I was having a really tough day about a week after sharing the “adventure” with our kids. This was so big, so new, so scary, so different … moving to Haiti and Ethiopia for a year! We promised Hannah and Michael the freedom to feel exactly what they were feeling … no matter what! Our biggest prayer was not closing their spirits, but encouraging them to trust us and trust what Jesus has asked us to do as a family. That was a big request!

Hannah was watching me like a hawk after we met the new family adopting our dog, Tate. This was actually harder to tell the kids about their dog, than the actual mission adventure. Tate has been a part of our family for five years, but it’s not an option to take him along with us. We are living in a 1,200 sq ft. condo for 6 months during our transition time until November 20th! Tate’s new family is thrilled, but our family … not so thrilled. I went up to her room and laid down on her bed. She looked at me and I started boo hoo’ing … it breakes my heart we have to let our crazy dog go. I think it struck her heart to tenderness, seeing me so sad. I told her I needed a frappuccino and would she drive with me to happy hour at Starbucks.

“Mom, you need a good crying song and a coffee.” Oh my daughter knows me so well!

We jumped in the car and she picked the perfect song for me. Britt Nicole’s “walk on the water” … the song brought me to tears and we started laughing and crying together how crazy her mom really was. I cried all the way to Starbucks, but felt so good and connected to my daughter. I told her when the song finished …

“Hannah, this is THE HARDEST thing we have ever done in our life … but I couldn’t do this without you.”

“I know mom.” Smile.

The next day, I asked her her what was one word that described how she was feeling and one song she was feeling. My daughter expresses her feelings through her music. Her word- relaxed. Her song- What makes you beautiful (One Direction)

I think that was a major breakthrough … we are moving forward. Our children will also be challenged and stretched and loved, just like we will be for our year of missions adventure. God did not promise this would be easy, but He promised us that He will never leave or forsake us. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:5-7

I read this today in my very favorite book … “Drawing prayer circles often feels foolish. And the bigger the circle you draw the more foolish you’ll feel. But if you aren’t willing to step out of the boat, you’ll never walk on the water. If you aren’t willing to circle the city, the wall will ever fall. And if you aren’t willing to follow the star, you’ll miss out on the greatest ADVENTURE of your life.” (The Circle Maker)

(crazy Tate got a “storage” sticker stuck on his tail)

I want to ask you if you will come along side of us the next six months as we prepare to go and love big in Haiti and Ethiopia. Pray for my children, pray for our hearts, pray for God’s direction, and supernatural protection. I’m going to commit blogging through this new change- the good, the crazy, and the hard days ahead. We are packing up 10 years of memories in boxes and storage and it’s not an easy thing to give up this stuff. I’m going to need YOU to keep me accountable- Will you join me?

Walk on the Water

You look around
It’s staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder

What if I’m overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one’s there?
Will you hear my prayer?

When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that he won’t let you go

So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you

You know you’re made for more
So don’t be afraid to MOVE
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water too
So get out
And let
Your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don’t wait
Don’t you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you’re not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away

If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won’t let you go

(step out)
Even when its storming
(step out)
Even when you’re broken
(step out)
Even when your heart is telling you telling you to give up
(step out)
When your hope is stolen
(step out)
You can’t see where you’re going
You don’t have to be afraid

So what are you waiting,
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you

You know you’re made for more
So don’t be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water…
Walk on the water too

 Enjoyed this post or learned something crazy? Please share and spread the love.

I started writing this post and started crying. I hope I can get through this without making a fool out of myself sitting at Panera. This is the biggest blog announcement I’ve ever made and I’m crazy nervous to share with you. It’s not that I don’t think you’ll fall out of your chair when you read it, but that I won’t do a good job sharing my heart.

We are moving as a family to Haiti and Ethiopia starting November 20, 2012!!!!!!!

We thought we had it all planned out. For the past two years, we’ve desired to go on the mission field in Ethiopia. We never wavered asking Him to open the door for us to serve with our brothers and sisters who sacrifice so much in Zoie’s birthplace. We wanted to give back. I even had a dream of our home and outdoor kitchen complete with a wood burning fire. I woke up thinking, “Seriously Jesus, I could totally cook on that.” We definitely had peace about the mission plan, but we didn’t know that God had mapped out a different route on the way to Africa. Our first stop is Haiti!!!!!!!!! Roger has never even been to Haiti, but he fell in love with the bonus gift God placed in our path. It was a blessing we couldn’t resist, it was THE key to the miracle God had already set in motion.

PIGNON, HAITI ADVENTURE: Part 1

We are deeply humbled that the most incredible missionaries, Bill and Jennifer Campbell have opened their hearts and their home in Pignon to allow us to come and serve as “happy helpers” at Haiti Home of Hope. As you know, I took a Visiting Orphans team to Pignon in January and God broke my heart- literally. I was overwhelmed with the ministry who cares for a community that works 24 hours a day just to live, eat, and survive. I will re-post my stories from Haiti and hopefully (you too) will fall in love with this beautiful little village called Pignon. Hannah and Zoie will spend 2 months with us in Haiti and our son, Michael will join us there for Christmas. Upon graduation he will attend Missouri State University and study broadcast journalism. He’s starting his new adventure.

Reading the Live Dead Journal, one statement jumped out for both, Roger and me.

Ask Jesus if He wants you to go- live and die among the people. I read that statement, but refused to pray that question. I already knew the answer- sure God, if you want me to keep taking teams on short term mission trips … I’ll totally do that!!!!!!! Oh, little flock (I’m sure God thought out loud) that was not what I was asking you. I prayed for weeks after returning from Haiti and felt overwhelmed in my spirit- knowing I had to face this question afraid. Do it afraid. Finally, I found the courage to ask Him in a very quiet, wimpy voice …. Jesus, do you want us to go as missionaries and live and die among the lost, unreached, unengaged people groups. If you say yes, I might consider mentioning this to my hubby. But, there’s a limit to this …. we have to do it during summer vacation so it won’t be hard for our three kids.

I told you I was a wimp!

God works with wimps. When all else fails, God sets in and sets us free. The best part of this story is the miracle God did 60 seconds after my hubby made the decision for our family to serve the Campbells in Haiti Home of Hope. After months of talking and praying and praying, he sent the email confirming our decision … that’s when it happened. Roger noticed on his facebook a message from a local realtor asking us if we had our home listed. God sold our home. He did it literally 1 MINUTE after we said yes. We knew immediately this was His story, His miracle, and His timing. Nothing honors God more than a big dream that is way beyond our ability to accomplish. We’ve had our home on the market since 2007 and it was when we circled this dream of missions, God honored our bold prayers, but not the fast track plan. The past year has been one of the most painful reminders for me that God’s timing is perfect… we can’t rush a miracle.

This past month, we sold our home, resigned from our job of 20 years, and preparing for a missions adventure that will be living out loud James 1:27 and John 12:24. I never dreamed in a million years I would be saying these words, but God did a miracle in our family and we are moving forward to dream big, love big, and go big.

Please join us on this journey  … hold our hands and pray for our family. The best is yet to come!

“If you’ve never had a God-sized dream that scared you half to death, then you haven’t really come to life. If you’ve never been overwhelmed by the impossibility of your plans, then your God is too small. If your vision isn’t perplexingly impossible, then you need to expand the radiuses of your prayer circles.” (The Circle Maker)

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Part 2

I can’t wait to share with you the rest of the story … coming soon!

Enjoyed this post or learned something crazy?
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Zoie and her new soccer team, the Black Mambas had their very first game on Saturday. I forgot just how adorable 10 little four years old kicking the ball, picking up the ball, hitting the ball out of bounds, and running the opposite way on the field. Zoie ran over to the side lines about 8 times to give us a hug. She melted the four of us and we can’t wait for the next game!!

Are you a cheerleader or coach personality with your kids?

Zoie ran off to the sides into her coach’s arms and said, “I love you daddy!” I’m thinking her coach had a few tears in his eyes, this is what he dreamed about when we were waiting for our adoption. In his dream, he was playing soccer with Zoie. I just love how God makes dreams come true! They made 2 goals, but I know this fierce, determined, extremely poisonous little team will do big things this season! Gooooo Black Mambas!!!

Hey everybody, if you want to view the brand new ADORABLE Simply Love Mercy tee shirts to help support this beautiful girl, Mercy come to the states for medical treatment you need to “Like” my facebook page here. We are so excited to pray for Mercy to get her medical visa and celebrate before the miracle happens. I will open back up My Crazy Adoption store this week and you can purchase this exclusive design and be a big part of OPERATION: MERCY!!! Thank you for your prayers and cheers!!

Enjoyed this post or learned something crazy?
Please share and spread the love.

I waited over 5 years to share this …. God just sold our home!!!!!!!!! The eve before Easter, we got THE crazy call that we have been praying and circling for years!!

He answers every prayer and keeps every promise. If you have the faith to dream big, pray hard, and think long …. there is NOTHING God loves more than proving His faithfulness. (The Circle Maker)

Do you remember this post in 2009 when I blogged about why we were selling our home? You, my blog friends, never wavered encouraging me here and here. We really believed God wanted us to give up our home and downsize to a smaller place to afford our upcoming adoption. It was very confusing and hopeless and discouraging when, year after year, it didn’t sell. Have you ever prayed for a miracle that had no answer? “Some of the hardest moments in life are when you prayed hard, but the answer is no and you don’t know why.” There were so many times it felt like God was actually getting in the way. And He was. And I’m glad He was. I think half the time, we were going in the wrong way. It was what we needed to keep moving forward. We built our dream home 10 years ago, but God changed our dreams. We want to give God ALL the glory for this miracle. I can’t wait to share with you the story from start to sell. It will blow you away! I’m still processing what He’s done for our family.

The past few days have not been easy for the kids …. letting go, crazy change, and obedience is difficult. Roger and I really hope that we have modeled honoring behavior to our children, but also giving them the freedom to be vulnerable and to show real emotions.

I’m going to wait until MAY 23rd (moving day) to share all the crazy details of what’s coming up next with our family-adventure. We have some big surprises and can’t wait to share with you, faithful friends so you can join us on our journey. Would you pray for our family of 5? We need your support and encouragement!!

Do you have any moving tips? I’m seriously freeking out just a little about packing up 10 years of stuff!!

Enjoyed this post or learned something crazy?
Please share and spread the love.

I can’t believe what YOU did!! You helped us sell 676 tee shirts for the mission trip giveaway AND support the Haiti and Moldova projects with Children’s HopeChest. You made a big difference in the life of countless children and communities that will benefit from your donations! The winner of the mission trip will be announced on April 2nd on Facebook (look to the right side of my blog and click on Like!)

This sweet family in Pignon, Haiti thanks you, too …

Don’t forget, CHC requests your patience on waiting for your new Simply Love and Man Up tees (did they do an amazing job or what!) They are ordering all 676 tees in bulk to save every penny for the mission projects. As soon as they get the tees printed … they will mail out to you! Again, THANK YOU for your cheers, prayers, support, and shout outs for the past two weeks!

What’s next in my crazy life? Here are my top three big events coming up ….

#1 My son, Michael is graduating in May and going to Missouri State University (Go Bears!) He is the joy of our lives and we just can’t believe this little guy is growing up so fast!! We are SO proud of you!! Thank you for teaching us how to love big for the past 18 years!

#2 We are still waiting for Mercy to receive her medical visa and travel here to the states for treatment. We need your prayers! We have the doctor’s set up ready to go and an amazing hospital, Mercy Hospital ready to care for her! If you want to keep growing spiritually, you need to keep stretching. How? By going after dreams that are bigger than you are! -The Circle Maker

#3 I’m so excited to go back to Ethiopia and Uganda in June with a Visiting Orphan’s team of 35 to love big and serve the fatherless! We will spend 14 days ministering and working with Sixty Feet, Project 61, Canaan’s Children’s Home, My Father’s Eyes and several new ministries to share the gospel to the unreached people groups! We still have open spots for [men only] on the Man Up trip in July. Contact VO for more information.

What’s your top 3 events coming up in your life?

For the past three years, you have been sending me your personal stories to share with readers. Now, there is a place you can read all the guest posts in one spot. My Life Is Crazy Too is a new series of reader submissions. This is your opportunity to share stories about life, love, and mommyhood to provide understanding, hope, and compassion in the unique situations each of us face. If you would like to submit a story to this series, email me.

Enjoyed this post or learned something crazy?
Please share and spread the love.

I have a confession. Do you remember this post? The past three years, I have gained a total 25 pounds simply eating really unhealthy foods and not exercising. It was this recipe that really did me in. I’ve heard the rumors that when you hit 40 you can start gaining weight and really tough to get it off. I hated feeling like I was going to roll down the hill on my last mission trip to Haiti. We had to hike a mile up a steep hill to visit baby Julie and I was really struggling with burning in my chest and thighs (ugh) and breathing like I was running a marathon in high heels. Well, I came home and made a decision to self-care and get back in shape. I’ve been on a special eating plan the past 9 weeks. I stopped eating white sugar and white four …. I’ve lost 11 pounds, but now hit that dreaded plateau. If I’m going to lose the last 14 pounds, I’m going to have to up my game and start sweating and moving faster. There are so many “changes” in my life right now, that have challenged me to up my game spiritually. If you’ve been following my blog the past few months, you know we are selling our home. It’s been on the market for 5 years and we (as of this week) have our first potential buyer. They love our home and have come back 2x to walk through it! They left a note on the kitchen counter “we are praying through our decision.” I’m continuing through Mark Batterson’s book – The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears and circling my dreams and praying fervently for His promises. When Roger and I decided to let go of our home, we knew we would gain so much more.

There is nothing God loves more than keeping His promises. He is actively watching and waiting for us to simply take Him at His word. He is watching over Matt. 18:18. He is watching over Is 59:21. He is watching over Luke 7:23. He is watching over each and every promise, and if that doesn’t fill you with holy confidence, nothing will. Praying hard is standing on the promises of God. And when we stand ON His word, God stands BY His word. His word is His bond. #The Circle Maker

I’m processing this idea of being a “risk taker.” Honestly, I wasn’t always willing to take a risk in my life … this is a new adventure. I typically handled risk like the Israelites- complaining or begging for a way out. Too often we let how get in the way of what God wants us to do. We can’t figure out how to do what God has called us to do, so we don’t do it at all. Mark Batterson calls this kind of risk “this is crazy” moments.

I’ve had a lot of “this is crazy” moments in my life. It was a huge risk for our family to adopt. I remember saying those very words when we held Zoie in our arms the very first time. She was so tiny and sick and I kept repeating the words … this is crazy, this is crazy, this is crazy! But our fears quickly changed to this is awesome, this is awesome, this is awesome! I love Mark Batterson’s words … “if you aren’t willing to put yourself in “this is crazy” situations, you’ll never experience “this is awesome” moments.

What will you gain when you lose? What do you do with a promise that seems impossible? What do you do when faith seems foolish?

It was a huge risk for me to go on my first mission trip three years ago, it just didn’t add up. I had to leave my three kids, raise $3,000, spend a week with strangers, but I had to hold on to the promise- He would take care of me. Have you ever been there? You know God wants you to take the job that pays less, but it doesn’t add up. You know God wants you to do on the mission trip, but it doesn’t add up. You know God wants you to get married, go to grad school, or adopt, but it doesn’t add up.

Faith requires a little craziness.

Roger and I met in high school when I was 16 years old (he was 14) and life was never the same. For those of you who knew us in those good old days at Scottsdale Christian Academy, I’m sure you wondered often why… a) I was rocking the cradle b) young love never lasts c) what did I see in the school rebel? I guess all those years ago, I fell in love with the guy of my dreams, but never dreamed we would have the grandest adventure for 20 years! I’ve had the time of my life! What I love most of all, being married to a younger man (he’s still soooo cute) and our love DID last, and he’s still a rebel … for God! We are so excited to see what God has planned this year for our family. We are praying for big, crazy dreams! We are both reading The Circle Maker and circling and praying and dreaming! Together, we want make the year 2012 one to remember!

Today is my 20th anniversary!!!!!! I thought it would be fun to show off some crazy photos from our beginning through the years- just the “two of us” pics. It’s kinda a big deal to celebrate 20 years of marriage, so I wanted to brag just a little in this fun video titled LOVE LIKE CRAZY!

Love Like Crazy from Kari Gibson on Vimeo.

Quotes: If you want to keep growing spiritually, you need to keep stretching. How? By, going after dreams that are bigger that you are. Faith is the willingness to look foolish. Nothing honors God more than a big dream that is way beyond our ability to accomplish. The day we stop dreaming is the day we start dying. You’re never too old to go after the dreams God has put in your heart. And for the record, you’re never too young either. Age is NEVER a valid excuse. True faith celebrates before the miracle happens.- Mark Batterson, The Circle Maker

What is one of your biggest dreams you are praying for? If you enjoyed this post or learned something crazy …. please share with your friends.

(Photos: 1- our 1st date, 2- our 1st prom, 3- our 1st engagement pic)

Over the past three years, I have received hundreds of guest posts from you, my crazy readers. These are your real stories and you inspire me, encourage me, and fill my heart with compassion as we embrace the unique situations each of us face in life. I learn from you…. you are beautiful, kind, smart and important!! I know … quoting The Help is kinda corny, but I mean it! I’m starting a brand new series to compile all your submissions in one “easy to find” spot- My Life Is Crazy Too. I’m going back through the years and including your guest posts to the series to make it overflowing with stories you can re-read and share. I want you to tell us your story. This is a 100% mom blog that wears a lot of hats… we support and cheer for moms, advocate for adoption, and take care of the fatherless living James 1:27. This blog is ALL about sharing real life stories about how crazy life gets- the good, the bad, and the crazy in life, love, and mommyhood. As a mom, I need daily encouragement from other moms, sometimes just to make it through my day with a 18, 15, and 4 year old! My Crazy Adoption is not just about encouraging parents through the adoption journey…. but so much more!

Last week, one of my best friends went through a miscarriage. It was so heartbreaking watching her go through the agony of losing a child. It brought me back to the terrible day we held our son when he died. The pain of loss is so severe that the only thing you really want to hear from your family and friends … I’m so sorry!! The joy now in my life, I can share from my own experiences …. I didn’t have to ask her what she needed, I already knew. Every loss is different, but the pain is the same. I wish like crazy she wasn’t a part of the “club” of moms who have lost a child, but this is real life. God adopted us and promised us that He will never leave us or abandon us. He will walk with us through the pain and craziness of life.

What have you gone through the past year, that has reminded you how much we need our girlfriends to hold our hands through the craziness? Do you read mom blogs sometimes for understanding on a situation you’re going through in life? Do you ever feel all alone (and crazy) sometimes when facing a big, life-changing event?

I hope you will continue to open up and leave your comments and stories, or email me when you need a friend to listen. When you are ready to share your stories about mommyhood, life, love, or any craziness each of us face (form coming soon) you can email me your story, including a photo (if you want) and any links you want added: blog, website, fundraiser, facebook, etc. When you have time, read this story from my favorite person in the whole wide world!!

My Life Is Crazy Too is a new series of reader submissions. This is your opportunity to share stories about life, love, and mommyhood to provide understanding, hope, and compassion in the unique situations each of us face every day. If you would like to submit a story to this series, email me.

I can’t wait to hear from you! True faith celebrates before the miracle happens.- The Circle Maker

I’ve been MIA this week from my blog due to the tornado that ripped though my city of Branson, MO. I had the privilege of working with 6 families that lived about 2 miles from my home, salvage and pack up their belongings that survived the storm. It was heartbreaking to watch families and business in my hometown lose everything, but not their spirits. We have all come together as neighbors and friends. The crazy miracle, no one lost their lives- only minor injuries. When you look at the photos I took on my clean up project, you won’t believe their survival stories.

Please pray for my community as they heal and rebuild the city we love! The show will go on!

Welcome to My Crazy Adoption Blog!!  The blog reads just like a magazine.  I blog daily for moms and advocating for adoption and orphan care in a crazy way!  I’d love for you to check out posts, videos, and articles from top to bottom- it’s my passion to blog with a purpose and have fun making new bloggy friends along the adventure.  The best way for me to meet you is by becoming a regular commenter.  I read every comment and respond to as many of you as I can.  You can also email me if you want to chat privately.  Thank you for stopping by and joining the craziness!

I leave for Haiti in a few days, so stop by and read all the new posts from incredible guest bloggers.

Moms, I found this super cool blogger Frugal Upstate that had a great article on snowy day activities to do when school is closed and your kids are starring at you to be fun!  I came up with snow ice cream, but Jenn came up with 40+ things to do outside & inside.

40 Things to do on a School Snow Day- click here for list!

“When I was a kid having a school snow day was like an unexpected gift-suddenly, for no reason you get a WHOLE DAY, right smack in the middle of the week.  No school!! The thrill! The joy!

Every time there was so much as a flake in the sky we’d scramble for the radio and listen anxiously hoping against hope that in the regular mix of morning show banter and songs we’d get that magical list of schools that were closed.  And oh the anxiety if we caught the list half way through. . . we’d have to wait another 10 minutes until they ran through it again!

As an adult with 2 primary school aged children to entertain I have to admit that snow days don’t fill me with quite the same joy they once did.  I work on letting go of my anxiety about all the things I’m “supposed” to be getting done and use it as a special day to connect with my kids.  With a little thought and inspiration you can use snow days to build special memories with your kids-even teens!”

To get you started on your own snow day fun, here are 40 fun things to do on a school snow day.

 

The past month has been a whirlwind of family fun. I thought it would be fun to show off my top 10 photos of my adorable family and friends.

#1 – Thank you Ijames Family for the amazing Christmas cookout and hayride- it was the wildest ride of my life (aka Jack Bauer!)

#2 – This was my mom’s 15th annual Christmas Cookie Party. You throw the best parties, mom!

#3 – Christmas Night. Santa visited our home before we left for our 14 day road trip (thanks Santa!!)

#4 – Road trip craziness!! Headed to CO and AZ with 1 van + 3 kids + fun!

#5 – Gibson girls enjoying the snow and sun!

#6 – I love my big, crazy family!!

#7 – Sisters-of-the-heart

#8 – Zoie wonders if that tongue could really be real?

#9 – We had the best day at the Phx. zoo! We have our own “Bear” in the family (way to go Michael)

#10 – Hannah wearing Nanny Gibson’s wedding dress.

I’m traveling to Haiti with 16 mission-hearted people to simply LOVE big for 7 days this month with Visiting Orphans. Do you want to be a guest here on my blog? I’d really like to collect your crazy stories about mommyhood, adoption, and missions. I want to continue to use your stories to inspire readers to make a difference. There IS a place for short term missions with a purpose to go and share Him to all who are lost. I want to hear about your God-Adventure. Moms and Dads, you are making a difference every day in the life of your children. I want to hear the heartbeat of your daily craziness. If you have adopted or are in the process of adopting domestically or internationally, I want to know your adoption story at a deeper level – how did you open your heart to allow God to expand your family in a radical way. I’d also love your family crafts or favorite recipes to share.

It’s easy to be a guest blogger:

1. Email me your story ready to post- you are the writer & editor. karigib@gmail.com
2. Share 1-3 photos of your family or subject clip art.
3. Include your blog link to share with readers (if you want)

Please send me your guest posts before Jan. 20th. Thank you so much!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Zoie!!!! We thank God every day for you!!