Sorry for the delay in updating you...but I have great news regarding adoption issues with the US Embassy in Uganda. Please read below...this is taken straight from my agency's blog:
"Today in Uganda, the chief justice gave judges permission to rule on legal guardianships and state that they understand it is for the purposes of adoption! This should set a precedent for future families; now judges have the confidence to state their complete understanding of the children’s adoption in the US and their dual citizenship status.
Because this happened today, there have been no families yet go through the Embassy. The next step will be ensuring that this statement will align with what the US Embassy will require to issue an immigrant visa for children who have been granted legal guardianship. I will update as we know how the Embassy will view this latest development.
Today, we are thankful for God’s favor and provision! This is a giant step forward in the resolution process!"
That may not make much sense to those of you who don't know the full picture of what was going on over there...but to put it simply...God is for the orphan!!! The court has ruled to allow guardianship paperwork to be worded in such a way that meets the requirements of the US Embassy, so travel visas can be issued for the little ones and they can come home with their new mommies and daddies and complete the adoption once home. This is huge!
How huge? Well, there are 2.3 million orphans in Uganda...let that number sink in...2.3 million. Just to give you perspective, the population of metro-Atlanta, the city where I live, is about 3 million...that's how many orphans there are in Uganda. The total population of the country is a little over 32 million...and it's the size of the state of Oregon. If you do the math, that means more than 7% of the population are orphans.
To drive this truth home, let's look at the United States. There are about 500,000 children living in foster care right now. Not all of these are orphans, but I will use that number because it is the closest comparison we have. Our population is 300 million. Do the math...that is 0.001666 % of our population. Or, one tenth of one percent.
Now, please hear my heart. EVERY hurting and orphaned child is equally precious to the Lord. He sees and knows each one, down to the number of hairs on their heads, no matter where they are from. I only share these numbers so that those of you who have never traveled and seen first-hand the needs of orphans in third-world countries will have a point of reference to understand what a huge VICTORY God accomplished in Uganda today. There is such great need for adoption in this east African country! This simple issue with wording of paperwork could have halted US adoptions in that country. But no, God would not have it. Why? Because He is FOR the orphan!
We must keep praying, though. The Embassy still has to approve the ruling. You may not be called to adopt from Uganda, but you can pray...and we are all called to do that! And there are 2.3 million little reasons to pray...
Now, for a quick update on our adoption journey. After much consideration and prayer, Gene asked that we "pause" our home study until we could save some money. Right when he told me this, we found out about the paperwork problem in Uganda, so we have spent the last 6 weeks looking at finances, working on our budget, praying...and if I'm honest, I have been worrying...just being honest. I am so thankful for my husband's leadership in this area. He has such a steady confidence in God's provision for this adoption, coupled with a balance of the practicality of finances.
So, where are we now? Well, we are more excited than ever to pick up our home study. Unfortunately, we unexpectedly owe Uncle Sam some tax money, so we are choosing to wait a little longer to continue. God has graciously provided in every way. For those of you who have given to us through Ornaments for Orphans and other means, please know this money is tucked securely in savings, and will be used ONLY for the adoption. We are so thankful.
Our next step is to pray, pray, pray, continue to see where we need to sacrifice financially, and put our thinking caps on for more fundraising ideas. I will do better about keeping you posted. Thank you all for your support and prayers! They are needed, appreciated, and felt. Love you all.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
URGENT!
I don't have the time or the information yet to go into a lot of details...but please pray for all orphans in Uganda right now. Due to beaurocracy and government red tape, there has been a halt on the U.S. issuing any visas for adopted children to travel back home. I don't know all the details yet, but our agency's blog said there will be some kind of hearing in the next couple of days that should let us know what is going on and how these new laws/wording of laws will affect adoption from Uganda.
I believe that this is a spiritual battle...I really do. Please pray for God's grace and mercy to prevail...His justice to change hearts so that Ugandan children can be adopted and brought home. Right now children are adopted through a loop hole...adoptive parents are issued guardianship, the US issues the child a visa, and then the children are adopted legally once they arrive home in the US. In order to adopt IN Uganda, the child must be fostered for 3 years.
Needless to say, these semantics and red tape have the power to change millions of little lives forever. I know God's heart is FOR the orphan and FOR adoption. We MUST cry out to Him. Please join in prayer.
I believe that this is a spiritual battle...I really do. Please pray for God's grace and mercy to prevail...His justice to change hearts so that Ugandan children can be adopted and brought home. Right now children are adopted through a loop hole...adoptive parents are issued guardianship, the US issues the child a visa, and then the children are adopted legally once they arrive home in the US. In order to adopt IN Uganda, the child must be fostered for 3 years.
Needless to say, these semantics and red tape have the power to change millions of little lives forever. I know God's heart is FOR the orphan and FOR adoption. We MUST cry out to Him. Please join in prayer.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Humbled to Tears
If you have been reading the blog over the past month or so, you know that we are in the adoption process again to bring a little one home from Uganda. I have struggled with fear over the financial details of this adoption (as most people probably do) a lot, and am constantly handing it all back over to the Lord...my worry in exchange for His peace. I asked the Lord to do a miracle that only He can get credit for...so my post today is to brag on Him and Him alone!
This past month Gene and I have decided to slow down our home study process and wait on the Lord financially. We are trusting Him to provide the funds so that we do not have to go into debt for this adoption. Right after we made that decision, we have had to pay out $1,000 for car repairs, a broken heater at home, car tags, etc. I have been overwhelmed to say the least.
So a few days ago I went to check the mail and found a letter from a friend that I went to South Africa with. She wrote inside that she is weeks away from getting married, and in lieu of gifts, she asked her friends to donate to our adoption, along with some other causes/needs. I began to weep...what an incredibly selfless thing to do. I honestly was humbled to my knees. There were several checks folded up inside and I began to open them...$200...$400...$600...$650...$695...my hands shook in disbelief. Wait...maybe that said $20, not $200, so I recounted. Nope, I saw right. These precious people, many of whom I don't even know, had given us $695 towards our adoption! And as if that wasn't enough, I got another check in the mail today from someone who couldn't attend the shower where the money was collected.
I have always heard stories of people opening the mailbox and receiving some large amount of money from an anonymous donor...but that has never happened to me. To be honest, I always secretly wondered if these stories were true. This one is!
I share this to give glory to God, the defender of the fatherless. I was beginning to question whether or not we were even supposed to adopt...His answer came quickly with a resounding "Yes." How could it not be His will to adopt an orphan based on His words in James 1:27?
There may or may not be more miracles like these in our journey...but I think there probably will be. I think that's what happens when we wait on Him to move instead of finding our own way. First, He gave us great success with our Ornaments for Orphans drive at Christmas...and now this unexpected gift. He seems to be providing just enough for the next step, causing us to depend on Him mightily.
I think about how far-reaching it is when God's Church believes and lives out His words that it is better to give than to receive. When one young bride in Alabama chose to give up wedding gifts it is reaching all the way to other side of the world. When I finally pulled myself together and quit weeping I thought, "How can I even express my gratitude? Thank you doesn't seem like enough." Then I thought about bringing my newly adopted African child to meet this special couple for the first time and saying, "This is what you helped to do." I'm sure that will be all the thanks she will need or ever want...and I'm sure she will never regret giving up place settings or linens in exchange for a life that God created for His glory.
Now THAT is what I call a thank you note!
This past month Gene and I have decided to slow down our home study process and wait on the Lord financially. We are trusting Him to provide the funds so that we do not have to go into debt for this adoption. Right after we made that decision, we have had to pay out $1,000 for car repairs, a broken heater at home, car tags, etc. I have been overwhelmed to say the least.
So a few days ago I went to check the mail and found a letter from a friend that I went to South Africa with. She wrote inside that she is weeks away from getting married, and in lieu of gifts, she asked her friends to donate to our adoption, along with some other causes/needs. I began to weep...what an incredibly selfless thing to do. I honestly was humbled to my knees. There were several checks folded up inside and I began to open them...$200...$400...$600...$650...$695...my hands shook in disbelief. Wait...maybe that said $20, not $200, so I recounted. Nope, I saw right. These precious people, many of whom I don't even know, had given us $695 towards our adoption! And as if that wasn't enough, I got another check in the mail today from someone who couldn't attend the shower where the money was collected.
I have always heard stories of people opening the mailbox and receiving some large amount of money from an anonymous donor...but that has never happened to me. To be honest, I always secretly wondered if these stories were true. This one is!
I share this to give glory to God, the defender of the fatherless. I was beginning to question whether or not we were even supposed to adopt...His answer came quickly with a resounding "Yes." How could it not be His will to adopt an orphan based on His words in James 1:27?
There may or may not be more miracles like these in our journey...but I think there probably will be. I think that's what happens when we wait on Him to move instead of finding our own way. First, He gave us great success with our Ornaments for Orphans drive at Christmas...and now this unexpected gift. He seems to be providing just enough for the next step, causing us to depend on Him mightily.
I think about how far-reaching it is when God's Church believes and lives out His words that it is better to give than to receive. When one young bride in Alabama chose to give up wedding gifts it is reaching all the way to other side of the world. When I finally pulled myself together and quit weeping I thought, "How can I even express my gratitude? Thank you doesn't seem like enough." Then I thought about bringing my newly adopted African child to meet this special couple for the first time and saying, "This is what you helped to do." I'm sure that will be all the thanks she will need or ever want...and I'm sure she will never regret giving up place settings or linens in exchange for a life that God created for His glory.
Now THAT is what I call a thank you note!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Don't Be Afraid
Eden is watching Nick Jr. right now while I do some housework. In between the shows, they have this little band that plays songs. She just ran up to me and said, "Mommy, I am going to sing this song to my baby sister in Africa!" She began singing in the sweetest Eden voice, "Don't be afraid, I'm here with you...."
It warms my heart to see how sensitive Eden is to her future little sister's transition. As a four year old, Eden's prayers and concerns are always that the little one not be afraid. God can move even the littlest of souls to pray. Having been through this hard transition at 19 months of age, I think this is so good for her to see the process from this side.
One thing is for sure...this Ugandan angel is already wanted and loved and missed by her Chinese big sister...and her mommy and daddy!
On another note, Eden startled me this morning with perhaps the toughest question she has asked to date. My deep-thinking 4-year-old looked me straight in the eye out of the blue and asked, "Mommy, who made the earthquake in Haiti?" I know the answer, but how do you explain it honestly and simply to a preschooler? Any suggestions?
It warms my heart to see how sensitive Eden is to her future little sister's transition. As a four year old, Eden's prayers and concerns are always that the little one not be afraid. God can move even the littlest of souls to pray. Having been through this hard transition at 19 months of age, I think this is so good for her to see the process from this side.
One thing is for sure...this Ugandan angel is already wanted and loved and missed by her Chinese big sister...and her mommy and daddy!
On another note, Eden startled me this morning with perhaps the toughest question she has asked to date. My deep-thinking 4-year-old looked me straight in the eye out of the blue and asked, "Mommy, who made the earthquake in Haiti?" I know the answer, but how do you explain it honestly and simply to a preschooler? Any suggestions?
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Miracle
This morning I was spending some time in prayer, writing in my journal. I told the Lord that I wanted Him to do a miracle in this adoption that could not be explained by Gene and me...something that was unmistakably Him. Thoughts of what it could be were swirling around in my mind and then I felt that small whisper of the Holy Spirit saying, "Don't try and figure it out...don't even write anything down...just wait...your ideas are too small." Chills run down my spine as I ponder this prayer. Sometimes I think we spend so much time trying to figure out what God is doing or telling Him what we think we need or want, that we box Him in. Yes, the Word definitely says, "Ask and you shall receive," but lately I'm finding that even what I ask can be so small...just enough, and not abundant. Scripture says He is able to do MORE than what we can ask or even imagine. That's what I long to see...more than I even can fathom. So, I proceed down this road of faith with an expectant heart...I can't wait to see what He does, both in my heart, and in the orphan He will rescue. Stay tuned...
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Home Study has Begun
Well, it's official...I'm paper pregnant! Gene and I had our first home study interview this past Thursday with our GA social worker. I received the jump drive in the mail that contains the adoption manual on it. In a throw back to our last adoption, we printed out all 126 pages and stuck it in a big, fat binder....aka, Bertha...that's what I have named the adoption manual. Why? Because she will be everywhere I go for the next year or so, making her an official member of the family...thus, she needs a name :0)
I read Bertha in her entirety on Wednesday night before our phone interview so I would know if I had any questions. Pretty standard...fingerprints (3 sets), medical exams, documentation that I'm alive, married, have never been arrested, have no warrants out for my arrest, passports, photos, biographies, educational readings, financial records, proof of employment, proof of unemployment...the list goes on. Whew...it's a lot!
I expected to feel overwhelmed. But I don't. I feel this strange sense of calm. I feel excitement and eagerness. I've done this before. I know there is likely to be delays and hiccups...and I know that at the end of all of it there's a child, or children, that God has hand-selected. Wait, no, not hand selected, created, for our family. I believe that. I see the reality of it every day with Eden.
So bring on the paperwork, the invasion of privacy, the fund raising and budget cutting. Bring it! I love it! I love adoption. While the process is certainly frustrating at times, I will not lose the joy and hope I feel. A baby is coming home at the end of this. God is going to unite a family in the way that only He can. That's what will drive me and keep me on my knees before the Lord. His grace poured out on the orphan...that is why I love my home study.
Well, Bertha and I have an appointment with a passport application for Eden so I guess I'll go. More updates soon.
P.S. Remind me of this post when I complain later on..he, he, he...yall know what I'm talking about. Today I love my home study.
I read Bertha in her entirety on Wednesday night before our phone interview so I would know if I had any questions. Pretty standard...fingerprints (3 sets), medical exams, documentation that I'm alive, married, have never been arrested, have no warrants out for my arrest, passports, photos, biographies, educational readings, financial records, proof of employment, proof of unemployment...the list goes on. Whew...it's a lot!
I expected to feel overwhelmed. But I don't. I feel this strange sense of calm. I feel excitement and eagerness. I've done this before. I know there is likely to be delays and hiccups...and I know that at the end of all of it there's a child, or children, that God has hand-selected. Wait, no, not hand selected, created, for our family. I believe that. I see the reality of it every day with Eden.
So bring on the paperwork, the invasion of privacy, the fund raising and budget cutting. Bring it! I love it! I love adoption. While the process is certainly frustrating at times, I will not lose the joy and hope I feel. A baby is coming home at the end of this. God is going to unite a family in the way that only He can. That's what will drive me and keep me on my knees before the Lord. His grace poured out on the orphan...that is why I love my home study.
Well, Bertha and I have an appointment with a passport application for Eden so I guess I'll go. More updates soon.
P.S. Remind me of this post when I complain later on..he, he, he...yall know what I'm talking about. Today I love my home study.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
My Baby is 4
Why does time have to move so fast? I am resolving in 2010 (and I'm serious about this one) to simplify life even more so I don't miss the most important moments due to busy-ness. This will be a good journey for me as we prepare to add another little one to the family this year.
But, back to the business at hand. I'm a little late with this post due to traveling and having company here, but Miss Eden turned 4 on Sunday. She is such a big girl. I never knew watching your child grow up would be so wonderful and sad at the same time.
Eden's birthdays trigger a strange mix of emotions for me. I wonder if I will ever get over the grief I feel over her not being home yet on her 1st birthday...as we celebrate, the candles on the cake never match the memories of past birthdays. It's strange. We matched with her about 2 weeks before she turned one. We had her photo, which made Dec. 27, 2006 a very hard day. These feelings then lead to questions about her foster mother who cared for her from 3 mos. old until 19 mos. when we brought her home. I wonder if every year on Dec. 27 she grieves that she ONLY had one birthday with her? She and Eden loved each other so much. I can't help but think of her each year on adoption day and Eden's birthday. I am so grateful for the way she loved my daughter.
However, there is much more joy than sadness. I am so blessed by this little treasure every day of the year. I just love celebrating her life and all that God has done for and in her in 4 short years. This year, she wanted a party with all her cousins. So, we had a bowling party complete with Backyardigans decorations and cupcakes and all her cousins came. Eden's first time bowling was quite funny...as it took her ball FOREVER to make it to the pins because she insisted on doing it "all by myself." It was a fun day. The highlight was the hot pink Barbie Jeep my mom and step-dad gave her that morning. Thanks Ja-Ja for standing in line at 4 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving to get it...she LOVES it!
Here are some things about Miss Eden in her 4th year of life, followed by some pictures. Hope you all have a Happy New Year!
1) Eden talks...all the time...even if no one is listening
2) She loves to read
3) She loves to play with her daddy
4) She is a great helper around the house and loves doing her "chores"
5) Her chores are setting the table, feeding the dog, and picking up her toys before bedtime
6) She still comes in our bed in the middle of the night...most of the time I never wake up...in the morning she's just there
7) She loves Micky Mouse Clubhouse, Wonder Pets, Backyardigans, Dora and Diego
8) She is very tender-hearted...she burst into tears when the mean guy trapped Kevin the bird in the movie "Up"
9) She is still scared of anything dark...we have yet to see a movie in the theater due to this
10) She loves Sprite
11) She cracks herself up all the time
12) She has an amazing memory
13) So far she has learned: Matthew 6:24, Genesis 1:1, Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 30:15, Psalm 1:6...all in the month of December
14) She LOVES art and music
15) She takes ballet
16) She is girlie, but loves to get dirty, too
17) She gets really mad when she can't figure something out
18) She adores her cousins
19) She prays from her heart
20) She can't wait to be a big sister
21) God has given her a heart for orphans
22) Her favorite color is pink
23) She loves all kinds of soup...especially vegetable
24) She copies everything I do
25) Today, she says when she grows up she wants to be an artist...or maybe drive the train to the circus for the animals :0)
That's all for now...enjoy the pictures. I don't have the party ones yet so these will have to do. Happy 2010!
But, back to the business at hand. I'm a little late with this post due to traveling and having company here, but Miss Eden turned 4 on Sunday. She is such a big girl. I never knew watching your child grow up would be so wonderful and sad at the same time.
Eden's birthdays trigger a strange mix of emotions for me. I wonder if I will ever get over the grief I feel over her not being home yet on her 1st birthday...as we celebrate, the candles on the cake never match the memories of past birthdays. It's strange. We matched with her about 2 weeks before she turned one. We had her photo, which made Dec. 27, 2006 a very hard day. These feelings then lead to questions about her foster mother who cared for her from 3 mos. old until 19 mos. when we brought her home. I wonder if every year on Dec. 27 she grieves that she ONLY had one birthday with her? She and Eden loved each other so much. I can't help but think of her each year on adoption day and Eden's birthday. I am so grateful for the way she loved my daughter.
However, there is much more joy than sadness. I am so blessed by this little treasure every day of the year. I just love celebrating her life and all that God has done for and in her in 4 short years. This year, she wanted a party with all her cousins. So, we had a bowling party complete with Backyardigans decorations and cupcakes and all her cousins came. Eden's first time bowling was quite funny...as it took her ball FOREVER to make it to the pins because she insisted on doing it "all by myself." It was a fun day. The highlight was the hot pink Barbie Jeep my mom and step-dad gave her that morning. Thanks Ja-Ja for standing in line at 4 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving to get it...she LOVES it!
Here are some things about Miss Eden in her 4th year of life, followed by some pictures. Hope you all have a Happy New Year!
1) Eden talks...all the time...even if no one is listening
2) She loves to read
3) She loves to play with her daddy
4) She is a great helper around the house and loves doing her "chores"
5) Her chores are setting the table, feeding the dog, and picking up her toys before bedtime
6) She still comes in our bed in the middle of the night...most of the time I never wake up...in the morning she's just there
7) She loves Micky Mouse Clubhouse, Wonder Pets, Backyardigans, Dora and Diego
8) She is very tender-hearted...she burst into tears when the mean guy trapped Kevin the bird in the movie "Up"
9) She is still scared of anything dark...we have yet to see a movie in the theater due to this
10) She loves Sprite
11) She cracks herself up all the time
12) She has an amazing memory
13) So far she has learned: Matthew 6:24, Genesis 1:1, Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 30:15, Psalm 1:6...all in the month of December
14) She LOVES art and music
15) She takes ballet
16) She is girlie, but loves to get dirty, too
17) She gets really mad when she can't figure something out
18) She adores her cousins
19) She prays from her heart
20) She can't wait to be a big sister
21) God has given her a heart for orphans
22) Her favorite color is pink
23) She loves all kinds of soup...especially vegetable
24) She copies everything I do
25) Today, she says when she grows up she wants to be an artist...or maybe drive the train to the circus for the animals :0)
That's all for now...enjoy the pictures. I don't have the party ones yet so these will have to do. Happy 2010!
What we bought Eden for her 1st b'day while she was still in China
2nd birthday
3rd birthday
4th birthday
2nd birthday
3rd birthday
4th birthday
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Guess Who Came To Town???
Eden and I have already come to my mom's house for Christmas. We miss daddy, but he has to work at the Christmas Eve services at our church tomorrow night so he can't join us until Christmas Eve. Well, last night we had a big family dinner with all my siblings and their children, my parents and my grandmother. After dinner we all gathered into the den to chat, when all of a sudden we heard a "clatter" on the front porch...we all listened to see what was the "matter." When what to our wondering eyes did appear? Guess who came to visit us early?
We heard the jingling of bells and a big "Ho! Ho! Ho!" Eden sprang up...I mean sprang up and ran into the arms of...SANTA! It was such a sweet surprise. He even brought a kiss from Rudolph that lit up Eden's nose red!
After she sat in his lap and everyone got pictures made, we all sat down and he read us "Twas the Night Before Christmas." When he asked her what she wanted for Christmas she replied, "A jumproap and a clock for my wrist in case I can't find my Dora one but if I find my Dora one I don't need it." Whew...what a mouthful!
Before he left, he told us about the one gift that even Santa can't bring...eternal life; and how it makes him sad when people make a bigger deal out of him than Jesus. He reminded us of the real reason for Christmas. It was a special memory.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. Until next time, enjoy these photos.
Eden when she heard the bells...
When she realized who it was...
Eden greeting Santa...
They had quite the conversation...
A Kiss from Rudolph
One last hug...
My Meemaw's 1st photo ever with Santa
My nephew Camp...just because he is so cute!!!
Eden & all her cousins (except Julie who had her wisdom teeth out) with Santa
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Eden's Prayer
"Father, thank you for my baby brother and sister in Africa. Help them to be brave while they are away from our family. Help them to be brave when we come to get them. Help them to know me and love me. Amen."
Is it possible that God is preparing the heart of an almost 4-year-old in ways that I cannot imagine? Listening to her prayers each night, I can't help but think that no one knows how to pray for the one we will adopt better than she does.
There are many unknowns at this point, many unanswered questions. I think that God is telling us to walk on in faith, amidst the unknown, and listen for His voice daily. More than ever before we are trusting Him as Provider. One thing I know...He adores orphans and wants to place them in a family...and most of all in His family.
Do you realize that this is why we celebrate Christmas? He came to adopt us all. Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
Is it possible that God is preparing the heart of an almost 4-year-old in ways that I cannot imagine? Listening to her prayers each night, I can't help but think that no one knows how to pray for the one we will adopt better than she does.
There are many unknowns at this point, many unanswered questions. I think that God is telling us to walk on in faith, amidst the unknown, and listen for His voice daily. More than ever before we are trusting Him as Provider. One thing I know...He adores orphans and wants to place them in a family...and most of all in His family.
Do you realize that this is why we celebrate Christmas? He came to adopt us all. Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thank You, Thank You!
Do you want to know why I haven't posted in a while? It's because you guys bought SO MANY ornaments for our adoption fundraiser. Thank you all so much for supporting us...we are so grateful and humbled. My hot-glue gun has been working overtime. Some precious new friends, the Shackelfords, even came to help me out. I am finally caught up on orders...there is still time if you want to order. Just click on the Ornaments for Orphans tab to the right. The video of Eden is priceless! I'm sure she is why we sold so many :0)
We had a welcome phone call with our adoption agency today where we could ask questions and hear more specifics about the Uganda adoption process. Gene and I were really excited when we hung up. God is already making some things really clear to us even now that we were questioning. Age, gender and number of children are some things we are praying through in the coming weeks. Right now we are leaning toward 1 child, but we obviously will change that if God tells us to.
We are settling in and enjoying our new home. I love the Christmas season and all that it represents. Here are some photos of what we're doing this holiday season. Thank you all again for your support and love.
We had a welcome phone call with our adoption agency today where we could ask questions and hear more specifics about the Uganda adoption process. Gene and I were really excited when we hung up. God is already making some things really clear to us even now that we were questioning. Age, gender and number of children are some things we are praying through in the coming weeks. Right now we are leaning toward 1 child, but we obviously will change that if God tells us to.
We are settling in and enjoying our new home. I love the Christmas season and all that it represents. Here are some photos of what we're doing this holiday season. Thank you all again for your support and love.
Snowman and reindeer ornaments galore
These reindeer are made from lightbulbs
Eden and I made our first gingerbread house...not as easy as they advertise
Eden with her house
Eden eating her house...the best part!
Eden with her house
Eden eating her house...the best part!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Ornaments for Orphans
Hey everyone...hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. As promised, the Christmas ornament fundraiser is ready to go. Just in case you haven't been following the blog, let me back up and bring you up to date.
We are hoping to adopt again! Our prayer is that God would give us a little blessing (or blessings) from Uganda, Africa sometime next year. I traveled to South Africa this past summer and saw first-hand the needs of the poor there. We haven't been to Uganda, but have several friends who have. Eden has been begging for a "baby sister and baby brudda" ever since she saw "Big Sister Dora" a year and a half ago (LOL). I'm not sure she really knows what she's asking for...but I know she'll be a great big sister.
I really struggled with the timing of this adoption, to be honest. You can read about that a few posts down. God is going to have to move some pretty big mountains financially, and we know He can and will do that if this is His will for our family. I wanted to do a fundraiser that was both affordable for people and involved our daughter as much as possible...hence, Ornaments for Orphans.
You can click on the link on the right side of the blog to get all the info. Eden has helped me hand-make some Christmas ornaments for you to buy. Each ornament is $10.
I know there are many times when I have small gifts I need to get like teacher gifts, extended family, dirty Santa, etc. I always end up getting some small little gift that costs about $10, so I thought maybe if people were already going to spend the money, maybe it would bless the giver and receiver to know that the $10 really will help change a baby's life forever. You have my word that 100% of the money we receive will be deposited directly into our adoption savings account.
Each ornament will include an enclosure card that tells about our adoption so the recipient will know it's more than a Christmas ornament. Thank you all so much for loving and supporting us on this journey. If you have any questions, just post here or e-mail me at kerimason@mac.com.
When you click on the "Ornaments for Orphans" tab on the right, it will take you to the web page. You can pay online with paypal, or e-mail me your order and I will send you the info to mail a check. Please feel free to put the link on your blogs/facebook too, or give our blog address to anyone you think might want to help...the more the merrier!
There is an adorable video of Eden when you get to the site. She will give you all the details. Hope to hear from you soon! Thank you again. God bless!
We are hoping to adopt again! Our prayer is that God would give us a little blessing (or blessings) from Uganda, Africa sometime next year. I traveled to South Africa this past summer and saw first-hand the needs of the poor there. We haven't been to Uganda, but have several friends who have. Eden has been begging for a "baby sister and baby brudda" ever since she saw "Big Sister Dora" a year and a half ago (LOL). I'm not sure she really knows what she's asking for...but I know she'll be a great big sister.
I really struggled with the timing of this adoption, to be honest. You can read about that a few posts down. God is going to have to move some pretty big mountains financially, and we know He can and will do that if this is His will for our family. I wanted to do a fundraiser that was both affordable for people and involved our daughter as much as possible...hence, Ornaments for Orphans.
You can click on the link on the right side of the blog to get all the info. Eden has helped me hand-make some Christmas ornaments for you to buy. Each ornament is $10.
I know there are many times when I have small gifts I need to get like teacher gifts, extended family, dirty Santa, etc. I always end up getting some small little gift that costs about $10, so I thought maybe if people were already going to spend the money, maybe it would bless the giver and receiver to know that the $10 really will help change a baby's life forever. You have my word that 100% of the money we receive will be deposited directly into our adoption savings account.
Each ornament will include an enclosure card that tells about our adoption so the recipient will know it's more than a Christmas ornament. Thank you all so much for loving and supporting us on this journey. If you have any questions, just post here or e-mail me at kerimason@mac.com.
When you click on the "Ornaments for Orphans" tab on the right, it will take you to the web page. You can pay online with paypal, or e-mail me your order and I will send you the info to mail a check. Please feel free to put the link on your blogs/facebook too, or give our blog address to anyone you think might want to help...the more the merrier!
There is an adorable video of Eden when you get to the site. She will give you all the details. Hope to hear from you soon! Thank you again. God bless!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
I'm Thankful For....
Happy Thanksgiving! Today I am thankful for:
1) That Jesus loves me and accepts me as I am...even with all my shortcomings and faults.
2) That because of this, I am free to love and accept others the same way.
3) For my husband. I don't always love him well...but as I sit and reflect, I am so very blessed to have him.
4) For my sweet Eden...there are no words.
5) For adoption...the whole idea of it, the reality of what it accomplishes, of what it teaches, the healing and restoration it brings.
6) For my brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere...I love that our bond in the Spirit transcends race, culture, economics, language, customs...etc.
7) For my family...all of you...
8) For friends that I know I could call at any time and they would be here at the drop of a hat...I have several and am therefore rich beyond measure.
9) For my new house, and the home it is now that we are all in it.
10) Starbuck's Peppermint Mochas (hey, they can't all be "deep")
11) Music...I love how the right song can turn anyone into a dancer or singer.
12) The sound of my daughter singing "Jesus Loves Me" and praying.
13) My church home, Cross Pointe
14) My Birmingham faith family at Brook Hills...we miss you
15) The Word of God...and that I can read and study it myself
16)My loyal companion Maggie, our almost 11-year-old chocolate lab...she is the most gentle creature
17) Lifeline Children's Services, for helping us grow our family
18) Our soldiers, near and far
19)Auburn and the friends I made there
20)My former singles' ministry friends at Hunter Street Baptist who helped me learn how to follow Christ
21) Chris Wilson...the leader of that ministry who is now a pastor...his sermons still ring in my ears
22) Brenda Brown...my mentor who first taught me how to study Scripture
23)Airplanes so we can take the Gospel to the ends of the earth
24)Holiday festivities like Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners with 15 people around the table (in our family), decorating cookies, trimming trees, cider and hot chocolate, cookies for Santa, Christmas cards, stockings full of surprises, etc.
25) And finally, that I can now watch "Christmas Vacation" over and over for the next month...when Clark Griswald's fingers get all that sap on them and start sticking to everything I laugh out loud no matter how many times I've seent it!
Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive or in order of importance.
Hope you all have a great holiday. Fundraising ornaments are made and will be put on the blog very soon so keep checking. Love yall!
1) That Jesus loves me and accepts me as I am...even with all my shortcomings and faults.
2) That because of this, I am free to love and accept others the same way.
3) For my husband. I don't always love him well...but as I sit and reflect, I am so very blessed to have him.
4) For my sweet Eden...there are no words.
5) For adoption...the whole idea of it, the reality of what it accomplishes, of what it teaches, the healing and restoration it brings.
6) For my brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere...I love that our bond in the Spirit transcends race, culture, economics, language, customs...etc.
7) For my family...all of you...
8) For friends that I know I could call at any time and they would be here at the drop of a hat...I have several and am therefore rich beyond measure.
9) For my new house, and the home it is now that we are all in it.
10) Starbuck's Peppermint Mochas (hey, they can't all be "deep")
11) Music...I love how the right song can turn anyone into a dancer or singer.
12) The sound of my daughter singing "Jesus Loves Me" and praying.
13) My church home, Cross Pointe
14) My Birmingham faith family at Brook Hills...we miss you
15) The Word of God...and that I can read and study it myself
16)My loyal companion Maggie, our almost 11-year-old chocolate lab...she is the most gentle creature
17) Lifeline Children's Services, for helping us grow our family
18) Our soldiers, near and far
19)Auburn and the friends I made there
20)My former singles' ministry friends at Hunter Street Baptist who helped me learn how to follow Christ
21) Chris Wilson...the leader of that ministry who is now a pastor...his sermons still ring in my ears
22) Brenda Brown...my mentor who first taught me how to study Scripture
23)Airplanes so we can take the Gospel to the ends of the earth
24)Holiday festivities like Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners with 15 people around the table (in our family), decorating cookies, trimming trees, cider and hot chocolate, cookies for Santa, Christmas cards, stockings full of surprises, etc.
25) And finally, that I can now watch "Christmas Vacation" over and over for the next month...when Clark Griswald's fingers get all that sap on them and start sticking to everything I laugh out loud no matter how many times I've seent it!
Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive or in order of importance.
Hope you all have a great holiday. Fundraising ornaments are made and will be put on the blog very soon so keep checking. Love yall!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Here We Go...Again!
Well, I finally mailed it...our adoption application, that is. I'm nervous and excited about what the future holds. We are applying to adopt from Uganda, Africa.
Last night at dinner, Eden prayed the sweetest blessing. She said, "Father, thank you for bringing me a baby brudda (brother) and baby sister (she has it in her mind this is what we're getting...). And I will not spend too much money. Amen." Can you tell we're in adoption mode? How precious that she is willing to sacrifice in her own way.
Eden and I are working on a fundraiser right now. I really want her to be involved as much as possible. We are making/selling Christmas ornaments for $10 each. We have already had several pre-orders. Please be checking the blog for more info. Hopefully this weekend, I will post pictures of what you can order and how to do so. So when planning for the holidays, remember you can come here for those little $10 extra gifts for extended family, teachers, etc. and know that 100% of the money will go into our adoption fund.
We are trusting God to provide in a mighty way for this adoption. If it is His will, He will have to make it happen.
Hope you all have a great weekend! Your prayers are needed, and wanted! Love yall
Last night at dinner, Eden prayed the sweetest blessing. She said, "Father, thank you for bringing me a baby brudda (brother) and baby sister (she has it in her mind this is what we're getting...). And I will not spend too much money. Amen." Can you tell we're in adoption mode? How precious that she is willing to sacrifice in her own way.
Eden and I are working on a fundraiser right now. I really want her to be involved as much as possible. We are making/selling Christmas ornaments for $10 each. We have already had several pre-orders. Please be checking the blog for more info. Hopefully this weekend, I will post pictures of what you can order and how to do so. So when planning for the holidays, remember you can come here for those little $10 extra gifts for extended family, teachers, etc. and know that 100% of the money will go into our adoption fund.
We are trusting God to provide in a mighty way for this adoption. If it is His will, He will have to make it happen.
Hope you all have a great weekend! Your prayers are needed, and wanted! Love yall
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Reason Why
This is a sweet baby I met in South Africa who is HIV positive. Her mother refused to take her to free clinic to get the medicine she needs. She was only 4 months old and had an opportunistic infection all over her beautiful cheeks.
"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." Mother Teresa
I found this quote online this morning. It communicates my heart, my passion, and I am convinced our God's passion as well. It reminds me of the reason I am mailing our application in this month to begin our 2nd adoption...from Africa this time. It reminds me why I am doing this amidst a flood of thoughts of fear, doubt and questions.
The first time I was so brave...because I was so ignorant of the process, both of paperwork, and the emotional process of bonding and healing the broken child's heart. This time I know...and I am not so brave. This time I have less time, less resources, less confidence. But this time I also have Eden...her hugs and "I love you more than the world, mommy" words that remind me of what is possible. She reminds me what God desires for every orphan. Not money, or middle-class America. But love, hope, and most of all, the chance to know Him...the One Whose wrath rages against the injustice that orphaned them to begin with. The One Who hears every cry, and counts each tear.
This time will be different. There will be fundraising and grant-writing. This time there will be more questions, and prejudice towards the stark difference in our skin color. There will be more sacrifice financially...and that brings thoughts of uncertainty and fear. That exposes the ugly sin of materialism that we all struggle with...it makes us come face to face with want versus need. And that's not a bad thing. Thankfully, perfect love casts out all fear. Thankfully God is for me and not against me. Thankfully, He will guide each step, each delay, each dollar, each piece of paperwork.
So today, among a sea of emotions...I am reminded. God loves adoption. After all, He is the One who came up with the idea (Ephesians 1). Please pray with us as we embark on this journey. There is so much that lies ahead.
The first time I held my daughter.
"I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of of sorrow."
Jeremiah 31:13
3 months later
I will give them comfort and joy instead of of sorrow."
Jeremiah 31:13
3 months later
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Happy Halloween!
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend full of fun and sugar :0) Here's what we did over the weekend:
Dressed up as Jessie from Toy Story 2 and went Trick-or-Treating (in the rain).
We also bought a house on Friday...so, not much going on around here :0) As a bonus, here's a picture my sister sent of the cutest little scarecrow I ever did see...my nephew Camp, in Birmingham. Sure wish I could have gotten my hands on him. We miss them so much!
I know, I know, he's adorable. Have a great week! We will be moving (for the second time in 6 months)...YAY!!!
Went bike riding since it finally wasn't raining...beautiful fall day on Thursday!
Played with Maggie, our dog, outside in the pretty weather.
Carved pumpkins.
Carved pumpkins.
Dressed up as Jessie from Toy Story 2 and went Trick-or-Treating (in the rain).
We also bought a house on Friday...so, not much going on around here :0) As a bonus, here's a picture my sister sent of the cutest little scarecrow I ever did see...my nephew Camp, in Birmingham. Sure wish I could have gotten my hands on him. We miss them so much!
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