Greg posted this today on his blog www.gregdarley.com and I thought it was very good truth to remember no matter what circumstance your going through or stage of life you are in:
If you were never told no, would yes matter as much?
If every door you knocked on were opened, would the next door be as meaningful?
If there was no delay between prayer and answer, would you do it as much?
I hate waiting. I hate closed doors. And I hate lag time between prayer and answer. But, I think that’s where we find God. He’s behind the no because he knows a better yes. He’s not opening one door because they next one is better. He’s not answering the prayer yet because He has our best in mind. God is in the delay.
We’ve been waiting what seems like forever to be matched with the baby girl we are adopting. We pray for her every night. We’re praying for God to open the door today. Thus far, there’s been no answer yet. But, I know God is working in the delay. I know he has the perfect baby girl to bring into our family. But waiting is not fun. Closed doors hurt. But I know that the tears we’ve cried and the prayers we’ve prayed will be that much sweeter when we finally get the “Yes”. (We would love to have your prayers too!)
If you’re waiting, or knocking, or praying with no answer yet…keep going. God is in the delay with you.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Home of God's Love
This youtube video is kind of old but it's Ted talking about the orphanage. I can't wait to meet him. Here is the link to find out more about the orphanage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5IniQ1gPrk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5IniQ1gPrk
Taiwan Customs
Some random Taiwan customs I read recently:
Gift Giving
Giving and receiving gifts is customary in Taiwan . The Taiwanese appreciate gifts that connote sophistication and prestige. Instead of buying baseball caps for your new friends, chocolates or cigarettes might be a better choice. Also, since it is considered rude to open a gift immediately, don't be surprised if your gift is put aside until the recipient can open it in private.
Business Cards
Business cards, or mingpien, are an important part of everyday life in Taiwan . Most businesses, schools, and individuals have cards, and people exchange them like handshakes. English teachers find cards helpful in obtaining new private clients. If you can't read Chinese, make a note on the back as to each card's origin, or you'll soon find yourself with piles of illegible mingpien. Mingpien are ideal for finding shops or night spots that are located in confusing areas; simply get in a cab and point at the address on the card.
Paper
Always use two hands when handing paper to someone (including business cards). It is considered rude to offer paper with one hand, especially if the recipient is a superior.
Removing Shoes
You will be expected to remove your shoes upon entering a Taiwanese home. The reason is more practical than traditional, since it helps to keep the inside clean. Slippers will sometimes be available, but if you have large feet, they won't be an option. Always wear presentable socks when invited to someone's home for dinner.
Tipping
You should tip service people such as porters and hair stylists, but don't tip taxi drivers or in restaurants. Larger restaurants will add a 10 percent service charge and a 5 percent value-added tax to your bill.
Boasting vs. Modesty
It is considered very impolite to boast in Taiwan . Always make sure to compliment people on anything that is worth noting. Conversely, when receiving a compliment, you are expected to play down your attributes and prowess. When someone compliments your language ability, for example, have a standard response ready ("I really should study more," or "It could be a lot better.").
Death
Death is a taboo subject in Taiwan , so avoid it. Also, white, not black as in the United States and Canada , is the color associated with death.
Gift Giving
Giving and receiving gifts is customary in Taiwan . The Taiwanese appreciate gifts that connote sophistication and prestige. Instead of buying baseball caps for your new friends, chocolates or cigarettes might be a better choice. Also, since it is considered rude to open a gift immediately, don't be surprised if your gift is put aside until the recipient can open it in private.
Business Cards
Business cards, or mingpien, are an important part of everyday life in Taiwan . Most businesses, schools, and individuals have cards, and people exchange them like handshakes. English teachers find cards helpful in obtaining new private clients. If you can't read Chinese, make a note on the back as to each card's origin, or you'll soon find yourself with piles of illegible mingpien. Mingpien are ideal for finding shops or night spots that are located in confusing areas; simply get in a cab and point at the address on the card.
Paper
Always use two hands when handing paper to someone (including business cards). It is considered rude to offer paper with one hand, especially if the recipient is a superior.
Removing Shoes
You will be expected to remove your shoes upon entering a Taiwanese home. The reason is more practical than traditional, since it helps to keep the inside clean. Slippers will sometimes be available, but if you have large feet, they won't be an option. Always wear presentable socks when invited to someone's home for dinner.
Tipping
You should tip service people such as porters and hair stylists, but don't tip taxi drivers or in restaurants. Larger restaurants will add a 10 percent service charge and a 5 percent value-added tax to your bill.
Boasting vs. Modesty
It is considered very impolite to boast in Taiwan . Always make sure to compliment people on anything that is worth noting. Conversely, when receiving a compliment, you are expected to play down your attributes and prowess. When someone compliments your language ability, for example, have a standard response ready ("I really should study more," or "It could be a lot better.").
Death
Death is a taboo subject in Taiwan , so avoid it. Also, white, not black as in the United States and Canada , is the color associated with death.
Buy a Candle Grow a Family
This is what our candle bookmark keepsake will say:
Greg and I are so blessed to have your love and support as we continue to wait and pray for our daughter. We started our adoption journey in May 2010 and have worked hard getting all the paperwork, fingerprinting and home study completed as soon possible. Now we are waiting for the day when we get the call telling us we can travel to Taiwan to come meet and love on our baby girl. We probably still have more waiting to do but we believe that God’s timing is perfect...even when we are feeling impatient. We wanted to thank you so much for purchasing our adoption candle. By doing so you are not only helping the Home of God’s Love Orphanage in Taiwan (where our baby girl is) but you are also helping feed a hungry, orphaned child for a whole week! When you light this candle, please pray for our family and our baby girl.
You can stay updated on our journey by visiting:
http://smilesfortaiwan.blogspot.com/
We love you!
The Darley Family
Candles are $25. Let me know if you would like one. Thanks!
Greg and I are so blessed to have your love and support as we continue to wait and pray for our daughter. We started our adoption journey in May 2010 and have worked hard getting all the paperwork, fingerprinting and home study completed as soon possible. Now we are waiting for the day when we get the call telling us we can travel to Taiwan to come meet and love on our baby girl. We probably still have more waiting to do but we believe that God’s timing is perfect...even when we are feeling impatient. We wanted to thank you so much for purchasing our adoption candle. By doing so you are not only helping the Home of God’s Love Orphanage in Taiwan (where our baby girl is) but you are also helping feed a hungry, orphaned child for a whole week! When you light this candle, please pray for our family and our baby girl.
You can stay updated on our journey by visiting:
http://smilesfortaiwan.blogspot.com/
We love you!
The Darley Family
Candles are $25. Let me know if you would like one. Thanks!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Light a Candle Grow a Family
I am so excited about this pilot program our friends Kim and Dave have gotten involved with. Bridgewater Candle Company (a Yankee Candle competitor) has partnered with Rice Bowl ministries to come up with a special edition adoption candle!
With your $25 purchase, the proceeds from this candle will not only go towards helping us raise money for our adoption and the Home of God's Love orphanage in Taiwan, it will also feed a hungry, orphaned child for one whole week! What an awesome opportunity to help many people in so many ways! Plus, Christmas is coming up, what a great gift?! If you or anyone you know would be interested in purchasing a candle, please contact me @ betsey.darley@gmail.com
Thank you so much for your prayers, love and support as we wait for our baby girl.
The candle size is: 8 oz / 227 grams. Burn Time: 50-60 hrs.
For more information on this awesome opportunity to help feed a child and grow a family, please watch the following video:
http://www.bridgewatercandles.com/youtubevideos.aspx
With your $25 purchase, the proceeds from this candle will not only go towards helping us raise money for our adoption and the Home of God's Love orphanage in Taiwan, it will also feed a hungry, orphaned child for one whole week! What an awesome opportunity to help many people in so many ways! Plus, Christmas is coming up, what a great gift?! If you or anyone you know would be interested in purchasing a candle, please contact me @ betsey.darley@gmail.com
Thank you so much for your prayers, love and support as we wait for our baby girl.
The candle size is: 8 oz / 227 grams. Burn Time: 50-60 hrs.
For more information on this awesome opportunity to help feed a child and grow a family, please watch the following video:
http://www.bridgewatercandles.com/youtubevideos.aspx
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A Few Picture Updates
Thought this one would be funny. Pog in the baby sling we got from our friends Wesley and Caroline. We tried to put him in the baby carrier like Chris and Amy's dog but he wasn't too thrilled about it.
Here are few more pictures of the nursery too.
Here are few more pictures of the nursery too.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Waiting for news...
This is my first time posting here. Betsey usually is the leading voice here, but I thought I'd get into the game. We're now in October and still no word yet on being matched. Tom Petty had it right when he said waiting is the hardest part. Every day I wake up and check my email hoping that today is the day we meet our daughter. Thus far, no such email. But I know its coming. I know she's out there. And I know that at the exact moment, God is going to bring our little girl into our family. But between now and then, we're waiting. But as I think about this time, I don't want to miss out on what God is doing. I know that he is still working as we wait. I have to remind myself that while we wait, he still works. I guess that's not a bad deal. We wait. He works. Soon we'll have a daughter. Until then....we wait!
-Greg
-Greg
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