I'm Back

After an absence of almost 4 months I have decided to return to the blog. I have seriously considered letting it lapse totally, but over the last few weeks I have had several people contact us - wanting to know what is going on and what we are up to.

After prayer and much thought I have decided to write again and here are my reasons why.

Firstly, to have an opportunity to publicly give God the glory for the great things He has done (and will continue to do) and secondly, to keep family and friends (now around the world) updated on what's going on in the life of the Northcutt family.

I cannot promise how regular my posts will be (or how interesting!) but when there is news or a picture that is just to cute to keep to ourselves - I will share with you. So keep watching as the first installment will be posted in a day or two.

Thank you to all that have held us in your prayers over the last few months - they have been much appreciated.

Michelle

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