Our Newest Family Member-5 Months Home

Carline has been been home for almost 5 months. She has changed so much, it is hard to describe. She arrived here surrounded by a shell of independence. She did not want to rely on anyone for help. She wanted to do EVERYTHING "All by her self".  The shell of independence has slowly broken down.  She now prefers to ask for help and enjoys working along side of us rather than on her own. She was not used to someone guiding her and directing her all day long. She realized that she lacked the freedom that she used to have. Structure was hard for her. Power struggles were a daily obstacle. After about 2-3 months she settled into her new life with pride. She was proud to be 3, proud to have 2 loving brothers, proud to have a closet full of clothes, proud of her toothbrush, and proud of  black patent leather dress shoes.  She arrived from Haiti fearful of bedtime, fearful of dogs, fearful of adults. Carline is now confident around others, joyful around adults, and independent with bedtime. She lights up a room with her beautiful smile, her sweet voice, and magnificent spirit. She had us laughing at dinner time yesterday when we were trying to teach her how to eat corn on the Cobb. She couldn't believe that you just bit into it, and rip the kernels off with your teeth.  She preferred to add butter to the corn over and over, rather than eat it!
We thank you for your prayers and loving support. Many of you have asked if she knows English. Yes she knows 400+words and speaks in full sentences. It took her about two months before she "really started talking". She attends First Baptist Preschool on Tues/Thurs with her brother Levi. She has stayed overnight at a hotel 2 x, been to the Frist Art Museum, Chattanooga Aquarium, Nashville Zoo, Wilderness at Smokies Indoor Water Park, swimming at the YMCA and is learning to inline skate.  We are taking advantage of every opportunity that we have at our fingertips living here in the USA.  She missed out on so much that we take for granted. 
We thank God that he called us to adopt, and that we listened. May He continue to lead our family. 
Love,
Kristen and Chad

Life With Carline

Carline came to join the DeMura family on December 13, 2012. We were thrilled to have her home for Christmas. It was the best Christmas present we could ever imagine (besides Jesus)! She has been a bundle of energy and a lot of fun. She is amazed by light switches, fascinated by running water, and thrilled to brush her teeth. She loves to wasH her hands and flush the toilet. Her favorite thing to play with (and hold) are black dress shoes. She loves hair accessories and doing things "all by herself". She enjoys singing, and has belted out: Amazing Grace, If your Happy and You Know It, Jesus Loves Me, ABC's, & various other songs in Creole we don't understand. Upon arriving, she did not know a single word in English & now she knows a few. Landon & Levi have been wonderful brothers and have adjusted well to having a sister.
Thank you for sharing this journey with our family. Please continue to pray for Carline's transition to life in America & for her to feel like a valuable part of the DeMura family.
Love,
Kristen & Chad

The Time Has Come!!

Where do I begin?! God is so faithful. Our only Christmas wish just came true. Carline will be here for Christmas. We just found out a few hours ago that the final step in our adoption will take place on Tuesday December 4. This will be her visa appointment. We will not attend this appointment. We have a power of attorney representing us. It will take 2-3 days to have her visa printed and for us to receive an exit letter from Haiti. We will look for plane tickets tonight! We are beyond thrilled & so greateful.  Tonight, we raise our hands and shout it from the rooftops "thank you Lord, your love endures forever!"
The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still. Exodus 14:14
Thank you for your love and support & and for standing by our side on this journey!

Carline is 3 & has a Passport

   Hello friends and family. Carline turned three this past Friday October 26. It was a hard to think back to last year when we thought she would be home for her 3 rd birthday. Well, we realize this was not God's plan for her or His timing. So we patiently wait and trust in HIM. Every hour of the day I remind myself and give myself pep talks, saying " trust God and know that he already knows the day Carline will come home".  
   I have been checking my emails like a crazy person, checking for news of Carline's passport being printed. We were in the last step (MOI) for two weeks.  Today was the day we received news that Carline has a passport!! Her paperwork will now move onto the US embassy where she will receive a Visa.   
   Everyone asks how long until you bring her home??  There is no timeline when it comes to Haitian adoptions. It could take 1-2 more months. But, we are joyful that the end is in sight!
Please pray specifically:
1. Our case is reviewed and approved by the US embassy. 
2. We receive a quick date for her visa appointment 
3. We bring Carline home before Christmas. 
Thank you for your love and support. 
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Passport Soon?!

Hello friends and family! We received some great news on Friday. Carline's dossier (documents) have moved one step closer.....to bringing her home. Her dossier is in MOI which is the stage of passports. This is the second to last big step to bringing her home to Tennessee. The next step is Visa ( & there are some small steps inbetween). In the meantime, we will continue to anticipate her arrival. Levi always remembers Carline when he asks for an extra sucker for her at the bank, or exrta sticker from Kroger, or a bible verse of the day from the YMCA. He always asks " Can I save this for Carline".  He is so thoughtful. Landon remembers her when he includes her in a drawing of his family at school or when he asks..." Do you think Carline has ever had a drink box, Popsicle etc....Our family can not wait to feel complete. At each holiday or birthday Chad and I usually say, "Next year Carline will be here to join us in the celebration". The "wait" has taught us the true meaning of patience. 
We are so thankful that Carline started preschool last month.  School allows her to leave her tiny hot room and go upstairs to the upper level, where a couple of small rooms have been transformed into a classroom.  We are giving thanks to God that she has this opportunity. They stand in line outside in the courtyard in the AM and raise the Haitian flag while singing their national anthem. They then head into a small classroom, with basic supplies, and begin their day. The children of Haiti take pride in attending school, because it is a privilege. Carline wears a blue school uniform with dress black shoes. Some of you have asked, where does the adoption money go? Part of it goes to having a school at the orphanage, and paying the teachers who come in from the community to teach.
Please join us in prayer for these specific things:
1. God will surround and protect Carline and her friends at the orphanage.
2. Our dossier will move quickly through MOI ( it has taken others 3wks to 3 months).
3. We will bring her home this year!!
Lord, hear my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me.  My heart says this about you, " You are to seek my face." Lord I will seek your face.  Psalm 27: 7-8

Patiently Waiting

My mom and I had a wonderful trip to Haiti the first week in May. We visited the US Embassy to file I600 paperwork, met with the judge for upper court, and received presidential dispensation. It was a really productive wk, and my mom speaks fluent French which was so helpful. Carline was doing wonderful. She is growing and looking more and more beautiful each time I see her. We heard her sing the ABC's in French, which was adorable. She did not talk to us much, but when she was around the other orphans we heard her speak in creole. She loved playing with nesting cups and the peg board. She likes activities that required a lot of thinking and " figuring things out".
    The most upsetting part of the trip was the condition of her room. It was difficult to imagine her day to day living in here. She continues to sleep with girls 3yrs and under, in a crib. Almost every child sleeps in a crib even the 10 yr olds. They were building bunk beds when we left, not sure if they will be for the nannies or older kids. Back to her room....it is extremely damp, hot and stinky. There is no fan or circulation and it is 95 out. So imagine 15 babies in cloth diapers in a small room with no airflow. This may give u a hint of what the room is like. I try to stay positive, knowing that God is in control and this is His plan for this part of Carline's life. She seems happy at the crèche and knows no different. She has friends, is social, and is in good health. We give Him thanks for this.
      We found out on July 19, that we are out of the "Parquet" stage of adoption and we will be moving onto MOI. It is my understanding that after we exit MOI, Carline will have a passport and the visa step is next.
      I am reading the book "Shattered Dreams" by Larry Crab "Shattered dreams are the prelude to joy. Always. In the middle of our pain,God is working for our joy. At some point, He works in ways we can see." ( I like this quote bc it reminds me that I can't always see what God is doing.)
"It's the happiness of serving a God we trust enough to let us cry today, knowing He has promised to wipe our eyes tomorrow."
Thank you for your prayers and loving support!

Finally Some Good News

I have not posted in a while because I have felt discouraged. Our adoption has not moved a step forward since last May. We had been hoping to travel for upper and lower court in the fall, but heard no news. So we decided to go to Haiti for a little get away and our 9 yr anniversary. Chad and I enjoyed an amazing trip to Haiti in January! We spent some wonderful quality time with Carline. We have been in prayer daily for our paperwork to exit IBESR. Basically our paperwork has been in the same Haitian office(IBESR) for eleven months. Other families have waited 2-6 months and in extreme cases 12 months to exit this office. I have often wondered if our paperwork was lost, not knowing anything for 11 months was painful. We are not able to move to the next step until we exited IBESR...Well today the awaited news came.....WE ARE OUT of IBESR!!! We are now waiting for presidential dispensation. There are still many months ahead of us on this adoption journey. I am just so thankful to hear that we have taken a small step forward.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
I am trying to remember that when we are in a period of waiting, God is doing work in me.

Photo Card

Cane Stripe Christmas

Shop Shutterfly for beautiful photo Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Videos of Carline Saying Family Names

**remember to pause music in order to hear videos**(go to bottom of blog)

I made a family photo album for Carline...She loved looking at the pictures

MiMi and Carline

Big Brother Landon

Meeting Carline for the first time

My mom and I had an amazing trip to Haiti. We got to meet Carline for the first time. It was an unbelievable feeling. It is so hard to describe, but I felt really connected to her instantly. She was so kind, calm and trusting.
We arrived at 7pm on a Friday. Her caretaker brought Carline to us & sat her on our lap. She sat quietly & watched us contently. We took her back to our room, bathed her and put on fresh pjs. She went right to sleep clutching 2 bath toys that she did not want to put down. She woke up each day with a big smile on her face, glad that we were still there. As we got to know Carline more and more each day, we learned that she likes to discover new things and explore new toys. She loved looking pretty and wanted to keep on shoes, hair bows and necklaces. If she wasn't wearing her shoes she would carry them with her.  She love to hold a snack by herself and was very playful. She loved to sing songs, dance, and hold hands.
The guest house and the orphanage are on the same property. We bounced back and forth b/w the two. We stayed in the 5 th floor, & had a beautiful view from our balcony of the Haitian mountains. The guest house is a 1 hr drive up the mountain from downtown PAP. PAP still looks devastated from the earthquake with tent cities, garbage, and poverty in every direction.
During our stay we helped feed the orphans, played with them, and gave them lots of the donations that we brought with us. Most importantly I got to know my new daughter and was able to form a bond with her that will continue to grow.  One thing I wish we had brought was school supplies. The children begin school at age 3. The school is located on the 3rd floor of the orphanage; the teachers come in from the surrounding community to teach.  Chalk and chalk boards were their only supplies.  There were about 80 children at the orphange and so many were being adopted. We even met this boy there (who was about 12yrs old) who told us he was Carline's uncle, and Dr. Bernard verified that they had the same last name.
Leaving Carline on our last night was one of the saddest things I have ever had to do. Words can not explain how difficult it was to say goodbye, knowing that at 2yrs old, she would not understand why I was leaving.

There is a Pool for the missionaries... The guest house holds over 80 people!

Carline played with this one toy for hours and never got bored!

MiMi and her new grandaughter

Goodnight my sweetheart

I love you Carline, can't wait till you are in my arms forever!!

**Health update: Carline's intestinal worms were gone.  Praise God! Thank you Betsy for treating her on your trip to Haiti last month.**

We have 2 prayer requests: 1st Carline had Scabies on her legs.  I treated her for them while I was there. We are praying that she is healed from scabies and that her open wounds(from scratching) don't get infected.

2nd Prayer Request...Our paperwork is still in IBESR Haitian Social services. It has been since May. Please pray that it is signed/stamed very soon so that we can move onto the next step in the adoption process.

Thank you for your love and support!

Kristen and Chad DeMura

Headed to Haiti...

I will be meeting Carline for the very first time in FOUR days! Let the countdown begin. My mom and I are flying to Port Au Prince on Friday. I am more than excited. Please pray for safe travels and that Carline is not frightened of us. I hope that she will be able to warm up quickly to my mom and I.  We will stay from Friday until Tuesday at the Bethel Guest House which is attached to Carline's orphanage. We are bringing a TON of stuff including 100 toothbrushes, toothpaste, formula, rice cereals, baby food, shoes and clothes for the kids, and fun toys too. My spare bedroom (soon to be Carline's room) is about to explode, with things going to Haiti! Can't wait!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Carline!

Carline's 2nd birthday is on October 26. Happy Birthday Carline! We pray that we will be meeting you soon! This is the first time we have really seen her smile. What a cutie.

(above)We sent a picture collage and laminated it. Our friend Emily tied it to her crib. You can see the edge of the pictures behind her ear. We also sent down the aquarium toy a few months ago, which is on the left side of her crib.

This picture is my favorite! I think Carline's eyes look beautiful.

We have a prayer request.... It is suspected that Carline has worms/a parasite. We have been told by friends that her stomach is very distended and has gotten worse. We hope to send medicine down with a friend traveling next month. Please pray that Carline is healed from parasites and that she is able to stay healthy.
Thank you for your love and support!
Quote from David Nasser :" God calls us to do things that are not in our "plan" or oun our calendar. He wants us to be stretched in our faith. It may not make sence at the time, but God has a great plan. Don't "inch" you way to what God tells you to do, RUN...and don't over think it."

September photo from New Life Link

 

New September Photo of Carline: 23 Months.

                                                  August 2011 Carline is 22 months!

Summer Pictures of Carline

Erica Ho visits New Life Link Orphanage(with Long Hollow Team) and gets to hold Carline!

Lisa and I went on a mission trip to Haiti together last summer. She returns to Haiti and gets to meet Carline on her way through Port Au Prince. 

Babies at New Life Link getting a bath.....

Status Update: Carline's paperwork had been in IBESR (Haitian Social Services) for 2 1/2 months. As soon as her paperwork is out of IBESR, we will travel to go to upper and lower court. We will get to meet her for the first time!
"For with God nothing will be impossible." Luke 1:37

One Less Orphan in Haiti......

"For nothing will be impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

Carline resting on a missionary's lap

My friend Emily just returned from Carline's orphanange(New Life Link) in Haiti.  She took photos and videos of Carline for us.  It just brings joy to our hearts, to hear first hand details, about Carline.  We are estatic to know that her needs are being met, while we can not be there for her physically.  We are there with her in spirit and pray for her daily. We can't wait for her to become a part of our family.

Just came across some of these Haitian facts:
• In Haiti alone, there are 490,000 orphans.
• In addition, 300,000 children are in slavery.
• One in seven children in Haiti dies before their 5th birthday - mostly of preventable diseases
     We are humbled at these numbers, and thankful that we will be changing the life of a child in need.

We sent Carline a family photobook with captions in Haitian Creole.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress."                                    James 1:27


New Picture!

We received a new picture if Carline today, taken by a missionary last wk.  She is almost 20 months. It is so nice to see a smile on her face!  We can't wait to meet her.

Our fundraising garage sale was a huge success.  We owe Haiti an installment of $7000 in several months, and we have almost reached that during the past two weekends of garage sale, car wash, & monetary donations.  We are so thankful for all of those who donated items, helped sort, organized, cleaned up and volunteered at the sale. Honestly, we couldn't have done it without you!  It was definitely a team effort.
My favorite verse: "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to proper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future...Jeremiah 29:11

Bringing Her Home...Garage Sale Round 2: June 3 and 4 @7am

Last weekend was a huge success.  However we still have tons of great items.  We have also been receiving new donations all week, including : kitchen table and chairs, desks, end tables, patio table, outside bench, wine cooler chair and ottoman, and tons of clothes.  Please come and check out the sale this weekend and have a treat at the yummy bake sale.  Hope to see you .  Thank you for your love and support!
We live in the Maples which is in near the Sears outlet.
129 Judson Drive (take bonita parkway to waterview, left on waterview, right into eagles run sub, right on judson)

P.S. update on carline- her paperwork entered IBESR which is the first phase in the Haitian Gvt.  As soon as her paperwork is out if IBESR we will be traveling to meet her and attend court.

Fundraising Garage Sale with Bounce House

Things are crazy here at the DeMura Home.  I am sorting and pricing 1,000s of items.  I am so thankful for all of these donations. Please come out and visit our garage sale Friday May 27- Saturday May 28 at 7am. We will have a bounce house for the kids to jump on , a bake sale and TONS of items.  The kids clothes are awesome and NAME BRAND (abercrombie, gymboree,Limited too, justice, stride rite, Gap, hollister...). I feel like I am hosting my own private consignment sale!  There is so much stuff i don't know where to put it!!
Please come out and support us.  129 Judson Drive near Sears Outlet/Food Lion. Hope to see you . Please spread the word.

We Are Excited to Announce.......

DearFamilyandFriends,                                                                  

We are excited to announce the adoption of an 18 month old Haitian orphan named Carline.  We were matched with this precious little girl on April 28^th.  We are filled with joy and excitement!  You are receiving this letter because you have been a special part of our lives over the years.  It has been estimated that the process will take an additional year.  We will be required to travel to Port-au-Prince, Haiti at least two times (once for court and once to bring her home).

We want to thank you for your love and support since last November, when we announced that we were adopting.  We have coveted your prayers.  We also appreciate those that have purchased coffee at www.justlovecoffee.com/thedemuras

$5 from each bag purchased has gone directly to our adoption fund. 

We want to specifically ask you to pray for the following things over the next few months….

1. Please pray that nannies and missionaries will nurture Carline with loving kindness.
2. Please pray that God will provide us with the funds ($20K) to bring Carline home.
3. Please pray that our paperwork moves through the Haitian Government effectively with ease.

If you feel led to support us financially, we have a tax deductible adoption fund set up through “Lifesong For Orphans” between now and July 1^st.

Please make checks payable to LIFESONG. In the memo section please write “preference DeMura #1909 Adoption”.

Mail Check to:

Lifesong for Orphans

Po Box

40/202 N. Ford Street

Gridley, IL 61744                                                   

With Love, Chad, Kristen, Landon, Levi & Carline

           "Every good and perfect gift is from above."

                                        James 1:17

Adoption Garage Sale

We have set a date for our Adoption Fundraising Garage Sale: Friday May 27 & Saturday May 28.  If you have ANY items that you would like to donate, please drop them off on my covered front porch at anytime.  We live at 129 Judson Drive, in the Maples (near Sears Outlet/Food Lion).  We appreciate any and all donations!!  If you would like us to come pick them up, leave a comment and I will contact you or email me at kristendemura@hotmail.com.
P.S. We are still patiently awaiting our referral.