Our Adoption Journey

What's Next?!!

2011-03-09T15:00:00.000-05:00

I have really enjoyed sharing our adoption journey with you all over the last 16 months. I have been amazed at how many people from all over the world have followed us along the way. Amy and I have been so encouraged by your comments and prayers! Thank you all so much!

Now that Joy is home with us, I have been praying about what to do with our adoption blog. On the one hand, I want to continue to keep everybody updated on our experience as we continue on this journey. On the other hand, there are a lot of other things, non adoption related, God is teaching me that I want to share as well. Decisions, decisions!

Well, here is the solution I have come up with. Amy is taking over the adoption blog and will continue to share our ongoing adoption story at thebrinkleysjourney.blogspot.com. I will begin posting here on my new blog. You can click on the “About” tab at the top of the new blog home page to see what this new blog is all about. I really want this experience to be less about me just writing and more about us talking. I am going to need your help in making that happen, so please share you thoughts, feedback, approval, or complaints in the comments section of each post. Thanks again for following.

Here’s to the journey!

Jason

Home And Happy

2011-02-05T11:36:00.002-05:00

Wow, it’s finally over! Joyce is home and we are all sohappy!

Joyce and I made the trek home together and it was funwatching her enjoy some new experiences! Her eyes got so big when we took offon our first flight, but she totally loved flying. Of course, having her own TVloaded with movies and access to all the free Coke she could drink helped takethe experience over the top!

When we arrived in Amsterdam and approached our firstescalator, she stopped dead in her tracks and had that “you must be crazy” lookon her face. I had to assure her it wouldbe ok, but once she road it; she wanted to ride everyone she saw, even if itwas going the opposite direction we needed to go! She slept almost the entiretrip from Amsterdam to Atlanta with her head in my lap. It was a nice break forme! All in all it was a smooth trip home.

We arrived in Greensboro to what looked like at least 100people cheering us on as we walked up the gate! There were people there fromour church, our community, and our places of work. We saw friends we haven’t seenin over a year and friends that we have known for less than 6 months. It was absolutelyamazing and made it hard to leave the airport! I just wanted to hang out andcelebrate with everybody everything God has done over the last four years betweenbreaking my heart for Uganda and bringing my daughter home! We have the bestfriends and family anyone could ask for. I know there are a lot of you who wantedto be there and just couldn’t. Here is the piece our local news shot at theairport. I hope you enjoy!

Joyce has settled in great and she has really come out ofher shell. She is still a little uncomfortable with hugs, kisses and affectionin general, but she is talking, laughing, playing with all the kids and making herselfright at home. We have even started calling her Joy (at her request!) and sheloves it. She loves playing with thekids and is starting to be her silly self! It’s just the way it is supposed to be.

Home and Happy!

We're Coming Home!

2011-02-01T11:17:00.001-05:00

That’s right; The J’s are coming home! Yesterday, Joyce andI had our Visa application appointment and all is well! We were given the greenlight and will be picking up Joyce’s visa tomorrow! We are scheduled to arriveat PTI airport in Greensboro at 5:33pm Thursday. I hope to see you all there!

This final trip has been amazing. It has been such ablessing to hang out with the missionaries here at GSF! My life is definitelyricher having known them. This last trip has been one of adventure andexperiencing as much of Uganda as possible.

Today capped of that experiencewith a ride on a public transportation van and a Boda Boda!

For those that don’t know, a Boda Boda is a motorcycle taxi.These Boda drivers are daredevils at heart and whip in and out of traffic likethey are playing a life-size video game! Today, a friend and I took Bodas intoJinja, a cool little city about 40 minutes from GSF. We took the back roadsthat wind through some little villages and then zipped through the sugar canefields. It was an amazing experience and really made me feel like “a regular”! Asyou ride through the villages, the cutest little kids you have ever seen runout to the road and wave at you smiling the biggest white smiles. Even thoughAmy is going to kill me when she finds out I rode a Boda, it was a great way tospend my last free day here!

Tomorrow we will finish up our last bit of business thenit’s a daddy daughter day! Today I had Joyce’s hair done, tomorrow its mani andpedi day at the mall. After the mall we will swing by the embassy to pick upJoyce’s visa. Then we will head to the airport guest house to have dinner, takea good shower and relax a little before heading to the airport for our 1:45amdeparture.

I can’t believe this part of the process is finally comingto a close. As I think about my time here in Uganda, here are some of thethings that stick out: The amazingsupport of friends and family, 3 trips to Africa in 9 months, My wifeconquering some of her biggest fears, JOYCE!!, Bungee jumping 145ft head firstinto The Nile, The amazing smiles and hospitality of the Ugandan people, God’sfaithful and complete provision, The kids of GSF, Taco night at the Internshouse, learning how to wait faithfully…these are just a few of the memorablemoments here that have forever changed my life!

I want to thank…again…each one of you who has shared in ourjourney. Some have prayed, some have given money, some have given time andtalent, some have shared words of encouragement on facebook, some have beenthere for my family while I have been in Uganda, some have simply read the blog,ALL of you have helped make this adoption possible!. Whatever your part, it hasbeen greatly appreciated and words can’t begin to express how grateful myfamily is for you.

I plan on continuing the blog after our family is finallyall together under one roof. I know bringing Joyce home is the end of theadoption process, but it is not the end of the journey. We know God has a lotmore to teach us, and our hope is that your life will impacted in a positiveway as we share those experiences with you. If nothing else it ought to be goodfor a few laughs!! OK, a BUNCH of laughs!

Please keep me and Joyce in your prayers as we make our triphome! We are almost there guys!!

See you all Thursday!

Freakin' Amazing

2011-01-27T23:37:00.001-05:00

OK, so I haven’t had a lot of time to right over the last 24hours. In fact it is 7am here in Uganda and I am getting ready for a 2hr diveinto Kampala. We have to meet with the Embassy, our attorney, and Joyce is getting her pins taken out of herarm…keep us both in your prayers for that one!

I just wanted to take a few minutes and tell you thatyesterday was one the most amazing days in my life. Most of my trips here havebeen consumed with hours in the car, visits to the lawyer’s office, doctor’soffices, embassy appointments and more hours in the car! However, yesterday meand another guy who is here with his family to adopt took the day to go do manstuff! I mean real man stuff!

We went whitewater rafting on THE Nile River, class 4 and 5 rapids all day long. For those thatdon’t know what a class 4 or 5 rapid is…those are the ones that make you sayholy crap…or a few other not so spiritual words!

Then, I bungee jumped from 145ft above the Nile. I havenever felt such a rush! Words can’t even begin to describe the felling. It was somethingI will never forget.

When we were driving back to the orphanage, we drove overthe Nile from a very high bridge. As we looked down over the water, there was abig alligator (or croc, not sure what they have here) sitting on a big rock inthe middle of the river. To be as big as he was from where we were I would puthim at least 6-8 feet long. That put our rafting trip on a whole new level!

Freakin’ Amazing!

It's Official...Team Brinkley is +1

2011-01-25T12:17:00.000-05:00

It’s official! Today a Ugandan Judge confirmed what Amy andI have known for the last 9 months, that Joyce Nafamba was destined by God tobe a Brinkley! Today Joyce and I went to court for the judge’s ruling and hedeclared Amy and me her legal guardians! Team Brinkley is +1!

I can’t even begin to explain what I am felling right now.It is probably one of the most surreal moments in my life. I thought I wouldprobably cry when I heard the judge rule in our favor, but the feelings that arosewhere quite different. It was that kind of feeling that just says, “Yeah, thisis the way it is supposed to be.” No big rush of emotion, no tears, just a quitsense that this is what God had planned all along.

I talked with Joyce about what happened today and what thatmeant for her. She seems to understand a little but I am sure she doesn’tcomprehend the world of change she is about to enter! None the less, she seemsexcited about coming to America with me, having brothers and sisters, and a newbed…and she has already started calling me daddy! Yes, my chest is sticking outa little farther right now! I am one proud papa!

Tonight, she gets to spend the night with me in the guesthouse. We have just been hanging out together having a great time and thingsare happening very naturally. We are getting ready to cuddle up together andwatch a movie on the laptop before calling it a day.

I want to thank every one of you who have stood with us onthis journey. I have a lot more I want to say and so much to write about, butfor now…I’m going to go enjoy a movie with my DAUGHTER!

Good night from the J’s!

In-Flight Entertainment!!

2011-01-24T14:24:00.000-05:00

My flights to Uganda always yield some sort of excitement!Weather delays, midflight re-routes, lost luggage…these are just a few we have experiencedso far. My flight here on this trip proved to be the most entertaining of thethree to date.

The excitement began when a rather “round” guy stood up inthe aisle with his head phones in and started dancing! He broke out with somerave dancing mixed in with some classic head bobbing! It was bad…really bad! Thisguy thought he was the next Usher though! You could just tell he was one of thoseguys who thought he was the stuff out on the dance floor. After he broke bad inthe aisle, he started aggravating some of the passengers. He was basically justbeing loud and obnoxious. Come to find out…he had been hitting the red winepretty hard! I and the other passengers in my section (who are now mocking thisguy) watched several of the flight crew come and deal with this guy to noavail. Eventually, one of the flight attendants that I would even be afraid totangle with gave him an official written warning and told him if he did notstay in his seat and keep his mouth shut he would be greeted by Uganda 5-0 atthe airport. She was no joke! He put his hands on her one time in that “I loveeverybody” kind of drunken way and she bout took him out! It made for a good 30minutes worth of in-flight entertainment!

After they got Mr., “So you think you can dance” settleddown, I began a conversation with a woman sitting in the same row across theaisle from me. Actually the conversation got started because we were making funof the guy together! Don’t worry …I repented later. It was hilarious though! Turnsout this lady is personal assistant to Billy Graham’s daughter and lives in Raleigh.She told some really cool stories about Mr. Graham. One of the things thatstood out was the fact that at 90+ years of age and having preached all overthe world…he is still memorizing scripture. Actually he is memorizing the wholebook of Psalms, and because he can’t see well, he has big flip charts withPsalms written out on them in big letters so he can see it. It was really neatjust hearing about his character and love for God. The man is the real deal, atrue spiritual giant of our day! I can’t wait to see what kind of excitement thetrip home with Joyce brings! Please start praying now.

When I got off the plane, I was greeted by the very distinctsmell of Uganda. The best way I can describe it is Smokey, probably from allthe trash fires and cooking fires. It is very unique and you smell it all thetime. I spent the first night at the airport guest house. The guest house isvery nice (by Ugandan standards) and I slept great. I woke this morning (we are8 hours ahead of NC) to all kinds of birds singing outside my window. It feltgood to be back. Having been here three times within the last nine months; itreally feels like a home away from home. I am so glad to have experienced somuch of Joyce’s culture.

I arrived at the orphanage after a three hour drive from theairport. The driving here is the worst part of the experience. It takes foreverto get anywhere! When Joyce saw me, she ran up and gave me a big hug. It was sogood to see her again. We go to court tomorrow for our ruling, after which Iwill sit her down and try and explain that she is now my daughter and will becoming to live with the rest of her new family in the States. I would greatly appreciate your prayers forthat discussion…for her and me both!

I also got to meet a new baby here at GSF who captured myheart immediately! I say baby, but he is actually over a year old. I don’t wantto give you his real name for various reasons, so I will call him Frank. Franklooks like one of those kids you see on the sponsorship commercials. He is around17 months old and is severely malnourished. Actually, he is clinicallystarving. He is just skin and bones. He looks like a little old man! His arm isonly a little thicker than my finger and he only ways around 11 pounds. Thiskid is a real fighter though and has the best smile you have ever seen. Claudiais taking care of him and is a pro at nursing these deathly ill kids back tohealth. Please keep him in your prayers!

It’s almost 10pm here and I have to be up at six, so I’mgoing to call it a night! Wherever you are reading this form tonight, I prayyou have a great night’s sleep! I pray you grab the ones you love and tell themso. I pray you ask God to give you a true burden for something bigger thanyourself, and I pray he answers you!

Goodnight from Uganda.

Final Words From Uganda

2010-12-20T14:08:00.000-05:00

We have a really slow connection tonight, so this post isgoing to be really short…just the highlights!!

We had a pretty normal day today (by Ugandan standards) andhave really enjoyed our last full day here at GSF. We finished up all we neededto do today in Kampala to prepare for my return trip in January.

We spent the day hanging out with Joyce and had dinnertonight with three girls who are here from the States. Two of them are here onmedical mission and the other on teaching mission. They made tacos and applecrisp…it was the best meal we have had since arriving a week ago! They hadTexas Pete!!!

There is another family here going through the adoptionprocess too. This morning they went for their ruling and were granted custodyof their two boys. It was great news and everyone here was so excited for them.It filled us with much hope looking forward to our ruling date in January.

We fly out of here at 12:40am Wednesday morning, and will haveto leave the orphanage at 4pm Tuesday to get there on time. It is going to behard to say goodbye to Joyce, as well as everyone else here. Since we have beentwice now, this actually feels like home when we are here, and we have really settledinto life here. There are so many great people here doing amazing work in thename of Christ. I have been blessed to know them.

Before I wrap up tonight, I want to thank everyone who hasbeen following the blog. Yesterday we had over 90 people read our last post. Itgives us so much encouragement to know so many people are praying for us andstanding with us in this process. I have so much to share about this trip andour adoption, and I will continue to update you guys after our return home thisweek.

Grateful!

Hope and Helplessness

2010-12-19T13:17:00.000-05:00

High and low, celebration and mourning… that is how todaybegan an ended.

This morning we went to church here at the orphanage. The churchis a very simple yet beautiful building. It is very open and has some beautifulstained glass windows which let in a cool breeze. The service began with some ofthe older kids leading worship. They had a simple PA and were accompanied by akeyboard player. Then one of the missionary’s fathers spoke. He had atranslator speaking with him which really added to the cultural vibe. He spokeon the hope we find during the Christmas season in Jesus coming to Earth torescue us. As I listened to his message, I was reminded of God’s radical lovefor us and the extreme measures he took to reveal that love to us. It was agreat celebration of hope and life in Christ and a great way to start the day.

The end of the day took a much unexpected turn. When we wentto court on Monday, there was a mother there with a little baby who was probably10 months old. The baby was having a very difficult time breathing and was verylethargic. One of the missionaries with us sent someone to the drugstore to buysome medicine for the baby and told the mom she needed to take the baby to thehospital immediately. It was a very heartbreaking scene, but to be honest Ihave not thought about that baby again…until tonight. We just got word as wewere eating dinner with the missionary that bought the medicine for the babythat the he passed away today.

I have never had such a surreal experience. It really mademe realize how fragile and temporary life truly is, especially here in Uganda. I mean, I just held this baby’s head onMonday, and now he is gone. The only comforting thought I have as I sit hereand type this post is that he is with his creator and will never suffer again. Iam also even more grateful for God’s provision in Joyce’s life and for theamazing, selfless work of these missionaries. Having been here twice now, Ihave gotten a pretty good understanding of just how difficult life here can be,and I will be forever grateful for their sacrifice and commitment to theseamazing children.

So, lessons from today…God came to Earth to give us hope andlife. That life (here on Earth) is a temporary gift that God has entrusted tous as stewards. As faithful stewards, we should use that life to make a differencein the lives of others for the Glory of God.

Thankful for life in Uganda.

Thank God for Emissions Control

2010-12-18T15:58:00.000-05:00

Our internet service here is really sketchy!! I haven’t beenable to get on and update as much as I would like, so here is a rundown of thelast couple days!

Yesterday our luggage finally arrived! And it only cost me$60 and 3 hours in the car to go get it. The orphanage is located in a reallyrural area in the middle of acres of sugarcane fields. Nothing is close and youdon’t get anywhere fast! We had to go to Kampala, the capital of Uganda, to goto the Embassy and get Joyce’s medical exam. It’s a good 2 hr drive from the orphanage.Amy stayed with Joyce to get her physical, and I hired a driver to take me to theairport in Entebbe to pick up the luggage. It is normally a 45min drive fromKampala. However, with “Holiday” right around the corner, the traffic was ridiculous!It took me 3 hours to get there and back and about thirty minutes in theairport! We finally got back to the orphanage at 10:30! It was a loooooong day!

We spent a total of about 8 hours in the car yesterday. It’shard to explain just how much traffic there is here once you get into the city.There are thousands of cars, trucks, buses and vans…not to mention all the Boda-Boda’s(motorcycle taxis). They don’t really have lanes and everybody is zigging inand out trying to get where they are going as fast as they can. Almost everycar here runs on diesel, and the exhaust is so thick it looks like a storm iscoming in the horizon. It’s really hot and you have to ride with all thewindows down. Sometimes you breathe in so much exhaust it literally takes your breathaway. I will never complain about having to get my car inspected again!!

While Joyce was getting her physical, she had to get a TBtest. When the Dr. stuck her with the needle, she grabbed his arm and yankedthe needle out of her arm! She did not want to talk to us for a little whileafter that!!

Today we finally got a chance to take it easy. We got tosleep in a bit, take a shower and put on some clean clothes!! We just hung outaround our house all day and recouped. It was very relaxing! Tonight we wentinto Jinja, a little town about 30 minutes away and did a little shopping atsome of the little local shops. It is absolutely amazing how talented Ugandansare and the street side shops are full of handmade items. Afterwards we ate acool little pizza place. There were about fifteen of us and we had a greattime.

Tomorrow, we get to experience our first African churchservice. I can’t wait! But right now its 11:30 pm Saturday night and I’mexhausted, as you can probably tell by my very direct, undescriptive writing tonight.So, you will have to read about that tomorrow!

Good night from Uganda.

Snowstorms, Skivvies, and Sensing More!

2010-12-16T13:08:00.000-05:00

Wow, our trip to Uganda has been very eventful to say theleast. We arrived at the Raleigh airport at 5pm Monday afternoon. As we werewalking into the airport, the fire alarm was going off and there was a voice overthe PA telling everyone to evacuate. Having been a firefighter for 6 years,added to the fact that no one that worked at the airport was paying any attentionto the evacuation instructions, I realized very quickly this was a false alarmand proceeded to check in. Not three minutes after the alarm went off; anothervoice came over the PA instructing us that the security status in the airport hadjust been upgraded! This would definitely be a sign of things to come!

We flew from Raleigh into NY. We boarded our plane in NY forLondon with no problem, but before we could take off, the plane had to bedeiced. This delayed our takeoff by about 30 minutes. After we were 2 hoursinto our nine hour flight, the flight crew captain came and informed me that wehad been rerouted because of the snow storm, and due to this delay and extendedflight time, we were not going to make our connection in London to our finaldestination in Uganda, Entebbe. He said they had already rebooked us on aflight to Cairo, Egypt.

Well, our flight to London was also delayed and at the exacttime our plane was touching down, our flight to Cairo was supposed to be takingoff. As we got off the plane, the crew informed us that they were holding theplane for us (there were several of us that had been moved to this flight) and weneeded to RUN to the departure gate. So, Amy and I and the rest of our new latefriends sprinted across the Cairo Airport, being directed by airport personnelat every turn! I felt like we were all competing on the show “Amazing Race”!! We made it to the plane and boarded to angrystares of passengers who were now an hour late taking off thanks to us!

Here’s a friendly heads up to those of you who may be travelingin the near future, if you have to RUN to catch a plane that you were notoriginally scheduled to be on, you can count on the ground crew NOT RUNNING withyou to transfer your luggage onto your new flight!! We finally arrived inUganda at 5:30am on Wednesday morning. However, our luggage is still sitting inCairo!! It is supposed to come in at 3am tomorrow morning, so we should have itfor the second half of our stay!

Today, we drove into Kampala for our hearing. I had to wear aborrowed suit that was too big and underwear that I washed in the sink withshampoo the night before!! I had packed a couple extra shirts in my carryon butsomehow managed to forget a backup pair of skivvies!! Looks like the one pairof underwear I have is going another round in the sink tonight!!

I know you’re all wondering if we got the miracle we haveall been praying and believing for. The answer, I am sad to say is no. There werequestions about Joyce’s father that need to be answered before a ruling can begranted. Though that seems like a setback, we were scheduled for a ruling onJanuary 25^th. So, as it stands now, Amy and I will return home onDec. 22^nd, and I will return by myself a couple days before January25^th and stay for a week to finish up. Then Joyce and I will flyhome together.

With that being said, Amy and I still have a strong sensethat we need to be praying over this situation surrounding Joyce’s father. The only way that we can explain it at thispoint is that there is a strong sense of spiritual warfare surrounding thedetails of this situation. You all have prayed so faithfully and courageously withus, and I can’t tell you what a blessing and strength that has been. Pleasecontinue your fervent prayers for us as we continue to try and bring Joyce hometo be a part of our family. This thing is defiantly not over yet!

Ready, Set, Goooooooooooo!

2010-12-11T11:51:00.001-05:00

That’s right, the time is finally here! Amy and I are heading back to Uganda! We (along with all of you) have been praying for thismoment for over a year now, and I can’t begin to tell you how excited we arethat the time has finally arrived! However, this trip looks like it is going tobe much different than we first anticipated, so I wanted to catch you all upbefore we head out.

From the beginning, we’ve been told by our attorney inUganda that once our case had been assigned to the court we would be given adate for a hearing. Once we knew the date of that hearing, Amy and I would bothtravel to Uganda and go to court together. After our hearing we would both stayin Uganda for two weeks and then return to court to get the judge’s ruling. Theruling is what actually gives us guardianship over Joyce. After receiving theruling, Amy would return to the States and I would stay in Uganda another twoto four weeks to get Joyce’s visa and passport and then the two of us wouldreturn home together. If there is anything we have learned in this process, whether it's in Africa or the States, change is inevitable!

Over the last month, we have been very anxious about ourcourt date because we know the courts close in Uganda on Dec. 23^rdand don’t reopen until the middle of January. This could add several weeks tomy time in Uganda if we went to court for our hearing before the break butdidn’t get our ruling until after. Last week, we received word that our team inAfrica had come up with a new plan. They wanted me to come alone for the firsthearing and then return home before Christmas. I would then return in Januaryfor the ruling, finish up the process and bring Joyce home. Amy was prettyexcited about this new plan because it meant she would not have to go…thoughshe loves being with Joyce, she is not crazy about being in Africa!! So, wehave been planning for the last week for me to leave this Sunday...alone.

The down side to this new plan is that it would mean twotrips for me and make it even longer before we get to bring Joyce home. So, wehave been praying. In our seeking, we have heard his voice. Scriptures havebeen jumping off the pages of the Bible and stirring faith in our hearts. Themessages we have been hearing, even last Sunday’s KidStuf service, have spokendirectly to us as if God spoke them just for our benefit. Even as far back asMay and the blog post I wrote entitled “The Space In-Between, there is evidenceof God prepping us for this moment! To put is as plainly as I can…we have heardGod invite us to believe for a miracle. We have been praying that God wouldgive us a ruling the same day of our hearing (which is extremely rare!) andthat I would be able to bring Joyce home on this first trip.

Then, just last night, our plans were turned upside downagain. We were told that both of us were now going to have to come after all.This news caught us totally off guard! We have gone through a whole range ofemotions over the last several days and are now focused on getting ready forboth of us to leave the Country together…again. What a rollercoaster ride!

So, here is the current plan. On Monday, Amy and I willleave for Uganda and return on the 23^rd. That is the natural plan!We however, are praying for a supernatural plan. As I mentioned before, we arepraying for God to do a miracle and move on the judge’s heart to give us aruling on the day of our hearing and that we get to bring Joyce home on thistrip, even if it means us staying a little longer.

We know, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke18:27). And if God chooses not to do a miracle in this situation it will not bebecause we didn’t ask and believe for one, “for the eyes of the Lord are on therighteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer” (I Peter 3:12).

Iam sorry for such a looooooong post! That is what happens when you only updateyour blog every 3 months! I am planning on updating often while we are inUganda, so stay tuned.

Thanks for standing with us and for all of your support! We love youguys!

Believing,
Jason

State of the Adoption Address!

2010-08-15T15:29:00.002-04:00

Wow, it’s been almost three months since my last update. I’mjust not good at making time to sit down in front of the computer and write!So, I’ve strapped myself to my seat with six feet of rope, fixed a ½ gallon ofsweet tea, grabbed a bag of vinegar and salt potato chips and cranked up somegreat Chicago Blues music for what should be a great update. Ok, so maybe Imade that up…but the blues is boomin’!

If this were my presidential “Sate of the Union address” thestatus would be “On Track” Our adoption process has continued to progress at adecent clip and things are still moving forward. Amy and I (mostly Amy!) havefinished up all our paperwork and we’re scheduled to be in Raleigh in two weeks to have ourfingerprinting done. That should go off without any problems unless Amy hassome skeletons in her closet that she has managed to keep from me for the last10 years!

We have sent a retainer to our lawyer in Uganda, and heshould begin preparing our case soon. He will send us an affidavit, and we’llhave some documents to gather for him and have shipped then he will start toprepare our case for court. We still don’t really have any kind of realistictime frame but we’re still praying to have her home before the end of the year.How sweet would it be for me and her to get home on Christmas morning! Thatwould be the best Christmas present ever!

Renovations on all the kids’ rooms are finally underway. Wehave moved Cohen (2) into his own room and he took to his new “big boy bed”like a champ! Caleb has been moved to Kealee’s old room and the girl’s room isgetting a new addition. Some very special friends of ours have donated all thematerials and are installing a closet in the bonus room where Kealee and Joycewill be roommates! Kealee is sleeping with Caleb in the meantime which heabsolutely loves…NOT!

This Monday night our family is having dinner with a guy whohas spent the summer at GSF doing an internship. I emailed him when he firstgot there and told him that we we’re adopting Joyce. He played with hereveryday and took a ton of pics for us. I can’t wait to see them! It is so coolthat God led us to an orphanage that has so many connections in Greensboro! I’ll be sureto post some of the new pictures soon…really….no seriously, I mean it!

So, as I said earlier, the “state of the adoption” is ontrack! We still need to raise $8-$10,000 but we’re moving forward on that aswell. We have applied for an interest free loan and a grant, and we would greatlyappreciate your prayers for favor with both organizations.

We would also greatly appreciate your continued prayers forJoyce. She is at a crucial age and lives with some older girls which she isbeginning to be influenced by. Nothing serious, mostly attitude type stuff, butstuff we would prefer she not pick up! Please pray for her protection fromeverything seen and unseen and that God would protect her innocence andchildlike faith. Pray that God would give her an awareness of his love for herand a sense of the coming change in her life and that she would commit herselfto him in thanksgiving for both. Pray that in “The space in-between” (seeprevious post) she would experience the presence of God in her life in a verytangible way.

Thanks for all your continued prayers and support!

The Space In-Between

2010-05-26T23:46:00.001-04:00

Several months ago, I was listing to a podcast from one of my favorite pastor’s in which he was preaching on Peter’s miraculous water walking experience. Now I have heard this story many times and can tell it with great detail. However, when the pastor shared his main point, I saw something that I had never seen before. The pastor’s main focus was a question, “Are you willing to do what only you can do in order to see God do what only he can do?”

This question was extremely relevant to me because my wife and I had just begun our adoption process, knowing that on paper there was no way we could pull it off. As I began wrestling with that question and reading Peter’s story over and over, God began speaking to me about this idea of “the space in-between.” The space in-between being the time frame between when you clearly hear God’s invitation to act and that moment when what he is inviting you into comes to pass. For instance, the space in-between Abraham hearing God’s call to sacrifice the son of promise and him raising the knife in the air to take his son’s life, or the space in-between Joseph receiving a prophetic dream from God and saving all of Egypt (including his family) from famine, or the space in-between Peter hearing God’s invitation to join him ON the water and taking his first step out of the boat and the list goes on.

Scripture says that God is able to do immeasurably more than we think or imagine. I am convinced most Christians do not get to experience the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit in their lives because they are not willing to put themselves in the space in-between. The space in-between what we can think and imagine and what God can do above and beyond that is a scary place for us because it requires total trust in God. To use the words of the preacher, it takes doing all that we can do in order to see God do what only he can do. It means being out of control and in faith.

As I walk through the space in-between hearing God’s word to adopt and bringing my little girl home, I am full of confidence in my God and his ability to come through. Though our ability to facilitate this adoption is as nonexistent as Peter’s ability to walk on water, I know God is abundantly able! What is God calling you to? What life changing experience is he inviting you into? Whatever it is, I pray you find the courage to accept his invite and journey through the space in-between…it’s worth it!

It Takes A Village!

2010-05-11T22:03:00.001-04:00

We have all heard the old ancient African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, in our case it takes a village to bring a child home too!

This past Saturday, we had a fund-raising yard sale which we began planning several weeks ago in an attempt to raise some money to complete our home-study. The home-study is rather expensive and it’s the next big step in our journey to bring Joyce home.

As friends and family began to hear about the yard-sale, they started cleaning out their closets, garages and attics and donating stuff for us to sell. It was really amazing! People started dropping stuff off at Amy’s mom’s house, bringing it to her school and the church, and calling us to come and pick it up. By the time Saturday rolled around, we had enough stuff to open our own little thrift store!

A mother, who has a child in Amy’s class, took some of the pictures we have of Joyce and had a huge poster made with Joyce’s story on it. She had it framed so we could set it up at the yard sale with a donation jar. It was beautiful and we will treasure it forever!

Several of the girls in Amy’s class, who are all in the same Brownie troop, set up a booth and sold lemonade, coffee and homemade baked goods. They made just over $100.00 and donated every penny to us! They also made signs on poster board and stood out in the yard and flagged cars down as they drove by. It was such a blessing watching them serve, and I hope my kids where paying attention!!

After it was all said and done, we made over a thousand dollars! Can you believe that, $1000.00 at a yard sale! Amy and I knew when we started this process that we did not have the money to do what God was calling us to do. However, every step we have needed to take, God has provided us with the resources to take it!

To all those who donated goods to be sold at the sale, to the best brownie troop (and their moms) in the world, to Anita, to those who came and bought stuff at the sale, to our family for working so hard during the sale and the week prior, to those who made additional donations, to those who prayed and participated in any other way, to our village…
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

From Uganda with Love!

2010-04-18T15:06:00.003-04:00

Well, Amy and I are finally getting back into the groove after being out of the Country for 10 days! I can't really even find the words to describe our experience in Uganda. We met our future daughter for the first time and got to spend 6 days getting to know her. It was a very special time to say the least. God taught me many things during our time away, and I will be writing about some of those over the next few weeks. Until then, I have put together a little movie to give you guys a taste of our experience and all the love at Good Shepherds Fold Orphanage. Hope you enjoy!

Africa...Here We Come!

2010-03-26T22:03:00.001-04:00

I still can't believe that one week from today, I will be setting my feet on Ugandan soil! Three years ago at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, God broke my heart for Uganda. I remember looking at my father-in-law with tears in my eyes and telling him I had no idea how, but God was going to use me there. Adoption was not even on my radar, and I have never had a desire to be an oversees missionary! Now, three years later I am preparing my heart to meet my Ugandan daughter!

Because of my role at church, I would never have planned to be away Easter Sunday, due to the fact that it is always our most heavily attended service, but that was the only time the orphanage could have us. We leave on Friday, but we won't actually see Joyce until Sunday...EASTER Sunday. I know God has planned it this way on purpose, though I am not sure exactly why yet. I expect that God has much to teach me while in Africa...and I can't wait.

Thanks for all your prayers over the legal battle that has been going on in Uganda over the last few months. We got word last week that the High Court in Uganda has given judges the go-ahead to word their rulings to satisfy the request of the US Embassy. Your prayers moved a mountain! Though we haven't heard of any visas being granted since the ruling, it appears that by time we are ready to bring Joyce home the issue will be resolved. Thank you so much for going to war with us.

Please continue to pray for Amy and I as we head out on Friday. Here are a few specific things you can pray for: our physical health and safety, our three kids...they have never been away from both of us for this long, stability in Kampala....there have been some riots there this past week, Joyce...pray her heart opens to us quickly.

We will have limited internet access while in Uganda, but we will try to keep you all updated and post pics as soon as we can.

Africa... here we come!

We Need Your Prayers!

2010-02-04T12:03:00.002-05:00

I know it has been a while since I've updated all of you on where we are in our adoption process. So much has happened in our journey over the last couple months that I have not been able to keep up. I know this post is waaaaay to long, but please take the time to read it. Our family needs your prayers now more than ever!

Over the last couple months God has made it clear that we are to adopt from Uganda. As we began sharing this with our friends and family, we were told of a local family who adopted a child from an orphanage in Uganda. After emailing them our story, they agreed to meet us for coffee. We made an instant connection with them and have had their family over for dinner since our first meeting. We have remained in close contact with them throughout our process.

Shortly after meeting this couple, I was sitting in Panera studying and I began talking with a couple that was sitting next to me. Our conversation quickly turned to children and our plans to adopt from Africa. Once they heard we were looking specifically at Uganda, they told me they had very good friends there that owned an orphanage. It was the same orphanage that the other couple had adopted from! This was without a doubt, a divine appointment! At this point, Amy and I were getting a real sense of confirmation that we were on the right track and that God was preparing the way before us.

A few weeks later, we were having lunch with a couple who is very dear to us and we began updating them on our journey. When they discovered we were pursuing a child in Uganda...well I don't even have to say it right? They are good friends with the same family that the other two couples told us about! Now I am not one who believes things just happen in life. The Bible makes it very clear that God has ordained everyone of our days before they are ever lived. I must admit, I don't know exactly how that works, but God is Sovereign, none the less, and has led us to this orphanage in Uganda for a purpose. Now, to the reason we so desperately need your prayers.

The way the current adoption laws are written in Uganda, you have to live there with the child for three years to legally adopt. I know, ridiculous right? However, as with most laws, there is a loophole. You can become the legal guardian of a child in Uganda and then bring them back to the States to live for those three years. Once you are in the States though, the US Government allows you to legally adopt the child. So, the way it would work is that we would travel to Uganda, become the legal guardian of our daughter ( about a 4-6 week process) and then bring her home with us and legally adopt her once here. Well that could all change in the next couple of weeks.

From what we have been told today, the US Embassy has requested that the Ugandan courts reword their adoption law to state that Ugandan children can be legally adopted once in the US. Should the Ugandan courts choose not to reword this law, Amy and I would have to live in Uganda for three years which at this time is out of the question. So, here is what I know for sure. First, God has called my family to adopt. Second, God has divinely intervened in our circumstances to lead us to a specific orphanage in Uganda. What I don't know is what will happen next, but we are praying for God to do a miracle and resolve the situation in Uganda so that we can bring our daughter home as soon as possible.

This adoption process has been much like what we experienced with the birth of our biological children. Making the decision to adopt brought about the same response seeing the (+) sign on the pregnancy test did when Amy became pregnant with our second child,"we are going to be parents again...holy crap! Then there is the expectancy of the child's arrival and the sense that she already knows you and you already know her...she is yours. The adoption process is no different. Our family has already begun to make provisions for our daughters arrival, Amy and I have been preparing for our first trip there this spring to meet her, and there is definetly a sense within the heart of everyone in our family that she is already ours...she is already a Brinkley. Then there is the first ultrasound. This was always an anxious experience for me and Amy because if there were any complications, this is usually where they were discovered. Well, getting this news from Uganda is like going to your first ultrasound and hearing the doctor say, "Mr. Brinkley...we need to talk."

We don't know what's next, but we are confident in God's goodness and his plan. We know he will deliver our daughter to us...wherever she may be! Please pray specifically that this adoption law ordeal will be worked out in such a way that Amy and I will be able to go bring our daughter home as planned. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for praying for our family...all six of us!

God's Ways Are Not Our Ways!

2009-12-16T23:11:00.004-05:00

While Jason is usually the one who blogs about the adoption, God has been speaking some things to my heart that I wanted to share. It has been about two months since God first called us to adopt. We answered the call by researching, praying, and talking with our children about the decision. Eager to find our child, I spent long hours on the computer inquiring about programs, countries, and restrictions. I even filled out applications. I knew that we did not have the money to start the process, but I assumed God would come through for us. I was extremely disappointed when the possibility of increasing my teacher pay, through National Board Certification, fell though by three points. I was very angry at God. I could not imagine why he would not want me to pass and have that extra 12% of my income to put toward the adoption.

Sometimes, when God leads me to move, I take the lead and try to finish on my own. Jason and I decided that Taiwan was the country for us. We met their requirements and enjoyed the thought of an Asian daughter. Last week, God spoke to my heart concerning our adoption country. Not even three weeks ago, I was certain I could not handle the issues of a multiracial family. While I still have fears (like how to do a little black girl’s hair), I feel that God has been preparing our hearts for a child of another race. We are now prayerfully considering adopting from an African country, possibly Uganda.

While I am still praying through my questions about not passing my National Boards, I know that God’s plan is bigger and better than mine. If we would have gotten that money, we would have sent $2,000.00 to the adoption agency to begin the process in Taiwan.

We ask you to continue praying for us, the adoption and our finances. Adoptions in Uganda can be done various ways including privately and with an agency. Because Uganda has only recently opened up to international adoptions, the process can have many bumps along the way. Pray that God will lead us to our daughter and show us when decisions need to be made on this journey. Also pray for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our child. Many orphanages go without food for several days. Uganda is a war-torn and dangerous country. The kids and I pray every morning that God will protect her and fill her belly with food. Thank you for sharing in this journey with our family. We hope that one day you will get to meet the little one we have all been praying for.

The Blind Side

2009-11-13T13:06:00.004-05:00

In just over a week, The Blind Side will open in theaters all over the world. The movie is based on the true life experience of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. Living in his new environment, Michael faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. However, he is not the only one who makes some important self discoveries, as the Touhy's lives are greatly impacted too. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle. This year, Michael was signed by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. I can't wait to see this movie!

Michael's story is just another powerful example of the difference adoption makes, both in the life of the child...and the family. We continue to pray for our daughter. We know she will be as much a blessing to us as we will be to her. Truth be known...she already is. Thanks for all your prayers!

Sweet Dreams Little Sister!

2009-11-06T13:45:00.007-05:00

Amy and I have been talking to our kids a lot about their new sister who will be joining our family. We've looked at maps of Taiwan and figured out that there is about a thirteen hour time difference between where we are and where she is. So, they know that when we go to sleep, she is getting up and then going to bed when we are getting up. The other morning, Kealee-my five year old-was praying on the way to school with Amy. She prayed that God would help her little sister have sweet dreams. That night, as I was saying her prayers with her in bed, Kealee prayed that God would help her little sister have a great day. Though she is in another country and we don't even know who she is yet, this little girl is already becoming part of our family!

Here are a couple of things you can pray for us in your prayer time! Pray for Amy and I to continue to have patience. We so want this to happen right now. Also, we need about $4,000 to get our application started and our home study completed. Thanks for sharing in our journey!

Orphan

2009-10-26T13:31:00.002-04:00

Another great message from the Catalyst community on taking care of Orphans.

Orphan from Catalyst on Vimeo.

Adoption

2009-10-26T13:22:00.003-04:00

This is one of the videos God used at Catalyst this year to confirm his call on mine and Amy's life to adopt!

Adoption from Catalyst on Vimeo.