MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas to all of you! Joel saw this dress and thought it would look adorable on his little sister...we agreed! It is a blessing beyond description to have the ability to send things to her and receive pictures like this. It does not happen! I would venture to say, it almost NEVER happens! Thank you for your comments they mean so much as we plan for Libi Faith to read her story one day. Thank you for loving us and praying her home!!

Luke 1:46-55

Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

a note on Ari/ The Clements with Libi Faith

Some of you already know that our sweet Ari (our foster daughter) has returned home to her mama. Our hearts ache deeply. We know that God is working out a perfect plan. As we follow the journey of what He desires to accomplish in and through us we will have trials and sorrow. In the midst of our heartache we have joy for Ari's mama. We know that Ari is everything to her. We know that she loves her deeply and will not harm her. We are so proud of Ari's mama and the progress she has made. With all that said, I cannot help but think of Our Father God who placed His sweet baby boy into the arms of another. The arms of a world that did not receive Him with a warm embrace. When God gave to us Jesus, He knew He would suffer greatly. That sacrifice and surrender is beyond what I am capable of not only doing, but even comprehending. So we rejoice at what the Lord has done and continues to do. We thank you our mighty army who have battled for us on your knees. He has brought to us such great peace as we walk this out with Him.

" The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;

may the name of the LORD be praised."

Job 1:21

Once again, God works a wonder. Did you know that He is in the "Wonder Working" business? (and by the way, He has NO competition!!) On the very first day without my sweet Ari the Lord sent me these pictures of Libi Faith. Every moment of every day my God walks beside me and perfectly cares for me...no one will ever convince me other wise. I marvel at Him! His timing is absolute and He is perfection!! These photos are of Lora Clements with Libi Faith. Lora and her husband Neil were in China the last 2 weeks adopting their sweet son Daniel. Daniel was at the same orphanage with Libi Faith. Neil and Lora only had the opportunity to be with Libi briefly but said that she is a "sweetie". This seems to be the general opinion of all that have been with her. You will not have to convince us of that...we think she is pure sugar!

Almost rolling over! I had a friend who had

a dream of Libi Faith and this was the image she saw!

We affectionately call this her "angry elf" face.

Given to her by her big brother, Jack.

What will we EVER do with that hair!!!

Be sure to check back soon for a special delivery of Libi Faith Christmas!!!

Precious Sunday School Class

This is the Sunday School class at international fellowship. They raised money for Libi Faith's surgery and have prayed for her. This just absolutely overwhelms me to think of this little class halfway around the world praying for our sweet daughter and giving financially to sustain her physical life. I look at the diverstiy in this picture...red and yellow black and white...they are precious in His sight!!! How I hope we can visit them when we go!

"China Beauties"

"Christy and I are extremely excited. Its a funny thing - when I hear people are adopting, my heart immediately flows with joy for the incredible, unforgettable journey they are about to begin. Something you can't explain, you just have to experience. But that joy is overshadowed once I see the little girls picture, knowing that in the blink of an eye, this little lost face, with no worldly possessions, no future, knowing no family - will have all of that erased! And she doesn't even know it is coming! She doesn't know there are people carefully preparing for her arrival and the celebration that will soon follow. My heart jumps for joy thinking of it. I'm so glad she'll be a part of your family. She'll certainly have plenty of brothers looking out for her." - Josh

"....I'm just trying to say that I think these kids adopted from China come with a painfully learned ability to survive, to overcome, to make the best of any horrible situation. They have a different perspective on life and their weakness is their strength. Amy, survive the wait by knowing your daughter has survived a lot and will continue to be just fine until you get there. She's waiting just for you. She's a fighter and has skills you'll never believe existed until you meet her. In fact, she'll teach you more and grow you in ways that you didn't believe as I'm sure she already has. More importantly, she'll bring you a depth of joy, a God given joy, as I'm sure you experienced with your sons. I will be praying for Libi and for you all. I'm just so excited for you!!! - Christy

God continues to bless us on this incredible journey to our sweet Libi Faith. My dear friend from high school, Josh, and his wife Christy and their little "china beauties" (Mia 3, & Ava 2) came to visit us over Thanksgiving. God has used them, and I know will continue, to encourage us on this journey. I am amazed at God's Providential Hand! He knew when He connected our hearts back in the "80's" :) that this was part of His purpose for our relationship. I think that is so incredible!Josh and Christy are PASSIONATE about the orphans of our world. They gave a statistic that if 1% of believers would adopt it would wipe out the need!

So my question to you...what are you doing about the orphans? You don't have to adopt to help. There are many ways to help meet the needs. (Just look at the New Day Creations website where Libi Faith is.) You will find opportunity if you look. Sometimes I think we just don't want to look. The problem is TOO big. I must remind you our God is "GINORMOUS"!! He will call and He will use but our hearts must be ready. They must be ready to surrender. That surrender may be dangerous...would you risk your heart? risk your plans? risk your comfort? for a God who gave you everything!!!

"When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." Luke 12:48

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." James 1:2

"Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows" Isaiah 1:17

So consider that a challenge...in love....

Libi Faith - our preacher

We just received a funny story about Libi from the director of her orphanage. Libi has really begun to start vocalizing. A therapist that was there recently donated a special therapy swing that would really help get her to begin vocalizing. Well it has. This past Sunday they took her to a church that has really been praying for our sweet Libi Faith. They had raised some funds for her surgery and had a ceremony to give it to her. Karen, the director of New Day Creations said,

"During the service when the preacher was teaching she really got vocal- I guess she thought she should preach. Here we have been encouraging her to talk and then when she did we had to keep shhhhhing her. Of course everyone thought she was the cutest little thing."

We are SO blessed to receive stories and updates that are as personal as these. Continue to pray for New Day that God will continue to bless them and use them for His Great Name!!

Libi Faith Smiles!!!

Check out our sweet baby girl! Look at that sweet smile! This was captured by our friend Alyssa just before they went on a walk and Libi fell asleep.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-_5gRsGNd0

Alyssa visits our Libi Faith

"How beautiful on the mountains are the FEET of the messenger who brings GOOD NEWS, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the

God of Israel reigns!"

Isaiah 52 :7

I can't believe it! It is impossible to put into words what it is like to see your dear friend holding your baby that you have never met. I feel like I could reach out and grab her! My heart is too overwhelmed for words at this point. God is too precious for words.

"HOW GREAT IS GOD - beyond our understanding." Job 36:26

The reports from Alyssa were good. She could not say enough about what wonderful care Libi was recieving. She did express how much she needs to come home and get lots of love and one on one attention. We covet your prayers for our precious daughter. We pray for complete wholeness in her physicaly and mentaly.

"I know that you can do ALL THINGS; no plan of yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2

Pictures below:

Libi with her nanny Julia.

Can you say hair products?

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."

Psalm 4:8

Our Pre Approval came!

Libi in her swing that the therapist
brought for her to help her with crawling.
Look at those eyes!
Can't wait until they sparkle!!







Great news! Yesterday our PA (pre approval) from China came. This means that China approves of us to be Libi's family. The greatest thing about this is that it came in 3 weeks which is incredibly fast. We are still slowly moving on one important piece of all the paperwork. It is frustrating at times knowing that this could already be done and we could be a whole month further along...but once again we trust that God has her homcoming on His kingdom calendar and He is a much better scheduler than I! If you have not taken a look at the New Day Creations website http://www.newdaycreations.com/foster you might enjoy hitting it today to see that they have now officialy changed her name to Libi and there is a star by her name indicating that she has been matched with a family. (Follow this link and once there click on the New Arrivals link or Babies link and it will take you to a picture listing) Also, if you click on her picture and scroll down you will see some more pics of her, and who does not enjoy picutres of sweet Libi Faith?

Libi gets our package!

Libi received her first package from us! We are so excited to see her holding all the things we held and prayed over!!


Here is the most recent update from New Day (Libi's orphanage).



Tuesday & Wed there was a PT and two OT’s here visiting. They donated a piece of equipment that is really going to be good for Mary. They tried her in it (it is a type of swing which puts her in a crawl position) She seemed to really enjoy it and it got her to begin vocalizing. They said this is a very good sign. Yesterday I was giving her her bottle- it was so cute, I was talking to her and she kept reaching up and patting my face. She was really zoning in on my face. The PT said she is doing very well with tracking with her eyes. They also gave us a new therapy program for Mary. The one OT comes every week so she will be able to continue to change the program as it is needed. It is so good to see Mary making progress.

What I wouldn't give to hear her "vocalizing" or give her a bottle! One of my dear friends, Alyssa Garvin, will be at New Day with Mary on November 1st. It amazes me how God is at work in this journey of Faith...Libi Fatih!!!

Adoptive Love

Libi looking at her Mommy & Daddy

"I think I know these people!"

Ephesians 1:3-6
"How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son."


What kind of love is this? I cannot put into words what it feels like to have my precious daughter a world away from me. It hit me this morning...Amy, think of how you love her...that is your Father's love for you! He, knowing all of your "needs" and imperfections, still He choose you to be His precious daughter. I look at Libi and my love for her is intense. I adore every little detail of her! I can't get enough of looking at her. How do I explain this? This is adoptive love! A God given, God chosen love. Yet, I am flesh!! I can only begin to grasp what my God must feel for me when He looks down upon me. My challenge to you today...think of how much your Heavenly Father adores you! He is absolutely crazy about you!!!

Libi "my HEART"

We received an update from the orphanage on Libi Faith.

She is doing very well. Since surgery she is more alert and is developing faster physically. I had not seen her for a day and was surprised when I saw her. We are continuing to lift her up- miracles do happen.

Can I get an AMEN on that? Miracles do happen! This whole thing is an absolute miracle and we have just begun to see all that God is going to do. Libi only had her heart surgery 2 weeks ago. We are amazed at God's work in her physical body already.

To share another amazing miracle...Ari's birth mom received Christ as her Savior!!!! I cannot even put words on our feelings about this. We are simply in AWE of God and His amazing plan. HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!

This whole journey of birthing children is quite amazing. For my biological babies it was different because I carried them in my body. This precious babe I carry in "my heart". That is exactly what her name means in Hebrew, "my heart". God gave me this name a few weeks before I even knew her. All little girls dream about what they will name their children from the time they can breathe! (Ladies , explain this to your husbands.) Maybe not that early but it's pretty early. Names are important. To me, I really desired that if God choose to bring us a baby from a far that she have a name with a special meaning. I went to sleep one night pondering names, Lilly being most prevalent. When I awoke the next AM I had Liberty on my mind. FREEDOM! Oh God, I thought, how you long to set these orphans free! I immediately went to the computer and began looking at the name Liberty. I found, of course, the meaning "freedom" but then I saw this variation in Hebrew"Libi"..."my heart". I just knew that was her name.

There have been moments over the last two weeks where I have understood why this is her name. This is her name because she had a heart condition that needed correcting. This is her name because she is the child of my heart! My heart aches and yearns for this little one because God reserved a place in my heart just for her.

As we prepare to send our first package to our sweet little Libi, how we long to stuff ourselves in that box and get her! We KNOW God has impeccable timing and we trust that completely. One little item in her box is a little bear that Ari picked out for her. It says a prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. The angels watch me through the night and keep me in their blessed sight. Amen"

"For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11

Libi Faith-Jia Qi

This has absolutely been the craziest ride of our lives! God has been preparing us for this for a long time and now we see Him piecing it all together. As many of you know we have been very blessed to have 3 amazing boys, Jacob, Joel, and Jack. That has been another crazy ride of our life!

God began to stir in our hearts 3 years ago. Psalm 127:3-5 " Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate." God opened our eyes and we knew our quiver was not full. We had been very selfish in what we thought was best for the size of our family. Now we know God always knows best and we are building an army!

Through a series of events God led us to foster care. We were incredibly blessed to bring our sweet Ari into our family. It brought feminism to a whole new level in the Arnold house and awakened a love and desire for little girls that none of us knew was there. She has been our JOY! Ari is in the process of transitioning back home to her biological mom. We entrust her into Our Great God's Mighty Right Arm! We do not know what the future holds but we sure know who holds it!

A couple of months ago Brad and I had a conversation about why we weren't moving forward with international adoption. The question to us was not "Why do international adoption?" it was "Why not?" We began some research and here is where it gets a little crazy. I felt very drawn to the children of Nepal. In all my research, of agencies I had chosen, only one agency had a program for Nepal. As we moved forward it appeared that the situation with adopting from Nepal is not very good right now. We could not even begin an application process. It was a confusing time because I had felt so strongly about it. Even driving next to a vehicle one day with the license plate that read: NEPAL. Well, God proceeded to make it very clear why Nepal. He wanted us to be with this agency because this agency had our little girl!

The agency kept asking us to consider their China special needs program. We kept going back and forth between that and Ethiopia. We inquired about a couple little girls from China and God began to draw our hearts in. We had contracts on the dining room table for both China and Ethiopia.

On Tuesday, August 7th, I saw this sweet round face on our agencies website. She was all bundled up in pink. We called and inquired about her and we were told that she was having more medical tests done to rule out some things. We were then told that they would let is know when they get another update on her. That was a Monday and by that Thursday God began to speak very clearly about her. I had lunch with a friend who was preparing to go study in China. She asked me if I had checked out the "New Day Creations" website, an orphanage in China. She had told me about it a couple of weeks earlier. They have a listing of their special needs children on their website. I asked her, if that was in Beijing? When she told me yes, I told her we are looking at a little girl there named Mary! She then told me about a girl in our church, Shannon, who had spent the last year there helping at that orphanage and that Shannon's family was adopting a little boy form this same orphanage. I was amazed and I could not wait to talk to Shannon.

I talked with Shannon and she told me all about this wonderful place called New Day Creations. It is beyond your wildest dreams for an orphanage in China. She told me she KNEW Mary and she had pictures of her that she would give me. I couldn't believe what was happening. By the end of that weekend we had contracts filled out for China!

I want you to really soak this in with me. It is estimated that there are over 15 million orphans in China. The ONE God brings to us is known by ONE in our small church of 100 and her family is bringing home her friend. This truly is IMPOSSIBLE!!!!

As we began trudging through paper work we anxiously awaited any news on Mary. We waited 3 weeks and finally heard that her tests were normal and that our agency would begin presenting her to families that were currently waiting for a healthy child from China. We were in shock because we never knew that she would be presented to new families after there were others who had already inquired about her. We trusted God's plan. We knew that she could be presented to 20 families and if she was ours He would bring her to us. We knew that no matter what He had used Mary to lead us to the China special needs program.

The very next week I received a call from our agency asking if we would like to consider Mary! I couldn't believe it! I was in shock! Could it be that this precious little girl we had grown to love and pray for was ours?? It was a day I will never forget. September 6th, Jacob's 13th birthday. The very same day our neighbors got their referral of their sweet Sarah Beth, of course, China special needs. It was Thursday and we had until Monday afternoon to make a decision. Like one of our neighbors said, "What's there to consider?" We felt that God had allowed us this time for a reason.

During the course of the weekend God spoke so clearly. We knew He was calling us to this little girl. Through our God given connections we were able to speak to the orphanage and learn even more about our little girl. We really didn't have to make a decision...God decided long ago, Libi Faith-Jia Qi is COMING HOME! Praise His name!