A windy day ...
... makes drying the laundry ...
EASY!!!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
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 -
What more can I say? :)
Michelle
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!"
Michelle
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
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.
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
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
Saturday, October 9, 2010
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
Friday, October 8, 2010
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
"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
Thursday, October 7, 2010
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
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
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
GARY
Monday, October 4, 2010
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
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
Saturday, October 2, 2010
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
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
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