Our life is nothing short of an adventure...

Wind in our hair and screams of delight but also unpredictable turns and unknown outcomes. We are a family of six; Dave, Susie, Nate, Jake, Sam, and Bella.

God has been faithful in our marriage and through the birth and blessings of our boys.

God has been faithful during our adoption journey and united Bella with us in May of 2008. We were privileged to visit with Bella's birth mother; therefore, Bella's family in Guatemala will always be dear to our hearts.

On October 16, 2008, Bella was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. We are now battling the disease with 2 years and 3 months of treatment. We believe God will continue to be faithful!

Our family is committed to living life to the fullest...even on the hard days. Thank you for checking in and journeying with us!


Friday, November 7, 2008

Strangers yet Friends


"I thank my God every time I remember you" Phil 1:3

I find my self reading and re-reading this passage of scripture every day. Phil 1:1-11. This particular passage from the bible radiates my feelings of my blogging buddies. You see, I have not had the opportunity to meet the majority of these women, yet we share a common bond...we all have children from Guatemala, we all made that journey or are still in it, and we found each other because of it. We have followed each others blogs, supported and prayed for each other, encouraged each other when we are having down times, and rejoiced at the up times. Even after the adoptions, we keep up with each other with the hope that someday, we will all get to meet while still on this earth.

These blogging buddies of mine were some of the very first people to contact me when Bella was diagnosed. They offered, support, prayer, love and peace. The picture above are items that have been sent to Bella from my blogging friends. Priceless to me, with each package I opened I swelled up with tears. I would think to my self "they don't even know me yet they care". And then I reminded, "you do know them, in Me, they are your sisters". Yes, they do know me and I them, my hope and prayer is that some day, I will have the distinct pleasure and joy of meeting them in person. Until then, I pray the "God holds them in the palm of His hand" and I rejoice in the sisterhood we share.

Thank you my blogging friends, I wish I had the perfect words to tell you how much you mean to me. I hope you can hear my heart when I say that you are such treasures to me.

Susie


18 comments:

Courtney said...

Susie,
Sister friend of mine. You made me tear up by all your kind words. We are always here for you and would never you when you need us the most. We share a sisterhood, a bloggind sisterhood that no one else will understand. We will meet someday. Know you can always count on us. You hold a specail place in our hearts. Courtney

Gail said...

My blog friends and especially the Guatemamas are some of my dearest friends. I'm glad I can be here for you, Bella and the family.
Gail

Vanessa said...

It's so great to get these things because I know days are rough inside and this gives you guys a new adventure each day!!

Gina said...

Susie, I have visited several times and hadn't left a comment but I wanted you to know that I am praying for Sweet Bella. Thank you for sharing Bella's story so that we can pray for her and your entire family.

Also, maybe it's something I am not doing correctly but I can't get the 'button' for Believing for Bella. I cut and paste and when I view my blog, it only comes up as what I cut and paste, not the button. I have 3 other buttons on my blog, so I don't know what I am doing wrong. Please help because I want everyone who visits my blog to pray for your precious baby girl. Thanks so much!

God's Blessings,
Gina, Mommy to Lucas

Mama Bear said...

What a fun gift. I too haven't been blogging long but it's is amazing the joy of the support of people you only know throug cyber friendship.

Bet wishes and thinking of be;;;
Blessings :-)

Janie Rider said...

Hi
I found your blog through a network of families who have adopted from Guatemala. We adopted Gracie (now 4) December of 2004 from Guatemala. What a joy and blessing she has been to our family. I wept when I read about Bella. Know that we are praying for her and your family here in Indiana. I put her on our prayer chain at church. I am so thankful the Jesus holds us so tightly in His palm. I will continue to read and stay updated on Bella's progress. Thank you for posting.
Janie Rider

Dream Angel's Mommy said...

Just found your blog. I will begin praying for your precious Bella. My dear aunt has succesfully battled leukemia this past year. Your daughter is beautiful. I will pray that angels continue to surround her. May God heal her quickly. I'm adding the button to my blog.
Valerie

Joe and Erin said...

For all those that want to add the Button for "Believing for Bella." Open up your dashboard in a separate window. Click "Add a Gadget." Select "HTML/JAVA Script." Copy and paste the text right below Bella's Black and White Button into the text field. Make sure to delete the extra space at the beginning of the copied text (just before the "less than" symbol). Add a title and you should be all set. Hope this helps Gina! ~Bella's Uncle

Pam and Greg said...

Dear Ferrick Family... we share in the many prayers and thoughts going out for your family and specifically for Bella.. we also have adopted a precious one from Gautemala.. Matthew.. who is now two and has been with us since he was four months old... Every single child is dear...and we can only imagine the Lord is holding you very close to Him during this particular time in your journey with Bella.... He is so faithful and good... may you find rest in that truth today... Pam Hurley

Michelle Riggs said...

I am so glad that you frinds are standing beside you.

I added Bella's blog badge to our blog.

Praying always.

Amy said...

We have been praying for Bella lately. I pray with Londy every night that her sweet roommate will be healed. Our boys also pray for baby Bella at every mealtime and throughout their day. You are in our prayers! Love to you!!!

Brian and Jenifer said...

We are so praying for you guys...Grace can't wait to have another playdate with Bella. I LOVE your new blog design!!! SO cute! Thanks for your faithful updates. I am so very thankful for the wonderful support of the blogging community. Praise God for friends. What a blessing!

Sarah said...

I added Bella's badge to my blog too! I will continue to keep your beautiful Bella in my prayers for COMPLETE healing!

I LOVE her little ladybug costume and all her new hats and bows!

Suzanne said...

Bella's journey has touched the hearts of so many. Although we've never met and I'm fairly new to your blog, I think of your family often and pray for all six of you.

God bless

AMY, ROB, JAY, DREW & EMMA said...

Susie,
I found your blog by visiting my friend Amanda and Gabi's blog. I have read your story and wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your strength is amazing. Bella is BEAUTIFUL!
I am not sure if we met when I was in Guatemala or not but you look so familar to me. I was in Guatemala 7 times during our adoption process...stayed mostly at the Marriott from April 07 to January 08.
Continue to follow your faith and love your beutiful family.
(((((HUGS))))
Amy

Mary Ann said...

Susie,
I am so glad to see all the love pooring on your family! Bella and your family is loved and being praying for by many people! Thank you for posting on my blog! I miss posting and can not wait to start again. But pray this Raffle does better! God Bless!

Bobbi said...

Praying for you and your family. Bella is just beatiful.

Anonymous said...

I found your blog through the blog badge on Sarah's blog. We have 3 children adopted from Guatemala. I will add Bella and your family to my prayer list. She is just adorable in all the hats. I'm so sorry she is suffering.

My husband developed a skin care cream that works overnight on most cases of diaper rash and is being used in hospitals for severe dry skin. It would be a blessing to us if we could send you some to try. Please email me your address and I will send you out a jar. My email is deguatmom at comcast dot net. I have a link on my blog to our website, it is called Formula II.

Anne