#3: HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU?

We want to thank all of our family, friends, and acquaintances for taking an interest in our lives, and for asking some really good questions. We think good questions deserve good explanations. These weeks we are posting the top 10 questions you are asking and our responses. Feel free to message us questions you may have. They may just make the top 10 :)

Question #3: HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU?

Ready to get your prayer on? We are so glad some of you are asking us!! In some ways it would be easier to simply blog the highlights and happy stories that people want to read, but it would be superficial if we did not also be vulnerable with you and let you in on some of things we need your prayers on. We are only kidding ourselves if we assume we can be on this adoption and ministry journey on our own strength. We truly appreciate your prayer support and hope you recognize the blessings God pours out on you as you partner with us in prayer. 

1) WISDOM: 

King Solomon was onto something when he pleaded with God for wisdom... "But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 
We are not political leaders, like Solomon, but we are called to bring leadership and movement within the Canadian Church for the cause of waiting children and adoptive/fostering families. This. is. not. humanly. possible. without the guidance and wisdom from God. We need it, and we would love it if you interceded on our behalf as we plan, meet, research, advocate, speak and bring direction to the forming non-profit.

2) PROVISION:

We can certainly agree with the Psalmist (23) that "the Lord is our Shepherd, (we) shall not want." We have it good. We eat. We are relatively warm in this frigid weather (-34C to be exact). We have a roof over our heads. We are surrounded by a supportive community of friends and family. By global standards, we are filthy rich.

By asking your prayers for provisions, we don't simply mean prayer for our bank account and a guilt-ridden hint to pass the hat around. If our vision was for ourselves, we're good. But the vision God gave us extends way beyond ourselves and our personal capacity. There would be no way that we could take strides forward if not for the provisions of God along the way. So far so good, and God has proven himself to be the faithful God he says he is. But we continue to seek prayers of faith that He would continue to orchestrate the details so that we would not be stalled from growing forward. 

Currently our ministry is on a $0 operational budget in it's infancy, personal support aside (=one salary). Money is probably the easiest aspect for the Church to join in on, but underlying this, we pray for God to provide churches and leaders with a common vision for what God has placed on our hearts. We pray that we would be faith driven and that God would provide for all the details to get there; things like praying specifically for provisions to travel within Canada, to provide educational resources to various areas we are working in, to provide basic administrative gaps in the process, to provide favor over legal processes and buy-in of key influencers; and the provision of good family care and education options as we seek to balance ministry and family life. 

3) PROTECTION:

Please pray God's physical protection over our family as we find ourselves on the road travelling within province and beyond, in relation to our work. Travel for us is not about "oooh, a holiday" but a necessary part of forming a national network ministry.  This Spring, travels to BC, SK, and Chicago will find our Honda Odyssey rolling through many a highway as we continue meet, form, equip and be equipped in various destinations. If you have been following our posts, you will have read about our travel adventures last summer and the vehicle miracle we witnessed (see post "Oh Deer!"). Much of our travels include the family, others do not, as the kids stay with extended family and attend school. We value your ongoing prayers for protection.

Also, we value your prayers for spiritual protection over our family. I have personally experienced increased spiritual warfare as we step on enemy territory and become more proactive in addressing adoption and foster care within the Church. It truly is not against flesh and blood. I feel like we are moving from defense position to offense position as the vision God has given us runs in direct opposition to the enemy. Pray that we would be acutely aware of the unseen and be equipped and supported in this battle for justice, Truth, and Church awakening and mobilization in this ministry. I should hope the enemy trembles with waiting children finding homes and the Church being awakened to God, but we'd appreciate prayers as the enemy likes to take target practice at the messengers.

4) FAMILY:

Pray for us as a family, for our marriage (of almost 9 years strong), and each of our children (Isinino 21, Kehlen 5, Mikhala 3). 

Isinino will be graduating from high school this June! Pray for continued direction and that her heart would continue to seek after and discern the heart of God. Pray that God would raise her up to be a leading defender of the oppressed and compassionate advocate for Truth and justice. 

Kehlen is in Kindergarten and continues to ask theological questions of a seminary student. Pray that God would honour his seeking heart and make choices that would keep God central in his life. Pray that God would raise him up to be a God-fearing leader of wisdom and a compassionate helper among the weak. 

Mikhala is our free-spirited toddler and has just begun to expose her little, but mighty, mind to us. Pray that she would freely desire to know God more and that God would raise her up to be a bold and creative leader of mercy and faith.

5) ADOPTION PROCESS:

We are in the "hurry up and wait" mode these days. We are on the registry for a local sibling adoption from within the foster-care system, although we have no idea how quickly or slowly this process could take. One of the biggest factors may in fact be our request to go out of birth order in the adoption (meaning, we would desire to adopt siblings between Kehlen and Isinino's age, which typically they do not approve in our province but it IS being discussed on a provincial level now to see this changed!) Pray that the province would be more progressive in their adoption practices to bring more waiting children into homes.

Pray also for wisdom, as we are also open to looking internationally but need a sense of direction for what country and program to connect with in the process. Adoption laws and political stability of our country and foreign countries is always in flux, not to mention all the ethical considerations to keep informed on. We need wisdom, provision ($$), and favor to get through the red tape, hoops, and will of those in authority of our adoption process.
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This may be one of those blogs you choose to click print and physically post in a place you can be reminded to pray for on a regular basis. We would love to hear from you, if in prayer God gives you words, visions, pictures or impressions in the process of intercession. If God stirs something within you, let us know so we can pray with you as well. You can email us at hwpark127@gmail.com. 

#2: WILL YOU BE MOVING?

We want to thank all of our family, friends, and acquaintances for taking an interest in our lives, and for asking some really good questions. We think good questions deserve good explanations. These weeks we are posting the top 10 questions you are asking and our responses. Feel free to message us questions you may have. They may just make the top 10 :)


#2 WILL YOU BE MOVING?

Well, yes and no.

Let me first explain the NO.
We are not looking to relocate out of Winnipeg. We love our community and do not see a need to relocate, as much of our work can be done from virtually anywhere. We are praying that our Heavenly Daddy give us a larger home so that we can better meet the needs of our growing family, growing ministry, and ongoing hospitality.  So consider praying with us for a larger home. When that will happen is not on our watch, and how that will happen is on His provisions, so we continue to live contently in the home we are blessed with. Let's just say, we are cozy. Aside from our 5 family members, we enjoyed the company of at least 7 overnight guests this past month (ranging a few days to 6 weeks overlapping) and not going to try to even count others who came for a visit. Thankfully our guests are gracious to accept Mikhala's princess bedroom and Kehlen's bunkbed for nights, extended folding table for mealtimes, and all share the same bathroom. We are blessed, what can I say. All I know is that God is not hindered by a small home when it comes to hospitality, creating a national movement, and growing a family. We still love it here!

Aside from staying put with the same postal code, we ARE moving!
That brings me to the YES. We are being moved by the increased clarity and opportunities presented to us. (say awe here, and enjoy my serving of cheese). But seriously, we are seeing God move throughout Canada and we have been honoured to be part of the rippling effect that we see happening throughout our nation. The Canadian Church ain't seen nothing yet, and we truly believe that God is about to create a movement throughout Canada in response to Him and the needs of unparented children. For now, we celebrate the little things: like a 2 hour coffee with a lady filled with compassion who is stirred to do something within their church and wanting support; like a couple from across the country who is reaching out and taking the first steps in adopting children; like the church leader who says "tell me more"; and like the light bulb moment with a lady who wanted to know what version of the Bible we used in a sermon and we could tell her that ALL versions translate the same thing about us being adopted by God and how the Church is commanded to care for the fatherless. These may be but ripples, but a tide is coming :)

So in short, I suppose we are not moving but we are being moved.

#1 WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU DOING?

We want to thank all of our family, friends, and acquaintances for taking an interest in our lives, and for asking some really good questions. We think good questions deserve good explanations. Over the next few weeks we will be posting the top 10 questions you are asking and our responses. Feel free to message us questions you may have. They may just make the top 10 :)

1) What exactly are you doing?
Good question. In 2013 we left perfectly lovely employment in both our dream fields of work with people we loved, but to do what?! Well, sometimes its not so much about job fulfillment that should guide us as is it is about willingly laying what we love and are comfortable with on the alter. We honestly have no regrets but only relieved that we did not escape the journey we were invited by God to go on. So what are we doing?

First of all, we are parenting our 3 kids. We are privileged to have the flexibility of juggling our roles around the kids routines and we take turns in parenting and our other work responsibilities. While we have school and church routines, we are blessed to make our ministry somewhat of a family ordeal. They come with us on trips and have been able to meet many of the people we work with. After all, we are promoting thriving families, so we also need to figure out how to do this without sacrificing our own. And sometimes it means one on one dates with the kids trumps other opportunities.

We are pioneering a new ministry that has yet to be launched. It's hard to explain things that cannot be seen yet in full. Just like a baby takes months to form in utero, this "baby" is going through a much needed process of healthy development. It's a...        We have no titles yet, no name of the organization yet, no defined job descriptions yet, no glossy brochure yet, nor impressive website or display to wow you. What we do know is that God has gone before us and is leading us into creating a national Christian network for churches, families and organizations to be networked and supported in the area of adoption, foster care, and other forms of caring for the unparented. How did this come about? Well, it's been a process, but clearly something we were thrust into. It may drive those wired for routine and predictability crazy, but it works well for us. But then again we are crazy ;-o

So day to day...

Harold is heavily invested in research and developing practical tools related to his doctoral work around parenting and attachment in adoption. He is getting training, resources, and professional connections and certifications to practically be able to equip others in building thriving forever families. Later this year, he plans to offer guided support groups for parents desiring support, as part of a pilot in his doctoral program.

I am focusing on leadership of the new ministry network being developed, strategic planning, and networking. We have been blessed to work closely with Focus on the Family Canada, ABBA Canada, CAFO (Christian Alliance for Orphans USA) and others, as we work together in developing this ministry. Because starting a non-profit ministry involves more than simply setting up shop, we are giving time and opportunity to form solid strategic relationships across Canada, USA, and other parts of the world. My office can be found at home in pajama's, at Tim Horton's, the Library, at a friend's office or where ever "Mommy!" is not on demand :).

Most of our work at this stage is done from in our home, at our computers with Skype, and occasional face to face opportunities meeting with others. This has been a great blessing for our family life, albeit a new challenge to balance work and play. We have been saying yes to speaking in churches, teaching a course on the subject, and meeting with leaders both within churches and those in government. A highlight is also simply connecting with parents and families who have so much insight and passion to see supports developed. We do this both face to face and over the internet.

While this answer seems somewhat vague, ambiguity is lifting each step of the way and we actually experience increased clarity in the day to day process of working towards the vision that God has planted within us. Harold stated it well to me yesterday when he described our ministry as not an aimless mystery that has swayed us from here to there, but thankfully looking back over 2013, we can clearly see that we are on a trajectory like an arrow that God is keeping on course. Please pray for us, that we would not get in the way of what God is doing but understand how we are to prioritize and plan our days.

School Daze

September to December has flown by, largely due to a whole gamut of school related involvements:

• Surprise new arrival of Wadzanayi Magaba, our Zimbabwean University student, who has joined our family and is living with us until the New Year. She just finished her last exam today and is one happy girl! I've been warned that beds will be jumped on :) We are going to send the older two to watch a movie to celebrate tonight. They have both worked hard this semester and we are so pleased how well they get along as sisters.
• Kehlen began Kindergarten - so we have a new school bus schedule, food to pack, backpack to get ready, concerts, fundraisers, etc. He is doing wonderful in French, and is starting to speak in full sentences as well as sing songs in French.
• Isinino began grade 12 - and this year we get to be more involved in her education in parent-teacher meetings, career expo, etc. Now we are being enlightened with all things grad, like grad dresses, scholarship applications, etc.
• Korean School! Perhaps the most unexpected bunch of students showed up for registration day in September, when whity mom (me), Caucasian looking biracial Asian kid, and Ethiopian older daughter sign up together for the family discount. After we got the initial "Wha?!" and "What brings you here?" Isinino proudly tells them that their dad (my husband) is Korean and we are a part-Korean family. But you know Asians and their dedication to academics - we have been getting lots and lots of Korean homework every week! But we are loving the experience together!
• And after the language class, Isinino is in K-pop dance - a Korean hip-hop class.  Kehlen and I are both in Tae Kwan Do. I am the oldest in the class, including older than our instructors - but cherishing every minute as Kehlen is still at the age he things its cool to do it together. Don't mess with this mommy & son ninja duo :)
• Harold has finalized his thesis topic for his doctoral work and is fine tuning his rationale and research. Look out 2014! We are going to conquer this project once and for all! :) I say we, because where there is a spouse doing his doctorate, there is a spouse to edit, research, and keep the pressure on.
• Harold completed his training certification for Circle of Security, something helpful in his counselling of families.
• Harold and I (Wendi) also went back to school this Fall - this time to team-teach an intensive course at Steinbach Bible College related to adoption and foster-care. What a great experience for us to engage approximately 40 students and community members on a topic we have grown so passionate about. We realized that we enjoy teaching together, and are finding other opportunities to work with churches and families seeking to be informed or supported.
• Mikhala is the only one not in school, although she and Kehlen have started Sunday School in our new home church of Gateway. They are loving it. This past Sunday she wrote the letters of her name on her poster project by herself, which surprised us as we have not taken the time to teach her. I guess all this school stuff in the family is rubbing off on her. She has also enjoyed playing at the Family Centre, which happens to be right across from Kehlen's classroom.

As our school daze winds down for 2013, we are gradually taking our noses out of books and focusing on the blessings we have gained in the process. Things like: greater awareness, deeper comprehension, greater appreciation, and the possibilities in the future. By far, the greatest Teacher who has overseen all of our educational pursuits and Who has made these opportunities possible, is God himself. In hindsight, these past months suddenly don't seem like a daze, but with clear purpose and on a positive trajectory for His glory.

The Month of Hyphen

Soooooooooooooo... it just so happens that 2013 forgot to include the month of August. Gasp! Did you notice? Gone! Vanished! We must report this to the Missing Month's Unit! There was July, and then there was September, with a very quick hyphen in between. I'll call it the month of Hyphen, the pseudo-month that replaced the good old 31 day calendar page of August. :)

Let me share a few highlights of this past month of Hyphen:

1) NACAC: Within days of arriving from our road trip throughout Western Canada (see previous post), Harold and I found ourselves boarding a plane for Toronto to attend the NACAC (North American Council on Adoptable Children) conference and meet with more representatives within the adoption and foster care field across North America. All the kids enjoyed holiday time with family in Manitoba, so it made our trip that much more enjoyable knowing they were having a blast. 

The conference was a royal feast of information, resources, and ah-hah moments accompanied by hundreds of experienced professionals (gov't and non-profit), parents and teens whose interactions left the fingerprints of Christ on our hearts as we were further guided in our research and development. As mentioned in my previous post, the clarity is coming one step at a time and we know God is up to something big. 

I'm not hiding anything from you, honest, when I say we are still in discovery mode and that we value your prayers in this ambiguous, yet ever-so-clarifying journey. It's easier for us to be in a position of the learner now, rather than delve in and concoct a quick fix over-inflated ministry that could soon end up as "they meant well, and now they are burned out trying." No, if anything of God-size magnitude is going to awaken the Canadian Church to live the gospel through significant involvement in adoption and foster care, its going to require more than what is humanly possible on our own timeline. We are along for the ride, learning, asking, probing, yet with all hands on deck, as we experience God's Spirit move even within this month of Hyphen.

2) Celebrations: (we just kept the balloons and streamers up)

• After about 11 months of waiting, Kehlen turned 5! He enjoyed the company of his friends to celebrate this much anticipated day. 
  
• Isinino celebrates her first birthday with us, turning 21! By request, a Korean birthday dinner was prepared for her friends (with chopsticks), followed by a sleepover and henna.
  
• We celebrated the arrival of a new puppy with our friend Javad, along with many other guests who filled our yard for the surprise puppy shower. 
  
• We celebrated a surprise visit from Harold's mom and sister Shirley, who blessed us with a week of good cooking, spoiling the kids, and memories. So we couldn't resist the opportunity to celebrate Omoni's 70th birthday, coming up now in September.
  
• And, surprise! It's another girl! (well at least for the short term) We welcomed the arrival of Wadzanayi of Zimbabwe who has just started university and needed a place to call home for this semester.
  
• Last year we had no kids to send off to school. This year we have 3! Kehlen is thrilled to start Kindergarten at our local French immersion school, and counts it of highest honour to be one of THREE household school kids. This is Isinino's graduating year from high school, and Wadzi is taking her university 1. 

3) Homestudy!! Yes, the much anticipated milestone of doing our adoption homestudy with our assigned social worker is in progress! With about one more meeting to go, our report will be ready for her to write. And then we wait... Could be days, months, years - but quite realistically the latter, only God knows. You can never get too good at the waiting game when adopting. It's a virtue that really should've been included in Proverbs 31 - that is, if the woman was an adoptive mom! But God's timing is perfect, and we really are not sitting and twiddling our adoptive thumbs for things to happen. Significant things are happening, and its mostly within us as our hearts and minds are stretched in ways we couldn't have imagined - allowing us to further grasp, even if just a wee bit - "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:18)

4) Epic Yard Sale: Inspired by Kehlen's desire to have "an expensive" garage sale to help raise funds for the adoption of his brother and sister, our month of Hyphen was further hyphenated by the collaborative efforts of family, friends and the neighbourhood. Thanks to all of you who gave so generously! Kehlen was director of operations, and also ran a lemonade and cookie stand. He must be catching the adoption fever, as he came up with the idea to have adoption information sessions at his lemonade stand for customers.

This past Hyphen, the obscure blur between July and September, reminds us that its not about how much we accomplish or do within our own control or strength. It's about how we embrace the One who gifts us each day in that indefinite hyphen that He gives us, from here until eternity.