A 4th Miracle Story

My husband, Derry posted this on his blog (derryprenkert.com) on Sunday, November 22, 2015.  It is the crazy miracle story of our 4th child.  Welcome to the crazy God story of Malachi.

A 4th Miracle Story - Baby Malachi

In July, we sensed a stirring from God that there was room in our family for another miracle story.
In August, we began to do some research on domestic adoption options.
In early September, we began the steps with an organization.
On November 5, our adoption profile went live.
A part of why we went with this organization was due to the speed they are able to match adoptive families with newborn orphans.  Still, we had been told the average wait time would be 4-13 months.

WELL...
Wednesday Night, November 11, after putting our kids down for bed, we received a call from our client liaison. "I have a birth mother who has selected you... and she is in labor right now... How soon can you get to __________?"*

After minutes of prayer (yes, minutes... we didn't have time for more than that) and seeking some wise counsel, we took to a step of faith like we feel this journey has been marked by all along.

On one hour of sleep we set off on a whirlwind trip of flights and car rides.  We walked into the hospital at approximately 3 pm Thursday, November 12 to meet the birth mom and our BABY BOY!

How do you sum up the moment where you walk into the room to see the child you are to call your son and the brave woman who is making one of, if not the, toughest choices in her life?
It is impossible. 
So, it happened. 

After some shared time together, the birth mom asked if we had a name selected.  We informed her, Malachi Davis Prenkert.  She loved it.

Malachi Davis Prenkert. Born 11/12/15

About an hour later, we were handed baby and guided to another hospital room to begin care.  We did not have legal custodial rights, but birth mom wanted us to take over in care asap to begin the bonding process.

In that room, we were able to FaceTime back home to the kids and introduce them to their baby brother.  Feeding, burping and diaper changes began as we spent the first night of our son's life in the hospital with him.

Friday, November 13 was marked by meetings with social worker, birth mom, and lawyers to sign over custodial rights. By Friday evening we had full custodial rights and were discharged from the hospital.

Friday Night, November 13 was spent in a Holiday Inn near the hospital with our son. Due to interstate adoption law, we had to go through a waiting period until governmental consent for him to leave the state as well as consent from our homestate (Indiana) to enter is granted.  We were told this process could take 7-14 days.

As only God could design, there were several unique factors that allowed for a meaningful and comfortable wait over the week to follow.

1. My mom and the amazing Kristy Mikel arranged a care structure for our three kids back home.  Regular FaceTime appointments allowed for us to interact with them and they with us/their baby brother. 
2. We had family connections inside the state that allowed for lots of good connections and a place to stay Saturday-Sunday (Nov. 14-15).
3. Janelle's parents were vacationing nearby.  They were able to meet their 2-day old grandson and spend a couple days with us.
4. A family friend made a completely furnished home available to us while we waited and bonded with our little dude.
5. Still other significant acts of support and generosity that are either not my place to share or not quite ready to share.

 We received word Friday, November 20 that we could leave Malachi's birth state, but did not have permission to enter Indiana yet.  We wouldn't until after the weekend.  Itching to unite our entire family, we made the decision to rent a car and started the drive home that evening. 

On Saturday, November 21, I dropped Janelle off at just outside the Indiana border, drove into Fort Wayne (in some pretty nasty snow), dropped off our rental car at the airport, and picked up our van (from my in-laws) with the kids in it! We, very carefully (almost went of the road twice) made our way into Ohio where the 6 of us were united together.

Our 1st "Family of 6" Photo

Currently, we are hanging out in a hotel... a complete family of 6 containing 4 unique and amazing miracle stories that can call me Daddy.

**UPDATE: We received permission Monday 11/23 to return to Indiana and are now home.****

We invite you to rejoice with us that a brave birth mom chose life and chose us. Pray for the health of baby Malachi and the bonding process with us. Pray for the other three kids as they get acclimated to a new addition.  Pray for the continued adoptive process.

It has been a whirlwind. 

It has contained God's fingerprints all over it.  

We deserve none of it.

We praise God for every aspect of it.

We continue to walk by faith.

*We are still leaving the state where Malachi was born off any public spaces of the internet in order to respect the continued process involved. Also, to be clear, the timing of this process (from time of application to match to bringing baby home and being selected by a birth mom on the evening of her going into labor) is far from normal. Then again, it is very hard to explain a "normal" adoptive process.  Every one is filled with it's own twists and turns... both positive and negative.

Encourage words

Ever had one of those days where life is just crappy?  The kids are sick or yelling at each other. The dishes which seemed like you just got done washing are piled up again. The mountain of laundry calls your name and all you want to do is crawl back in bed and pray for your fairy godmother to rescue you from the torment. Yeah, I think we all have.

Now today wasn't exactly one of those days, but it wasn't full of rainbows and sunshine. 

I could go on and whine about everything that went poopy today, but instead let's focus on one special moment. 

At the grocery story checkout line I had to ask the clerk for another cart to lug all of the food I bought to feed my clan. I was gearing up to lug 2 carts full of food, a toddler and an infant to the car. In life I've gotten used to just rolling with it. Today was one of those days.

 Until...

 I heard a kind voice of an older woman ask if she can help me take the groceries to my car. Oh course at first I told her I was ok and can manage. Afterall she had her own cart and let's face it, she was in her 80s. I didn't want to bother her.

Then...

She insisted. I gave in and agreed for her help. She waited patiently as I took my youngest daughter on the penny horsey ride I had promised earlier to her. 

She smiled and we chatted. She told me that she has 4 kids and she understands what life is like for me. 

She affirmed me and helped me. And 10 hours later I can't stop thinking about the woman wearing the black wind cap.  The one who showered me with kindness.  The one who showed me love when I needed it most. The one who reminded me of Jesus. 

Thank you kind woman at Meijer for impacting my life today. 

My life was changed by three little words, "Can I help?"

Encouraging words. 

My Crazy Life

To begin this series, I want to be clear when I use words like “crazy” or “insane” I use them in a genuine playful manner.  To me, “crazy” or “insane” are simply used to reflect the shear chaos, activity, fun and randomness of my life.  I do not use these words as a way to belittle those who deal with any kind of life element that can cause them struggle with everyday life.

As a person who does have these kinds of elements I understand the level of sensitivity these words can hold.  When used in the wrong context they become painful and mean.

I have decided in life to combat the negatively of these words and turn them positive and playful words.

Thus, “My Crazy Life”!

Life with 4

This morning as my brain woke up (it usually takes a couple of hours and a glass of Diet Mt. Dew) I found myself full of joy and a bit overwhelmed. 

One child, writing a story. Another child, reading a book. The third child, learning her shapes. And the fourth, eating. 

I was full of joy thinking that 9 years ago my heart ached for children and I had none. Now there are 4 within 10 feet of me. 

In the same breath I was overwhelmed. Each one required attention and I found myself breathing deep and saying, "just a sec!"

I had to come to grips of my plans today to defunk my house of Christmas were thrown out my icy window. 

At the same time I find myself frustrated and at peace. 

In the quiet of the last 10 minutes, i wrote this post. Now within the few minutes the crazy has kicked in again. (That last sentence literally took me 5 minutes to write). 

I'd love to write more, but the crying baby calls for me. 

Oh the life with 4...here we go! 

"What do you need?"

"What do you need?" is a question I have been hearing a lot lately. I am so grateful we are surrounded by a church family, community, friends and family who believe in us and what God has called us to. 

We are just crazy enough to believe that if we say "Yes!" to God, He very well may use us to help change the world one life at a time. (by the way, we aren't special people. He's calling you to do something too...just say "yes!".)

I'm not sure why, but every time I am asked that question , "what do you need?" I get super uncomfortable.  Since I am a pansy I thought I would answer this question in a blogpost. Ha ha! 

What We Need:

1. Sleep. Jimminey Cricks, I forgot how time consuming and exhausting babies are. 

2. Prayer. Let's be honest here, Derry and I have no clue what we are doing. We just trust in the One who keeps guiding us to Himself. 

3. Diapers and Formula. We can always use this. I'm not sure why this kid insists on eating and pooping? Ha!

4. Financial Assistance. This is by far is the hardest one for me to write about, but if I were to be honest it is our greatest need.  Throughout this whole process it has been our constant reminder to TRUST in God for His guidance and provision. (This trust thing must be a hard one for me because this seems to be my life anthem.) 

I'm not gonna lie, adoption is crazy expensive. When it comes to money, I'm the one who freaks out first, trusts second. This has changed quite a bit over the years, I have come to understand that God will always provide. Even so, when God was talking to us about adopting again one of my first questions was "how are we going to pay for it?" You know what God's response to me for this question (and every other one too) "it's a life".  With those 3 simple words I stopped questioning and began to trust. He's right. What's money have to compare against a life. A life is way more important. 

So in search for some financial assistance I returned to a great organization, Lifesong for Orphans.  When we were in the process of adopting Moses, they gave is a matching grant. 

I applied for a matching grant again for this adoption and once again they have decided to come alongside us. 

How does a matching grant work? It's simple really, as people support families financially, that gift is matched dollar for dollar. So in essence a gift of $50 is really $100. It's actually pretty awesome that not only does this organization come alongside families, but it also allows others to help care for an orphan. 

Again, awkward moment...however if you feel led to come alongside us in this "need", please visit our myStory page  thru Lifesong for Orphans. All gifts are tax deductible. 

We by no means do we want to pressure anyone to give financially. But since the question, "what do you need?" has been asked we felt compelled to answer. 

The Story Behind the Shirt: iheartadoption

Oh I could go on and on why I love adoption. But if you were to look at my family you'd quickly understand why. 

God perfectly orchestrated our family by using adoption.  When I look at my kids, I smile because I am reminded God has always got a cooler plan. 

Shirts are on sale still. The deadline to order is coming....Monday, November 30. That's a week from Monday. 

If you want to order one, you can message me or visit my etsy shop. www.etsy.com/shop/YippaDeeSkip 

To see more of the "Story Behind the Shirt" series, visit my other posts. 

The Story Behind the Shirt: I matter

I decided to create a kids shirt probably because I have kids and I think they would look so stinkin cute in one. 

I also know my kids, they would feel super cool if they had a shirt all their own. I was right. When I showed them this design they all started jumping up and down and dancing in their own style. 

I designed this shirt shortly after creating the "change the world one life at a time" shirt.  

As I was brainstorming what to design I thought "what is the purpose of this shirt"?  Then it hit me, in order to change the world one life at a time, we need to find worth in people, in a people group, in a person. 

And when we find those people/person it's important to let them know how stinkin awesome they are.  How God make them unique and special and with a great purpose that only they can fulfill. 

As I thought about my kids what is one life lesson I want them to learn?

"I MATTER"

I matter to God. I matter to my family. I matter to this world. 

If you want to purchase this shirt for a kid in your life, you can by either messaging me or order one on my Etsy shop YippaDeeSkip.   All proceeds go to help fund our adoption. 

www.etsy.com/shop/YippaDeeSkip 

www.janelleprenkert.com

The Story Behind the Shirt: Who Cares If I'm Significant

Shirt Design and the following post written by my awesome husband, Derry Prenkert. 

I was on an airplane somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean October 2006 when I wrote the phrase for the first time.  Janelle and I had (along with Caleb 'Biz' Bislow) just finished up speaking at a Youth Camp outside Calcutta India. I was processing through the incredible opportunities God had granted me and wrestling with the enormous needs present in the world. I wanted to do something, but this time it was different. 

This time I felt so insignificant in it all.  In that feeling, I was also able to come to grips with that fact that so much of my life to that point had been caught up in meaning and significance... or to put it more clearly, I was convinced that my meaning would come when I was seen as someone significant.  If I could become some kind of Christian All-star then I would know I had arrived with God.  

On that airplane, a very subtle but significant change of focus began.  What if, rather than getting caught up in my significance, I would get caught up in giving my life toward the things that God saw as significant?  I wrote it out in a simple declaration:

WHO CARES IF I'M SIGNIFICANT?

I JUST WANT TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT.

This became a somewhat of a life mission for me from that point forward. I'm not that special (in fact I'm kind of a big tool), but I believe God has allowed me to be a part of some pretty significant things for the sake of His Kingdom with my life.  The opportunity to be an adoptive father ranks near the top.  

This t-shirt is my design and it tells my portion of the story.   You can purchase this shirt in Janelle's etsy store YippaDeeSkip or you can connect in person with us to make a purchase: www.etsy.com/shop/YippaDeeSkip

All $$ will go toward helping fund the adoption of our fourth child.

The Story Behind the Shirt: Change the World

The quote "Change the world one life at a time" has become a life motto for me. 

It all began back in my early 20s.  Fresh out of college, newly married and in the early ministry years. I was passionate about wanting to change the world but was overwhelmed at the thought of it. 

Knowing I wasn't gifted to reach the masses like Billy Graham, I became discouraged. For some reason we think  the only way to change the world is to preach it from a stage in front of thousands of people. I too was held captive by this thought. 

Then one day my eyes were opened and my life changed. I was at a conference for youth workers and one of the companies there had an experience. Their quote "you have one life, do something" resonated deep with in me. 

As I waked through this experience, listening, reading, watching, my heart began to transform. I realized that the most effective way to change the world is with those lives surrounding me.  I didn't need to stand in front of thousands, I didn't need to write some profound book. I just needed to be me, Janelle Prenkert. God has already gifted me. Embrace it and start impacting people. 

So that's what I did. And the life quote "change the world one life at a time" was born in my heart. 

Fast forward 15 years. I am joyful at the opportunities God has allowed me to change the world. Be it in teens, family members, kids, people around the world or through my blog. With the help of my Heavenly Father, I know I am making an impact on this world, one life at a time. 

My prayer is when you wear this shirt you will be inspired to change your world. Invest. Love. Empower. 

You can purchase this shirt in my etsy store YippaDeeSkip or message me and I can tell you other options. 

www.etsy.com/shop/YippaDeeSkip

www.janelleprenkert.com

Orphan Sunday

Orphan Sunday is this Sunday, November 8.  What is Orphan Sunday? The day in which Christians stand together to defend the fatherless.

November is a special month to me.  It is contains "Orphan Sunday", "National Adoption Day" and November is also "National Adoption Month".  I find it super awesome that people are taking time to raise awareness of the orphan and then celebrating the forever family they find.

It is no secret that I LOVE adoption.  Obviously, 3 of my 4 kiddos are adopted (well one is coming).  What makes this extra cool for me is my oldest miracle child, my first adopted child's birthday is in November.  This year when I heard that Orphan Sunday fell on her birthday, my smile grew much larger.  Because my daughter is just that...MINE.  I am her Mama and Derry her Daddy.  She is NOT an Orphan, she is my and I'm so pumped about it!  I love that she has a forever family and God chose me to be in that family!

My prayer is for all of the little ones around the world who don't have a forever family yet.
"God, this month will you raise up families to become brave, courageous and driven to change the life of a child.  Whether it is to welcome one into their lives making it a 'forever family' for a child or to come alongside someone who is.  May their heart break as yours breaks.  May they rise up in action as you have and do.  Thank you for loving us welcoming us into your 'forever family'.  Amen."

If you live in the Michiana area and have adopted or are in the process of adoption, join our group.   You need not attend Nappanee Missionary Church.  We normally meet the last Friday every other month.  Due to Thanksgiving, this month we will be meeting on Friday, November 13, 6:30-8:00 p.m.  Our time together is for the whole family.  Contact me if you have further questions or need directions (janelleprenkert@nmc1.org or 574.773.7773)

Finally, if you love adoption and want to tell the world that you do, consider purchasing one of our shirts thru my Etsy Store: YippaDeeSkip.  We are taking orders now.  Near the end of November shirts will then be printed and delivered.  All proceeds go to fund our upcoming adoption.

i heart adoption t-shirt

change the world t-shirt

who cares t-shirt

i matter kids t-shirt

Etsy Store

The Calling

I believe we are called to do "something" to aid in God's name to be known around the world. Does He need us? Absolutely not! But that's what makes Him so cool. He chooses to allow us to walk alongside Him.

He teaches us, He guides us, He mentors us. 

It's the same as when I allow my kids to help make cookies with me. Do I need them to help me? NOPE! But do I see the value in it, ABSOLUTELY! There are so many wins in baking with them. I am teaching them a life skill in baking, in parenting, in working together, in accomplishing a task, and in how to having fun. Why would they not help?

I believe that's God's view with us. It enriches our lives and I believe He finds true joy when He works with His kids. 

What has He called you to? Be it an honest and trustworthy business person, a loving and kind teacher, a friendly Starbucks barista, a Pastor's wife, a mama to crazy kids, whatever it is, God has called you to walk alongside Him in life. To reach out to others and love them as Jesus does. 

In college (17 years ago-woah that means I'm old) I remember praying for the eyes of Jesus. To simply see past the exterior and into the heart as Jesus does.  To love people where they are and appreciate them for how He created them. 

So what's my calling? "To compassionate seek and encourage young females to grasp the depth of God's abounding love for them and apply it to all relationships" (my life statement written as 20 year old).

Many people look at me as Pastor Derry's wife. Although I hold that position with great honor and joy, God has called me to more. 

To love Himself, to guide students, young women, and my kids to His side. Knowing we all are cracked vessels patched up by the King. 

How can He patch up your vessel? Will you allow Him to teach and guide you? Will you love and walk alongside someone as He has walked with you?

What is your calling?