Monday, December 8, 2008

I am Kelly, posting on behalf of Carla.

Carla says she cannot express how thankful they are and how much love they feel as a result of all of your posts and comments. Your kind words, encouragement, and good deeds (including those generous souls that have donated toward Josi's Memorial) have helped more than you could ever know. Understandably they are deeply grieving the loss of beautiful Josi and trying to make sense of as much as humanly possible yet trusting God for all things we will never understand. She knows without God in her life, things would be so much more bleak.

Many have asked for more details surrounding the deaths, but little is known outside of news reports and newspaper articles. Unfortunately Josi and the entire family were murdered during a home invasion which included the foster mother's sister, her husband, their young two children, and Josi. Possible motives and details of the deaths are still only hearsay as the media isn't always an accurate source of information.

We are comforted knowing this family loved Josi and was providing a loving home for her while they waited for the completion of the adoption. This and knowing even as Josi was taking her last breath, our amazing Lord had her wrapped in his loving arms.

~~~

Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”(Luke 18:15-17 )


58 comments:

Leah Maya Benjamin said...

Oh Carla and family, I am so so sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine what youall are going thru. Carla I met you at the Marriott on 1 of my visit tripsright before you got to take Shay home, we both had the same agency. I'm so glad at least for Josi she knew that she was loved and so wanted.
www.missmayita.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Thank you for the update. I have been haunted by this since I heard the horrific news. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Kris
http://ourjourneytocaleb.blogspot.com

Kristi said...

My heart continues to ache. My eyes continue to fill with tears as I think of your pain. In all the pain and disbelief, I know one thing is for sure:

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth ~*~*~*~ Casting Crowns~*~*~*~

God will be lifted up......

Love -
Bamagirl and Family

Kim & Dave said...

How very sad!!! May Jesus, Who loves her more than you ever could, comfort your hearts as He reminds you each day that she is now seeing Him!

Praying for your family at this difficult time!

Anonymous said...

You have been on my mind and heavy on my heart since I read your news. I've tried to think of perfect words to say but can't seem to find them. Please know that my family is thinking of you and praying for you. Praying for your other children as well and that their hearts may heal and always feel the love of their sister.

Debra

Mel said...

Continue to pray for you all and so very very sorry for your loss
Mel from OK
waiting for Gracie in Guat.

Alex and Sam said...

carla..
I am praying for your family. may god give you the strength to get through this tradegy. your darling josie is an angel watching over you

alex

Queenie24 said...

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We can imagine the pain you are going thru at this time. We have been following on your blog and a mutual friend informed us of your loss. May Josi be soaring high in heaven with the angels. "God only takes the best". We are not always sure why or will ever understand why these things happen - we again are so sorry and wish you all peace, in time.
The Van Abel Family

Anonymous said...

I know that you don't know me, but I wanted to offer you my prayers and encouragement during such a painful time. I was directed to this site from another blog, and have prayed for you many times since reading it yesterday. It is evident that you are strong followers of Christ, and I know that you will continue to rely on Him during this time of loss.

Isaiah 40 is one of my favorite chapters in the entire Bible where it says… Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord. My cause is disregarded by my God.’? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. I pray that the Lord continues to supply you with the strength you need to make it through each day.

1 Kings 20 tells us, The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, "This is what the LORD says: “Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.”

In this story, the Arameans’ projected their incorrect viewpoint about Israel’s God because their own pagan gods were localized to a specific area and limited in their powers. But our God is not limited in power or localized to a specific geographic area! He is the Lord over ALL creation, and He is the Lord over this valley that you are currently in. The Bible tells us that the Word is a lamp unto our feet, which means that sometimes it only lights the few steps in front of us... just enough to keep us from stumbling and moving forward towards a destination we cannot see.

Our Lord is the Everlasting God who created the entire universe. There is no mountain too high or valley too low that He is not there. Psalm 139 tells us we can never flee from His Spirit… even if we make our bed in the deepest depths. He will join you in your darkest hours. He will carry you through your pain and suffering.

Marlene said...

Carla,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your little daughter. I am praying for you and your family as well as the foster family.
Marlene

Gail said...

I am so sorry for you loss and your pain. I am happy to know that you know the peace that only God can give. Lean on Him in this.
Gail

jajbs said...

I am so sorry for your loss and while words cannot help at this time, please know that you are being covered in prayer.


amanda

Robyn said...

My heart is breaking for Carla and her family. I am continuing the prayers for them!!

Anonymous said...

Praying for strength during time of sadness!!!

Josi is with the Lord and you will see her again!!!!

Hugs and love,leslie

Susie said...

Thank you for keeping us updated. Our heavenly Father, reign peace, comfort and hope on this family. We praise you that you "turn all things to good for those who love and serve the Lord". "We can do all things through Christ who strengthen us", even coping with unimaginable loss and tragedy. Carla, may you take comfort in the promise that this is a temporary earthly separation from Josi...she lives in Christ who lives in you. Hugs and blessing, Susie

jeck said...

Continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.

April said...

Just praying and thinking of you today and wanting you to know we continue to lift you up in prayer...

Dawn said...

This quote and verse were given to me when we were grieving the loss of one of our babies. I pray that by passing it along, it will give you a little comfort.

In your longing, remember that as a child of God, there will come a day when you will know now tears and no sorrow!
"And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying or pain;
Rev 21:4

Continuing to pray for you!!

Dawn

veggiemom said...

Continuing to think of you always...

Erin Moore said...

Praying for your family, for peace that surpasses all understanding.

In Christ,
Erin

Greta Jo said...

Praying....

Chris and Lindsey Wheeler said...

I am praying so much....for life to come out of this horrible tragedy. Y'all are such an incredible family!!

Anonymous said...

We're still here. We're still praying. This has shaken our little community. I read someone's blog somewhere and they mentioned something so very fitting. I hope they don't mind me writing it here....it was so profound.

"After all the months of waiting for Josi, it is now Josi that is patiently, happily waiting for her forever family in heaven".

Storming the heavens with you....

Gayle said...

God bless you and your family. I can't imagine the grief, but I will pray for you and your strength. I also pray God will carry you through this time, 'til He is ready to give you peace. And that as He is with your beautiful Josi, He will hold you too and let you know she is with Him and alright. Dancing on the clouds, full of sun and smiles. God bless.

The Fab 5 said...

I am once again so sorry for your loss. I read this entry and was sick to my stomache. I can not even imagine the grief. Please know I am adding you to my daily prayer list.

Faith, Family, Future said...

I love you all so much!! Lifting you up constantly as you are on my mind and in my heart every minute of everyday.

Tammy

Jocelyn said...

Continuing to pray for you and your family.

The Aldridge's said...

Please know that we are paraying for you and your family.

junglemama said...

What a precious little girl Josi was. Her smile will live within you forver, I'm sure. I hope I don't sound rude asking, but did you ever get to meet her?

Aileen said...

Carla and family,
We also lost our daughter in Guatemala, although your tragedy is so much greater because of the way it happened. Someone sent me the two things below, and they were of comfort to me after we lost sweet Ariana in January. I hope someday they will also comfort you.


"How very softly you tiptoed into my world,
Almost silently, only for a moment you stayed.
But what an imprint your footsteps have left upon my heart."

"Nothing, and noone, is ever lost if you know where they are."

I don't know the source of either of these, but I hope they will give you some small comfort.

Prayers are being sent up for you!

Aileen

In memory of Ariana Maria:
www.adoptingariana.blogspot.com

Praise and Coffee said...

My heart goes out to you at this terribly difficult time in your life. I'm praying that God will bring the comfort that only comes from Him.
As an adoptive mom, I can only imagine your pain.
Much love,
Sue

Anonymous said...

Carla and family,
I am so sorry and will lift you all up in prayer. As a Mom of a Guatemalan blessing I feel we are all tied together so I am here to pray for you. Someone posted this to a prayer group I belong to and I just wanted to let you know that many are praying for you.
Linda Greene

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry and I am praying for you.

Cristie said...

Truly the face of an angel ... beauty and breathtaking! May you see Jesus himself in those eyes!

Becca said...

Continuing to pray for your family... She is in His lap with her head on His shoulder.

becca

Anonymous said...

We're praying that God will give you the strength and faith to make it thru.

Cindy said...

We're praying for the peace that passes all understanding, and finding hope in the fact that Josi is dancing in Heaven today.
God bless.

Lori :) said...

My heart is aching and tears are streaming down my face as I watched the video of your precious little girl. My 4 year old Guatemalan daughter is sitting beside me saying "that's me". I am trying to explain to her why I am sad. Sad that you will never get to hold and snuggle with your daughter here on earth. Mad that the adoption process would take so long. Wanting to start asking "why" . . ."what if". . . "if only" . . . I know those questions go no where.
I am grateful for having just read "The Shack" (I saw you had too). I pray that God is able to fill you both and your kids as you grieve the loss of your beautiful daughter. I know she is getting things ready for you guys up in heaven today - excited to one day be reunited with all of you - but enjoying her perfect heavenly Father for now.

God bless you all. I know you don't know me - but I found out about it all from Kelly Cash.

May the peace of God fill your heart, mind, soul, spirit, house and family today and each day on.

Blesings
Lori West :)

Anonymous said...

You do not know us but we were directed to this blog thru a prayer request...Words cannot begin to describe the feelings I had reading this...my heart aches for you and your family but finds comfort in knowing you are also Believers and know you will see your precious Josi again. You are in our prayers now and always, may God wrap His arms even more tightly around you and carry you thru these difficult days.

Susie said...

Carla, I just cant get you and your family out of my mind...or Josi's sweet face. I pray for all of us as we struggle to grapple with what has happened. I rest in the peace of Christ and hope you are doing this as well. There is no better place for Josi than in the arms of her Father...but for her family left in this physical world, it hurts beyond comprehension. "May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He shine His face upon you and give you peace." Love and Hugs, Susie and Bella

Our Family of 5 said...

Carla,
We continue to send many hugs and prayers for you all. If you need anything at all. Please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks for updating Kelly!
xoxoxo

Betsy said...

Thank you for this update, we all continue to pray for healing and peace for this family.

Betsy

Elena's Girl said...

I am just so sorry for your tragic loss of Josi. You will remain in my prayers.

Violet said...

I have been praying for your family, and the foster parent's family throughout the day, May God comfort you all in these days of sorrow.

Violet

Sara said...

Words can not say how sorry I am to hear of this. My heart is breaking for you. Know that God is with you and He will help you to get through this.

with love and prayers,
Sara

Krystal said...

I am continuing to pray for you and send so much love toward your family.

Bringing Home Sophia said...

Love is stronger than death.
So I must be content to know that
love is not affected by death--
it doesn't end, it doesn't diminish,
it doesn't change.
Instead, love is immortalized
and eternalized through death.
And the possibility of that love ever
being damaged or broken
is eliminated forever.
I'll put my trust in love.


Thinking of you Carla!!

erinberry said...

I am so terribly sorry to hear of the tragic loss of Josi and her foster family. I will be thinking of you and wishing peace for your family.

Tara said...

Sending you a Tuesday hug and shoulder to cry on. Your angel's sweet face will forever be with me. Hugs Carla.

pjeanmm said...

Josi's picture is so precious. I am in tears as I look at her. She will live in all of our hearts. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. Big Hug to you.

Bonnie said...

Your family is still in my thoughts and prayers constantly. My heart truly aches for you. Please know that there are many, many prayers being lifted for you and all involved.

Anonymous said...

Wanted you all to know that our church is lifting your family up. We were so sorry to hear of your news. We too have a precious family awaiting the arrival of their precious little girl. Your family is beautiful and I appreciate your hearts. Love, Doug and Sonja Nolan, Word of Life, Hendersonville, TN

Angel said...

That is just horrible. I am just beyond words. I am so sorry. How do we make sense of all this? I wish I had something helpful to say. All I can say is I'm here. You are in my heart and prayers. Hugs, Angel

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. No words can express the shock and sorrow you must be feeling. Please know that our prayers are with you.

Friend of Natalie C's
Deirdre in NY

RamblingMother said...

Oh words totally fail. I can't imagine the grief and pain. May the Lord Jesus comfort you in this dark time.

Amy said...

I wish there was something I could say to take away your pain if only for a second... Praying for you the peace that only God can give. Amy

Anonymous said...

Dear Carla, Sammy and Family, I cry as I write to you searching for the right words. All gods children are so beautiful, but I have a special place in my heart now for our Guatemalan babies. We know that Gods purpose and his plan is made far before us, and we must try to understand the role that we play in it. You are touching so many lives right now.
You need to know that you are helping many people make the choice to do more for the
cchildren of the world. I hope this makes sense. You have a beautiful family, I have adopted one very special boy and long to adopt more. But don't think that we be a reality for me. I am anxious to see if I can sponser an orphan after reading your blog spot, maybe that is my next purpose. Thank you for showing my that option. God Bless you all and your sweet Josi and her Guatemalan family!

Flamingo said...

i have no words to express the sorrow and grief i feel for you.

you will be lifted in prayer.