Belated Birthday Celebrations

Deanna and Elaina's birthdays were about 6 weeks ago and normally we take the kids out for a treat to celebrate their birthday, but because we were still living on different continents the girls decided to wait until we were together again before we celebrated.

So, last week, armed with coupons and camera, we went to Chuck E Cheese.  What a joy it was to watch the kids enjoying each others company again.

The Gift of Grief

"You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; 

the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!"

Psalm 68:35

  

I stood there with the envelope in my hand, excited.  The stamp on the front told me that this was the letter I had been waiting for, from our attorney.  I was expecting it to be the finalization date for our adoption of baby Luke, but as I read the contents I couldn’t have been more wrong.  I stood for a second in total shock then sank to the floor and sobbed like a young child.  How could God let this happen to us?

Six months prior Luke wasn’t even a possibility, we didn’t go looking for a private adoption or even necessarily want one, yet one Wednesday evening in early September 1998 God brought us and Luke together.  I was sitting in a classroom at church and someone was asking me about how we were getting along with our foster/adoption classes.  At the same time another woman walked passed and overheard part of the conversation, she entered the room asking who was going to adopt.  I filled her in on our desire to foster and hopefully adopt a baby through the Missouri foster care system.    She looked amazed and proceeded to tell me that she had just been told that her friend’s daughter was eight months pregnant and she had just decided to give her baby up for adoption.  The woman asked if we would be interested in adopting that child.

I was speechless.   How do you respond to a question like that?  I told her I would talk to Gary and get back to her. 

My journey home that night was full of emotion, mainly excitement as I dared to dream that this could possibly be happening to us, yet trying to be realistic in knowing that nothing had been decided either by us or the birthmother.   After discussing the situation with Gary we decided to go ahead and see if the Lord would bring this together.  The following week we met with Luke’s birthmother, and grandmother and they decided to let us have the privilege of being his parents.

Then, just 9 days after we first heard about Luke, I received the call to let me know his mother was in labor.   We made it to the hospital just a few minutes after he was born.  The hospital staff were incredible as they let me stay in a spare room with Luke through the night so I could feed him and attend to his needs.  Words cannot describe how it felt to hold our son.  Our child who we did not even know we were expecting.  God had done an amazing thing to bring us together and we happily told everyone about His goodness.

 

When Luke was 6 weeks old and sleeping through the night, we decided we were ready to put our names down on the waiting list for a foster child.  Little did we know just 2 weeks later we would receive 8 day old Daniel into our home.  He came to us as a foster placement, which meant we were working with the agency to try to return him to his birth mother.  While we did love Daniel, we held part of our hearts, in protection, knowing that he may one day be leaving us.  

But Luke, he was ours.  Or so we thought.  In Missouri a child has to be in your home for six months before the adoption can be finalized so the letter we received in February 1999 was supposed to be the finalization date.  Instead the words in the letter that had me on the floor sobbing, were telling me that someone had come forward and claimed to be Luke’s biological father.  This man wanted his son.  Could we possibly loose our child?

So on February 27^th 1999 I took Luke to get a DNA test to validate this man’s claim.  We had to wait 2 long weeks for the results.  During the waiting period we kept praying and hoping that Luke would be able to stay.  We told ourselves that God wouldn’t bring us together as a family just to tear us apart. Would He?  As I listened on the phone, the results were obvious to those in the room.  My tears fell as I heard that Luke was this man’s son.  How Lord, how is this possible?  Why did You let this happen?

Our hearts were so heavy the next day as we prepared to give Luke to his biological father.  I cannot begin to describe the pain as we sat, holding our son for the last time, saying goodbye.  As it came time for him to leave Gary took him from my arms, carried to the car and placed him in his car seat for the last time. Gary returned to the house and cried with me – we had lost our son and our hearts were broken.

The following weeks and months were hard but I cannot stop the story here as this is not a story about pain but of joy and hope as the Lord restores the brokenhearted.  And that is just what the Lord did, in time.   But before we were restored we needed to walk though the valley of grief, of not understanding, but still trusting in our Heavenly Father.

The case of the orphan is a passion that the Lord has placed in our lives and we do what we can to help others take care of the least of these and over the years I have spent time encouraging others to adopt or foster.  The most common excuse I hear from people as a reason not to foster is this:  “I couldn’t do it because it would be too hard to give them back”.   Have you ever thought that?

This is where I realize that through our experience with Luke I can honestly turn to these people and tell them “Yes, if you do your job right and love these children like God wants you to, you will hurt, BUT God does heal.”   James 1:27 does not tell us to “take care of the widows and orphans in their distress … and you will never experience pain”.  We, the body of Christ, are commanded to take care of the widows and orphans.  Period.  No excuses!!  It does not matter if we are called to take care of and love a child for a week, a year or a lifetime.  We need to do it and take the opportunity we have, while they are in our home, to show them the love of Jesus.   Fostering and/or adopting are incredible opportunities to reach the hurting children of this world for Christ.

If we do our job right, and love them, if and when they leave, we will hurt.  But I am so grateful for the gift of grief we experienced, because through that I know that neither I nor you have to live in fear of the pain, but delight in the One who I know will heal.

  

Michelle

 

Windy

A windy day ...

 ... makes drying the laundry ...

 EASY!!!

Moving

Please forgive my absence from the blog, but between moving and having internet issues, this past week has been crazy!!!

Last Tuesday we signed the lease for the house and then Wednesday and Thursday we moved.  It took a couple of days as we were moving with only one trailer and had to collect furniture from several different places.  I am so grateful to the Lord for the beautiful weather He gave us which made it so much easier.

As we arrived at the house with the first load we piled everything into one room then Gary and the boys left to get another load while the girls and I cleaned the house.  It wasn't hard to clean but it was pretty dirty as no one (except the mice) had lived here since we moved out almost 2 years ago.

I am so proud of our children who worked really hard to move all the boxes and furniture.

Slowly we are unpacking and finding a place for everything.  This is taking a while as we have also started schooling this week - which is a challenge in itself when you can't find all the books you are looking for!!

We are truly grateful to our families who have given us places to live this year, but this is the first time since we left for Zambia in March, that we have a home to call our own - and it feels good!!!  The kids have really enjoyed being in a place where they can make as much noise as they like (well as much as I can tolerate!!) and have their things around them again as they haven't had many of their toys since we prepared them for shipping 8 months ago.

I also want to thank our Church family as they have welcomed us back so warmly.  We have had several that have given us items for the home and in the 10 days which we have been here I have only had to cook dinner twice as several have either had us over for dinner or brought dinner to us.  That has been so appreciated, especially during our move when I had no idea where any pots or pans were!!


So, it's back to sorting out the home, but I will be back with more posts over the next few days.

Michelle

The Journey

As I mentioned the other day, our journey home was incredible.  We left my parents house just after 3am on Friday morning.  The kids were really boggled by the idea that we were up so early while the rest of the country was still sleeping!  We arrived at Heathrow in record time (mainly because it was so early) and were standing in line at the American Airline counter by 4.40am.

I was a little concerned that we could be standing, waiting for hours but within a minute of us arriving in the line the security check points were set up and we were moving through.  American Airlines opened up their check-in desks at 5am.  One of the reasons we went so early was to try and sort out the seating situation.  Because we had bought 5 of the last 6 seats on the flight our seats were spread throughout the plane.  I asked the lady at the check in if we could sit together and she assured me that would be sorted out by the time we reached the departure gate.

Next, we moved through security and were sitting down in the departure lounge, eating breakfast by 5.35 am.  We still had over 3 hours before the departure gate would open so the kids either napped, read or played with Lego (we have learnt to take a carry on case full of Lego whenever we fly - helps to pass the time)

At 8.55 our gate opened up and we wondered over.  It was wonderful to have plenty of time and not be rushed to get anywhere.  Upon arrival at the gate we discovered our seats were now together, but it wasn't until we boarded we realized the gift we had been given - we had the front row of seats in the coach section, so there was no one in front of us!  I didn't have to worry about the kids knocking the seats in front and we had the freedom to move about and stretch out.  I did feel a little guilty when my 5ft 4in frame couldn't stretch far enough to fill the space we had and I saw these guys over 6ft crammed in their seats.

The flight was thankfully uneventful and the landing was so gentle that the kids didn't even realize we were on the ground and we were even half an hour early.

Immigration was a breeze, as I was allowed to go through the American Citizen's line and our luggage was one of the first off the carousel.   Customs was also easy, although, why they had to confiscate my English apple is beyond me.

We were so excited to be through all the formalities and were ready to walk into the arms of  our loved ones - only to find out they weren't there!!!   We knew they might be late as they couldn't pick the rental van up until 7am and Chicago is a 5/6 hour drive.  But within 15 minutes they came rushing in.  We saw them first and the kids with me just went running.  I would have done, but someone had to stay with the 3 carts of luggage, right?!  Oh, but how good it felt to have Gary's arms surround me and hold me tight and to see my boys and to hug and kiss them.  Our family was together again and it felt so good!

We started our long journey home and even though the kids who had travelled were exhausted they did not let sleep take away from their time to catch up with their brothers.  We stopped to eat dinner, which took 2 hours, and afterwards insisted that they sleep - Elaina hadn't napped all day, so by this time she had been awake 24 hours.  But when we crossed into Missouri they were all awake again. By midnight we were back at Gary's Mom's house and ready for some serious sleep.

The Lord gave us an incredible journey home, stress was minimal and the reunion was sooooo sweet.

Since Friday we have been staying at Gary's Mom's, but today we move.  We are going to be renting the same house that we left almost 2 years ago.  This won't be a permanent move as we are unable to adopt at this location, but it will give us time to regroup as a family as we continue to seek the Lord's will for our lives.

Michelle.

Home

Just a really quick note to let you know that we made it safe and sound.  

Thank you for all of your prayers - it was an incredible journey and I will fill you in on all the details soon - but not today.  Today I am going to spend my time enjoying those I have missed so much :)

Michelle

Wow!!!

Do you remember my post last Saturday when I told you that the man who did my interview apologized because my visa would take 7 to 10 days to get to me and there was nothing he could do to speed it up?

Well, he may not have been able to speed it up - but GOD was and He did!!!

I found out last night that it would be delivered today so, first thing this morning I called a local bus company who could possibly take us to the airport.  I told him when we were hoping to leave and asked if he could take us.  He wasn't sure if he could do it at such short notice but would check into it for me.  Meanwhile I found a flight, but obviously wasn't able to book it until I had my visa in my hand.

So while we waited we packed.  I received a call back from the bus company who told me they could take us, but again I couldn't book it until the flights were booked.  By this time there were only 6 seats left on the flight and still no visa. 

Finally, just after 3pm my visa arrived.  I was able to book 5 of the remaining 6 seats on the flight and confirmed transportation to the airport. 

We are all set to fly to Chicago (where Gary, Nicholas and Daniel will meet us) on Friday morning.  Lord willing, we will be reunited in 47 hours.   It has been a long 4 months away from my husband and sons and I am so looking forward to being together again as one family.  The children are so excited.  Deanna even told me that one of her soft toys was "crying with joy!"

While we have looked forward to this day for a long, long time, it is also bitter sweet as I again prepare to leave those I love.  Tomorrow we get to spend the day with my parents, sister and niece.  I know we will have a great time, but goodbyes are never easy.

On a final note I have to tell you this story because the Lord's timing is amazing.   Our children are involved in the children's choir at our church in Missouri and they put on a Christmas performance each year.  Well, several weeks ago we were sent the music and words for this year's performance for the kids to practice in anticipation that we would be back in the States before Christmas.  The kids were asked if they wanted any speaking parts or solos and both Elaina and Naomi volunteered for a solo.  Anyway, the choir director assigned parts and also arranged for the choir to sing one of the songs in church on Sunday 17 October, but it wasn't until a couple of weeks ago did she realize that the song she had planned for the choir to sing that day was the one in which Elaina and Naomi had their solos!!!   Obviously no one was sure that we would be back in time so they had arranged back ups for the girls.

Well I am so happy to say that we will be in church Sunday morning and the girls want to sing their solos - and the name of the song the choir will sing is  -

"NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!"

What more can I say? :)

Michelle

The English Seaside

Last week we took a 2 day trip to Devon to visit my brother and his family.

We had a wonderful time letter boxing on Dartmoor and taking a night time walk on the edge of the moor - but I forgot the camera on both these events :( 

Our last day we took an excursion to the beach - yes in October!!  

The weather was wonderful, although there was a strong wind, the sun was shining brilliantly and the air was warm. 

We had a great time flying kites

 

Almost getting cut off by the tide

Crabbing

 

and thoroughly enjoying the beauty of God's creation.  

while enjoying time with family

I'm not sure when we will see my brother or his family again, but we do have some wonderful memories to tide us over.

Michelle

To GOD be the Glory

... Great things HE hath done

First, let me apologize for not getting this post up last night.  After not sleeping well on Thursday night, a 4 am start yesterday and then all the emotion of the interview, I was too tired to write (well, at least write and have it make any sense!!)

Thank you! Thank you! for all your prayers.  We have been incredibly blessed and humbled to find out that people from all over the world have been praying for us and several even got up in the night to pray during my interview.  Your emails and comments have been so appreciated - it is wonderful when we, as the body of Christ, can rejoice together for the GREAT things HE does.

So ... back to yesterday.  Although the journey to London was incredibly early, I was grateful that it was uneventful and that the trains were on time.

I arrived at the Embassy at 8.30 - plenty of time for my 9 am interview.  Well I sat and waited, and prayed and waited and prayed some more.  Most of this time I was calm, but I have to admit that a couple of times fear started to encroach upon me.  I had to remind myself of the scripture He had given me that morning (Exodus 14:13-14) and that He was in control of the outcome of this day.   After waiting over 2 hours they finally called my number.

I found myself at window 14 with a kind man behind it.  He took my fingerprints and paperwork, gave me a pink sheet of paper and told me to wait until I was called again.    I read the pink information sheet which told me I had completed stage 1.  Now my paperwork would be looked over and I then would be called for the interview.  It also informed me I could have a several hour wait for the interview!!  At this time my prayer was 3 fold.  Lord, please allow them to overlook the fact that our income doesn't meet their requirements; please let my wait be short as I know Gary will be expecting my call soon and also, please don't let the mean woman (who conducted my interview in July) be the one to interview me today!!!

The Lord was gracious on all three of those requests.  Even though I had seen people wait well over an hour for their interview I was called up after only 20 minutes.  I reached window 16 and was so relieved to find a man there waiting to do the interview and not the mean woman!!!

This is truly the incredible part - we had asked the Lord to give us an interviewer who was compassionate and who looked over the negative aspect of the finances.  Well, not a word was mentioned about money and more amazingly my interviewer understood our situation!!  He was an American man and told me he is married to a British woman.  They have moved back and forth from both countries and understands what it is like to have to jump through all the immigration hoops each time you move!!!

The Lord did it.  He gave us someone who understood our situation!

The man then asked when I would like to return.  Of course I said as soon as possible because we have been apart for almost 4 months.  He replied by telling me my visa was approved and then apologized because my visa would take 7 - 10 days to arrive and there was nothing he could do to speed it up!!  That's okay. I can wait!!


It has been almost 6 months since we applied for my visa and it now feels kind of surreal that we finally have the answer we have been waiting so long for. Oh, but we are so grateful for what God has done.  He has not only allowed me to return to the States but has given me back my permanent residency status which means we won't have to wait 2 years before we can begin adopting  (but that is in the future!!)  For now, I look forward to the reunion of our family - how sweet that will be.

We thank you again for all your prayers and support and to our Heavenly Father for the gift of my visa.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father"   

James 1:17

The Decision

As Michelle prepared to leave the house this morning by spending some time in God's Word, He gave her these verses:

"Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."   Exodus 14: 13-14

Many have been praying while Michelle was in the interview and we appreciate all the prayer very much. We have been encouraged by God very much leading up to this date. Michelle will fill you in with all of the details as soon as she possibly can. She is travelling back from London now to start preparations. But this long journey is ending now with this answer:

Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Proverbs 25:25

She's coming home!!! It will be about  7 - 10 days before she gets her visa in the mail, but she's coming home!!!


Gary

The LORD is in control

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

Proverbs 16:33

 

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases

Proverbs 21:1

How awesome is the LORD Most High,

the great King over all the earth!

Psalm 47:2

I have to tell you I am so excited about the interview tomorrow.    I KNOW He is in control of the outcome and I look forward to seeing His answer to our prayers.

Michelle

While I wait on GOD

Friday at 9 AM (thats 3 AM in Saint Louis) Michelle has her second interview at the Embassy in London where they will decide whether to give Michelle a visa to enter the country on.





GARY

5

You've guessed it - another birthday in the Northcutt family :)

Over the weekend our baby turned 5.   The funny thing was that she couldn't remember how old she had become.  When I asked her how old she was the conversation went something like this -

Me:  Deanna how old are you now?

Deanna:  6

Me:  6?

Deanna:  Yeah

Me:  Are you sure?

Deanna:  Umm ..1 .. 2 .. 3 .. 4 .. 5 - Oh I'm 5

She is just too cute!!!

We didn't do a lot to celebrate her birthday because she wants to save her birthday treat for when we are back with Daddy and the boys, but we did take her swimming to try out her new goggles.

Michelle

Needed a Change

Over the last few weeks I have been wanting to change the design of the blog but normally this is the kind of challenge that Gary would undertake.  But, communicating about this kind of thing when you are living in different time zones is tough so I figured I would give it a go myself. 

Not sure if I totally like the new look so don't be surprised if you see more changes over the next few days or weeks - but at least for tonight it will work!

Michelle

11

How do they get so big so quickly??! This past weekend we celebrated Elaina's 11th birthday.

I have been amazed as I have watched the Lord work in her life. From bringing her through extreme prematurity (born at 26 weeks) and challenging illnesses, she is now changing into a beautiful strong young woman.  One of these days I will get around to writing her life story, but for now I just thank the Lord for bringing this precious girl into our family.

Struggling

Today I awoke with a heavy heart.  One that is burdened with the interview next week.  An interview in which we will need a miracle to occur in order to be granted the visa that I so long for.  The reason we need a miracle is because we have been volunteers with WEC and therefore have not had the income over the last few years that immigration requires us to have in order to prove that I will not become a burden on the government!

The interview could go 1 of 3 ways.  I could be granted my visa (this is obviously what we hope will happen) or they could reject it or, they could require more information.  I don't know which I fear more, the outright rejection or the need for more information.  If I am rejected Gary and the boys will probably return to the UK.  We have no problem with living here except that will mean a death of the dream of adopting more as we won't be allowed to in this country.  But, if they require more information, or if we decide to fight the rejection then it will mean a longer separation for an indefinite period of time.  I so desperately want to be with my husband and boys again that it hurts.

I know that God is more than capable of giving us that miracle and granting me a visa, but I don't know that He will choose to do that and that is what I am struggling with right now - the fear of not knowing and the fear of being apart even longer.

As I spent time with the Lord this morning I asked Him to show me what He was doing.  Encourage me.  Help me in this struggle. 

I spent time with Him, reading His word and praying yet constantly I was distracted by my thoughts, my struggles, my fears.

After finishing my reading I moved to my computer to check emails etc, and connected to a blog I haven't read in a long time.  And right there was my encouragement from the Lord.  You can read it here. 

I have no guarantee that I will get a visa but I do have the guarantee from God that He will work things out according to His purpose.  And if I truly believe that He is in control and He is enough for me then I have to make that choice to trust Him whatever the outcome.

He is the one who can move mountains, (and governments) not me.  So, through tears of surrender I am choosing to trust Him.  Not understanding why we walk through this deep valley - but trusting.

He is my hope - my only hope - and I choose to trust Him


Michelle

Boys are so much easier

At least when it comes to fixing hair!!!

Michelle

Didn't think we would see this!

About 4 months ago all the children planted 12 sunflower seeds - 2 each. During the process of transplanting them several broke and died and a few more were eaten by bugs before they could grow. Only one of Jeremiah's survived. He has really enjoyed watching it grow and bloom. It finally reached a height of just under 10 ft.

We really never thought we would still be in England to see the flower bloom.  We thought we would be back in America a looong time ago.

It has now been 3 months since Gary, Daniel and Nicholas left.  3 hard months! Last night it felt harder than ever, because I called Gary just before I went to bed (just like I do every night) and Daniel answered the phone.  He always talks on the phone with a really chatty, cheerful attitude.  Now, last night was no different but he just wanted to talk and talk and talk to me.  We ended up speaking for 40 minutes and before he said goodbye he told me he missed me (he hasn't told me that much).  Next I got to speak to Nicholas, who talked for 10 minutes which is a really long time for him as he is not much of a talker on the phone.   Then the phone was passed around between the whole family.  We ended up talking for probably an hour and a half!!  We are so thankful for Skype :)

I miss those times when my boys could just talk to me about anything, whenever they wanted.  I am so pleased they have their Dad there to talk to but, how I wish I was there too.

BUT, Lord willing, if the interview goes as we hope, we will be reunited in just under 4 weeks!!!! 

We can't wait. :)

Michelle

Real Mom?!!

I have a great deal of respect for my children's birth parents because they chose to give their children life, which is the greatest gift they could have given them. And although they will always have a place in my children's lives, they are no longer (physically, emotionally or legally) their 'real' or 'natural' parent. That responsibility and privilege was given to Gary and I through adoption. Therefore anyone who knows me well is aware of the fact that I can't stand the terms 'real' or 'natural' when referring to birth parents. Just by their use it implies that an adoptive parent is not a 'real' parent and that adoption is unnatural.

So you can imagine the look on my face when my 4 year old daughter and I were having a conversation last week about names. She wanted to know what name her birth mother gave her. I told her it was Deanna ______ _______. She proceeded to ask me why we changed it. I told her it was because she was now part of our family and we thought she would like to have the same name as us. She thought for a moment and informed me that she would rather have kept the name her 'REAL' mom gave her.

WHAT?? - Did she just say 'real' mom? I gently told her that I was her 'real' mom now but I guess the look of shock on my face was loud as yesterday she tried to make up for it.

We were standing in the line at the grocery store (actually a Wal-Mart here in England) and Jeremiah was in conversation with a lady regarding a bag of Doritos that he was taking very good care of.

Lady:    Would you share those with me?
Jeremiah:     No (shaking his head with a large grin on his face)
Me:    Will you share them with me?
Jeremiah:    No (smiling bigger than ever)
Deanna to the lady"   He will, because he loves his Mom a lot
Me to Deanna:    Do you love me?
Deanna:   Yes .... more than my BIRTH mom
Me:    Thank you Sweetheart - I love you too

She is one smart cookie!!!

Michelle

Just Because ...

He loves me :)  

These flowers arrived on a day I was feeling sick and sorry for myself.  Nothing like a bouquet of beautiful flowers to make me feel a little better and remind me of how much I am loved.  

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also, just to let you know that the Lord continues to work in wonderful ways.  Charley and Kate's adoption of the two Eastern European girls was fully funded just days before they left to get them.  Please keep them in your prayers as they are waiting for a court date, which at the earliest would be 24th September.  While they wait, they remain separated from their other children who had to stay in the States.  Thanks

Michelle

Can you help?

Could you help bring these two precious girls home?

(I have been trying to put pictures of the girls up here - but just can't seem to get it to work.  So you will have to visit their family's blog to see them)

Charley and Kate leave in 10 days to travel to Eastern Europe to bring home the two girls that they are adopting.  The Lord has been so faithful and has already provided  over $36,000 to enable them to rescue these girls from being sent to a mental institution and more importantly, allowing them to be able to be raised in a loving home where they will be taught about the Lord.

But,  they are still needing just over $2,000 to have these adoptions fully funded.  Could you help?  It doesn't have to be a lot, but every dollar helps and there is such joy in knowing you have played a part in giving these girls a future.  It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

If you can help Charley and Kate, the easiest way to do so is through paypal and you will find the link to their paypal account through their blog HERE

Michelle

Interview Date

Today we heard from the American Embassy but I thought I would let Elaina tell you about it.  Below is what she wrote in her journal (of course I got her permission to share her thoughts with you  :)

News from the Embassy today.  Mom's interview is in October (8th).  After my birthday! After Deanna's birthday!  In six weeks.

I wish we could be on the plane right now, but all the wishing in the world won't get us what we want.  

Through all tough times, we must remember to trust in God.

Elaina

Waiting

Can you believe it has been over 2 months since Gary, Daniel and Nicholas left?!

We had really hoped to have been reunited by now, but that is not the case.  I remain in England with Jeremiah and the girls ... waiting!  Waiting for my second interview at the American Embassy where they will make the decision as to whether to grant me a visa ... or not.

For the last two weeks I have been checking my email constantly to see if the interview has been scheduled.  But no email has arrived. 

Gary contacted his Senator last week to see if they can move this process along.  They said they would contact the embassy, but we have heard nothing.  

Finally, this morning I wrote the Embassy an email to see if they had scheduled my interview (as I was told at my first interview that it could probably happen in August) but I received an automated reply stating that my email had been deleted without being read.

So we wait ... and wait ... trusting, not in man, but in our God who is Sovereign and is in control of all things.  He, and He alone will allow me back to the States, when He is ready. 

Do I understand why we have been separated so long?  Absolutely not!  I do not have to understand why,  but I do have to trust in Him who works all things for the good of those who love Him. 

That is what I am trying to do, yet some days are easier than others!!

Pro 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Isa 55:8  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

Michelle

Silent too long.

I have been silent for way too long.

When we returned from Zambia we promised that we would continue to be a voice for the orphan, yet I have been so wrapped up in our own challenges (which are minor in comparison to that of the orphan) that I have not been the voice I had hoped to be.

Today I will begin to speak.

I was first introduced to Reece's Rainbow through the adoption of Hailee and Harper by Anthony and Adeye.  

Reece's Rainbow is an international adoption ministry that focuses it's efforts in finding families for children with down syndrome and other special needs.  They have an incredible ministry and so far this year they have helped families rescue over 70 children.

Most of these children are young (0-4) because at the age of 4 the majority are sent to the mental institution from where they are unable to be adopted.  For most of them this move leads to death as the conditions in these places are horrendous. 


I understand that not all are called to adopt and that is okay.  BUT we are ALL called (James 1:27) to take care of the widows and orphans in their distress.   So, if you can't adopt, how can you take care of them?   Pray and give.  An international adoption costs, on average, $25,000.   It's a lot of money, an amount that most of us don't have.  But, what price do you put on a child's life?   Remember, if they are not rescued most will die!  So, could you help another family rescue a child?

One thing I really do like about Reece's Rainbow is that they allow you to donate to a specific family - most of whom have blogs so you can follow their journey and rejoice with them when they bring their children home.  That, my friends, is an incredible feeling to see a little one in the arms of their new parents, who have prayed, sacrificed and loved this child so much before they have even met them.

To see the difference the love of a family can make for one of these precious children of God, please click HERE.  Believe me, it is worth a look - God has done incredible things.

Will you give a little (or a lot) to help a family rescue a child?
Will you pray for these children?
Will you adopt a child?

What does God want YOU to do?

"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter.  If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not He who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not He who guards your life know it?  Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?"            Proverbs 24:11-12

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act."     Proverbs 3:27

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Round 2 - The Medical

The second part of this process to get me back to America happened yesterday - the medical.

Of course, the American Embassy doesn't make it too easy for you.  I couldn't use a local doctor I had to travel back to London to see one of their approved (and expensive) doctors.

The journey to London should have been easy.  The town where I am currently living has a train station less than a mile from my parent's house.  The train from this station goes directly to London - or at least it should have done.  Yesterday it was different!  Of course, I was wise and allowed almost 2 hours of extra time in my schedule in case there was a delay of any sort because I knew I just couldn't miss my appointment.  

My train was due to leave at 9.50 am.  I arrived at 9.40 to hear a couple of minutes later that the train had been delayed by 30 minutes.  Okay, not a problem, this is why I allowed extra time for my journey, right?    Time passes, about 20 minutes later there is an announcement, "this train will arrive in 10 minutes" (great) "but will terminate at Oxford" (what!!!).  "Everyone will have to change at Oxford to get a train to London."  Okay, still don't have to panic as I have plenty of time.


I finally get on the train, just half an hour behind schedule.   About 20 minutes into our journey the conductor gets on the microphone and announces about the train termination at Oxford but informs us we can catch the 11.01 train from Oxford arriving at London Paddington at 11.59.  Still no need to panic as my appointment is at 1pm and it is only a mile and a half from the train station.

THEN, the train stops ... another announcement "We apologize for the delay, we have to wait here for about 10 minutes for the signals to be reset"  ... so I wait ... well, what else could I do?!!

Arrived at Oxford at 11.15 am, totally missing the 11.01 to London.  I frantically search the departure board to find the next train - 11.31 arriving at 12.29.  That would leave me 30 minutes to walk to the Doctors - I can still do it.  Yippee, thank you Lord.

11.22 - another announcement "We are sorry to inform you that the 11.31 train to London Paddington has been delayed.  It is running 15 minutes behind schedule"  WHAT - you have to be kidding me!!!  No - this was no joke.   So, that would leave me 16 minutes to walk 1.5 miles - that would mean running all the way - and I have to admit that this body of mine isn't up to it.  So I would have to take a cab. 

As I stood waiting for the train I remember telling the Lord that I had done everything possible to get there on time and it was up to Him whether I made it or not.  There is such a peace that comes when you leave it (where it should have been all along) in His hands.

Thankfully, the train finally arrive and I journeyed on to London with no further delays.  I stepped off the train at 12.41 pm and headed straight for a taxi.  When I arrived at the Doctor's office I looked at the clock - I had 5 minutes to spare!!!!

The medical itself was really uneventful and they will have the results to the Embassy on Monday.

The best part of the day was the journey home, well, not actually the journey but arriving at the train station to see my parents, Elaina, Naomi, Jeremiah and Deanna waiting for me.  How sweet that was to have my kids run up and hug me and tell me they had missed me, especially as I had only been gone 7 hours.  It makes me long for my other reunion, with Gary, Daniel and Nicholas, oh how sweet that will be :)

So what's next?   Round 3 will be another interview at the Embassy.  That means another trip to London on the train, for which I will leave a 3 hours window - in case of delays ;)

I am hoping to hear from the Embassy very soon as to when that next interview will be.  I will keep you posted.


Michelle

My Grandmother

98 years young!!

God's world is so small

One of the other paperwork requirements we have to fulfill is for Gary to provide an affidavit of support.  Proving that he can provide for me and that I won't become a burden on the government. 

There are a few challenges with this - we need to show our 2009 tax return - whoops we don't have one of those because we weren't in the country and didn't need to file.  Ok, we will send the 2008 tax return - a little problem there too. While we did file a 2008 tax return, we couldn't find it.  We know it was sent to us in England, but from moving from England to Zambia, back to England and now America, it seems to have gone missing.  Now, I know we could have requested a copy from the IRS but that would have taken a long time and believe me, we are trying to get all this paperwork done asap so our family can be together again.

On Sunday I had an idea - why not contact the man who prepared our taxes and see if he still has a copy.  I called Gary, he didn't have the man's email, so instead he sent an email to the Financial Director at WEC and asked if he could put us in contact with the man who did our taxes (who now lives in New Zealand).  WEC emailed the man for us and by Monday afternoon I had an email with a copy of our 2008 tax return.

So, in less than 24 hours, my request went to the Lord and then from England to Missouri, to Pennsylvania to New Zealand and back to England. 

Thank you to those who I know were praying that we would find our tax return quickly - the Lord answered your prayers and we are grateful.

Michelle

God is in the Details

I have seen the Lord move.  I have seen Him orchestrate circumstances which were beyond my control.  I have seen Him answer prayer and I am grateful.

After my interview last week I got straight to work on gathering all the paperwork.  My first task was to send off for a police background check.   In order to do this I needed a passport photo.  No problem - off to the chemist to take care of that.  Next, get someone to endorse the photo to say that it is a true likeness of me, shouldn't be a problem, but wait, the person who endorses the photo has to have known me for at least 2 years, has to be a professional and can't be a family member.  This caused a little problem.  Everyone around the place where I am currently living hasn't known me for 2 years.   The only professionals I know that are close to me are my family - yet I can't use family.  Think Michelle, think. 


Then, I remembered that the next day I was going to be in Swindon meeting friends from Leeds (who I also have only known for less than 2 years).  Well, Swindon is my home town so I thought maybe the Pastor of the church I grew up in could sign it.  So I sent him an email but by the time I left the house the next morning to go to Swindon he had not responded.

Anyway, we met with our friends around lunch time at a local park.  We had a wonderful time catching up and the kids really enjoyed playing together for a couple of hours.  When we left I still had no reply from my Pastor so I decided we should go across town and see if there was anyone at the church who could sign my photograph.  Now, the church is only small and the office is not constantly staffed so I was praying on the way over that the Lord would allow someone to be there who could help us.

You can imagine how disappointed I was when we arrived to find the parking lot empty.  We still walked around to the church office, hoping that someone was there, but there was no reply to Jeremiah's banging knocking on the door.  We walked slowly back to the van asking the Lord what we should do next.  I tried calling the Pastor on his cell phone, but I was out of credit on my phone. Okay Lord - what now? 

Just then another car arrived.  An older lady (who I didn't know) got out and walked towards the office.  We decided to follow and found her in the church.  I explained who I was and what I was needing and asked if the Pastor was around.  She informed me he left for vacation in Greece that morning!  Oh dear - was there anyone else who could help?  She suggested Ann, who was a retired social worker and lived close to the church.  She has known me most of my life.

I called Ann and she was at home and agreed to come to the church to sign my photo.  While we were waiting for her, the first lady proceeded to tell me that she normally wouldn't be at the church at 4pm in the afternoon but the church needed cleaning for an upcoming funeral.

Then when Ann arrived she told me that she was surprised that I caught her at home, because she had been out shopping most of the day and only arrived home just a few minutes before I called. 

Both ladies could easily have been unavailable, but thankfully the Lord had different plans and I was able to get my photo endorsed. 

If I had not found someone in Swindon to sign my photo then I would have had to have sent it to America for someone to endorse which would have delayed my application by at least 2 more weeks.  Instead I was able to send off for my police check last week and it came back today.

And in case anyone wonders .......... It came back clear - no criminal record for me :)

Michelle

Interview Outcome

What a day!!!  I am so tired, more emotionally than physically, I think.

Anyway, the important news.  I have verbally been given my status of Permanent Resident and I believe your prayers made all the difference, so we thank you. 

The interview itself was horrible.  It didn't last long, but the interviewer was not impressed that I had been out of the country for more than a year and she proceeded to give me a mini lecture and then spent about 30 seconds 'um'ing and 'ah'ing about whether to allow me to return to the States. 

During those seconds (which felt like minutes) I was constantly praying and asking the Lord to let me return.  When she finally told me she would approve my application my whole body relaxed and I let out a huge sigh and thanked her.  But she was quick to inform me that I couldn't return just yet.  First I need to jump through a few more hoops (my interpretation of her words ;)


I need to obtain and fill out a whole bunch of paperwork, along with a police background check and a medical.  I have already begun working on my list and have my medical scheduled for the 11 August (for which I have to return to London).  Once all my paperwork is done (including the medical) then I have to return to London again for yet another interview.  If everything is in order then I should receive my visa, but if anything is wrong then my application could still be denied. 

 So, in short, I think we have jumped the biggest hurdle, but we are not out of the woods yet.  Therefore we would appreciate your continued prayers for this situation. 

Tonight I will sleep well,  thankful to my Heavenly Father for His kindness to us and for the many friends and family who have been praying for us, but I have to admit my heart is still heavy. I miss my husband and my boys and I struggle with not knowing when we will be together again.

Michelle

The Interview - 11am Tuesday (UK Time)

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is a big day here as I will be traveling to London to have my interview at the American Embassy and the outcome of the interview will determine when (and maybe even if ...) I am allowed to return to America as a Permanent Resident.


I have been asked how we have found ourselves in this position as I first received my 'Green card' (which by the way is not green at all!!) aka Permanent Resident Visa over 15 years ago.  Doesn't 'permanent' mean just that - forever!?   We would have thought so too, but we found out just before we left the States that if you are gone from the Country for any period over 1 year then you loose your right to automatically reenter.  Instead we have to ask for permission for me to return, proving that when I left I wasn't abandoning America and that I still have ties there.


In theory this interview should be straight forward.  We kept a bank account in the US while we were gone and retained membership and support of our local church yet, I have to admit I am nervous.  Nervous because we are dealing with governments and someone else is making the decision as to whether I can return and if so when.  Nervous because I want desperately to be with my husband and sons again (we have now been separated for 5 long weeks).


I often have to remind myself of the truth.  That God is in control of all.  That nothing is outside His sovereignty and control.   But I still find the butterflies creeping back in my stomach.


Please pray with us that the Lord will grant us favor tomorrow.  That I will be able to leave the US Embassy with clearance to return and that the Northcutts will be reunited soon.


Please also remember Jeremiah, Deanna, Elaina and Naomi in your prayers tomorrow as they are a little concerned about letting me out of their sight.   I think because their Dad has been gone so long they are concerned about something happening to me.  Elaina even offered to come to London with me in case I get lost in a crowd ?!!

Thank you ... and I promise to put a post up tomorrow evening (UK time) to let you know how things went.

A Gruffalo Hunt

The Cotswolds is a very beautiful area of England and there is a national trail that spans most of it's length of just over 100 miles. Elaina, Naomi and I would like to walk the length of it, but I think it's just a little too far for Jeremiah and Deanna. Maybe another time.

So we have resigned ourselves to just walking small sections. We started on Father's Day (when Gary was still with us) and walked from Chipping Campden. It was a great day, although when we were on our final stretch back to the car we noticed Jeremiah had lost his sweater. I was not about to retrace our 5 mile walk to look for it.

So yesterday we decided to go back to Dover's Hill and somehow, along the way, one of the kids thought the Gruffalo may be in the woods. So we went on a Gruffalo hunt. Deanna decided to impersonate the Gruffalo her own way.

We walked about 3 miles, enjoying the countryside,  perfect temperatures (about 75 degrees) and knowing that we wouldn't find any poisonous snakes in the grass was a treat.

We walked through meadows - trying not to disturb the sheep too much.

Down the 72 steps into the woods.

We looked high and low for the Gruffalo. Apparently, according to the kids, we saw evidence of him, such as footprints and play areas for the Gruffalo's child, but alas, no Gruffalo.

But what we did find was ....

... Jeremiah's sweater.  Thankfully someone had found it and hung it on a tree - maybe it was the Gruffalo!!!


Michelle