We are almost done with our home study. This is a 3 part process that involves meeting with our case worker 3 times and completing piles of paper work. Back ground checks, finger prints, doctors visits, blood work, drug tests, family information, reference letters, septic tank checks, and pet vaccinations are among the things that are required as part of our home study. Last week, our case worker came out to our home to walk around and make sure everything was clean, safe and ready. I am very hopeful that by the time Gabe's blood work gets back from the lab sometime next week, we'll have the last of the needed documents ready to turn in.
Meanwhile, we are trying to fund raise. We had a Chickfila Spirit night that netted us $68. Not great, but since every penny helps, I am thankful. (Plus I got to hang out with friends the whole evening, :) ) We have had 2 yard sales, and since we have had more items donated, we will do it at least once more. I also had a booth at our church's Spring Market to sell my memo boards. Sold a few, had a sweet family make a donation, but still made less than $60.
This adoption is going to cost roughly $20,000. We are doing what we can, and fundraising what we can. Our most immediate financial need is roughly $200 to put with what we have saved/raised to send in once the home study is complete.
Please consider what you can do. No amount is too small or insignificant.
Little is much when God is in it.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Brief Updates~
Quick Update Time:::
We (finally) got the rest of the cash needed to get the ball moving on the home study. Well, the 'official' home study. We do know some things that we needed to do, like get the cats vaccinated and get the kids up to date on their shots as well, documents to make sure we have, etc....so we have been getting that done. There has also been some, OK, a lot, of paper work, to print off and sign as well. Nothing that qualifies as earth shattering.
K had her 12th birthday last week. You can read about that HERE in case you missed it. All day long, I kept thinking, "Hang on, Baby. We're coming." Then I would stare in the mirror and think "You have a twelve year old. Does that make you feel weird?" And then I'd smile and think No way! Sounds perfect!
Adoptions from "L" take 3 trips. The middle trip is one I will have to go alone. It's very short and fairly far off, but I was occasionally worrying about it. Yesterday at our small group, a friend came up and said she felt like she was supposed to tell me that she would go with me if I wanted. Spend her own dime and go with me. Um, YES! Now instead of being nervous, I am excited! I love that God was a few steps ahead of me.
We also have a few fundraising projects in the works. The first one is a Yard Sale this weekend. If you are in the area and have anything to donate, please let me know and I will get with you about picking it up. If you are not in the area, please pray for us this weekend...heavy shopping traffic and good weather will be needed/appreciated!
We are also working on a Chick Fil A spirit night, and our church is having a Spring Market that we will have a booth at. As those fall together, I will post details.
We have a lot going on to keep us busy and lists so that we can see the progress being made. We are praying that K will be patient and not grow hopeless with all the waiting. Really, that's all she has is our word that we are coming and then she waits. And Waits. I know it's very tough on her.
Hang on, K. We ARE coming.
We (finally) got the rest of the cash needed to get the ball moving on the home study. Well, the 'official' home study. We do know some things that we needed to do, like get the cats vaccinated and get the kids up to date on their shots as well, documents to make sure we have, etc....so we have been getting that done. There has also been some, OK, a lot, of paper work, to print off and sign as well. Nothing that qualifies as earth shattering.
K had her 12th birthday last week. You can read about that HERE in case you missed it. All day long, I kept thinking, "Hang on, Baby. We're coming." Then I would stare in the mirror and think "You have a twelve year old. Does that make you feel weird?" And then I'd smile and think No way! Sounds perfect!
Adoptions from "L" take 3 trips. The middle trip is one I will have to go alone. It's very short and fairly far off, but I was occasionally worrying about it. Yesterday at our small group, a friend came up and said she felt like she was supposed to tell me that she would go with me if I wanted. Spend her own dime and go with me. Um, YES! Now instead of being nervous, I am excited! I love that God was a few steps ahead of me.
We also have a few fundraising projects in the works. The first one is a Yard Sale this weekend. If you are in the area and have anything to donate, please let me know and I will get with you about picking it up. If you are not in the area, please pray for us this weekend...heavy shopping traffic and good weather will be needed/appreciated!
We are also working on a Chick Fil A spirit night, and our church is having a Spring Market that we will have a booth at. As those fall together, I will post details.
We have a lot going on to keep us busy and lists so that we can see the progress being made. We are praying that K will be patient and not grow hopeless with all the waiting. Really, that's all she has is our word that we are coming and then she waits. And Waits. I know it's very tough on her.
Hang on, K. We ARE coming.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Birthday Thoughts
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| Today, 12 years ago, a little bald baby was born in a country I never even heard of until about 4 years ago. |
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| We were meant for each other, although we did not know it yet. |
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| She has been through so much for a single soul to endure |
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| God has definately had His hand on her. |
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| We wish we could be with her today, but our thoughts and prayers and certainly with her. We love you, K! Happy birthday! |
Thursday, January 12, 2012
I'd really like to be numb from the hairline down, please and thank you
I was going to wait til I was in control of my emotions before I wrote this out. I don't feel like waiting~ maybe if I blog this stupid day, my chest will lighten up and the pain will subside.
I haven't blogged at all about K's visit. I feel like I posted so many pics on Facebook....I felt like that was my blogging.
But today the 4 weeks came to an end. We won't see her again for probably 6 more mos. The last week she has followed me around (more than usual) and been extra huggy. A lot of kids start to pull back emotionally when the time gets closer for them to go 'home'. K did not. She seemed to take today out on her food. She has a very good appetite, and isn't a very picky eater. Today she only ate 2 muffins. She didn't even beg me for marshmallows. About noon, she started getting more reserved. She stayed that way until it was time to go (around 4:30). We had to pull my oldest daughter off of her. The middle one teared up and hid behind her wild hair. My youngest just acted goofy and like it wasn't a big deal. I was trying to MAKE it a big deal, so she would hug K and really mean it and pay attention, but I couldn't say too much because the other two were already so upset.
K told all the girls goodbye. Then she had to hunt down each cat. Thank goodness she found all three, or we'd still be here watching her look in every nook and cranny.
No one talked on the way to the airport. She didn't want to stop and get anything to eat. I was close to vomiting, and cried a little (on and off) the whole way there.
K held my hand going into the airport. She doesn't know it's not 'cool' for a preteen to do such a thing. I'm glad she doesn't know- I love it.
Even though she enjoys seeing her friends at the airport, she doesn't wander too far off without coming over to lean on me and say she loves me. She jokes with Gabe. She is silly with her friends. She is shocked her best friend is crying about leaving. I think that unnerved her.
I make them promise to behave and look after each other.
I beg God to let me be her momma and never have to drop her off at this airport again.
We stand around for awhile, and then it's time to go.
Her time here is up. Another round of hugs and kisses and "I love yous". They have to last her til summer. They have to make up for the last 11 years.
I don't know how parents send kids to the Army. Or college. Or the mission field. I want her to stay. I want to pick her towels up and tell her to turn her mp3 player down. I want to say no more candy and thanks for folding the laundry. I want her where I can see the smudges on her glasses and hear her crunching onions. I want her where I can see she is in bed at night and hear her talking out loud in her sleep. I want the girls to have their sister. I want to be pestered for just one more game of UNO.
I want this ache in my chest and head to stop.
I haven't blogged at all about K's visit. I feel like I posted so many pics on Facebook....I felt like that was my blogging.
But today the 4 weeks came to an end. We won't see her again for probably 6 more mos. The last week she has followed me around (more than usual) and been extra huggy. A lot of kids start to pull back emotionally when the time gets closer for them to go 'home'. K did not. She seemed to take today out on her food. She has a very good appetite, and isn't a very picky eater. Today she only ate 2 muffins. She didn't even beg me for marshmallows. About noon, she started getting more reserved. She stayed that way until it was time to go (around 4:30). We had to pull my oldest daughter off of her. The middle one teared up and hid behind her wild hair. My youngest just acted goofy and like it wasn't a big deal. I was trying to MAKE it a big deal, so she would hug K and really mean it and pay attention, but I couldn't say too much because the other two were already so upset.
K told all the girls goodbye. Then she had to hunt down each cat. Thank goodness she found all three, or we'd still be here watching her look in every nook and cranny.
No one talked on the way to the airport. She didn't want to stop and get anything to eat. I was close to vomiting, and cried a little (on and off) the whole way there.
K held my hand going into the airport. She doesn't know it's not 'cool' for a preteen to do such a thing. I'm glad she doesn't know- I love it.
Even though she enjoys seeing her friends at the airport, she doesn't wander too far off without coming over to lean on me and say she loves me. She jokes with Gabe. She is silly with her friends. She is shocked her best friend is crying about leaving. I think that unnerved her.
I make them promise to behave and look after each other.
I beg God to let me be her momma and never have to drop her off at this airport again.
We stand around for awhile, and then it's time to go.
Her time here is up. Another round of hugs and kisses and "I love yous". They have to last her til summer. They have to make up for the last 11 years.
I don't know how parents send kids to the Army. Or college. Or the mission field. I want her to stay. I want to pick her towels up and tell her to turn her mp3 player down. I want to say no more candy and thanks for folding the laundry. I want her where I can see the smudges on her glasses and hear her crunching onions. I want her where I can see she is in bed at night and hear her talking out loud in her sleep. I want the girls to have their sister. I want to be pestered for just one more game of UNO.
I want this ache in my chest and head to stop.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
If I Could Bottle What it Feels Like to Have her Home~
I'm sure I won't have time or be able to blog after EVERY day, but the first full 24 hours need a post.....
We got K from the airport last night about 9:15 or so. We could see her behind a glass wall with all the other kids that had flown in to ATL together. I was hopping up and down to see over the people in front of me, but I was finally able to get my first glimpse of her in 5 mos. I kept waving like a crazy person, and she finally realized it was me and waved back. They were bringing all the little hosted children out first, so we had to wait an extra few minutes to get our hugs. It felt like an eternity. I choked up the longer I had to just stand there, and by the time they let her walk out to us, I had the ugly cry going on. I think it was emotional for her too. Gabe was kind and let me cry all over her first, and then he grabbed both of us in a bear hug....guess I took too long. Once I let go, she fell into his arms too, and then that made me cry more.
Then after the hug there is that moment where I want to ask her a million questions, but I know she is tired and when she is stressed, her English goes out the window. So I just stand there and try and clean up the water works. She hugged Craig, who is the one that met her on his mission trip in March and we credit with 'matching' us. Her BFF "M" is being hosted by friends of ours, so I told her hello and hugged her as well. I have emailed this friend some, and M's English is really good, so after a few minutes we are all talking. M, by the way, has my birthday, and has the cutest lisp and freckles.
So we got to Gabe's truck and she hopped right in and put on his hardhat (which she wore about half way home, LOL). My sister had kept the kids at our house bc the flight was so late (and my youngest had a fever) so the ride was really quiet. We did talk alittle, but it really nice just to have her so close!
She seemed very excited to be back in our house. She seemed to look at everything quickly, as if she was making sure it was the same. She smiled big when she saw our Christmas tree, and then tried to find our cat. Turns out, 2 of our kids heard us come in and woke up to tell her hello. One was too tired to do much but wave, but K's roommate (my middle child) just kept giggling and giggling! She was sooooo happy to have her big sister home.
Today we mostly stayed around the house. We attempted a gingerbread house, but it will not stay up and together. We rode bikes and then after lunch we watched a movie. K plopped on the couch next to me and grabbed my arm and rested her head on my shoulder. She has been easy going and talkative, even though I know she is still terribly tired.
She started to really sag about 3, so we went to the park to take advantage of this really weird warm weather we're having. We all played soccer and then came home to have a snack. She gave herself a manicure, and then painted J and A's nails also. For dinner, I made her favorite: creamy chicken over rice, green beans, corn bread (not really her fave, but still....) and cranberry sauce (because my other 3 really REALLY like it. Don't think K thought it was too great, though......). Then I let everyone have soda at dinner instead of water. She ate 2 good sized helpings. Oh, and Gabe broke out the jarred jalapenos for her.
After a record breaking long shower, she joined us in the living room (barefoot and in her flannel Christmas jammies) and she and Gabe looked at her home town on Google earth. You can actually see tons of street level pictures, and she really seemed to like that. About 7:30, all the kids started begging to go to bed (!?), so off they went. K tried to read a book, but I'm betting she wasn't a page in when I heard her breathing change and she was asleep. (No, I'm not creeping, I have to sit with my 5 year old on the bottom bunk til she's asleep...but if I was creeping, can you blame me?)
To summarize: we're picking up where we left off. It's like she never left and has been here forever. All the 'work' we did this summer, building trust etc, is still in place. I was a tad worried we would have to retrace our steps, honestly. We came so far with her in four weeks. But she is barefoot, affectionate, saying "I love you", letting me wash her clothes, talking, joking, and asking for seconds. They really are simple things, but they did not just happen. She had to learn all that was okay.
I'm so glad she still knows it's okay. And I am. so. glad. she's. here.
We got K from the airport last night about 9:15 or so. We could see her behind a glass wall with all the other kids that had flown in to ATL together. I was hopping up and down to see over the people in front of me, but I was finally able to get my first glimpse of her in 5 mos. I kept waving like a crazy person, and she finally realized it was me and waved back. They were bringing all the little hosted children out first, so we had to wait an extra few minutes to get our hugs. It felt like an eternity. I choked up the longer I had to just stand there, and by the time they let her walk out to us, I had the ugly cry going on. I think it was emotional for her too. Gabe was kind and let me cry all over her first, and then he grabbed both of us in a bear hug....guess I took too long. Once I let go, she fell into his arms too, and then that made me cry more.
Then after the hug there is that moment where I want to ask her a million questions, but I know she is tired and when she is stressed, her English goes out the window. So I just stand there and try and clean up the water works. She hugged Craig, who is the one that met her on his mission trip in March and we credit with 'matching' us. Her BFF "M" is being hosted by friends of ours, so I told her hello and hugged her as well. I have emailed this friend some, and M's English is really good, so after a few minutes we are all talking. M, by the way, has my birthday, and has the cutest lisp and freckles.
So we got to Gabe's truck and she hopped right in and put on his hardhat (which she wore about half way home, LOL). My sister had kept the kids at our house bc the flight was so late (and my youngest had a fever) so the ride was really quiet. We did talk alittle, but it really nice just to have her so close!
She seemed very excited to be back in our house. She seemed to look at everything quickly, as if she was making sure it was the same. She smiled big when she saw our Christmas tree, and then tried to find our cat. Turns out, 2 of our kids heard us come in and woke up to tell her hello. One was too tired to do much but wave, but K's roommate (my middle child) just kept giggling and giggling! She was sooooo happy to have her big sister home.
Today we mostly stayed around the house. We attempted a gingerbread house, but it will not stay up and together. We rode bikes and then after lunch we watched a movie. K plopped on the couch next to me and grabbed my arm and rested her head on my shoulder. She has been easy going and talkative, even though I know she is still terribly tired.
She started to really sag about 3, so we went to the park to take advantage of this really weird warm weather we're having. We all played soccer and then came home to have a snack. She gave herself a manicure, and then painted J and A's nails also. For dinner, I made her favorite: creamy chicken over rice, green beans, corn bread (not really her fave, but still....) and cranberry sauce (because my other 3 really REALLY like it. Don't think K thought it was too great, though......). Then I let everyone have soda at dinner instead of water. She ate 2 good sized helpings. Oh, and Gabe broke out the jarred jalapenos for her.
After a record breaking long shower, she joined us in the living room (barefoot and in her flannel Christmas jammies) and she and Gabe looked at her home town on Google earth. You can actually see tons of street level pictures, and she really seemed to like that. About 7:30, all the kids started begging to go to bed (!?), so off they went. K tried to read a book, but I'm betting she wasn't a page in when I heard her breathing change and she was asleep. (No, I'm not creeping, I have to sit with my 5 year old on the bottom bunk til she's asleep...but if I was creeping, can you blame me?)
To summarize: we're picking up where we left off. It's like she never left and has been here forever. All the 'work' we did this summer, building trust etc, is still in place. I was a tad worried we would have to retrace our steps, honestly. We came so far with her in four weeks. But she is barefoot, affectionate, saying "I love you", letting me wash her clothes, talking, joking, and asking for seconds. They really are simple things, but they did not just happen. She had to learn all that was okay.
I'm so glad she still knows it's okay. And I am. so. glad. she's. here.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Wanna win a Kindle Fire?
Friends of ours are sponsering a giveaway to help us host this winter.
Please check this link out for ways to enter.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The Rest of the Story:
Some of you watched this unfold on Facebook, but even those that saw the totals and updates didn't hear the whole story.
I would like to start off by saying that Sunday was amazing. Our pastor taught on exactly what Gabe and I needed to hear being somewhat (ok, very, discouraged) about fundraising. The songs were great, and the message was timely. The service ended with random people sharing about answered prayer. I'm not sure there was a dry eye anywhere in the room. We moved from there to our small group which meets right after the service at a friend's home. That too, was encouraging. It was all about prayer and encouragement and God moving in peoples lives. Then someone gave us a gift (read about that HERE), and that was the icing on the cake.
If I had not been at church or small group on Sunday, I am not sure I would have been able to handle Monday morning.
I knew we owed a hefty balance on our hosting fees. By yesterday morning, we had only been able to pay $656 towards $2300. So when the lady in charge of the L-tvian group called, I knew it was about our money. She starts asking about our financial ability to host since we seem to have issues getting money turned in, and do we really think we can host, or should we just focus on the adoption. She needs to buy a plane ticket and we don't have enough sent in for "K" to get a ticket. We can pull the plug and not host, or maybe she can try and float the funds but if we can't repay, everyone is out money. All I could tell her was we were trying to get the money and we knew God would provide. She kept pushing, saying she really needed to buy the plane ticket, bc if she waited and there were no seats left, "K" wouldn't be able to come. By this time I am in tears and I told her I would call Gabe and then call her later in the afternoon and let her know what we had decided.
I hung up and lay on the bed and cried and cried. Visions of "K" being alone at Christmas and us letting her down filled my head. I started praying. Hard. I asked God if we heard Him right; were we supposed to have her at Christmas? Was that just wishful thinking on our part? I called Gabe and told him what we were up against. Basically we needed $1000 (at least) TODAY or we were in serious trouble.
We hung up and I prayed more. Gabe found a parking lot to sit in and he sat and prayed as well. After I prayed, I posted what was going on on my FB page, and Gabe did the same on his. We each got several emails saying people were praying and giving what they could. I felt their prayers and was totally filled with a peace that was like a cool, refreshing blanket. It may sound like a weird explanation, but that's the only way I can describe it. I could literally FEEL the prayers of my friends translating into peace for my heart.
A bit later, I got an anonymous email. It stated they had seen the Facebook post and they wanted to help. They asked how much we needed. I said my best guess was $800 since all the donations were going straight to the hosting organization and I didn't know exact totals at that point. A couple of hours after that email, I received another saying $800 had been put in our account for "K"s behalf, and if at the end of the day we were short, to let them know and they would make up the difference. My jaw hit the floor. I called Gabe and he just kept saying "What?! What?!"
In less than 8 hours, God provided over $1200. We are in the clear for paying for her plane ticket, and only owe about $350 left on our hosting balance. Even though I had faith (or was at least TRYING to have faith) that God would provide, SEEING Him do it was completely amazing. Gabe and I are still in a shock of sorts that God made a way, and did it so fast, and in such an amazing way.
I will never be able to thank each of you enough for the prayers, donations, comments, emails and texts that you sent. They meant so much to me and were a huge encouragement throughout the day.
This is not our story, but it is "K"s story and God is writing it. He is moving in big ways on her behalf and I cannot wait until she is HOME and knows enough English that I can tell her all the miracles that God did for her. Just. Because. He. Loves. Her.
She really is a daughter of the King.
I would like to start off by saying that Sunday was amazing. Our pastor taught on exactly what Gabe and I needed to hear being somewhat (ok, very, discouraged) about fundraising. The songs were great, and the message was timely. The service ended with random people sharing about answered prayer. I'm not sure there was a dry eye anywhere in the room. We moved from there to our small group which meets right after the service at a friend's home. That too, was encouraging. It was all about prayer and encouragement and God moving in peoples lives. Then someone gave us a gift (read about that HERE), and that was the icing on the cake.
If I had not been at church or small group on Sunday, I am not sure I would have been able to handle Monday morning.
I knew we owed a hefty balance on our hosting fees. By yesterday morning, we had only been able to pay $656 towards $2300. So when the lady in charge of the L-tvian group called, I knew it was about our money. She starts asking about our financial ability to host since we seem to have issues getting money turned in, and do we really think we can host, or should we just focus on the adoption. She needs to buy a plane ticket and we don't have enough sent in for "K" to get a ticket. We can pull the plug and not host, or maybe she can try and float the funds but if we can't repay, everyone is out money. All I could tell her was we were trying to get the money and we knew God would provide. She kept pushing, saying she really needed to buy the plane ticket, bc if she waited and there were no seats left, "K" wouldn't be able to come. By this time I am in tears and I told her I would call Gabe and then call her later in the afternoon and let her know what we had decided.
I hung up and lay on the bed and cried and cried. Visions of "K" being alone at Christmas and us letting her down filled my head. I started praying. Hard. I asked God if we heard Him right; were we supposed to have her at Christmas? Was that just wishful thinking on our part? I called Gabe and told him what we were up against. Basically we needed $1000 (at least) TODAY or we were in serious trouble.
We hung up and I prayed more. Gabe found a parking lot to sit in and he sat and prayed as well. After I prayed, I posted what was going on on my FB page, and Gabe did the same on his. We each got several emails saying people were praying and giving what they could. I felt their prayers and was totally filled with a peace that was like a cool, refreshing blanket. It may sound like a weird explanation, but that's the only way I can describe it. I could literally FEEL the prayers of my friends translating into peace for my heart.
A bit later, I got an anonymous email. It stated they had seen the Facebook post and they wanted to help. They asked how much we needed. I said my best guess was $800 since all the donations were going straight to the hosting organization and I didn't know exact totals at that point. A couple of hours after that email, I received another saying $800 had been put in our account for "K"s behalf, and if at the end of the day we were short, to let them know and they would make up the difference. My jaw hit the floor. I called Gabe and he just kept saying "What?! What?!"
In less than 8 hours, God provided over $1200. We are in the clear for paying for her plane ticket, and only owe about $350 left on our hosting balance. Even though I had faith (or was at least TRYING to have faith) that God would provide, SEEING Him do it was completely amazing. Gabe and I are still in a shock of sorts that God made a way, and did it so fast, and in such an amazing way.
I will never be able to thank each of you enough for the prayers, donations, comments, emails and texts that you sent. They meant so much to me and were a huge encouragement throughout the day.
This is not our story, but it is "K"s story and God is writing it. He is moving in big ways on her behalf and I cannot wait until she is HOME and knows enough English that I can tell her all the miracles that God did for her. Just. Because. He. Loves. Her.
She really is a daughter of the King.
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