Many who feel like they would like to help, but Adoption is NOT for them, And that is OK. It is not for everyone.
But what CAN you do?
Birthday presents Can be purchased from places like :this:
You can write from the heart encouraging others to Speak, Act, and Move.
You could donate time and encourage others who are working on their own projects like this one
You can support groups in big ways or small. Just do something, the greatest gift you can give back to our Lord is to Serve another.
Travel
Give
Lift
Encourage
Friday, March 23, 2012
THANK YOU!
Thank you "GN"
Thank you "SS"
Thank you "LJ"
Thank you "HS"
My heart is overflowing with gratitude that others near and far would find the way to support our family.
It takes a lot of humility to fundraise and ask for help, and the outpouring has overwhelmed me with gratitude.
Thank you.
Thank you "SS"
Thank you "LJ"
Thank you "HS"
My heart is overflowing with gratitude that others near and far would find the way to support our family.
It takes a lot of humility to fundraise and ask for help, and the outpouring has overwhelmed me with gratitude.
Thank you.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
What a day.... March 21st 2012
Yesterday was our "Gotcha Day"
The plan started out that Shaun and I had an apt. to get our fingerprints done. (for the 4th time....don't ask)
These apts are only made once a week, and if we did not make it to this, we would have two choices, drive 3 hrs to the next location, or wait a week. I was anxious to get them done, as this is the most essential part of the home-study.
The plan was, as soon as we were done getting that done, we would jet out to the airport and pick up our boy!
On our way to Liberty, Denise called.... She and I understand one-another when we use our 'free flight privileges' they come with many many kinks. Denise had been trying to get out on a flight since Tuesday afternoon. They had been full, and the Wed. flights were not looking any better.
When she called and told me the chances were getting slimmer for an arrival we made a hasty decision to drive and meet each other in the middle somewhere.
So once we finished with our fingerprinting appointment, Shaun and I drove 3.5 hours to Fort Dodge Iowa.
We arrived in Fort Dodge and met up at the McDonald's. Melvin is such a cheerful easy going boy, he happily jumped into our car, got himself buckled and we were on our way.
We arrived at home late last night. the older kids were up waiting to meet their new brother, and after greetings and smiles everywhere, we crashed into bed.
At 7:30 a.m. we got breakfast made and said goodbye to Madi & Shaun who had to go to school. Zeke & Elijah woke up and came for breakfast, Eli was surveying Melvin and was rather unsure of his stance, after lots of hugs, and kisses from mommy reassuring him all was ok, he jumped right into playing and sharing everything with Melvin.
The day is nearly half way over, and I am still in a state of disbelief. The kids are all getting along, everyone has been prepped as much as possible, and we appreciate your prayers to lift us along the way.
Did you see the Fundraiser Thermometer? Did you see we are at $1185.00!?
THANK YOU! and thanks to the many who have volunteered to sell chocolate bars in our behalf as well. (pics to come soon!)
The plan started out that Shaun and I had an apt. to get our fingerprints done. (for the 4th time....don't ask)
These apts are only made once a week, and if we did not make it to this, we would have two choices, drive 3 hrs to the next location, or wait a week. I was anxious to get them done, as this is the most essential part of the home-study.
The plan was, as soon as we were done getting that done, we would jet out to the airport and pick up our boy!
When she called and told me the chances were getting slimmer for an arrival we made a hasty decision to drive and meet each other in the middle somewhere.
So once we finished with our fingerprinting appointment, Shaun and I drove 3.5 hours to Fort Dodge Iowa.
We arrived in Fort Dodge and met up at the McDonald's. Melvin is such a cheerful easy going boy, he happily jumped into our car, got himself buckled and we were on our way.
We arrived at home late last night. the older kids were up waiting to meet their new brother, and after greetings and smiles everywhere, we crashed into bed.
At 7:30 a.m. we got breakfast made and said goodbye to Madi & Shaun who had to go to school. Zeke & Elijah woke up and came for breakfast, Eli was surveying Melvin and was rather unsure of his stance, after lots of hugs, and kisses from mommy reassuring him all was ok, he jumped right into playing and sharing everything with Melvin.
The day is nearly half way over, and I am still in a state of disbelief. The kids are all getting along, everyone has been prepped as much as possible, and we appreciate your prayers to lift us along the way.
Did you see the Fundraiser Thermometer? Did you see we are at $1185.00!?
THANK YOU! and thanks to the many who have volunteered to sell chocolate bars in our behalf as well. (pics to come soon!)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Movers & Shakers
I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends who support my crazy life.
This morning I received a call from Susannah. I consider her one of my closest friends. She had a GREAT Suggestion!
Sam's Club Warehouse carries boxes of chocolate candy bars. 52 bars in the box. The boxes COST $20 (apx) The idea is to sell (peddle!) the bars wherever you can, selling them for $1-$2. These bars come with a $1 off coupon for Subway.
If everyone who is willing to pay for any amount of boxes, and sell the bars you could triple the investment! If your kids go to school, and are allowed to sell, they could sell a box in 3 hours easily!
I will create a flyer explaining our needs and you can use that as intro to the pitch.
I love it!
Who is in?
This morning I received a call from Susannah. I consider her one of my closest friends. She had a GREAT Suggestion!
Sam's Club Warehouse carries boxes of chocolate candy bars. 52 bars in the box. The boxes COST $20 (apx) The idea is to sell (peddle!) the bars wherever you can, selling them for $1-$2. These bars come with a $1 off coupon for Subway.
If everyone who is willing to pay for any amount of boxes, and sell the bars you could triple the investment! If your kids go to school, and are allowed to sell, they could sell a box in 3 hours easily!
I will create a flyer explaining our needs and you can use that as intro to the pitch.
I love it!
Who is in?
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Move your FEET
Most of the time people are supportive, loving and kind. To our face. When I tell the story of our life, or I share the portion of the journey we are currently walking, they say things like "You are so adventurous!" or "Your much braver than I"
Occasionally I get people who are real. and they say exactly what they feel to my face. In one instance someone who I admire greatly asked why in the world i would adopt kids when I was capable of having them biologically (I think she said the easy way)
Well......
What do you say? My un-restrained thoughts are "Because God commands us to care for the needy, and an orphan fits that bill"
but my politically correct reply was, "We feel this is our calling"
For those who CAN NOT care for more than they have, you should not feel guilty. Your Quiver is full, and you are fulfilling your role. Please do not think I am referring to that situation.
The frustration comes to me when ADULTS address their concern and or unapproved opinions to my CHILDREN, who then have to defend ME.
IT IS WRONG.
if an adult has an issue with another adult, then the grown-up thing to do would be speak to that person, not through their child, or neighbor or friend. Because frankly, if you do not know me well enough to offer friendly advice, then maybe you should keep your opinions to yourself.
I do not judge others who have EXCESS, who can travel the world, buy brand new cars every few years, Pay cash for every whim, fancy or idea. They earned it, and they have a right to spend it how they see fit.
But why do others seem to think it is their place to question, comment or gossip about my choices, goals, life and intentions.
People the commandment is to LOVE one another.
Comfort those that need Comforting
Support the poor, Widowed, needy and Orphaned.
and Love thy NEIGHBOR as THYSELF .
Here is a thought that resonates in my mind.
"If not me....then WHO?"
"If not Now...then WHEN?"
"If not this....Then WHAT?"
Adoption is not convenient, cheap, or easy.
the negative comments that are made about me wasting my potential, or how we must be really wealthy, or I must have super powers that they lack...are not true.
When I see someone with a flat on the side of the road, I can think....."Awe, someone else can take care of their needs"
or I can MOVE MY FEET and REACH OUT TO HELP!
What can you do?
Who needs your hand?
Who needs your love?
if not adoption...then what
it not you...then who
if not now....then when
MOVE YOUR FEET. Do not judge the path I travel, and in return I will smile and nod as our paths cross.
Occasionally I get people who are real. and they say exactly what they feel to my face. In one instance someone who I admire greatly asked why in the world i would adopt kids when I was capable of having them biologically (I think she said the easy way)
Well......
What do you say? My un-restrained thoughts are "Because God commands us to care for the needy, and an orphan fits that bill"
but my politically correct reply was, "We feel this is our calling"
For those who CAN NOT care for more than they have, you should not feel guilty. Your Quiver is full, and you are fulfilling your role. Please do not think I am referring to that situation.
The frustration comes to me when ADULTS address their concern and or unapproved opinions to my CHILDREN, who then have to defend ME.
IT IS WRONG.
if an adult has an issue with another adult, then the grown-up thing to do would be speak to that person, not through their child, or neighbor or friend. Because frankly, if you do not know me well enough to offer friendly advice, then maybe you should keep your opinions to yourself.
I do not judge others who have EXCESS, who can travel the world, buy brand new cars every few years, Pay cash for every whim, fancy or idea. They earned it, and they have a right to spend it how they see fit.
But why do others seem to think it is their place to question, comment or gossip about my choices, goals, life and intentions.
People the commandment is to LOVE one another.
Comfort those that need Comforting
Support the poor, Widowed, needy and Orphaned.
and Love thy NEIGHBOR as THYSELF .
Here is a thought that resonates in my mind.
"If not Now...then WHEN?"
"If not this....Then WHAT?"
Adoption is not convenient, cheap, or easy.
the negative comments that are made about me wasting my potential, or how we must be really wealthy, or I must have super powers that they lack...are not true.
When I see someone with a flat on the side of the road, I can think....."Awe, someone else can take care of their needs"
or I can MOVE MY FEET and REACH OUT TO HELP!
What can you do?
Who needs your hand?
Who needs your love?
if not adoption...then what
it not you...then who
if not now....then when
MOVE YOUR FEET. Do not judge the path I travel, and in return I will smile and nod as our paths cross.
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