We're back at CLM! Sorry I didn't post any blogs..............it was a busy active few days at the Iguassu Falls. We had a great time and what an awesome sight of one of God's miraculous creations. The Iguassu Falls borders 3 countries. Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. We only went on the Brazil side because we are not allowed to leave Brasil with Donei right now during our guardianship with him. Just warning you now our camera was not acting right so these pictures posted today are out of desperation to post some pictures...will get some more for later. Alyssa's camera took some really nice pictures but since she left I can't download them and & I am not very good at figuring out how to get them off her facebook!!!! You can't imagine how long this posting on this blog takes me! I'm just not very fast or knowledgeable with computers and all!
Our hotel was over all very nice. The girls had their own room while Steve, Donei and myself had another room. Steve has come down with a cold/chest congestion so he was coughing a lot and of course snoring the first night. When we woke up Donei said, "Dad! You make a lot of noise when you sleep!" So yesterday when we were doing some shopping Donei found some ear muffs and said he needed to buy them for when he sleeps because Steve is so noisy. He's a funny boy~ Just like his dad! :)
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| On the bus to the falls with the Cochran bunch and Alyssa |
So Tuesday (yesterday? loosing track of time!) was the dreaded day to put the girls on the plane to come back home. They are within minutes actually now of arriving back at the states. There was lots of tears saying goodbye. The girls are really sad they will not been seeing the Cochran kids again for quite awhile. It was a long ride back to CLM~
We have so many cute and funny stories that we are creating that will always be remembered from our Brazil journey. One of the continuing jokes since the first week is about the movie "Big Mama's House"
Steve started imitating "big mama's" voice and talking like the character and Donei and the kids have kept the imitation going EVERYDAY! Someone always starts the "Big Mama's" voice and then everyone chimes in.
Alyssa has this huge long name that the kids all call her which I can't even type but its about 5 words long in portuguese ~ Something like Alyssa, charnisha, fafisha, etc.......The word Charnisha means "carcus" and the other word means "weiner dog"
The house is really quiet now with the girls gone.........We have only around 12 days left until our court hearing at the courthouse where Donei becomes ours LEGALLY~ We have to sit in a court room with microphones and all asked questions concerning our adoption. I've heard they call each one of us in separately. They will ask Donei if he wants to be adopted by our family, they will ask Steve and I if we want to adopt him also. The judge is a very young christian man and seems very nice. The judge and his wife came on Saturday to the orphanage to visit. I guess they do this a lot!
Believe me we WANT to tell the judge how much we want our little Lu, and maybe we will be able to during this hearing, but for right now she has to follow the Brazilian laws of liberation and placement. We sure don't want to risk making them mad at us and not allowing us to have her. Our flesh wants to scream out and beg them for her, but we have to continue to trust God~ He knows, he has it already planned out with Luana and her life. God loves Luana more than anyone in this world and promises to watch over her and protect her. We will just continue to pray that she is ours...................
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| Last family photo for awhile....having to say good bye for awhile... |
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| Cant wait until we can take pictures of the "Primo's" again (cousins) back in the States or back at CLM soon...... |
Yes that's right...the first thing I do when I open the computer every day and several times during the day is check to see if there is NEWS FROM THE GOUGE. Yeah! Today there is! I'm very proud of you Tammy for figuring out how to do a blog! You go girrrrrl! I am counting the days until The Gouge Family is all together in their home. What a wonderful day that will be. (Sounds like a song). I said it before I'll say it again...to watch you during this walk with both Donei and Luana...if people aren't learning something from your commitment of Love and trust to both your children and Jesus...then they just ain't watchin! I question myself...could I keep my mouth shut like you are RIGHTFULLY-humbly & trustingly doing? Only through the power of God.
ReplyDeleteDonei and earmuffs because of his loud sleeping dad...Ok, that's just hysterical. Yes, yet another sign that he was meant to be in the Gouge Family! I can't imagine what it must feel like every single time he calls you Mom or Dad. Does your heart just melt? We were having our Creative Worship Team meeting last night w/o you Steve. (Whaaaa??? you couldn't make the commute? Sheesh!) A lot of what the messages are going to be in the first part of the fall season...you guys have clearly walked through. I imagine you sitting in there during the sermon shaking your heads up and down going, "Uh uh! That's right! Preach it Stan!" I also imagine you sitting there during the sermon's and hearing the voice of the Spirit of your Creator saying to you, "Good job guys. Well done! Way to walk the talk! I am so proud of how you have trusted and honored Me!"
You did know Brasile and USA played in Soccer yesterday right? Ok, off to meet Mr. Herb Sutter to discuss C.O.O.L. Oh so much has happened--is happening. Have much to tell you when you return. I did give Tim your message. He was majorly blessed with Ben's prayer and send off on Sunday and I told Tim the hands on his shoulder were Steve and Tammy's. Love you and keep the blogs coming...when you are able. PRAYING--ALWAYS.
Love you!