Staying Positive

Today's open house was uneventful.  We had ONE couple come through from Baltimore.  They said our house was 'nice' but they didn't like the fact that we didn't have a deck. Oh well.  It's only been a month.


I needed to keep my mind positive today, so my girls and I made a poster to take to my work, and we also made some ribbon pins in red and gold, the colors that represent China.  Red is for good luck, and gold represents wealth and happiness.  My intention to give out the ribbons is so that people will see it and remember to pray for him and all the kids that need homes.  I have a picture of Nick holding the poster--it is almost as big as he is.  If I get permission from the agency, I promise to post it here.  It has pictures of him on it and I need permission first--I can't afford to be be breaking any rules!


I was reading Listening With My Heart, by Heather Whitestone today.  This book is SO inspiring!!  She became Miss America in 1995 despite her deafness.  It took her 3 hard years of blood, sweat and tears, but she did it!  She did it to prove a point to herself.  The most important accomplishment that she has made is that she ALWAYS followed her heart.  She was always in step with God's will.  She stood for Him, no matter the cost.  He carried her through, and as a result she helped build an organization to detect early diagnosis of deafness.  She will leave a legacy.  I love to hear about women like this.


In her book, she tells that the average age of detected deafness is at thirty months, and by that age the most critical period of development of speech and language skills has NEARLY PASSED!  This is why I am so anxious to get this little one here.  He is almost 3!  I am told through the agency that he probably hasn't had any sign language training at all yet, and that he is pretty good at understanding gestures from his care givers. That's a plus...but even if he had sign language training, it isn't universal!  To me, deafness isn't so much a disability.  Some may call it a blessing!  But he needs training and encouragement.  He needs a mom by his side every day to do just that-and to help get him through the sweat and tears!   I am more than willing to be her, but I HAVE to wait for God to provide the means and make it happen.  Sometimes I have perfect peace while I wait, and sometimes I am restless.  Today I was restless.  


Some friends have sent me messages of encouragement after reading this blog.  If you want to, please post your comments here.  You never know how your thoughts and experiences may help someone else who may be reading!  I love your feedback AND your encouragement!  

Be Still, Be still, be still...

Well, tomorrow is open house for us from 1-3 pm...I HOPE we get a buyer.  We scrubbed, painted, polished, and organized...Surely SOMEONE will like our house.  But it's just like me to be anxious and impatient.  I would LOVE to be that wife and mother that is always calm and of a quiet nature.  My life verse is Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God".  I am really trying to be still, but it is so hard when we want to bring home this little boy now!  But this boy and our house are out of my control. If we do get a buyer I can have enough money to start the adoption process.  I try not to think about the 'lump' sum. I need quite a bit to actually 'claim' him.  I just want to concentrate on the beginnings.   Thankfully, there are hearts out there dripping with love and encouragement.  Those hearts are trying to help us bring Chen Chen home.  Perfect strangers wanting to help.  I never realized there was that much hope in this world anymore.  That is encouraging! Not only am I encouraged by financial support, I love to hear others' stories.  I love to hear advice from people in similar situations!  It makes me feel like we're not alone in this.  And believe me, I love prayer and feedback.  So if you feel inclined to send a comment or a prayer--please do!!

We were brainstorming on fundraiser ideas.  Ron was thinking of a raffle for the Steelers tickets this year.  My mom and sister mentioned and multi-family yard sale/bake sale.  My boss said I should sell candy bars at work.  Any other ideas out there?  I'd love to hear your ideas!  I hate to feel like I am 'begging' for money.  But then I try to remember it's  NOT for me.  It's for a little boy who is probably just waking up as I am ready to go to bed.  Waking up without a family.  Waking up hoping his diaper will be changed soon.  That he will be fed soon-even held.  See?  This is what my mind does to me....Be still, be still, be still!!!

Sigh.....

Gentle Nudging

I went to work today just to pop in and pick up my paycheck.  Gina tells me there is a panicked bride-to-be in the reception area (tomorrow is her wedding) that needs a practice updo (something bad happened at the salon where she was supposed to go) and suggested that maybe I could help her.  So I did.  After a few moments we started getting to know each other, and of course we got on the subject of our kids.  Now by this time Gina had a break and was sitting in the chair adding to the conversation.  I told this woman about Chen Chen and she thought it was nice, etc.  Gina tells her he is deaf.  Well, it just so happens that THIS bride works with special needs kids---knows sign language too...I looked at Gina and her mouth was opened from surprise.  I stopped curling and said "See?  This KEEPS happening! THIS IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!"  Gina felt her arms and said "I just got chills!"

Now, I am quite sure that some of you may think this is coincidental.  It's not!  I know this is God speaking to me.  Gently encouraging me-gently nudging me.  And I know this is so because he is using so many people to do just that!  I am not a trusting person by nature.  My Aunt Paula told me that God must be saying "That Shannon sure is stubborn, look at all I have to go through to convince her." This is a woman with a pure heart.  She knows her God.  

People I don't even know are praying for me because of the friends in my life.  Friends I haven't seen in years!  It means so much to me!  You know who you are!  I don't have to name them all.  Lord knows I have already thanked them....but they will NEVER know the depth of my gratitude-not in this life!  People who can't afford to donate are donating.  THIS is what breaks me.  THIS is what God is using to humble me.  We all know (hopefully) the story of the widow who tithed all she had in Luke 21: 1-4 (yes, I had to look that up!).  These are the people that touch me.  Please, please don't think I am asking for money as I write this.  Honestly, that is between the reader and God!  I just want the people who are following this life journey to KNOW that I am thankful!!  Thankful that you even CARE to read it!  Thankful that you care about my family!  Thankful that you CARE...in general!

I said to Ron tonight, "You know, this time next year we may be the parents of a deaf child.  Does that scare you?"  He said, "No.  Being a parent doesn't scare me."  Not the normal "Yes, it scares the hell out of me" that was expected.  All I could do was smile.  Who is this man?  Certainly not the man I married...but a man that just may be getting a gentle nudging, as well.

Listening With My Heart...

... is the name of one of the books I ordered for my 'library'.  It came in the mail today.  I can't wait to read it!  It's about a deaf girl who was Miss America 1995.  She talks about her faith in God, her spirit of determination, and her hard work to never give into voices of discouragement despite her challenges.  Sounds like the kind of read I need!


I have much support from friends and friends of friends.  Most people have told me that they think we're doing a great thing.  Some family members are concerned that this is a burden too heavy to bear.  I am discouraged by negative words.  I am.  I can't help it.  Thank you Lord that the support outweighs the negative.  I just think maybe they're scared for us and our kids, and they can't help but react that way.  I just know that when they see him they will love him.  How could any human being not?  I know God wouldn't give me anything I couldn't bear.  We all face hardships and burdens.  But this is a life!  A beating heart.... living, breathing, thriving little body that needs nuturing.  Needs touch.  Needs a 'momma'.  And I want to be that momma!  Thank you God that Ron wants to be his daddy!  And thank you God that my girls have huge hearts that hold enough love to WANT another brother.  Thank you that they already say, "My brother Chen Chen". 


I found Alex yesterday laying in my bed practicing sign.  She wants her brother home...Now THAT'S me listening with my heart...

Selling, selling, selling...

So, with the help of my mom, sister, and dear friends...Ron and me may decide to have a bull roast or bake sales, or something like it to try to raise some money for our boy.  Poor Ron, I am selling everything I can on Craigslist to put some money aside...he said to me today "Uh, I am gonna come home one day and everything will be gone?"  lol....You know what I told him?   "Honey, don't worry--it's less to move one day!"

 This is so different for me because I usually GIVE everything away just to get rid of it.  Material things have very little value to me.  A few keepsakes here and there are special but that's it.  As a matter of fact, I am learning through this whole process that I have done nothing but WASTE money ALL my life.  I have always had a 'gotta have it now' mentality.  Unfortunately,  Ron has (almost) never told me 'no', and provided whatever I wanted regardless of the cost.  Shame on me!  I am 42 years old and just realizing this!  I don't even WANT to think about what lessons that has shown my kids.  I am pretty disgusted as I walk around my house and look at all of the wasted money!  I could have had 10 adopted kids (ok, I really wouldn't want 10, but you get my point) by now!

I have started buying some books for myself AND for Chen Chen (that's his given name but only from the institution-we'll change it--maybe Vincenzo--that has 'chen' in the middle) on Half.com so that we can have a little 'library' of sign books for when he comes home.  The books for me are more about what to expect as an adoptive parent.  His are much more fun and colorful (I recommend that website highly!  You can get used books soooo cheap!!! ) .  Can you imagine what it will be like on a flight home from China with a deaf child? LOL...I am crazy, I know...but it's God that gave me this heart for him, so I know He will help me.

By the way, I found that the books I ORDERED for him are ALSO on the Deaf Society recommended list. Funny, huh?  I had no idea!

Ok, enough for tonight....Please pray for us!!  And thank you!!!!

Humbled

Okay, so I started this blog to keep everyone informed of the steps along the way.  I think it's more for me to journal my feelings and to keep my mind busy!

Last night a friend and former co-worker made a donation for our fund.  I don't know how much she donated yet, but I don't care if it's one dollar!  What I do care about is that I know God is humbling me in this whole process.  I have never asked for anything from anyone--I have always been the one to give, whether it be my time, compassion, money--whatever...does not matter.  I am on the other end now.  I believe God is teaching me humility and using it to diminish any pride left in me.  Thank you, Barbie and Matt.  She told me her little adopted son prays for my little boy every night.  That's enough to humble anyone!

I woke up this morning thinking about him.  His little picture dances through my mind everyday.  I hold my kids, kiss their faces and wonder if I'll ever be able to do that to him.  I wish I could show you his picture, but it is forbidden to do so unless he is mine.  Which, I believe he will be!!

Happy Sunday to all!!

Adoption Donations to Our Fund

For anyone interested in making a tax deductible donation to Christian World Adoption, in our name, please go to:

CWA.org

click on Donate Now

fill out secure online donation form

Click on General Fund

Fill out our family name: Ron and Shannon Pierro

231 Prospect Circle

Shrewsbury, PA 17361

Your donation is then put toward our fund only and is tax deductible-with receipt.

Thanks for helping us bring him home!!!

Ron and Shannon Pierro

A Journey of Love… August 18, 2009

Some months ago, Ron asked me to consider having another baby with the hope that we could have another son, and brother for our youngest child, Nicholas. My immediate reaction was to tell him that the ‘kitchen was closed’ and he’d better forget it. My life is getting easier—why would I do something like that? After explaining this to him (and many other reasons), he asked me if I would consider adoption. This is how we got to the place we are today…

Days later we learned that friends of ours from our church were in the process of adopting a boy from Ethiopia with a Christian organization called CWA. It was very exciting to learn about their adoption process. They were throwing a church yard sale to help raise the adoptions funds.

One evening I decided to check out CWA’s website. Although I felt sympathy for these waiting children, I still wasn’t considering adoption for us. That is, UNTIL I saw a picture of a little boy from China. The face of this precious child tugged at my heart as I watched a video of him-over and over again. I was instantly drawn to him (besides, he looks like a Chinese Nick…lol). As I searched for more information on him, I learned that he has severe sensory nerve deafness. WoW! I have always loved sign language and deaf culture. In fact, the night before I saw his picture, I finished an online course for American Sign Language, eager to start my next class. As I continued to watch the video, Nicholas became interested. I teased and asked him, ‘Nick, who is this boy?’ He answered, “Is that my brudder?” Hmm…strange thing for him to reply, but then again, Ron WAS coaxing him into asking me for a brother…

For days I thought about this little boy, and prayed that he would find his forever home. For days he wouldn’t leave my mind. I knew we could never afford to adopt this boy. $25,000? We don’t have that kind of money! Just for my own satisfaction I decided to send an email to inquire about him. I clicked the ‘send’ button, and off to bed I went. That night I dreamed that he was sitting on my lap. I asked him “Where’s my eyes? Where’s my nose? Where’s my ears? Where’s my mouth?” In my dream he pointed to all of them. I remember thinking ‘How does he know what I am saying? He is deaf AND Chinese!’

The next day while visiting my friend, I told her how discouraged I was that he was deaf. After all, Ron could never take him to a football game. He doesn’t know ASL. And what about Nick…how would he ever communicate with this little one? I knew my girls would be okay with it, but I couldn’t help but worry. How could I read to a deaf child? This dear friend encouraged me not to worry but to pray about it and to trust God. I got back into my car, and while driving home, prayed that the Lord would send me a sure sign to not be discouraged. When I got home, there was an email from CWA telling me not to worry about communicating with him, as he probably hasn’t had ANY instruction whatsoever. Also, in that email was some of his medical information. In reading these documents, I was amazed at some of the things he could do even though he was deaf. One sentence in particular stood out:

CAN POINT TO EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND MOUTH.

My stomach did a flip as I remembered the dream I had the night before. Instantly, I felt God’s blessing! I couldn’t hold back the tears. I read further that he was named after the SUNSHINE’S first morning rays. Sunshine is the name of my sister-in-law who was killed tragically in a car accident last year. More tears…

Of course I shared all of this with Ron. He was skeptical at first, but still listening. Each night we prayed together that God would lead us into a decision. We knew the money was unobtainable. We still pray often…

About a week later, I was telling an acquaintance of mine all of these details. Again, I was telling her how discouraged I was that in all my research there wasn’t a deaf school locally. She wished me good luck and away she went to one of our friend’s house to swim. Later that evening, she called to tell me that while she was at our friend’s house, she met a teacher from a local school that teaches deaf children and that she was excited to talk to me!!!! I started laughing hysterically—I couldn’t believe my ears! Her voice was screaming with excitement as she told me that I’d better go get this boy! I called this sweet young Christian woman the next day, and she made me promise to keep her informed of our decision.

I thought a lot about how our families would react to us adopting a Chinese boy. A deaf, Chinese boy. They know my passion for this culture, but would they understand why I would want to take on such a challenging task? Challenging to them—rewarding to me. I could show this boy love. I could give him a home. I could show him the Lord! But how would they react?

My sister-in-law, Gina, sat with me and watched that video with tears in her eyes. She got up from my couch, opened her purse and handed me $100….’Put this toward him, Shannon. Go get him,’ she said. I was overjoyed. I now only need $24,900!!

Our friend’s yard sale was finally underway, and she was sorting out an endless pile of books. On the top of a pile was a book entitled Sesame Street Book of Signs ABC’s. We laughed that maybe it was a ‘sign’and she gave it to me. By the way, she raised $3000.00 toward her son’s adoption! Just enough to get them rolling…

Weeks later a package from the American Society of Deaf Children arrived in the mail, addressed to me. I don’t remember asking for literature, but I opened it anyway. Inside was chock full of information and encouraging words for parents of deaf kids. A bookmark read ‘How To Read To Your Deaf Child’. Wasn’t I just asking how to do that? Also, some recommended books were listed. At the top of that list was a book that sounded familiar. Could it be? I frantically rifled through a box filled with books until I found what I was looking for! No wonder it looked familiar! It was the very book from the yard sale!!!



So this is where we stand today. Somwhere in the middle. Still waiting, still praying and hoping to bring this little boy home one day. Continually I pray for him. I pray that he will find his forever home. Whether or not we get him, I couldn’t possibly know at this time. But I do know that in my heart he is already my son.

Please pray for us. Please pray for these kids. And if you feel the Lord’s leading to help us bring him home, by all means—please help us to make it happen!

My friends tell me that if God wants us to have him, He will make a way for us to get him. We’re hoping for a miracle. Please Lord, let that happen… Please make a way for us to bring him home.

Thanks for reading about our journey of love…


Blessings,

Ron and Shannon Pierro