When Scott and I decided to adopt again, we wanted to make sure that Trent remained the oldest. This meant we only wanted to adopt a child(ren) under the age of 5. At the time we felt it was important that Trent be the oldest in our family. I honestly do not know why we felt/feel that way, but we do. In reality, Trent is the middle child. He has an older biological sister and a younger biological brother. In our family, however, he is an only child. It is funny because I see the "oldest" characteristics, "middle" characteristics and "only" child characteristics in him. I've often wondered how the birth order plays into a child's development and security. I'll admit I have not done a lot of research on this topic so I have no answers.
Last week, I was reading an adoption blog here. If you don't want to read the story here it is in a nutshell. A boy in an orphange in the Ukraine will 16 at the end of the year. He will be turned out on the streets with a few belongs and some money. He has had no upbringing to help him transition into this new life and will most likely end up homeless and addicted to drugs. This is a common story for orphans. These children have no skills and very little education. They do not go to college and become law abiding citizens. These children have nothing and no one. Now that you have read the story in a nutshell, I URGE you to click on the link. I do not know if a family has been found for him, but many have stepped up.
After reading about this my heart was convicted. I began to think of all the times I have looked at photolistings and would not consider a child because they were older than my 5 yr old. I won't even consider adopting them because of their age. What is wrong with me? If I truly have the heart of God for the orphan than what does it matter? How can I continue to share my love for the orphan when I limit it? Jesus doesn't love us because of anything we have done or our age, He loves us because we are His children.
I truly desire to have a heart like His. That means excepting and loving all orphans. It means finding homes for some and bringing others into our home. When I get to Heaven, I don't want God to show me the missed opportunities because I wanted my first child to be the oldest. How many little lives will I miss out on being a part of because of my selfishness or my logic. If there is one thing I have learned when it comes to God there is no logic! I pray that I will be open to whatever He has for us and know that He is in control of my children's lives and no matter how they fall in the birth order they are loved and cared for.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Just Being Honest
Tonight we finished up our last home study visit. Everything went really well. We hope to have our home study completed by the end of the year. If the last little bit of paperwork gets in this should happen. Things have been so much better with our current agency and I love working with them.
One thing was brought up tonight that has my wheels turning. It was suggested to us that we open ourselves up a little more when it comes to the type of contact we will have with the birthmother. I will be honest. I don't really know how I feel. The idea of having a relationship with the birthmother scares me. I don't know if this comes from the past experience of being a foster parent and dealing with parents in the foster care system or what.
It isn't that I don't want my child to know their biological parents but I want the opportunity to be a family. This probably all sounds wrong and I don't mean for it too. I just don't know how I feel about the whole openness thing. How do I tell one child that they cannot have any communication with their biological parents when their sibling does? How do you decide for your child that knowing or not knowing their biological parents is the right thing?
Part of me is beginning to second guess this whole thing. If we do not open ourselves up there is the possibility of a very long wait for a birthmother. If we do open ourselves up, I am at risk of doing something I'm not sure I am comfortable with. Adopting internationally would make the decision for us. My heart is in turmoil. I really don't know what is right at this moment. I guess I've said all of that to say this: please pray that God gives us peace. One way or another I need peace to trust His plan for our lives and the lives of our children.
One thing was brought up tonight that has my wheels turning. It was suggested to us that we open ourselves up a little more when it comes to the type of contact we will have with the birthmother. I will be honest. I don't really know how I feel. The idea of having a relationship with the birthmother scares me. I don't know if this comes from the past experience of being a foster parent and dealing with parents in the foster care system or what.
It isn't that I don't want my child to know their biological parents but I want the opportunity to be a family. This probably all sounds wrong and I don't mean for it too. I just don't know how I feel about the whole openness thing. How do I tell one child that they cannot have any communication with their biological parents when their sibling does? How do you decide for your child that knowing or not knowing their biological parents is the right thing?
Part of me is beginning to second guess this whole thing. If we do not open ourselves up there is the possibility of a very long wait for a birthmother. If we do open ourselves up, I am at risk of doing something I'm not sure I am comfortable with. Adopting internationally would make the decision for us. My heart is in turmoil. I really don't know what is right at this moment. I guess I've said all of that to say this: please pray that God gives us peace. One way or another I need peace to trust His plan for our lives and the lives of our children.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Quick Update
This past Tuesday we had our 2nd meeting with our adoption specialist. We are so excited that our home study is moving quickly and smoothly. We are thankful for an agency that puts Christ first and understands our love for the orphans. Our adoption specialist told us that she plans to have our home study complete by Christmas. What a GREAT Christmas present! At that time, our agency will be able to show our profile to prospective birth mothers. We could be matched at anytime and pray that this will happen quickly and smoothly. Our final home study meeting has been set for December 1st. We have much to do but we are so excited to get to this point.
The completion of our home study means another payment is necessary to the agency. I know that a lot of people complain about the amount of money needed to adopt a child and many do not understand why such an in-depth process is necessary. I don't understand it either, but it is required and I will do what is necessary to walk this path. My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so the $23,500 that is needed to adopt a child domestically is change in His pocket. My God is greater than all the fees and regulations that are needed to adopt a child. He will provide and I try my best to trust in His timing.
Saying that, we are in need of raising around $4800 to make our next payment. We do have some money in our savings account but not that total amount. Please pray with us that God will provide that amount of money so that we can make our payment and be matched with a birth mother as soon as possible. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so on the right hand side of this blog. If you would like to purchase a cookbook, you can do that as well. Any suggestions for a fundraiser would be greatly appreciated.
I look forward to seeing how God provides the money that we need to continue on in our journey.
The completion of our home study means another payment is necessary to the agency. I know that a lot of people complain about the amount of money needed to adopt a child and many do not understand why such an in-depth process is necessary. I don't understand it either, but it is required and I will do what is necessary to walk this path. My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so the $23,500 that is needed to adopt a child domestically is change in His pocket. My God is greater than all the fees and regulations that are needed to adopt a child. He will provide and I try my best to trust in His timing.
Saying that, we are in need of raising around $4800 to make our next payment. We do have some money in our savings account but not that total amount. Please pray with us that God will provide that amount of money so that we can make our payment and be matched with a birth mother as soon as possible. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so on the right hand side of this blog. If you would like to purchase a cookbook, you can do that as well. Any suggestions for a fundraiser would be greatly appreciated.
I look forward to seeing how God provides the money that we need to continue on in our journey.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
A Good Life
The last few weeks have been crazy. We have had so much going on that I have hardly had time to sleep. We were finally able to have Trent's birthday party because a lot of our family was in town. I figured it didn't matter if I was a couple of months late. He was so excited. He had a Super Mario birthday party. We celebrated in true Mario and Luigi form with spaghetti and meatballs and took the Wii to the church so the kids could play games. We had a wonderful time with our friends and family. Every birthday we have with Trent is so special to me and I thank God for placing him in our family.
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| Food |
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| Power-Up! |
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| Birthday cake |
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| Trent opening presents. |
The next day Scott was ordained to the ministry. This was something that Scott always said he would never do. It is amazing to watch how God works when we submit to His plan and allow Him to work in our lives. I am really excited to see how God will continue to lead our family.
God has been so good to us and we are thankful for all He has done for us.
Just a reminder: The last day to enter a recipe for our cookbook is Saturday, November 12th. You can go to www.typensave.com to enter your recipes. The group login is toddadoption and the password is yjaeb. If you would like to purchase a cookbook please do so on the right hand side of the blog. Thank you for supporting us in our adoption process.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Working Hard
The last week or so I have been busy getting things in order. I have been filling out paperwork that will be ready to go out Monday, I have started a new job and finished another, working on our Cookbook Fundraiser and I've been planning a Teen Girl's Retreat along with everything else I have to keep me busy. I enjoy busy days because they bring me one step closer to holding my baby in my arms.
I'm really excited about the Cookbook Fundraiser. Everyone has been so great about adding recipes and placing their order. If you haven't had a chance to submit a recipe then head over to http://www.typensave.com/. The group login is toddadoption and the password is yjaeb. Do this now. Do not pass Go! Do not collect $200! Submit those recipes!! I am so excited about this fundraiser because not only will we be raising money, but each recipe will have the name of the person that submitted it. I can't wait to show my baby one day the love that existed before his/her birth. We will be selling the cookbooks for $10 each so make sure you send me an email at thejourneyhome.todd@gmail.com. I'm really hoping to raise between $2500 and $3000 with this fundraiser. This amount will go toward having our profile shown to prospective birthmothers and future costs. We are so excited about what God is going to do and are thankful that so many of you are partnering with us!
I'm really excited about the Cookbook Fundraiser. Everyone has been so great about adding recipes and placing their order. If you haven't had a chance to submit a recipe then head over to http://www.typensave.com/. The group login is toddadoption and the password is yjaeb. Do this now. Do not pass Go! Do not collect $200! Submit those recipes!! I am so excited about this fundraiser because not only will we be raising money, but each recipe will have the name of the person that submitted it. I can't wait to show my baby one day the love that existed before his/her birth. We will be selling the cookbooks for $10 each so make sure you send me an email at thejourneyhome.todd@gmail.com. I'm really hoping to raise between $2500 and $3000 with this fundraiser. This amount will go toward having our profile shown to prospective birthmothers and future costs. We are so excited about what God is going to do and are thankful that so many of you are partnering with us!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Moving Forward
There have been some days in the last year where I was beginning to wonder if we would ever complete an adoption. Things were not going well with our agency and I began to question if this was what God really wanted for our life. We had spent HOURS praying, planning and watching as God would bring in the money we needed. I just didn't understand it. If God was providing then didn't He want us to do this?
There was one thing that we continued to wait on. I can't talk about it now, but know that it had to do with finances and we are watching it slowly come together. It was the biggest way that we could see God providing but He wasn't moving. Now that we have left the agency God has begun to move things forward. I truly believe that He was keeping us from spending all our money in a place that was not honoring Him. He wanted us to trust Him even when things didn't make sense. He wanted us to trust His word and not the humanistic views of an agency.
Scott and I decided that we would follow the Word of God no matter what. I believe that God is blessing us for that. It is true what people say, the blessings of God for following Him outweigh the here and now. God has been good to us. He has continued to provide for our adoption even though we have been a family without an agency.
Last night we attended an informational meeting at Bethany Christian Services. I was not prepared for the peace and connection that I felt with their staff. I really felt that because of the years of expereince they would be able to help us along this new journey. I am so excited to begin working with an agency that is adament about putting Christ first.
We came home from lunch today and our formal application greeted me in my email. I'm so excited so I am off to fill out paperwork! Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. We will keep you updated.
There was one thing that we continued to wait on. I can't talk about it now, but know that it had to do with finances and we are watching it slowly come together. It was the biggest way that we could see God providing but He wasn't moving. Now that we have left the agency God has begun to move things forward. I truly believe that He was keeping us from spending all our money in a place that was not honoring Him. He wanted us to trust Him even when things didn't make sense. He wanted us to trust His word and not the humanistic views of an agency.
Scott and I decided that we would follow the Word of God no matter what. I believe that God is blessing us for that. It is true what people say, the blessings of God for following Him outweigh the here and now. God has been good to us. He has continued to provide for our adoption even though we have been a family without an agency.
Last night we attended an informational meeting at Bethany Christian Services. I was not prepared for the peace and connection that I felt with their staff. I really felt that because of the years of expereince they would be able to help us along this new journey. I am so excited to begin working with an agency that is adament about putting Christ first.
We came home from lunch today and our formal application greeted me in my email. I'm so excited so I am off to fill out paperwork! Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. We will keep you updated.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Journey Home Cookbook
I LOVE to cook and I am a sucker for just about any type of cookbook. I have a closet full and I love to pull them out and see what new recipes I can cook up for my family. I am a firm believer that you can never have too many cookbooks!
A few months ago, a friend of mine put together a cookbook as a fundraiser for their adoption. It was really nice to submit my recipe and later purchase a cookbook knowing that I was helping someone bring their baby home. You can check out their blog here. They were able to raise around $2500 for their adoption.
So, taking a page out of their fundraising book, we decided we would love to do the same thing. So, I am asking each of you to submit one or more of your favorite recipes. You can submit them by going here. Enter the group login: toddadoption. The password is yjaeb. It is here that you will be able to enter your recipes. We would love to have them from all over the world. So, find your favorites and add them to our cookbook.
In a couple of weeks, we will give you the opportunity to purchase a cookbook. We hope they will be around $10-$12. We are planning to raise between $2500 and $3000 for our adoption fund. I can't wait to see all the awesome recipes and try them out! If you have any questions, please email me at thejourneyhome.todd@gmail.com.
A few months ago, a friend of mine put together a cookbook as a fundraiser for their adoption. It was really nice to submit my recipe and later purchase a cookbook knowing that I was helping someone bring their baby home. You can check out their blog here. They were able to raise around $2500 for their adoption.
So, taking a page out of their fundraising book, we decided we would love to do the same thing. So, I am asking each of you to submit one or more of your favorite recipes. You can submit them by going here. Enter the group login: toddadoption. The password is yjaeb. It is here that you will be able to enter your recipes. We would love to have them from all over the world. So, find your favorites and add them to our cookbook.
In a couple of weeks, we will give you the opportunity to purchase a cookbook. We hope they will be around $10-$12. We are planning to raise between $2500 and $3000 for our adoption fund. I can't wait to see all the awesome recipes and try them out! If you have any questions, please email me at thejourneyhome.todd@gmail.com.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
A Letter to My Son
Dear Trent,
Today is your 5th birthday! It is hard to believe that 5 years ago I did not even know you existed. I wasn't there to hold you or to hear your first cry, but you were in my heart long before you came to live with me. I prayed everyday for your arrival not knowing where you were. I prayed for your safety and longed for the day that I would hold you in my arms.
I love that 5 years later I can hug on you whenever I want (well, as long as you stay still). I love that I get to cover you in kisses. I'm thankful that God allowed me to be the one that you want at 3am when you have had a bad dream or you don't feel good. I love that you call me your "sweet girl".
I love listening to you pray that your brother and sister will come home very soon. I love writing your name on the bottom of your Buzz Lightyear and Woody so that everyone knows you love them. I love listening to you telling me that Jonah was in the whale of the belly for 5 YEARS! I love that everything (and I mean everything) has a voice. I love that your world is so happy and carefree.
5 years ago there was another women who held you. I won't pretend to know her heart at that time, but I imagine that she memorized your little face and kissed your sweet nose. I think she knew in her heart that you were meant for someone else. I think she knew that it was the only birthday she would get to be a part of.
I have no doubt that she is thinking of you today. I can't imagine how her heart must hurt. I know that she wishes she had made different decisions in her past but she once told me that she knows that God meant you for me. I'm thankful that she believes that. I'm thankful that she has allowed us to be a family. I'm thankful that she has allowed me to be your mother.
I pray that this year will be amazing. I pray that God will continue to mold you into a sweet, loving little boy. I pray that He will answer your prayer and that your brother and sister will come home. And I pray that you will learn to love Jesus and to trust in Him in all things.
I love you so much my sweet boy. I can't wait to see what this year holds.
Love,
Mommy
Today is your 5th birthday! It is hard to believe that 5 years ago I did not even know you existed. I wasn't there to hold you or to hear your first cry, but you were in my heart long before you came to live with me. I prayed everyday for your arrival not knowing where you were. I prayed for your safety and longed for the day that I would hold you in my arms.
I love that 5 years later I can hug on you whenever I want (well, as long as you stay still). I love that I get to cover you in kisses. I'm thankful that God allowed me to be the one that you want at 3am when you have had a bad dream or you don't feel good. I love that you call me your "sweet girl".
I love listening to you pray that your brother and sister will come home very soon. I love writing your name on the bottom of your Buzz Lightyear and Woody so that everyone knows you love them. I love listening to you telling me that Jonah was in the whale of the belly for 5 YEARS! I love that everything (and I mean everything) has a voice. I love that your world is so happy and carefree.
5 years ago there was another women who held you. I won't pretend to know her heart at that time, but I imagine that she memorized your little face and kissed your sweet nose. I think she knew in her heart that you were meant for someone else. I think she knew that it was the only birthday she would get to be a part of.
I have no doubt that she is thinking of you today. I can't imagine how her heart must hurt. I know that she wishes she had made different decisions in her past but she once told me that she knows that God meant you for me. I'm thankful that she believes that. I'm thankful that she has allowed us to be a family. I'm thankful that she has allowed me to be your mother.
I pray that this year will be amazing. I pray that God will continue to mold you into a sweet, loving little boy. I pray that He will answer your prayer and that your brother and sister will come home. And I pray that you will learn to love Jesus and to trust in Him in all things.
I love you so much my sweet boy. I can't wait to see what this year holds.
Love,
Mommy
Monday, August 15, 2011
T-Shirt Sale!!!
We are working hard to sell the last of our t-shirts. We have several left so I thought I would post the sizes and styles we have left at a reduced price. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt, you can purchase them on the right hand side. Make sure you let me know what size you need and where to ship it.
The t-shirts are black and look like this:
Here is what I still have:
Men's $15.00
3-Medium
3-Large
4-XL
2-XXL
Women's $15.00
5-Medium
4-Large
2-XL
Kids- $10.00 (I can order more kids if needed)
1-Small
The t-shirts are black and look like this:
Men's $15.00
3-Medium
3-Large
4-XL
2-XXL
Women's $15.00
5-Medium
4-Large
2-XL
Kids- $10.00 (I can order more kids if needed)
1-Small
Friday, August 5, 2011
A HUGE Blessing
Yesterday, Scott came home at an unexpected hour. I was a little confused as to why he was home when he handed me an envelope. I opened it up and inside was a check for $1000!! Another $1000 for our adoption fund! Inside was a little note asking us to keep this family up to date on what we going on with our adoption.
This family has been an incredible blessing to us. They hardly know us, yet they see something in us and they believe in what we are doing. I was thinking last night about how I want to see people and love them and believe in them where they are. I pray that one day I too can write a check for $1000 to help someone with something they believe in. I'm so thankful when people listen to the prompting of the Lord.
On our end, we are still searching for a birthmother. We pray that the Lord will send the right person our way very soon. We are asking everyone to pray with us as we seek the Lord's guidance on this matter.
This family has been an incredible blessing to us. They hardly know us, yet they see something in us and they believe in what we are doing. I was thinking last night about how I want to see people and love them and believe in them where they are. I pray that one day I too can write a check for $1000 to help someone with something they believe in. I'm so thankful when people listen to the prompting of the Lord.
On our end, we are still searching for a birthmother. We pray that the Lord will send the right person our way very soon. We are asking everyone to pray with us as we seek the Lord's guidance on this matter.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Words
*I don't mean to get off the adoption blog track, but God is working in my heart and I believe this is part of the journey.
Gossip. 1 word, 2 syllables. Just a small little word that holds more hurt and pain then one would care to admit. In "christian" circles we refer to it as "prayer requests". It is something that little old ladies do and we laugh. It is how we get the most up to date news on our favorite celebrity. Something that no one wants to be the recipient of but often has no problem doing. What is it about knowing something about someone else that draws us (mainly women) in?
Over the years I have been a recipient of gossip. There is nothing that gets me stirred up more than being talked about. As a pastor's wife, being the center of gossip is not uncommon and I have learned to deal with it. I'm not going to say it doesn't hurt, but I can deal with it better than I used too. I am learning who I am and who I need to be. I am learning that people's approval is not necessary in my life. I have been placed on this earth to serve only One and that is my focus.
Having said that, it is confession time. I am POSITIVE I have been on the giving end of gossip, more often that the receiving end. I don't know what it is that draws us into it, but it does. I have said things out of anger and hurt. I have "released information" because I wanted to have the upper hand. I have commented on subjects because I wanted someone to like me. None of these things are excuses because gossip is just plain wrong. Gossip has NEVER brought the good out in anyone.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 10:31, "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out." (NIV) I can't tell you how many times I wish I could cut out my tongue after I have said something. I wish I could reach out and grab the words I've said before they reach someone's ears. There are so many things that I wish I could take back.
Over the last couple of months, I have been praying that God would make me more like His Son. I believe that God is answering my request. This is one area where He has really been working on me. I know this journey will be long and painful and will never end until I reach Heaven, but I have decided that I will allow the process to make me stronger, wiser, and more like Jesus. I pray that the words of my mouth will be pleasing unto the Lord.
So, I want to apologize deeply to those I have hurt with my words. I'm sorry for the things that I have said that have been out of line and unacceptable. I'm sorry that I have said things to degrade you while lifting myself up. I'm sorry for hurting you and I hope that you will accept my apology and be able to forgive me.
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Busy Little Bees
We have been so busy over the last few weeks. Things have been so crazy around here. I have been working on bridesmaids dresses for a wedding at the end of the month and next I will be working on the wedding cake.
I have also been working on a Mocktail Party for Indianapolis/Surrounding area Pastor's Wives and Women in Ministry. If you or someone you know is a Pastor's wife or is in a lead position of ministry, PLEASE tell her about this party. It will be a great time for her to connect with other women in ministry. Registration is being held at indymocktail.eventbrite.com and closes August 13th.
As far as adoption goes, Scott and I did receive our home study notebook back. We were hoping to get it back considering it contained background checks that we had paid for. I thought it was funny that it was sent with a letter that stated the agency was so sorry we couldn't work something out. Sad thing is they never tried. It was their way or the highway on this issue so we took the highway. So, we have decided to take the next 2 months to search for a birthmother. We have been kind of quiet about it because we do not want to be offered a scam. This is a very serious step. We have sent word to some pastors and friends and ask that you pray that God will send the right birthmother our way. Every day at lunch and dinner, Trent prays for his brother and sister and asks God to send them home soon. I am praying that God will answer his request quickly.
As far as adoption goes, Scott and I did receive our home study notebook back. We were hoping to get it back considering it contained background checks that we had paid for. I thought it was funny that it was sent with a letter that stated the agency was so sorry we couldn't work something out. Sad thing is they never tried. It was their way or the highway on this issue so we took the highway. So, we have decided to take the next 2 months to search for a birthmother. We have been kind of quiet about it because we do not want to be offered a scam. This is a very serious step. We have sent word to some pastors and friends and ask that you pray that God will send the right birthmother our way. Every day at lunch and dinner, Trent prays for his brother and sister and asks God to send them home soon. I am praying that God will answer his request quickly.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Staying Afloat
Today I took my little man to swim lessons. He has been doing really well and I am so proud of him. He has learned the rules of the pool and that we ALWAYS wear life jackets when we are on a boat. (And that we don't call 911 to tell them our colors!)
Besides teaching pool rules to the kids, the lifeguards spend a lot of the time teaching them to float. They have the kids lay on their back and hold them up. Most of the time the kids are holding on for dear life and begin to cry. They spend most of their time scared to death. Today I watched a little girl cry and cry while clawing the lifeguard. She fought every step of the way. The lifeguard spoke to her with a soft voice and continued to have patience while holding her in the water.
As I watched I realized that I have been crying and clawing at God, holding on for dear life. I'm scared of what the future holds. I'm afraid that the one Person that has promised to hold me and not let me drown is going to drop me. I'm afraid that this time, He may not keep His word.
After a couple of weeks, my little man learned to trust the lifeguard. He floats around like a little fish. He isn't scared anymore. He has experienced the peace of just floating. He has put all his trust in the lifeguard knowing she won't let him fall.
I know how to float. I've experienced the peace of letting God hold me while I enjoy the ride. He has never given me a reason to be afraid. He has never given me a reason not to trust Him, yet I continue to cry, claw and scream, "I'm scared!" All the while He speaks to me with patience and love knowing that when I learn to let go I will enjoy the ride.
How many times in our lives have we grabbed on to God fighting with Him over what He has called us to do? Why are we so afraid to let Him hold us up when He wants us to do something for Him? I want to learn to relax and let Him hold me while I float. No more clawing, fighting or crying. Just trusting in the One who promised to hold me.
Besides teaching pool rules to the kids, the lifeguards spend a lot of the time teaching them to float. They have the kids lay on their back and hold them up. Most of the time the kids are holding on for dear life and begin to cry. They spend most of their time scared to death. Today I watched a little girl cry and cry while clawing the lifeguard. She fought every step of the way. The lifeguard spoke to her with a soft voice and continued to have patience while holding her in the water.
As I watched I realized that I have been crying and clawing at God, holding on for dear life. I'm scared of what the future holds. I'm afraid that the one Person that has promised to hold me and not let me drown is going to drop me. I'm afraid that this time, He may not keep His word.
After a couple of weeks, my little man learned to trust the lifeguard. He floats around like a little fish. He isn't scared anymore. He has experienced the peace of just floating. He has put all his trust in the lifeguard knowing she won't let him fall.
I know how to float. I've experienced the peace of letting God hold me while I enjoy the ride. He has never given me a reason to be afraid. He has never given me a reason not to trust Him, yet I continue to cry, claw and scream, "I'm scared!" All the while He speaks to me with patience and love knowing that when I learn to let go I will enjoy the ride.
How many times in our lives have we grabbed on to God fighting with Him over what He has called us to do? Why are we so afraid to let Him hold us up when He wants us to do something for Him? I want to learn to relax and let Him hold me while I float. No more clawing, fighting or crying. Just trusting in the One who promised to hold me.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
A New Direction
So far this adoption has been smooth sailing. We have had some minor bumps but nothing major. We continued moving forward as God continued to provide the money we needed to start this adoption. We knew we were in God's plan for our lives and we were happy that things were moving so quickly.
Well, then it happened. The tornado that comes through your life and rips everything apart or turns it all upside down. We were told some things during our home study that were absolutely not true. We were asked to compromise our beliefs and told that if we did not do this the agency would not approve our home study.
I have refrained from writing anything because there has been so much chaos. Something that is so minor in our life became the focus. It is sad really, that a "christian" agency would require a Christian family to go against scripture in order to adopt a child. Satan has been busy.
I have been angry, cried, yelled and screamed more in the last few weeks than I care to admit, but I have also prayed, begged and sought wise counsel probably more than I ever have in my entire life. I have searched the scriptures and laid it all at the feet of Jesus and in Him, I found my peace to make one of the hardest decisions of my life.
Like I said, Scott and I have prayed and sought wise counsel both together and apart. We came to the conclusion that we would not compromise our beliefs and we would follow God's Word no matter what. We decided we could not continue to work with an agency that had lied to us and asked us to compromise our beliefs and had provided no Biblical counsel.
This is not the end of our adoption journey. We still believe that God has called us to adopt. He knows where our children are and He is watching over them. We will continue to raise money for our adoption fund and we will be looking for a new agency. We will be very particular and move slowly. If you would like to suggest an agency, please do.
At this time we are looking into all options. We are considering international and domestic adoption. We are prayfully considering every possible option at this point and we believe that God will lead us to our children in His time.
Well, then it happened. The tornado that comes through your life and rips everything apart or turns it all upside down. We were told some things during our home study that were absolutely not true. We were asked to compromise our beliefs and told that if we did not do this the agency would not approve our home study.
I have refrained from writing anything because there has been so much chaos. Something that is so minor in our life became the focus. It is sad really, that a "christian" agency would require a Christian family to go against scripture in order to adopt a child. Satan has been busy.
I have been angry, cried, yelled and screamed more in the last few weeks than I care to admit, but I have also prayed, begged and sought wise counsel probably more than I ever have in my entire life. I have searched the scriptures and laid it all at the feet of Jesus and in Him, I found my peace to make one of the hardest decisions of my life.
Like I said, Scott and I have prayed and sought wise counsel both together and apart. We came to the conclusion that we would not compromise our beliefs and we would follow God's Word no matter what. We decided we could not continue to work with an agency that had lied to us and asked us to compromise our beliefs and had provided no Biblical counsel.
This is not the end of our adoption journey. We still believe that God has called us to adopt. He knows where our children are and He is watching over them. We will continue to raise money for our adoption fund and we will be looking for a new agency. We will be very particular and move slowly. If you would like to suggest an agency, please do.
At this time we are looking into all options. We are considering international and domestic adoption. We are prayfully considering every possible option at this point and we believe that God will lead us to our children in His time.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
For This Child I Prayed
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| The end of our first day together. |
4 years ago today was a game changer. It was the most out of the normal day of my life. I was headed to pick up our little man for the first time. He was coming to live with us and I was so excited and scared I couldn't hardly stand it.
The day before, Scott left for Argentina on a Missions Trip and I was about to become a single mom for 10 days. I figured I could handle it. I'm a pretty independent and strong woman. No problem!
On my way to pick up Trent I had to stop and pick up a carseat. (This is VERY important to my story.) Since everything had happened so quickly, I hadn't been able to go register for a state of the art car seat or diapers. We barely had a crib and bottles! Most families get 6-9 months to plan for their baby, I think we might have had 2 weeks! God was working so quickly, I could barely keep up.
I arrived at my destination and walked in to meet the foster mom. This woman was a Godsend. She was a Kindergarten Teacher who took in drug babies and raised them until they went back to their parents or were adopted. She was and I'm sure still is an amazing foster mom.
We talked while Trent had his visit with his birth father and sister. She had written out a schedule for me, she gave me a keepsake box, and lots of pictures. Most foster children do not have a story to tell because they are going from foster home to foster home, but she saw the importance of my child's story and kept it for me until the day God put us together. Because of her I have Trent's first Christmas ornament, little shoes, and TONS of pictures of all his firsts. She had experienced those milestones and documented them for me.
I can't imagine the pain she felt when she held him for the last time. She had raised this perfect little boy for 10 months and now she was placing him in my care. She had the opportunity to raise Trent as her own, but she chose not too. I will forever be grateful to her.
So, there I stood with my little man for the very first time. He was mine. I can't begin to explain to you the joy in my heart. Even now, tears roll down my face as I am reminded of that day. I had prayed for this child. I had begged God for this child and He had granted my prayer.
I put Trent in his carseat and started to strap him in. There was only one problem. I didn't know how the car seat worked! Here I was with a 10 month old in the backseat of the car and I couldn't figure out how to expand the straps to put him in!! I didn't bother to keep the box or instructions when I left the store so I was at a loss! I turned the car on (because it was so hot) closed the door and worked on the carseat. After about 10 minutes, Trent began to cry. After about 20 minutes I began to cry. I'm sure you can imagine the chaos going on at that moment. I don't think I have ever prayed so much that God would help me figure out how to work a carseat, but there we were hot and crying together. Our first experience as mother and son!
Now before you ask, why I didn't go back inside and ask someone to help me, I will tell you. I was so afraid that they would (a) think I was crazy for not knowing how to work a carseat and (b) wonder who in the world thought it was ok to place a foster child with a woman who didn't know how to work a carseat. I'm so serious! I was afraid they would take him away. After about 30 minutes (maybe more) I finally got it. Victory!
We finally made it home and we began our life. I'll be honest those 10 days that Scott was gone were hard. There were times that I thought we had made the wrong decision. I honestly didn't know if I could make it, but we did! 2 years later he legally became our child. He is my sweet boy and I love him so much.
This little man will be 5 in August. I cannot believe how time has flown. We have been blessed from the very beginning and I wouldn't trade anything for it. Even now, I'm reminded (as he pitches a fit in his room) that for this child I prayed.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Prayers
I haven't written in a while because basically there isn't a lot I can say. I can tell you that I have cried, prayed researched and BEGGED God to do something. Right now I am tired, hurt, confused and frustrated. I feel as though my beliefs have been attacked. I feel that I have been asked to compromise my beliefs by those who are supposed to be on my side.
It seems that one of the smallest points of our family life has become the focus of a debate. A debate that will not end. A debate that may never resolve. We have continued to stand firm on the Word of God. We have continued to fight, but in all honesty, I am a wounded soldier. I'm tired of fighting. I'm tired of crying.
Have you ever gotten to that place where all you can do is hold on with your little finger to the firm foundation of Jesus Christ? Have you ever thought, "Lord, you are all the hope I have left and I'm placing every last bet on you."? Have you ever gotten to the place where all you can do is look up and trust that following Jesus is the right thing to do and He will bless you? Have you wondered if there really is something better planned for you?
That is where I am now. Last night, I told the Lord that there is nothing left for me to do. There is no control left for me to have. I'm laying it all at His feet and walking away. I am helpless without Him. I have nothing without Him. He is my shelter in this storm and He will cover me and my family. He will resolve this issue in His time and I will lay in His arms and rest until my strength returns.
It seems that one of the smallest points of our family life has become the focus of a debate. A debate that will not end. A debate that may never resolve. We have continued to stand firm on the Word of God. We have continued to fight, but in all honesty, I am a wounded soldier. I'm tired of fighting. I'm tired of crying.
Have you ever gotten to that place where all you can do is hold on with your little finger to the firm foundation of Jesus Christ? Have you ever thought, "Lord, you are all the hope I have left and I'm placing every last bet on you."? Have you ever gotten to the place where all you can do is look up and trust that following Jesus is the right thing to do and He will bless you? Have you wondered if there really is something better planned for you?
That is where I am now. Last night, I told the Lord that there is nothing left for me to do. There is no control left for me to have. I'm laying it all at His feet and walking away. I am helpless without Him. I have nothing without Him. He is my shelter in this storm and He will cover me and my family. He will resolve this issue in His time and I will lay in His arms and rest until my strength returns.
Friday, June 17, 2011
My Daddy
I never really considered myself a Daddy's girl until I went to college. I am the oldest, I'm very independent and there was a time when I thought I knew it all. I left home at 18 to go 9 hours away to college and I was ready to be on my own.
My Mom and my Gram took me to BBC because my Dad had to stay and work. In all honesty, I went to BBC because of my Dad. He took me there to visit the school (it was his alma mata) and I told him there was no way I was going there. He encouraged me to try out for a Vocal Scholarship (which I received) and told me about this singing group that BBC had that travelled and it would help pay for my schooling. I think he was trying to find the cheapest way to get me through college and I was thinking TRAVELLING!! I didn't look at any other school. I made the travelling team and thanks to my Dad I graduated debt free.
When I got to college, I realized I wasn't so independent and I needed my Daddy. I'm pretty sure I talked to him on the phone every day and we had the phone bill to prove it. My Dad was my biggest encourager during those days. Whether he knows it or not, the whole point of pushing myself through school was so that he would be proud of me. I wanted to say that I graduated from the same school my Dad did. It was a heritage that I needed in my life.
My Dad has always been there for me. I am exactly like my Dad in so many ways! He put up with more than he probably should have but in his wise way he showed me what being a good, loving parent looked like. He taught me how to think for myself and not take other people's word as truth. He taught me to search the Scriptures and to place all my faith in Jesus. He taught me that sacrifice for your children is of upmost importance and that even though I'm 34 he will always be my Daddy and I will be his little girl.
So, Happy Birthday Daddy AND Happy Father's Day! I wish I could come over and see you but I promise to call!!
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| My Dad and his crew on Trent's Adoption Day |
I never really considered myself a Daddy's girl until I went to college. I am the oldest, I'm very independent and there was a time when I thought I knew it all. I left home at 18 to go 9 hours away to college and I was ready to be on my own.
My Mom and my Gram took me to BBC because my Dad had to stay and work. In all honesty, I went to BBC because of my Dad. He took me there to visit the school (it was his alma mata) and I told him there was no way I was going there. He encouraged me to try out for a Vocal Scholarship (which I received) and told me about this singing group that BBC had that travelled and it would help pay for my schooling. I think he was trying to find the cheapest way to get me through college and I was thinking TRAVELLING!! I didn't look at any other school. I made the travelling team and thanks to my Dad I graduated debt free.
When I got to college, I realized I wasn't so independent and I needed my Daddy. I'm pretty sure I talked to him on the phone every day and we had the phone bill to prove it. My Dad was my biggest encourager during those days. Whether he knows it or not, the whole point of pushing myself through school was so that he would be proud of me. I wanted to say that I graduated from the same school my Dad did. It was a heritage that I needed in my life.
My Dad has always been there for me. I am exactly like my Dad in so many ways! He put up with more than he probably should have but in his wise way he showed me what being a good, loving parent looked like. He taught me how to think for myself and not take other people's word as truth. He taught me to search the Scriptures and to place all my faith in Jesus. He taught me that sacrifice for your children is of upmost importance and that even though I'm 34 he will always be my Daddy and I will be his little girl.
So, Happy Birthday Daddy AND Happy Father's Day! I wish I could come over and see you but I promise to call!!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Ant
I've been sitting here at my computer watching an ant climb up the wall. Finding an ant (or several) in my house this time of year is not a surprise. They have cleared the field behind our house for planting so the ants are always looking for another place to live. I watched as he made his way up and down the wall. I don't know what he is looking for but I imagine he is looking for a way out. This home is not familiar to him. This home is not his natural surroundings. Somehow he got inside and now he wants to leave.
I didn't kill him (I normally do). I just took him outside. That way he could find his way back to his natural home. The home that was created for him.
Today I feel like the ant. Searching for a way out. Trying to find the solution to my predicament. The last few weeks have been so overwhelming emotionally in my life. I can't go into details right now and I wouldn't bore you with it anyway but my heart hurts. I have struggled to keep my head above water and I just don't feel like I can swim anymore.
Satan is battling our family. He has worked hard to destroy us before, but this time we are doing battle on behalf of our son. I have never been more convinced that God has something so amazing planned for that little boy. I don't know what it is, but it is enough for Satan to feel threatened. He won't win. God is in control.
I'm so thankful that when I don't have the strength to fight I can go to my Father and He can give me the rest and strength that I need to carry on. I am so thankful that when I am weak, He is strong. I am thankful for the people He has put in our lives to pray over us when we just don't have the words to say.
Do you have days, weeks or even years like that? Just trying to make it through the day? Let me encourage you to go to the Father, seek His face, allow Him to be your strength and rest in Him. Then keep on. Don't give up. He has a plan for you and it is amazing.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Update
We have been so busy lately that I just haven't had time to post. Things have been kind of crazy around here and I just fall into bed every night! I guess being busy is a good thing.
We had our home study last week and it went pretty well. It is being written up and we are waiting on the last couple of background checks. I will be so glad when this is done because we need to start applying for grants! We need that FREE money! God has blessed us so much so far and I know it will continue. God has placed us on this journey and I know He will provide. To be honest, I have just been praying that God will just drop the money we need in our laps!
With that being said, we are working on another fundraiser. We plan to have a Garage Sale/Bake Sale on Friday and Saturday, July 8th and 9th. All proceeds will go toward our adoption. If you have any items that you would like to donate to our sale, let me know and we will arrange pick up.
Well, I better get dinner in the oven. The little man got to pick so it looks like a pizza night! Have a great weekend!!
We had our home study last week and it went pretty well. It is being written up and we are waiting on the last couple of background checks. I will be so glad when this is done because we need to start applying for grants! We need that FREE money! God has blessed us so much so far and I know it will continue. God has placed us on this journey and I know He will provide. To be honest, I have just been praying that God will just drop the money we need in our laps!
With that being said, we are working on another fundraiser. We plan to have a Garage Sale/Bake Sale on Friday and Saturday, July 8th and 9th. All proceeds will go toward our adoption. If you have any items that you would like to donate to our sale, let me know and we will arrange pick up.
Well, I better get dinner in the oven. The little man got to pick so it looks like a pizza night! Have a great weekend!!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A Heart Full of Joy
My heart is so full today I am about to bust! Today we found out that we are having our home study on Thursday, June 2nd at 10:00 am. I am really excited but now I really need to get into cleaning mode. There is so much to do before then. This will be our 3rd home study so I should be a pro. I'm not nervous, I just want my house to finally be Springly Cleaned so now is my excuse! Walls will be painted, a little bit of furniture purchased and after almost 7 years of living in this house it might actually be the way I want it!
The 2nd reason my heart is so full is because one of my college roommates completed the adoption of her 4th child! I am so excited for Lynda and Dan! I know their hearts and how they love children. They have made adoption a huge part of their family. I understand the waiting and paperwork and visits. I understand how it can wear on a person. I am just so happy for them. Days like this are the best.
Now for the 3rd reason!!! A month or more ago, I wrote about the Davis family here. They were in the process of adopting Kirill when the judge told them no because he had Down Syndrome. Well, TODAY he is their son! You can read about it here. We serve an amazing God! He is worthy to be praised! I am so happy for them.
So as you can see. my heart is FULL of joy! The only thing that could make this day better would be for someone to show up on my front porch with a baby for me!! Since that probably won't happen I am going to work on this house!! Have a joyfully full day!!
The 2nd reason my heart is so full is because one of my college roommates completed the adoption of her 4th child! I am so excited for Lynda and Dan! I know their hearts and how they love children. They have made adoption a huge part of their family. I understand the waiting and paperwork and visits. I understand how it can wear on a person. I am just so happy for them. Days like this are the best.
Now for the 3rd reason!!! A month or more ago, I wrote about the Davis family here. They were in the process of adopting Kirill when the judge told them no because he had Down Syndrome. Well, TODAY he is their son! You can read about it here. We serve an amazing God! He is worthy to be praised! I am so happy for them.
So as you can see. my heart is FULL of joy! The only thing that could make this day better would be for someone to show up on my front porch with a baby for me!! Since that probably won't happen I am going to work on this house!! Have a joyfully full day!!
Monday, May 23, 2011
One Step Closer
I am so excited that we turned in our Home Study Notebook this past Friday! We are now waiting to hear from the agency to schedule a date for our home study. I am really hoping it is the first week of June so that I can spend Memorial Day Weekend cleaning! I really need to get this house in order!
I can't wait to get this part of the process done. Once our home study is finished, we will be able to apply for grants. These grants will help us in the financial aspect of this journey. Our next payment is for $5500 and we must raise $1000 to pay for our psychological evaluations. If you would like to donate to our fund you can do so by clicking on the donate button on the right had side of this blog.
I have also had people ask how they can help us raise money but they do not live close by. There are many ways you can help us. First, you can pray. Ask God what He might want you to do. Here are a list of ideas that we have so far:
1. Bake Sale
2. Car Wash
3. Garage Sale
4. Dinner
5. Purchase or take orders for our Adoption T-shirts
6. Purchase items from our Etsy Store. www.etsy.com/shop/117project
7. Blog about our adoption journey and direct others to our site.
8. Lemonade Stand
9. Craft Sale
10. Raffle
Hope this helps some of you. Thank you for partnering with us on this journey!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Adoption T-Shirts
I am getting ready to place an order on Friday for t-shirts. If you would like to purchase one you can do so by clicking on the right hand side of the blog under t-shirts. These t-shirts were designed by my brother-in-law, Brian Todd. They are black with red and white writing.
These t-shirts come in men, women and youth sizes. The cost is $20 for men and women sizes and $15 for youth sizes. All proceeds go into our adoption fund. We are currently working to raise $5500. So far we have raised $3000. Thank you for your help and support.
Also, don't forget to check out our Etsy store! http://www.etsy.com/shop/117project
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Armed and Dangerous
I'm pretty sure the words armed and dangerous have NEVER been used to describe me, but last week I attended a Pastor's Wife retreat with about 150 other beautiful, armed and dangerous women. I really didn't know what to expect but I did know that being there would change me and I couldn't wait to get there.
During the Christmas holidays, my sister-in-law Jennifer told me about this retreat. She wanted to go and wanted me to go with her. The retreat was being put on by a ministry for Pastor's wives called Leading and Loving It and I have to admit I wasn't leading and loving anything! I was pretty much done with ministry and the idea of loving ministry again made me want to puke.
I had withdrawn from every ministry I was a part of because I was tired of pretending. I was done smiling and acting as if God was doing awesome things in our life and our church when the night before I had begged my husband to quit his job and then begged God to make me sick so I wouldn't have to go to church. I was going downhill fast and I really didn't know how to stop it. I thought maybe I could give this whole ministry thing one more chance and decided to go.
Over the last couple of months, God has worked on my heart. He has begun to restore my passion and love for Him. He has raised me up out of the pit and set me on a rock. He has lifted my eyes to Him and protected me from the Evil One. He has shown me He is God and restored the joy of my salvation. Only God can do those things. It is because of Him that I am still standing.
I arrived in Nashville, TN, on Tuesday a little apprehensive but ready and who was the FIRST person I saw? HEATHER WHITTAKER! THE Whittaker Woman!! OMG!! Now you have to understand that I think buckets of goodness about Heather. She is a woman of strength and godliness and poise and I want to be just like her. (And her husband is a pretty good singer!)
Fast forwarded to the next day at lunch. I told Jennifer I wanted to get my picture with Heather (cause in this family we get pictures taken with people we run into that we admire). I knew this could go one of two ways. I could end up with an Andy Stanley story like my husband (bad) or a Doug Fields story (good). So I went up to her and asked if I could get my picture taken with her. Sadly, I could not get the words out of my mouth to tell her what I great person I think she is. Actually, I have no idea what I said to her! She had to be thinking, "Stalker!" Anyway, she was gracious and kind and took her picture with me (which I immediately sent to my husband.)
The three days that I was in Nashville was full of laughter, tears (lots of those), pain, struggle, victory and joy. I had the privilege to facilitate one of the small groups and I quickly realized how much pain was in that room. How many broken hearts were holding on for dear life. I listened as woman after woman told stories of deceit, judgement and attacks on their husbands and families. I listened how others had risen above this pain and comforted those in the valley. I watched how women who did not even know each other became sisters of the closest kind all in three days.
I realized that I am not alone. There are women all over this country who are going through what I am. There are women all over this country who have been through what I am going through. They have wanted to quit. They have wanted to walk away. I thank God that there are women all over this country who will pray with me and for me at a moments notice and because of them, I am armed and dangerous!
During the Christmas holidays, my sister-in-law Jennifer told me about this retreat. She wanted to go and wanted me to go with her. The retreat was being put on by a ministry for Pastor's wives called Leading and Loving It and I have to admit I wasn't leading and loving anything! I was pretty much done with ministry and the idea of loving ministry again made me want to puke.
I had withdrawn from every ministry I was a part of because I was tired of pretending. I was done smiling and acting as if God was doing awesome things in our life and our church when the night before I had begged my husband to quit his job and then begged God to make me sick so I wouldn't have to go to church. I was going downhill fast and I really didn't know how to stop it. I thought maybe I could give this whole ministry thing one more chance and decided to go.
Over the last couple of months, God has worked on my heart. He has begun to restore my passion and love for Him. He has raised me up out of the pit and set me on a rock. He has lifted my eyes to Him and protected me from the Evil One. He has shown me He is God and restored the joy of my salvation. Only God can do those things. It is because of Him that I am still standing.
I arrived in Nashville, TN, on Tuesday a little apprehensive but ready and who was the FIRST person I saw? HEATHER WHITTAKER! THE Whittaker Woman!! OMG!! Now you have to understand that I think buckets of goodness about Heather. She is a woman of strength and godliness and poise and I want to be just like her. (And her husband is a pretty good singer!)
Fast forwarded to the next day at lunch. I told Jennifer I wanted to get my picture with Heather (cause in this family we get pictures taken with people we run into that we admire). I knew this could go one of two ways. I could end up with an Andy Stanley story like my husband (bad) or a Doug Fields story (good). So I went up to her and asked if I could get my picture taken with her. Sadly, I could not get the words out of my mouth to tell her what I great person I think she is. Actually, I have no idea what I said to her! She had to be thinking, "Stalker!" Anyway, she was gracious and kind and took her picture with me (which I immediately sent to my husband.)
The three days that I was in Nashville was full of laughter, tears (lots of those), pain, struggle, victory and joy. I had the privilege to facilitate one of the small groups and I quickly realized how much pain was in that room. How many broken hearts were holding on for dear life. I listened as woman after woman told stories of deceit, judgement and attacks on their husbands and families. I listened how others had risen above this pain and comforted those in the valley. I watched how women who did not even know each other became sisters of the closest kind all in three days.
I realized that I am not alone. There are women all over this country who are going through what I am. There are women all over this country who have been through what I am going through. They have wanted to quit. They have wanted to walk away. I thank God that there are women all over this country who will pray with me and for me at a moments notice and because of them, I am armed and dangerous!
Check out http://www.leadingandlovingit.com/
Friday, May 6, 2011
My Momma
I thought today I would write a little bit about my Momma, being that Mother's Day is Sunday!
There are so many words that I could use to describe my Momma, but I think the word that describes her best is strong. My Momma has a silent strength that I can feel when I am talking to her on the phone. She is my prayer warrior. She has gone to God on my behalf more than I will ever know. She keeps me grounded but has never once discouraged me from flying.
This strength that my Momma has grows every day. This strength gets her through every work day and when she is tired she goes to visit her Dad who lives alone because her Momma lives in a home for Alzheimer's patients. My Momma carries the burden of caring for her parents and has NEVER once complained that she has no help or that she needs a break. She happily visits with her Daddy because she knows her time with him is short and she treasures every evening. She then visits her Momma who does not even know who she is, yet she sits and talks with her as though she understands every word.
I watched my Momma's strength grow as she dealt with the death of her older sister, Sue. I watched as she stood as the pillar of strength for our family. I watched as she did what was needed to get things done. I listened to her voice break over the phone when she told me her voice on the phone reminded my Uncle of his wife. I listened to her worry more about him and her nephew and nieces than herself.
My Momma is amazing. She loves her children and grandchildren. She loves my Daddy. She is the image of what every mother should be. My Momma IS Mary Poppins! I kid you not! I want to be just like her. I want the same strength that flows out of her to flow through me. She is my hero and I love her so much!
Happy Mother's Day Momma!!!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A Small Hiccup
Two days ago, I was working on background checks for our home study. I completed them all except the Ohio one that requires me to go to Ohio and be fingerprinted. Such a hassle, but a necessity. I am still trying to figure out why, in this world we live in, it is not possible to do ONE background check that covers the whole world. With all the technology we have, why can't you be fingerprinted and then do a background check and pay one fee instead of a bunch of little fees? It is very time consuming and annoying.
Anyway, being that my husband was born and raised in Argentina and did not move back to the States until he was 19, we are in need of a background check from Argentina. Well, yesterday, my father-in-law headed to the police department in Padua only to find out that Scott must be present to be fingerprinted. Then, it will take 90 days for the results.
Hmm...
Well, we aren't planning to make a trip to Argentina anytime soon and it certainly isn't in the budget for Scott to go, so we have to figure out what to do.
After a quick call and email to the agency, it has been suggested that we get an affidavit. I'm really not sure what it all entails or if it will be acceptable to the Honduran Government, but we will continue to pray. We believe that God has called us to adopt and His plan is better than ours. I am excited for God, to once again, show that He is in this and He is guiding us every step of the way.
This journey is full of "God stories". There is no doubt in my mind that the children that become our children are ours and were meant for us from the beginning. We have the stories to go with Trent's adoption and we will have them for these little ones.
So, we are asking you to pray with us. Pray that this will just be a small hiccup in the process and we will be able to move forward and bring our babies home soon!
Anyway, being that my husband was born and raised in Argentina and did not move back to the States until he was 19, we are in need of a background check from Argentina. Well, yesterday, my father-in-law headed to the police department in Padua only to find out that Scott must be present to be fingerprinted. Then, it will take 90 days for the results.
Hmm...
Well, we aren't planning to make a trip to Argentina anytime soon and it certainly isn't in the budget for Scott to go, so we have to figure out what to do.
After a quick call and email to the agency, it has been suggested that we get an affidavit. I'm really not sure what it all entails or if it will be acceptable to the Honduran Government, but we will continue to pray. We believe that God has called us to adopt and His plan is better than ours. I am excited for God, to once again, show that He is in this and He is guiding us every step of the way.
This journey is full of "God stories". There is no doubt in my mind that the children that become our children are ours and were meant for us from the beginning. We have the stories to go with Trent's adoption and we will have them for these little ones.
So, we are asking you to pray with us. Pray that this will just be a small hiccup in the process and we will be able to move forward and bring our babies home soon!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Part of the Process
Paperwork. It is part of the adoption process. However, it is leading to MASS frustration right now! I truly wish I could say "POOF!" and it would all appear! That would be awesome! I spent the entire day today working on my home study notebook and I'm not done.
So far, I spent $82 on background checks and have 4 to go. At some point in the next couple of days, I need to get to Ohio for my fingerprinted background check (that can take up to 30 days for results). While also trying to figure out how in the world you get a background check from Argentina.
I also need to make all the centerpieces for the Mother's Day Jubilee (banquet/party/get together). I don't think I have enough tablecloths either. Guess I need to add tablecloth finding to my list.
Oh life! How is it that some days nothing happens and other days I'm losing my mind over everything? Guess it is just part of the process.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Job Hunting
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ.
So last week I decided it was time to start the job hunt again. I am not thrilled about going back to work because I have enjoyed staying home with my little man over the last several years. I like being home to take care of things here. I love watching my little man grow and not miss out on the funny things he says and does.
It seems that whenever I begin the job hunt, everyone starts getting sick. Last week, it was the little man. This week it is Scott. I applied for 3 jobs and he ends up with strep! Coincidence? Maybe? God's way of telling me I need to be at home? Maybe? Who knows, but this happens EVERY TIME!! It never fails.
I'll admit, I worry about money. It is my besetting sin. I worry about money more than anyone I know. I like the comfort of knowing that all the bills are paid and there is money left over. It makes me feel secure. Now before you go off telling me that my security is found in Christ, let me say, I KNOW!!! BUT I am human and I worry. At least I am honest about it! :-)
I also know that we are supposed to trust the Lord for everything but where is the line of sitting and waiting for God to provide and actually getting out there and doing something about it? I do worry about raising 3 kids on one salary. I wonder what amazing miracles God is going to do for this to work in our family. I don't doubt that He has called us to adopt these children, but I do wonder what He was thinking when He did! I guess I am feeling unworthy and unable to do what He has called me to do. Just part of the journey I am sure. After all, the sun will come out tomorrow (as long as it doesn't rain!) and joy always comes in the morning!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
He Has Provided Again
Yesterday was my birthday!
Yesterday I received a birthday card that said:
Please accept this gift for your future children on your birthday!
Inside was a check for $3000.00!!!!!!!!!!!
Woo-Hoo!!!
The Lord just keeps providing. We will have our babies here before you know it!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
They Say It's Your Birthday
Today I turned 34. 34. Hmm. I remember when 34 seemed so far away, now it is here. I look at all the things I have accomplished and dream of accomplishing so many more. I think about the dreams that never came true and how the life I live differs from the life I imagined and how this life I live is better than anything I could have ever dreamed up.
This last year has been a roller coaster. God has taken me through the depths of the darkest valley and He has set me on the highest mountain. I have found that true happiness does not depend on other's opinion of me but in the One who has saved me. I have experienced Psalm 30:5 to its fullest. I know that weeping does endure for the night and joy really does come in the morning. I have yelled in anger and frustration at God and I have lifted His name in praise and adoration. Above it all, I have found that HE is good and HE is greatly to be praised.
I love the beginning of a new year. Whether it is January 1st or April 19th, you will find me making goals or lists of things I want to accomplish. I have several lists in boxes from years past and it is always fun to pull them out and see what my dreams were so many years ago. It is interesting to see how my tastes have changed. How things that were once so important hold no value to me. Sometimes they are sad to read because many of those goals have been waiting to be met for years. Maybe this is the year!!
This last year has been a roller coaster. God has taken me through the depths of the darkest valley and He has set me on the highest mountain. I have found that true happiness does not depend on other's opinion of me but in the One who has saved me. I have experienced Psalm 30:5 to its fullest. I know that weeping does endure for the night and joy really does come in the morning. I have yelled in anger and frustration at God and I have lifted His name in praise and adoration. Above it all, I have found that HE is good and HE is greatly to be praised.
I love the beginning of a new year. Whether it is January 1st or April 19th, you will find me making goals or lists of things I want to accomplish. I have several lists in boxes from years past and it is always fun to pull them out and see what my dreams were so many years ago. It is interesting to see how my tastes have changed. How things that were once so important hold no value to me. Sometimes they are sad to read because many of those goals have been waiting to be met for years. Maybe this is the year!!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sometimes You Miss Out If You Don't Wait
Over the last couple of months my friend Sandy and I have been doing a Bible Study on the book of Joshua. It has been very interesting and has opened my eyes to some of the most amazing things. I have found that every week I am learning how to better my walk with the Lord and I have opened my heart to Him in ways I didn't realize I needed to.
I have really been focusing on Joshua 6 when the Israelites have been walking around the city of Jericho and "Shoutin' Day" has finally arrived. They are commanded to go in and kill everything and take nothing for themselves. They are to destroy everything that breathes and take over the city. They do that and are ready to move on.
Chapter 7 shows us that Joshua is ready to fight again. He sends spies to Ai and the spies come back to tell Joshua that this should be an easy city to take. Joshua is all ready on a high from what God did in Jericho so he is ready to do it again in Ai. However, Joshua did not consult the Lord. If he had, I believe that God would have let him in on a few things. But, Joshua chose to try to take over the city anyway and that day they lost many men.
I can't imagine how Joshua must have felt. God had just given them victory over Jericho and now He had let them down. He was probably mad, angry that God had not come through for them. It was then that Joshua and God literally had a "come to Jesus meeting". God reminded Joshua that he did not come to Him and talk with Him about this battle. He told Joshua of the sin that was in the camp. The sin that caused them to lose men.
Our next scene takes us to Achan. He is the man who has sinned. He took items from Jericho after being told not too. I wonder if he realized why they had lost the battle. I wonder if he knew he was the reason God did not give victory that day. I wonder if he stood in the battle watching and knowing he was the reason for the death of those around him.
I don't know about you, but if I had been clued in on what was going on and I was in Achan's shoes, I would have been scared to death! There is NO WAY I would have gone back to camp. Watching the women and children cry over the loss of their loved ones, while I returned to my tent of stolen goods. No thank you! I think I would have killed myself on the battlefield.
Or maybe he didn't know. Maybe he thought he had hidden his sin so well that he thought this loss was some sort of fluke. Sometimes we hide our sin and we think we have it so good that we forgot that we cannot hide anything from God. I know I do.
Because of his sin, Achan and his family were killed. KILLED!! It may seem a bit over the top and if I was Achan's wife and didn't know what he had done I would not be happy. I would not want to die because of the sin of another. I think God was teaching the children of Israel a lesson. You can't hide things from Him and our sin affects more than just ourselves.
Even though that is an important lesson to learn, I want to move on to Chapter 8. Chapter 8 brings victory! Chapter 8 brings spoils and provision. Joshua and the Israelites are now told to go destroy Ai AND they are given permission to take the spoils of the land!
2 chapters!! If Achan could have just waited 2 chapters he would have received the spoils of the land! Really if you think about it, if Achan had not disobeyed, chapter 7 would have never been written. How many times do we miss out on something better because we couldn't wait? I am so guilty of this. I like to have things now and I often do not have the patience to wait. Oh, how many awesome things have I missed out on because I wanted something now? It grieves my heart to know that I have missed out on the blessings of God. He wants to bless us. He wants to give us the spoils of the land and sometimes all we have to do is wait for the next chapter.
I have really been focusing on Joshua 6 when the Israelites have been walking around the city of Jericho and "Shoutin' Day" has finally arrived. They are commanded to go in and kill everything and take nothing for themselves. They are to destroy everything that breathes and take over the city. They do that and are ready to move on.
Chapter 7 shows us that Joshua is ready to fight again. He sends spies to Ai and the spies come back to tell Joshua that this should be an easy city to take. Joshua is all ready on a high from what God did in Jericho so he is ready to do it again in Ai. However, Joshua did not consult the Lord. If he had, I believe that God would have let him in on a few things. But, Joshua chose to try to take over the city anyway and that day they lost many men.
I can't imagine how Joshua must have felt. God had just given them victory over Jericho and now He had let them down. He was probably mad, angry that God had not come through for them. It was then that Joshua and God literally had a "come to Jesus meeting". God reminded Joshua that he did not come to Him and talk with Him about this battle. He told Joshua of the sin that was in the camp. The sin that caused them to lose men.
Our next scene takes us to Achan. He is the man who has sinned. He took items from Jericho after being told not too. I wonder if he realized why they had lost the battle. I wonder if he knew he was the reason God did not give victory that day. I wonder if he stood in the battle watching and knowing he was the reason for the death of those around him.
I don't know about you, but if I had been clued in on what was going on and I was in Achan's shoes, I would have been scared to death! There is NO WAY I would have gone back to camp. Watching the women and children cry over the loss of their loved ones, while I returned to my tent of stolen goods. No thank you! I think I would have killed myself on the battlefield.
Or maybe he didn't know. Maybe he thought he had hidden his sin so well that he thought this loss was some sort of fluke. Sometimes we hide our sin and we think we have it so good that we forgot that we cannot hide anything from God. I know I do.
Because of his sin, Achan and his family were killed. KILLED!! It may seem a bit over the top and if I was Achan's wife and didn't know what he had done I would not be happy. I would not want to die because of the sin of another. I think God was teaching the children of Israel a lesson. You can't hide things from Him and our sin affects more than just ourselves.
Even though that is an important lesson to learn, I want to move on to Chapter 8. Chapter 8 brings victory! Chapter 8 brings spoils and provision. Joshua and the Israelites are now told to go destroy Ai AND they are given permission to take the spoils of the land!
2 chapters!! If Achan could have just waited 2 chapters he would have received the spoils of the land! Really if you think about it, if Achan had not disobeyed, chapter 7 would have never been written. How many times do we miss out on something better because we couldn't wait? I am so guilty of this. I like to have things now and I often do not have the patience to wait. Oh, how many awesome things have I missed out on because I wanted something now? It grieves my heart to know that I have missed out on the blessings of God. He wants to bless us. He wants to give us the spoils of the land and sometimes all we have to do is wait for the next chapter.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I Wonder If That Is How He Feels
Today I have been catching up on some blogs. I have been reading about one family's journey to China to adopt a little boy and girl. They are there now and have been posting pictures and thoughts of their trip. I have sat with tears rolling down my face. I am so excited for them. I understand the pain and joy of this journey.
I remember the very first time I held Trent. He was 10 months old and I knew the moment I saw him that he was meant to be my little boy. I was going through some old pictures the other day and came across this one.
I have been thinking about our future. Somewhere there are 2 little ones waiting for us. We are working hard to get to their "gotcha day". We long to hold them in our arms and kiss their precious little faces. I know the joy of sacrifice, paperwork, and stress to get to that "gotcha day". I know the joy of seeing that little face for the first time and know it was all worth it. I can't wait for that day!
I have never given birth to a child but I have heard it said that mothers go through the pain of childbirth but forget it all when they see their child's face. In a way we are going through our own process of childbirth. Unfortunately, ours can last for months or years, but in the end it is worth it and we would do it all over again.
I can't help wonder if this is what the Father goes through. Years ago, He sent His son to die on the cross for our sins. He pursues us. He longs for us. He wants to hold us in His arms and keep us safe. He wants to adopt us into His family. Does He dream about the day that we will come to Him? Does He wait patiently with tears in His eyes knowing that one day we will be His and will live with Him forever? Does He long for our "gotcha day"?
I remember the very first time I held Trent. He was 10 months old and I knew the moment I saw him that he was meant to be my little boy. I was going through some old pictures the other day and came across this one.
It is a picture of his first Sunday at our church. His foster mom, had brought him to church before he ever came to live with us. She understood the importance of him meeting his soon to be church family for the first time. Everyone fell in love with him instantly. It made my heart glad to know that our church family welcomed our son with open arms.
A couple of years later we stood before the judge while he legally made him our son. Trent was all ready our little boy but the judge made it legal. I will never forget the relief I felt in knowing that no one would ever be able to take this little one from me. He was ours forever. These days are referred to "gotcha days".
I have never given birth to a child but I have heard it said that mothers go through the pain of childbirth but forget it all when they see their child's face. In a way we are going through our own process of childbirth. Unfortunately, ours can last for months or years, but in the end it is worth it and we would do it all over again.
I can't help wonder if this is what the Father goes through. Years ago, He sent His son to die on the cross for our sins. He pursues us. He longs for us. He wants to hold us in His arms and keep us safe. He wants to adopt us into His family. Does He dream about the day that we will come to Him? Does He wait patiently with tears in His eyes knowing that one day we will be His and will live with Him forever? Does He long for our "gotcha day"?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
When God Closes a Door
When God closes a door, He always opens a window.
I first heard these words spoken by the Reverend Mother on the Sound of Music. While not scripture, these words have held truth that I believe even Solomon would find fascinating. To me these words mean that even when things don't work out the way we want them to, God has a plan and He is working it. Besides, His plan is ALWAYS better than mine!
These words have proven true over and over in my life. Right now my life revolves around my husband and son but it is also focused on adoption and fundraising. Most of my doors and windows revolve around these 4 items. I look at every opportunity that comes along and consider the affect it can have on our life. I consider the positive and negative and make my decision.
Yesterday, I heard about a job with company I currently work for. I LOVE being a Wilton Method Instructor and I hope to spend many happy years with Wilton. I was very excited to learn of this position and knew that I would love it and do a great job. I also viewed this as an opportunity to bring in a little bit more money to help us become debt free. I quickly sent in my resume and received an email listing the qualifications of this position. Sadly, I did not meet the requirements. I was so sad. I was really excited about this possibility.
Not long after that, I received a message from a friend placing an order for some Easter items. A little bit later I received a phone call for a possible wedding cake. Wow! God closed the door on a job to make more money, but He provided me with 2 ways to put some money toward our debt instead! I could have wallowed in self pity and the old me would have done that. But I realized that even though God had closed the door, He had opened a window.
Doors close and windows open all the time. It seems constant in the world of adoption. Stress happens and things don't always go the way we plan them. It is ok. God is in control and He is working His plan for His glory. All I need to do is climb through that window.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Cupcake Success!
Just wanted to let everyone know that we raised $405 toward our USCIS and fingerprinting this weekend. I think we sold around 230 cupcakes so we did really well! I am super excited to see what God is going to do next! I still have 3 dozen and a cake to sell this week so those numbers should rise! God is so good and He just continues to provide. Thank you to EVERYONE who placed their order and donated money to our fund.
I also wanted to say thank you to Amy at filledwithpraise.blogspot.com for featuring us as the Family of the Week Fundraiser Spotlight. Amy has so graciously spotlighted adoptive families all year and we were blessed to be spotlighted today. Thanks Amy!!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Cupcakes
I have been making cupcakes like a crazy lady!! Of course my new mixer has been an excellent help!! So far I have made about 200 cupcakes and delivered 72. I have 2 dozen to deliver tomorrow and then the rest on Sunday. I am really excited to see how God is providing for us to reach our $830 goal. I will post our total on Sunday night!!!! :-)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Surprises
I LOVE surprises. I mean, I really really love them! I love the planning. I love the excitement. I love the waiting for the moment of surprise. I love the look on the receiver's face when they realize what is going on. I just love surprises. They make me so happy.
I have always been the planner of surprises. I totally get that from my mom. I know this because my Dad hates surprises with a passion unlike anything I have ever seen. My husband hates surprises too. Which is to bad because I have given him about 5 surprise parties. While he always is sweet about it, I know he hates them. I just know how happy the planning makes me and I want the person I plan to surprise to be just as happy.
However, I don't think I have ever been surprised. It isn't from lack of trying. Poor Scott. He has tried but somehow I always find out. He isn't very good at keeping a surprise a secret. I have learned that around my birthday, anniversary or Christmas to not ask any questions, that way I can be surprised.
We have had a few surprises while raising money for our adoption. People have donated amazing amounts of money to help us get to where we are. People have done what God laid on their heart and we have been able to accomplish so much. I am so thankful for those people.
Yesterday, was a surprise all for me! Never in my life have I been so surprised!
Earlier in the day, I had washed my curtains and rehung them to dry. They were closed so I couldn't see outside. I never heard the UPS guy come. It must have been one of the times the dog was barking like crazy and I just ignored him! Anyway, after the curtains dried I opened them up (I can't stand closed blinds or curtains) and I saw a HUGE box on my porch. I went out and brought it in. It was a box to me from Amazon. I thought it was odd because the last item I ordered from Amazon were cake decorating books and they had all ready come.
I asked Scott if he had ordered anything and he said no. I opened up the box and inside was the most beautiful PINK Kitchen Aid Mixer and a note that said, "This is a gift from some friends and even some people that you don't know and don't know you. But we hope you love it!" Oh my goodness!! I started to cry. It was the nicest, sweetest thing! I couldn't believe it. Talk about surprised!!
I tried to do a little digging and got VERY limited answers as to who this came from. I have some amazing friends! Can you imagine all the cakes, cupcakes and cookies I can make to sell to raise money for our adoption?!?!? What a blessing! I pray that those friends who gave me this wonderful gift receive blessing upon blessing for being so kind to me. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am still as excited as I was yesterday (maybe more) and you know what? I LOVE IT!!!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Urgent Prayer Needed
Last week I came upon a blog written by Tesney and Greg Davis. They are in the process of adopting a sweet little boy with Down Syndrome named Kirill. They were in his region of Russia for a court date on March 17th. They were told that every family that had received a court date in this region had been granted an adoption. I can only imagine the joy they must have felt to see their little boy and know that they were bringing him home. After 5 hours of intense questioning the judge made her decision. Even after strong recommendations from doctors and others they were told "no". The judge felt that this child would be better off in an institution than with a family. She denied this precious one, one of God's creations, a family and a home all because he had down syndrome. As a Christian, American and mother, I have a VERY hard time with this. This is a precious child of God and he has been denied the right to a family. I have known several children with down syndrome in my life and they are the sweetest most precious loving children. It tears my heart apart to think that there are people in this world that believe these children should not have a family. As I was reading their blog to Scott last night we were both devastated for this family. We talked of how impossible it must have felt to get back on a plane to the states and leave Kirill behind. We also talked of how God's grace must have been at it strongest point at that moment in their lives. I pray that His grace will be sufficient for them. So, I am asking all of you to pray. Pray for this family as they appeal this decision. Matthew 18:20 promises us "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." The Father is there. He is listening to our desperate cries for this family. He knows our hearts and desires to see this little one home where He belongs. He has a plan. I believe that He is about to do something amazing in the life of this family. Please pray for the judge. Pray that she will change her mind. Pray that she will see the love this family has for Kirill. Pray that her heart will be opened to the benefits of children being adopted. Pray that she will find Jesus. If you would like to follow the Davis' journey you can check out their blog at www.oureyesopened.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Paperwork and Cupcakes
I am super excited that we received our home study paperwork! There is a lot of it, but I do feel one step closer to having my babies home. This will be our 3rd home study so the amount of paperwork really doesn't surprise me. Of course, when it comes to adoption nothing surprises me anymore.
God is continuing to work. We are trying to raise $830 as quickly as possible. This money goes toward our USCIS approval ($670) and our fingerprinting ($160) in order to be approved to adopt children outside the US. This is a payment that must be made after our home study is complete.
We have decided to sell cupcakes with several delivery dates and places. Let me know how many dozen, flavor(s) and pick-up date/location. You can donate whatever you would like for the cupcakes.
Flavors:
Snickerdoodle with a Cinnamon Buttercream Icing
Lemonade Angel Cupcakes with Creamy Lemonade Frosting
Cappuccino Chip Cupcakes with Mocha Buttercream Icing
White, Yellow or Chocolate Cupcakes with White or Chocolate Buttercream Icing
Pickup/Drop off Dates and Locations:
Friday, April 1st- Greenwood/Southport Area
Sunday, April 3rd- Shelbyville
Monday, April 4th- Columbus, Hope, Edinburgh Area
God is continuing to work. We are trying to raise $830 as quickly as possible. This money goes toward our USCIS approval ($670) and our fingerprinting ($160) in order to be approved to adopt children outside the US. This is a payment that must be made after our home study is complete.
We have decided to sell cupcakes with several delivery dates and places. Let me know how many dozen, flavor(s) and pick-up date/location. You can donate whatever you would like for the cupcakes.
Flavors:
Snickerdoodle with a Cinnamon Buttercream Icing
Lemonade Angel Cupcakes with Creamy Lemonade Frosting
Cappuccino Chip Cupcakes with Mocha Buttercream Icing
White, Yellow or Chocolate Cupcakes with White or Chocolate Buttercream Icing
Pickup/Drop off Dates and Locations:
Friday, April 1st- Greenwood/Southport Area
Sunday, April 3rd- Shelbyville
Monday, April 4th- Columbus, Hope, Edinburgh Area
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sewing
I have been sewing pillowcase dresses for the last couple of days. Cutting, sewing, ironing, repeat. I think the dresses look adorable and am excited to see them on the 117Project Etsy store!! I have even used up some fabric, which made my husband rejoice!! I plan to ship them off tomorrow and I hope they will make it online by this weekend. If you see one you like, make sure you purchase it at http://www.etsy.com/shop/117project?ref=pr_shop_more
I am really excited to see what the Lord is going to do through this little store. I know that He has big plans.
Friday, March 18, 2011
117Project
As you know, we have begun the 117 project. There is so much going on that I am really glad I am not the one to keep track of everything!! I am amazed at the people all over this country (most of them I don't know) who are stepping up to the plate to help us raise this money to bring our babies home. I love how God works in people's lives. He has given us all the same calling and we are all willing to answer it yet we don't even know each other. God is good! I hope that one day Scott and I will be able to take our kids down to Dallas to meet all these wonderful people who have opened up their hearts to help us.
The first BIG push to raise the next $6500 we need has begun. My friend Amanda has opened an Etsy store. You can find it here http://www.etsy.com/shop/117project?ref=pr_shop_more. There are few items available right now and more will be added every week. People have been making crafts and donating them to be sold. Every penny goes into our adoption fund. I am so excited to see what God is going to do. If you are interested in donating items you can email me at thejourneyhome.todd@gmail.com and I will put you in contact with Amanda. The big Grand Opening for the store will be April 1st!!! I will also try to post items on my blog as they are added to the store.
Thanks so much for checking it out. I need to get back to my sewing machine!!!
The first BIG push to raise the next $6500 we need has begun. My friend Amanda has opened an Etsy store. You can find it here http://www.etsy.com/shop/117project?ref=pr_shop_more. There are few items available right now and more will be added every week. People have been making crafts and donating them to be sold. Every penny goes into our adoption fund. I am so excited to see what God is going to do. If you are interested in donating items you can email me at thejourneyhome.todd@gmail.com and I will put you in contact with Amanda. The big Grand Opening for the store will be April 1st!!! I will also try to post items on my blog as they are added to the store.
Thanks so much for checking it out. I need to get back to my sewing machine!!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
New Glasses
My little man now has glasses. Poor little guy has been running into things and we decided maybe we should get his eyes checked. The Dr said he has probably had blurry vision his whole little life! I felt horrible! I had no idea that everything was so blurry to him. He just adjusted and didn't know any different.
After we picked them up, he told his Daddy, "You have big hair!" It is so funny his view on things now that he can see. Everything is so much clearer for him! I am so glad. I know it will take a few days for him to adjust but he is doing great. I am just so thankful that he can now see clearly and he is pretty stinkin cute too!!
Friday, March 11, 2011
50 Posts and $4100!!
Today is my 50th blog!!! Who would have ever thought I would get this far?!?!? It is funny how this blog as allowed me to write about my passion and has turned my passion into something I never dreamed possible. Scott and I are working to adopt two children from Honduras! That is amazing and only God can give you a desire for that.
We started on this journey with the need to raise over $35,000. The sooner the better. After breaking things down we set our sights on the application fee. $175. That was pretty easy to raise by just cutting a few corners here at home. The next step was $4100. Wow! That is a lot of money in a one income family.
We began this fundraising process by selling t-shirts that were designed by my brother-in-law, Brian. (These can still be purchased on the right hand side of our blog.) The 2nd fundraiser was a Chili Dinner and Silent Auction. We had an amazing time and raised over $2000. After that we had a concert with The Ascension Quartet were we raised around $700. Add to that the donations of friends and family and we were looking good.
3 weeks ago we were looking at the need to start fundraising for the next payment, but realized that we were still $500 of our $4100 goal. Through the kindness of an AMAZING friend we reached our goal that very day!!! God worked so quickly! He knew our hearts and He led our friend to give us $500. I pray that God will bless this person in the most amazing ways.
Well, today is the big day! After waiting for money to transfer from our PayPal account to our bank account, I wrote a check for $4100!! I cannot believe this day is finally here. God has provided every penny! He is an AWESOME God. We will now be able to begin the paperwork for our homestudy.
So, today with $50 in our Adoption Fund we begin raising the $850 we need for our USCIS approval ($670) and fingerprints ($160). We know that God will provide just as He has for everything else. He has proven time and time again that this is His plan for our lives and I can't wait to see how He will provide this time!
We started on this journey with the need to raise over $35,000. The sooner the better. After breaking things down we set our sights on the application fee. $175. That was pretty easy to raise by just cutting a few corners here at home. The next step was $4100. Wow! That is a lot of money in a one income family.
We began this fundraising process by selling t-shirts that were designed by my brother-in-law, Brian. (These can still be purchased on the right hand side of our blog.) The 2nd fundraiser was a Chili Dinner and Silent Auction. We had an amazing time and raised over $2000. After that we had a concert with The Ascension Quartet were we raised around $700. Add to that the donations of friends and family and we were looking good.
3 weeks ago we were looking at the need to start fundraising for the next payment, but realized that we were still $500 of our $4100 goal. Through the kindness of an AMAZING friend we reached our goal that very day!!! God worked so quickly! He knew our hearts and He led our friend to give us $500. I pray that God will bless this person in the most amazing ways.
Well, today is the big day! After waiting for money to transfer from our PayPal account to our bank account, I wrote a check for $4100!! I cannot believe this day is finally here. God has provided every penny! He is an AWESOME God. We will now be able to begin the paperwork for our homestudy.
So, today with $50 in our Adoption Fund we begin raising the $850 we need for our USCIS approval ($670) and fingerprints ($160). We know that God will provide just as He has for everything else. He has proven time and time again that this is His plan for our lives and I can't wait to see how He will provide this time!
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