brother Chase "teached me how to play so good". Joy continues to play...everything. She is growing up so fast and doing so well. She is, by far, the kids grandest cheerleader at all the events. She just recently conquered saying all the kid's names. A huge milestone for her. She will scream them on command. Especially....BRYCE! (Which she hears quite often...he's our really busy one :-)

SO...we are all excited for a few weeks of lazy summer days around here. Though no one will be "still", at least mom will get a break from chauffeuring around quite as much. And maybe, just maybe, I can get the rest of the winter clothes put away.

Kendal's First "Gottcha Day"

2007-05-29T07:54:00.000-04:00

Well, it is hard to believe but yesterday marked a year that Kendal became part of our family. When we told her what "Gottcha Day" was she looked in amazement and could not believe she had been here a year. She said "it go so fast" (and of course, she really just learned and understands what a year consists of since she has been here :-) Later she shared with me that it had been the best year of her life. She wrote a beautiful note thanking us AGAIN for "everything my family has done for me". How on earth can we ever convince her that we owe HER the gratitude for adding so much to our family? Her adoption (as all of our journeys) taught us and helped us grow so much in our faith and our walk with the Savior. I still remember the sound of Dave's voice when he called the very first night in Liberia to bring Chase home. After sharing all about Chase he then added with much conviction..."and there is this older girl here..and there is something about her and I just have to find a way to bring her home." As each new day passes, I am reminded of the reasons Dave felt the desire to love her into our family. Her smile speaks the joy that comes from her heart. Genuine Joy. Not just mere happiness, but Joy that only God can birth and nurture. I thank God for speaking to his heart and I thank Dave for listening and following even when the "how" was not yet understood.
Watching Kendal embrace every "new" thing and appreciate it in such a true way has been so inspiring and so eye-opening for our family. I will never forget Kendal's first night here and Chase (home just 4 months before Kendal) taking her to the food pantry and his expression as he said "this is the place we keep the food, and there is ALWAYS food in it, you will never run out." I still find it impossible to share that story without tears streaming. Though it breaks my heart to think of all they have endured in their short lives, I am so thankful that God, the sovereign God He is, took a dreadful situation and made something beautiful out of it. But also used these precious children to "awake" our family and so many others. With each sunrise we are reminded to thank God for everything and to give it all back for His glory! May my gratitude for His goodness never become "casual".
Happy Gottcha Day Kendal...thank you for bringing us so much JOY!
Mandy

The Litzke Bunch

2007-04-24T13:54:00.000-04:00

Image

Welcome

2007-04-24T13:06:00.000-04:00

Kylie Paige [waiting in Vietnam]

Welcome to the life of the Litzke bunch...hand-crafted by God. :-)

We are a family of 8 (soon to be 9) and reside in Marysville, Ohio. We have been blessed with two beautiful biological daughters (Jami-15 and Morgan 12) and from there our family has grown-not only in number-but in wealth of blessings and faith. Bryce was adopted from Korea and is now 5 years old. He was our Christmas miracle of 2002. Then came our bundle of joy from Hong Kong...Tovi~Joy. Joy lives up to her name. She brings so much JOY into this household and though the youngest at 3 years of age, she probably teaches the most on a daily basis. Her determination and yet sweet way reminds me daily to stop and smell the roses and appreciate the little things. Joy has special needs. She has Down Syndrome, but don't think for a split second that slows her down one bit. Our son, Chase (7) came home from Liberia last February. This adoption birthed a brand new definition to walk of faith. Kendal (12) arrived home with dad from his second trip to Africa within a 4 month period. Chase and Kendal have been such an inspiration to so many, as have all of our children. What they have experienced leaves us in an utter state of thanksgiving for all God has given.

And then blessing number 7 is on her way all the way from Vietnam. Kylie Paige (picture above) should be home mid August to join her forever family. She is quite the spirited one. She too has Down Syndrome and our prayer is that she and Joy will shine together encouraging one another along the way. We are certain, the sky is the limit for what they can accomplish through His love and strength.

Rather it be from Jami and Morgan's heart for these children and openness to share so much with them or from the testimonies of numerous miracles in which God orchestrated to bring each additional child home... God gets all the glory!

A favorite song around our house...."Jesus loves the little children, ALL the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world."

So...come on in and meet the gang personally as we share together God's goodness.

Blessed beyond measure~

Mandy