Just thought I would share a few answers to the questions some have been asking and also a few prayer requests….
We have not yet found a place to rent. The kitchen in the photos of Elijah’s birthday are taken here in our hotel room, which includes a little kitchenette. It has saved us money being able to eat in the hotel, not to mention toddlers just don’t dig going out to restaurants often for meals….so we “stay in” most of the time.
We have been looking for a rental. Sadly there is not a waiting list for landlords wanting to rent their homes to families with SIX kids living at home. This is what they say: “We are taking a different direction with our property.” Translation: “We think your kids will be smashing our drywall with baseball bats and swinging from our light fixtures, so ummm, yeah, no thank you!” *sigh* We are thankful that the Lord surely has a place for us since our situation is not a surprise to Him.
We are continuing to inventory the things in our home. It has been very difficult to throw just about everything we own in black garbage bags. Downright painful. We have had TWO 40′ dumpsters FULL hauled away. The third one is being filled currently. AND We still have not heard whether our home’s structure will be declared a total loss.
Sweet friends have helped with the inventorying (is that a word?) and it has made the task bearable. While inventorying other sweet friends have taken care of our four youngest. Most of the time Emma and Graham have come to the house with us.
Other prayer requests would be for each of us as we process the emotions of the situation. Each of us (with no exceptions) are dealing with all sorts of emotions, like feeling: ripped off, angry, frustrated that the house had just been remodeled, sobbing for the things lost from their childhood (things that they were saving for their kids one day), scared of another fire, scared of what will happen now, insecure, overwhelmed, feeling sad that our cozy log home is uninhabitable, reliving the flames and choking on the smoke, and there have been nightmares for several and the list goes on.
We know the feelings are all normal, infact healthy that we acknowledge them. Please pray for us as we sort through these feelings. We know that the Lord has always been faithful and in seasons of pain we are also confident that He is okay with our acknowledging ALL our feelings – whatever they may be. He says He is close to the brokenhearted and we are sure He is right here with us.
Which leads me to another thing: You guys!! You are totally unbelievable! Your continual comments: that you are praying for us or scriptures that you have sent – – – they bring us to tears and comfort us. Also knowing that although most of you have never met us – we are often on your minds and you are praying – WOW! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! We are humbled and amazed by your love for us!!
And since I last mentioned all you new friends a whole bunch more have joined in the friends so a great big Colorado welcome to: The Ellenberg’s, Mike and Barb, Be Still, Shari Lyman, a barrel of bakers, Denise, Kateri, Michelle “Missi”, Carrie Bowyer, LA, Pam, Rice-Kristi’s Treats, Melissa and Bob, Bobbi-Jo, Kate, Beth, Traci, Peixia, Ashley, and Cyndi! You guys totally warm our hearts and make us feel oh-so-very blessed!!
Some have also asked if they can ask for prayer for us at their church or prayer chain – oh my gracious – by all means! We are comforted knowing people are praying us through this difficult time! Others wondered about posting a link to their own blog: go for it!
From our little hotel room – May the God of all peace, comfort, strength and joy minister to your deepest needs through His perfect love! xo
I wanted to mention that your faith has stayed so strong….
It was so nice to see that wonderful smile of your face in the birthday photos….
We are praying! Thank you for taking time to keep us all up to date. We are having difficulty in the very last stage of our adoption and I needed your reminder that God is faithful and close to the broken-hearted. He wants His children in families! We will pray that there is a landlord who loves big families.
I’m glad for this post today. Some of these questions have been on my mind. The uncertainty of your living situation and news from the insurance company must be so stressful. I’m glad you listed some specific prayer requests too.
I think of Tyler often.
~Lynn
Last night at bible study there was a quote.I;m not sure who said it but it was ” God has the solution before we have the problem.”
He knew what he was doing with the fire and he does have a plan. Maybe it was to touch so many people. And by people seeing your faith even after this terrible lose they might want to know God the way your family does.
We continue to lift you up in prayer at our little home. You have no idea how many times a day your family is brought to mind, and each time, I’m certain it must be for some exact thing you are grieving at the moment. May God continue to hold you close to His heart!
Kristi in Louisville, CO
Hi Linny!! I am praying for you and your family every day. I posted about your fire on my blog while in China and now that I am home people are asking me how you are all doing. They want you to know they are praying for you too!!! The perfect place will be provided for you, I have no doubt about HIS faithfulness.
Love and Hugs, Kathie
We continue to lift your family up in prayer. There are so many times that you have been brought to mind, even at 3:00am and I’m certain it must be at moments you’re all grieving very specific things. May God continue to hold you all close to His heart!
Kristi in Louisville, CO
Linn, we are praying for you and your family everyday to have peace in this mountain you are climbing. So sorry to hear that a home has not been found yet. God does have it all in control but that waiting is the hardest part. I always want things done now !! Being a mom of 8 I can relate to how people just assume since there are so many children that they have no order and will trash a place. We are not raising hooligans. We are raising GOD’s children. Here in Florida we have lots and lots of homes that need families in them. How about a trip to some warmer weather? 🙂 We will continue to raise your family up in prayer.
Lisa
Still praying for you guys here in SC!!! Hang in there Saunders Family!
Happy Belated Birthday, Elijah!! I am praying for all of you. I can’t even wrap my mind around all that you must be experiencing emotionally. You know, it might be going back to this part of your life will be greater than it has been up to this point. I believe, as with Job, the Lord will restore to you that was lost, but also bless you in greater ways than you can imagine.
Praying for peace and comfort for each and every one of you. Love from CT, Amy
I am humbled and appreciative of your visit to my blog last night just to welcome me as a friend to your blog. I found your website at the time of your fire after it was mentioned on MckMama’s blog (www.mycharmingkids.net). I recently became a follower and have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your life and how you have been given 10 wonderful blessings. You all have been on my mind frequently. I appreciate your candid openness as to your struggles through this. I cannot imagine your grief. We are lifting you up. God is with you.
~Carole
Linn and family,
We are continuing to pray for your family. Thank you for letting us know how we can continue to pray for you more specifically. Praying for God to move the mountains and provide a house for you. You are right, He is always faithful. Thanks for that reminder.
Hugs,
Robin
I will continure to lift your family in my prayers that God may help you find the strength and comfort you need to weather this storm!! Please email me at vbayou angel @ aol.com no spaces with a list of things your family may be needing and I’ll see what I can do to help!
Thank you for all your kind comments! I am remembering you in my thoughts and prayers. By the way, any advice of the foster parenting would be much appreciated. You have a beautiful family. God Bless!
Still praying for you all. Your strength through all of this had touched me in ways you will never know. Hugs
I will praying that you are able to find a place to rent. I can’t imagine living in a hotel, how hard that must be! Thanks, btw, for stopping by my blog!
Hang in there…is there anything you need like clothes for the little ones? I was thinking about that as I read through this…
I have been reading since the fire, but never commented. I pray for you daily and hope that you find a place to rent soon. God has a place out there for you. Praying for you as you deal with the emotions and feelings of such a loss…
Marissa in Ohio
Hang in there Saunders family. God has BIG plans for you. We continue to pray for you daily.
Lisa
Newark. Ohio
We are praying for each of you — that you each find the strength, comfort, and peace you need — and of course we are praying for a rental for you, too!
All the best,
Nicole A. in OH
Your family continues to be in my prayers each night and morning!! I’m happy to know that everyone is verbalizing their emotions- that’s the first step to recovery! You will all get there….it just takes time.
You are in our prayers here in the Texas Panhandle! Your faith is a true lesson for me and thank you for sharing your struggles as well!
Good Mornin’ from a rainy Atlanta, GA
Still praying for you and the kids. You remember I told you about the fire I almost died in? At the time I felt so devasted and lost. Just like you are feeling now. I felt I would never get over it. But God took over my life and a few months later we had a brand new home with brand new furniture and brand new clothes and well brand new everything. Although “brand new” can never take the place of memories, pictures, quilts, antiques, and albums, it does get you back in the race.
Thinking about you and the kids everyday.
Have a blessed day.
Miss Lila in Atlanta
there is a home for you. i feel it, and by being patient, you will rejoice even more when you get it!!
it will be perfect until your forever home is ready again. i think of you every day. i am never far away in prayer as every thing i touch in my home is a reminder of all you are grieving over losing.
i can only imagine how cold you must be inventorying (and yes, that is a word!). so i’ll continue praying. there is a friend in knoxville lifting you up.
kimberly
sorry, one more thing. i know you are super busy, but is there someone out there who could design a blog button for us to link to your blog? it would be a constant reminder and an easy way for folks to find you.
i’d do it myself, but i am new to this blog thing, and i don’t know how!
blessings, friends!
During worship this week at church we sang this song – you are probably familiar with it but your family was brought to my heart as I sang! Mourning turns to songs of praise
Our God saves!(as you would say YIPPEE JESUS)Song lyrics speak deeply to me so I wanted to share them with you!
Still Praying, Love Lisa K., Whidbey Island, WA
In the name of the Father, in the name of the Son
in the name of the Spirit, Lord we come
We’re gathered together, to lift up Your name
to call on our Savior, to fall on Your grace
In the name of the Father, in the name of the Son
in the name of the Spirit, Lord we come
We’re gathered together, to lift up Your name
to call on our Savior, to fall on Your grace
Hear the joyful sound, of our offering
As Your saints bow down, as Your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
and the world will see that…
Our God saves! Our God saves!
There is hope in Your name!
In the name of the Father, in the name of the Son
in the name of the Spirit, Lord we come
We’re gathered together, to lift up Your name
to call on our Savior, to fall on Your grace
Hear the joyful sound, of our offering
As Your saints bow down, as Your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
and the world will see that…
Our God saves! Our God saves!
There is hope in Your name!
Mourning turns to songs of praise
Our God saves! Our God saves!
I am a friend of Lynsay’s and she told me about your idea to raise money for a van for them. What a blessing you have been to them! I am praying for your family as you face this newest trial. One thing that keeps coming to my mind as I pray for you is this: God has allowed this loss so that your testimony will glorify Him and at some point, He will doubly bless you for all you have lost.
Karin in Michigan
Hi Linn-
I sent you all some gifts and the box wasn’t full so I placed some stuffed animals on top to fill it up. Hopefully, no one thought it was just a box of stuffed animals and tossed it. I also threw in a new bathroom rug I didn’t need. Strange package. You should have got it at the church last week. Debbie
I’m specifically adding your rental house to my prayer list. I’m still praying for your comfort and peace!
Just a note to let you know what a blog nerd I am… I have been ‘following’ you forever – on Journey to Me and now on Simplicity. Guess I never realized I hadn’t officially signed in. Duhhh! Anyway, now you have an even number of followers, like Lori!
I am grateful for your specific prayer requests and so admire you for putting your heart on your sleeves. I’d also love to know how many families across the country have new fire/smoke detectors because of your story. I think the number would be boggling!
Your family is in our prayers. I started reading your blog before you traveled to Uganda to bring Elizabeth and Elijah home. I pray that you find comfort in all this and that a house will come your way sooooon, very sooon. You’re posts are such a blessing as your family.
Anita
We are continuing to pray for you and yours. I believe a home is coming for you to stay a place of refuge while the Lord rebuilds. Father thank you for the provision in this family, thank you friends are coming far and wide to help in this time. Jesus be BIG as they continue to process and walk, Holy spirit be their comforter and be gentle, Father thank you that you aren’t surprised by any of this and you know tomorrow. Gracious God this family is weary, renew their spirits as they sleep and Father give them strength for tomorrow. In Jesus name, Amen
And we will continue to lift you and your whole family up in prayer. I feel so blessed to have found you, though it was at a time of devastation and loss, because I know that HE has big plans for your family. I can’t wait to see it all unfold!!
God bless you all,
Kateri
http://www.thefiveofus.typepad.com
It looks like they had a lot of fun! Just want to say that I have been praying for your family here in Ohio!
We have been displaced from our home for the past two days due to a huge ice storm taking out our power/heat. As I emptied the contents of my fridge sobbing my eyes out over the waste, I couldn’t help but pray for you even more. The sadness, inconvience, and unsettledness that we feel over 48 hours is nothing compared to your loss. I prayed hard for you today frieds! Getting a taste of it, I can’t imagine your sorrow.
In Him,
Pam
You have to realize and understand what a tremendous inspiration and blessing you and your family are to all of us!
In Dec., the week before we left for China to get our little guy, we had a small kitchen fire caused by none other, but me. (I left a stove burner on early one morning!) (Totally careless & very embarrassing) I have only a small taste of what you went and are going through, as my husband was able to get it out just as the firemen got there. Everyone escaped without any problems, praise God. It only got part of my kitchen, but the smoke damage is nasty, but it could be worse. The worst part has been not getting it cleaned up and repaired until this coming week. (Insurance is SO FUN to deal with. UGH) As I have been whining about not being able to go home yet, I am now so ashamed that I have been disappointed. Your faith and upbeat spirit has really touched me! Thank you! Bless you!
Please know that I did not tell you this to "compare" our stories in any way. (There is no comparison. I'm so sorry you have lost most everything.) I just felt like you should know how God is using you to touch others! I will continue to pray for you and your family. Thank you for being you! And such a blessing to me!
God bless,
Traci in Texas
P.S. This will make you giggle: The worst place to be when you hear the fire alarm sounding: the bathtub…..but praise God for big towels!