The Hahn Family Blog

2015 waiting video

2015-08-10T08:45:00.001-07:00

This video gets me. every. time. I'm overwhelmed with God's goodness and mercy that He has poured out in my life. He gives out of His character and His plan, not because we deserve or have a right to anything. And blessings overflow down to all of us because He has an abundance of goodness. His mercy in our lives may not manifest in the same way (or even the way we desire) but we can be assured that His grace rests upon every one us...“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” -Psalm 145:9

do differently

2015-07-14T10:18:00.001-07:00

Lately I've had the pleasure to visit with many who have been blessed with more years than I...and that meant listening to wisdom that comes from walking this earth longer. It seemed a recurrent theme was - "If I were to do it over again, " I soaked it all in, gleaning what I could through a Christ-centered world view. It was great! And my heart was moved to ponder; what can I change now so that I will regret less? What are the glaring logs in my eye that I'm seemingly blind to? What can I change by His grace now, so that I will have one less on the list when I say~ If I were to do it over again...? Because my time here is short, and sooner than later I'll be the one that's walked longer than most. I want my life to reflect His shining glory and love. Because it's all about the Lord Jesus, always has been {even the years before I realized it} and always will be.

I leave you with this song, I adore it. He speaks to a younger version of himself and tells him what he would do differently. It resinates... enjoy and let us fix our eyes on Him. I'm certain as we do, that all these things will fall into place as He leads and guides.

thank you!

2015-07-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

We wanted to extend a huge thanks to all who supported us through the tee shirt fundraiser! We sold 32 shirts {well, 35 if you count the ones bought for our family} and are excited to see them out and about around us : ) We appreciate the generosity from our family, friends and even complete strangers-

pure mercy

2015-05-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Friends, again we are humbled by God's goodness and mercy-- remember waaaay back when we were accepted by The MICAH Fund? And yall's generosity + the MICAH Fund helped us finance our first adoption?! Well, great news again! The wonderful people at the MICAH Fund are partnering with us a second time to match donations up to $4,000. Mmhmm, $4,000!!!

The MICAH Fund has joined up with Pure Charity to make it easier for families to fundraise online. We have a direct profile where donations can be made. If mailing a regular ol' check sounds easier, it's not :) Pure Charity does accept donations in that manner however, this number 5855-3638-4583 must be on the memo line to designate funds to our family. You can mail checks to:

Pure Charity

PO Box 1234

Searcy, AR 72145

If you feel led to contribute to bring our baby home, we gratefully thank you in advance! We're taking this adoption one step at a time and this is one giant step...

big news

2015-04-22T10:25:00.001-07:00

It's here-- our newest home study. We rest in God's faithfulness as we begin another adoption journey.

And boy, are we excited!!

action

2015-02-01T13:33:00.001-08:00

I had originally shared a quote for this post but had a thought that given the purpose of this blog- in short, adoption-- maybe the choice of words wasn't the wisest. So, I leave you with another that conveys the same encouragement:

Knowing is not enough; we must apply what we know; being willing is not enough, we must do.

- Johann von Goethe

do the next thing

2014-09-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

There is not enough time in the day. It seems when there are little children in the home, there is half of 'not enough time in the day'. {And yet the years fly by!!} Some days are a struggle to keep on top of things. I remember when Sweet P came home I constantly had the feeling of barely keeping my nose above water- drowning in tasks of every day life. It's easy to look around and think, where do I even begin? There's too much to do in too many places. My flesh says, forget it! Bury your head in the sand- you're helpless. But we can't. we. must. keep. going. As mothers, the well being of our family largely depends on us and as followers of Christ, it's required of us to keep pressing on. I found this script from a radio program featuring Elisabeth Elliot extremely encouraging when the task ahead is more than I feel I can bear. {When you can sneak 5 minutes away from your too short day, read and soak in all the wisdom she shares in her interview- it's well worth it.} She quotes a short poem-

"Do it immediately, do it with prayer, do it reliantly, casting all care. Do it with reverence, tracing His hand who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing, leave all resultings, do the next thing."

their world

2014-06-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

The world may not change if you adopt a child. But for that child, their world will change.

one year

2014-01-20T15:43:00.000-08:00

Though our navigation through the whole adoption/placement process was fairly smooth, there were twists and turns and turmoil in my heart along the way. But God {doesn't that phrase just thrill your soul!?} was steadfast and faithful. He was my Rock, Comforter, and Forgiver through the last couple years when my faith faltered, my strength gave way or I flat out disobeyed. Today as our daughter turns one, I rejoice in who God is, that He has brought us thus far and give Him thanks for this precious gift.

Our video tribute

And as my heart overflows in thanksgiving, I remember that this might not be a day of rejoicing for some. That it may stir up different types of memories and emotions- may the Lord be their Rock and Comforter in need as well.

giving

2013-12-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

Some of you might remember the picture of this little cutie I had on our blog a while back:

Through the amazing MICAH Fund and loving, generous family, friends and "strangers" we were able to finance a large chunk of our adoption. The organization exists to glorify God by promoting the adoption of American black and black biracial infants and children by providing financial grants for qualified couples in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas.
Now through December 31st, all donations to the MICAH Fund will be matched by a donor...dollar for dollar up to 25K! They ask that we prayerfully consider giving to fully utilize this tremendous gift from that donor. So, let's dig a little deeper and give sacrificially as "whatever you do, work {give}heartily as for the Lord and not for men."
As a family blessed by the MICAH Fund, I can attest to how valuable and essential this ministry is. We're eternally grateful to them and you as we watch our little SweetPea grow~ answered prayer before our eyes.

it's fall!

2013-09-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

-or in our house, the most wonderful time of the year! We love the fall season around here. We celebrate our firstborn's birthday and our anniversary, hunting season begins and I bake, bake, bake. With all the pumpkin recipes floating around I decided to share my bread recipe instead of something seasonal. It's the only bread recipe I make anymore...no more dead duck day in our house.

This recipe uses a bread machine-
Add ingredients to pan in order listed, set machine to dough cycle and start:
-1 cup milk, lukewarm
-1/4 cup water
-3 tablespoons butter, soft and cut into pieces
-2 tablespoons coconut oil (can use butter)
-2 tablespoons sugar
-1 1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 cup whole wheat flour
-2 1/2 cups bread flour
-1/2 cup wheat germ
-1 tablespoon wheat gluten (can skip but really improves texture)
-2 teaspoons or 1 pkg yeast

When cycle has finished, punch down and divide dough in two. Let dough rise in buttered loaf pans until doubled in size and bake at 350* for 18-20 minutes- tops should be golden. I brush butter over the tops when they come out of the oven to keep the crust chewy. Cool in the pans for about 30 minutes, then turn out on a cooling rack. If you have will power, do not cut until completely cooled. Otherwise slice and serve warm with that new pumpkin butter recipe you've found :) As my son says, dee-yish-ish!

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall not thirst".

sweet P's birth story

2013-07-23T20:14:00.001-07:00

Our baby turned 6 months this past weekend- what better way to celebrate than to share her birth day story!

On that Sunday morning at 7:30, I received a text from our agency- 'her water broke call you in 10 minutes! ' Aaaahhh- the day was finally here! We had been told for the past 2 weeks that she would not make it to the due date and had packed and set everything by the door, ready to be thrown in the van. After a frantic rush to get dressed and about 10 oh goodness-es, I got the kiddos up and joined the hubs in the van. Off we went, offering thanksgiving that the call came at the most opportune time- all were at home, well rested and we were able to get on the road in a half hour.
I was also praying we would make it in time for delivery. We didn't want her to have a long labor but were sure hoping it would be just long enough for us to be there when sweet P was born. We texted back and forth with our case worker (who was the best! ) for updates and to let her know how far out we were. The kids were absolute champs during the long car ride. Everyone was excited to get there!
We made it- her birthmother was still laboring when we arrived! Such a blessing. My mom was able to meet us at the hospital and take the kids to the hotel. Then we spent the next two hours visiting with her birthmother waiting for delivery time; precious moments those were. At 11:45 pm I heard our girl's first cries and saw her adorable smushed face :) Surreal is the only word that comes close to describing it. She was perfect at 7# 8 oz and 20" long.
We stayed in a room with sweet P at the hospital, caring for her from the start. We had more time the next day to spend with her birthmother. My mom, sister, Gramma, miss M and UJ were so happy to have the chance meet her. (My sister and grandma were visiting my mom at the time- bonus! )
We spent 12 days in state until the adoption was finalized in court. We were able to spend another afternoon with her birthmother during that time and really enjoyed getting to meet her birthfather over breakfast before we left. Those two will forever be in our hearts and we are so thankful for the brief moments we had with them. We left as changed people and the parents of three.
The Lord paved this path for us in ways that we could not have imagined. It was a time of many emotions, but never once fear or anxiety. He gave us strength to believe that He indeed does work all things out for good for those who love Him. Psalm 9:1 says, I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. And that's why I share this story. Though adoption is complicated and there are many different stances, one fact remains. Jesus Christ died so that we could be adopted into God's family, born again as sons and daughters of the Most High. That adoption is all together miraculous and the best -most perfect- thing that could happen to anyone. Physical adoption of children, while a beautiful picture of spiritual adoption, is not the "best thing" that could happen to a child, but it is a large necessary part of solutions in a sin-marred world where things are far from perfect. We don't rejoice that certain events took place that caused sweet P to become our daughter- but we do rejoice that she is.

Independence Day

2013-07-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

We love the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. In fact, I even have some pictures of "Mary" and "Pa" driving a team of stuffed horses from the table- er, wagon. Enjoy some of Laura's wisdom with us this Fourth of July-
The Declaration and the song came together in her mind, and she thought: God is America's king. She thought: Americans won't obey any king on earth. Americans are free. That means they have to obey their own consciences...

This is what it means to be free. It means, you have to be good. "Our father's God, author of liberty—" The laws of Nature and of Nature's God endow you with a right to life and liberty. Then you have to keep the laws of God, for God's law is the only thing that gives you a right to be free.

Laura Ingalls

July 4th, 1881

Little Town on the Prairie

three sizes

2013-06-11T05:50:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been praying that the Lord would grow my heart. Meaning, help me to love more- love deeper those I already do, increase my love for the unlovable, help me to sacrifice more out of love. As thoughts raced, two things stuck. (Okay, three if I include the conviction that I'm really failing in these areas.)

#1 Remember the Grinch? His heart was two sizes too small but at the end of the story, it grew three sizes in one day :) A literal picture of a heart growing to fit more in.

#2 I have been following another adoptive mom's story lately as they seek embryo adoption and the name of her blog came to mind: Room For More. Mind you, they have 5 children and completed an adoption already.

What 'more' looks like will differ for us all. For some, it may not even be more. It may just be that we might not grow weary in what our hearts are already invested in. But, can we do more out of love? Open our doors wide with hospitality, sacrifice 'our' time for serving our church family, make tangible effort to show love to those who do not love us, care more deeply and sacrificially for orphans and children in need of families. By His grace I can, remembering CT Studd's admonition- only one life twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.

Well, in Whoville they say - that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day.

may He grant your petition

2013-05-25T20:13:00.001-07:00

Last year at this time our dear friends came to visit. The two things I remember vividly from their time here- how beautiful she looked pregnant and our time of prayer before they took off for home.
We were standing in the garage saying our goodbyes. You know that bittersweet moment when you're thankful for the time you had together but sad to see it end and no one really wants to get in the car so you pause for a moment, just looking at each other? She broke the silence saying she thought God would have brought us our son or daughter by then. For the last seven months we had been waiting for a birthmother to choose our family. Can we pray for this? she asked. That time of prayer was powerful and sweet as all four of us petitioned before God. Hope filled our hearts that He had given ear to our prayer as our friends drove away.
Then day after day, it appeared that He had not answered that prayer. We waited and waited, prayed and prayed. When we were matched five months later, we rejoiced! So He made us wait for our desired answer for months- He is good and His timing is perfect- no big deal. However, judging from the due date, our baby had her beginnings right around that precious time of prayer with our friends. Our prayer had been answered in the way we had hoped months ago- when we had prayed- we just weren't aware of it.
I encourage all of you who are waiting for answered prayer, trust Him, hope in Him. Our eyes cannot always see the mountains He is moving right at the moment our lips are asking. It may take days, months or years to see the fruit of our prayer. We can rest knowing He is faithful.
“Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to Him.”

1 Samuel 1:17

bring him home

2013-05-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

A sister shared a video with me about a couple adopting from Uganda. Things have moved along very quickly (yay for them !) and because of the way the courts operate in Africa, they would like to raise the remainder of funds in the next 2 weeks. Such a great idea they propose here as they ask for just $2 from each viewer and that you would share with 25 friends. Here's to hoping 25 reader friends will see this post and help this family bring their son home :)

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

happy mother's day

2013-05-07T17:18:00.003-07:00

I think this song by Keith & Kristyn Getty is very much the prayer of every believing mother- whether her child is showering her with love today, waiting for the day to come home to her 'forever' or still growing in the womb. I feel safe saying, it is even what we pray for our children that He has yet to give. What a blessed gift, this role of mama- Happy Mother's Day!

brownies

2013-03-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

My husband ~~says~~ said nothing beats a box as far as brownies go. I agreed; we loved the red box. Chewy and fudgey... no cakey brownies in our house and especially no frosting or nuts. We're purists : )
In an effort that began last year to eat "from scratch", I started my search for homemade brownie recipes that could compare to our favorite. After a few attempts -and failures- we were visiting my mom's bakery. She had the best brownie recipe, even the hubs couldn't say anything bad about them. A tiny tweak here and there (she added nuts) and this is our go to recipe.

BROWNIES
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (I use unrefined, refined works as does butter if not on hand)
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 3/4 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups flour

-Melt butter and coconut oil. Sift cocoa into mixing bowl, add butter mixture, eggs, vanilla, salt and sugar. Stir until smooth. Add flour, stirring until just combined. Bake at 350* in a 9x13 pan for about 30 minutes.

We tend to eat them warm with Breyer's vanilla bean ice cream... definitely a favorite dessert.


Who wants to see a picture of brownies when you could see this precious face? At 2 months, she's full of sweet smiles!

a big day

2013-03-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

The first day of March was an exciting one! For the last month our little guy has been telling everyone, "I'm almost three but for now I'm two!" March 1st came and he could no longer say 'almost'. He woke up singing 'happy birthday' to himself and the fun began.

happy birthday precious UJ !

*fun day*

Sweet P enjoying the water park

Mater birthday

After all the birthday festivities were over, Miss M decided today would be the day to finally get that loose tooth out. A little floss, a tug, a pop and it was over... kind of. Once the blood was noticed, panic set in and the tears flowed. Don't worry, eventually she was thrilled.

after the drama was over, all smiles

Sigh, what a wonderful day with our children, a blessed time of memories. We are indeed thankful. May the Lord use our family for His glory!

"May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace" Psalm 144:12

blessed

2013-02-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

I've been procrastinating. How does one possibly capture the shower of blessings we've experienced the last 2 weeks in one post? As much thought as I've given, all I can come up with are the words to a favorite hymn.

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

Not because our prayers were mighty, some prayers were never even uttered. Not because the issues at hand were big, even the smallest details were brought to fruition. Not because we are special or good; we do not deserve anything much less this precious gift. No, it can only be because the LORD is good, He gives out of His goodness, to see His will fulfilled. All we can do is humbly bow our heads with immeasurable thankfulness and praise Him. We are now a family of five, baby P is settling in nicely. She is precious.

"I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord,
the praises of the Lord,
according to all that the Lord has granted us...according to the abundance of his steadfast love."

Isaiah 63:7

Jehovah-Jireh

2013-01-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

The day we've been anticipating- your prayers are appreciated.

New Days and New Paths

"You have not passed this way before!" Joshua 3:4

"Abraham named the place Jehovah-Jireh (which means 'the LORD will provide')" Genesis 22:14

As you begin meditating on this verse, write deep in your heart this word with the strongest confidence: Jehovah-Jireh. This name tells you that you can trust God always, that no promise of His ever fails, that He does all things well, and that out of all seeming loss and destruction of human hopes, He brings blessing.
You have not passed this way before. There will be both sorrows and joys, both failures and successes. You cannot predict your future experiences. You cannot see the next step before your feet. Yet Jehovah-Jireh calls you to trust Him calmly. He bids you put away all anxieties and foreboding, because the Lord will provide!

-- J. R. Miller

oops, sorry about your toes

2013-01-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

This post has been brewing for a while. I've been in avoidance mode. I've heard critical thoughts regarding adoptive parents ... they all think adoption is the only way to build a family, they only ever talk about adoption and they think everyone should adopt. Well, here I go. I'm going to tell all you to adopt :)
Have I done this before? I truly only want to encourage, to say- if the Lord is opening your heart to adoption, don't shut Him out. Last Sunday, that is what the message for us presented clearly. Do not let your ears become dull to His prompting. For me, that means speak up. For you...?

Today was the last straw. An agency emailed a list of waiting children. I scrolled down the list of short descriptions for each child waiting for a family. The last one on the list: a two year old boy. He has been given the same name as our two year old son. A name that is not common or trendy, or coincidental. A name that hit home. A name that made him and the rest of those children on the list very, very real. I broke. I want to rouse hearts that have already been awakened to adoption. Fight dullness and heed if He is telling you to move. Obediently open your hearts and home to children like U . They say he loves loud toys, hugs, cuddles and tickles- melts my heart.
No, adoption is not the only, nor do I claim superior, way to build families. Yes, it is a financial sacrifice. Yes, there will be many unknowns. Yes, it is hard. No, the Lord does not call everyone to adopt. But is He speaking to you?

"Indeed God speaks once, or twice, yet no one notices it." Job 33:14

a couple things

2012-12-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share that Paypal is offering to match 1 % of all donations to charitable events now through the 31st! How awesome!! Organizations must have a 501(c)3 to qualify. A few favorites of ours HeartCry Missionary Society, Gospel for Asia, Lifesong for Orphans, and Sole Hope. Or, if you're interested in supporting 'locally', the MICAH Fund is also qualified and can be designated to support our adoption. So, make the most of this offer and support where the Lord would lead. We certainly are going to.
... have you heard about the law passed in Russia? President Putin signed a bill that includes measures to ban all Russian adoptions by Americans. Heartbreaking to think of, especially after reading about the conditions in orphanages there. And the families that are in the process of bringing their children home... Much prayer is needed for all.
It's disheartening to hear the callous responses to the news. People stating this is a good thing, now we (Americans) will start taking care of "our own", adopting domestically instead. Or the only reason adoption from Russia is popular is because the children will be blonde and blue eyed. So wrong. Judgement should not be passed on what the Lord's will is for an adoptive family. Just as He ordains what child is born into a family, He does for a child that is adopted. If the child He has for a family is across the ocean, then we trust in His perfect plan. The other argument falls through as well; American international adoptions are mostly from China followed by Ethiopia.... definitely not seeking blondes and blue eyed babies from those areas of the world.
After hearing these responses, I remembered a story by an adoptive parent. They had been questioned why they went so far away to adopt when there are many children in the U.S. that need a home. He asked the questioner if her convictions about American children had led her to do anything about the need. She dropped the issue after responding "no". If we belong to the Lord, we have a heart for the things He does. Orphans- no matter if they are born in the U.S., in the foster system or a distant land. How we demonstrate His love will look different for each of us. But they all have a need and we all can bring it before the Father who created them and loves them more than we can imagine. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son..."

wait for it

2012-12-12T20:29:00.001-08:00

Waiting once you have been matched.... it's still waiting, not quite so, hmmm... sanctifying, but it is still waiting.

We're getting the last details ready around here. The little pops of gender appropriate color in the nursery, new carseat cover finally sewn, newborn clothes unpacked and waiting to be washed. Still thankful for the time for lots of prayers for all involved. Sometimes it helps to read what those that are past the waiting period are up to. I came across this post on Give1 Save1. This family was once featured and she posted this to encourage those who are still waiting. I wanted to pass it along to those of you who are waiting on the Lord.

"and the Lord answered me. Write the vision, make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time, it hastens to the end- it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not delay." Habbakkuk 2:2-3

By...

2012-12-02T18:12:00.000-08:00

This stuck with me all day after hearing it in church service this morning.

"By repentance, we cast away our weapons of rebellion; and by faith, we give and devote ourselves to Jesus Christ as His peculiar people."

And to that I add, by grace you are saved.