We're home from our first visit with the boys and guess what happens now? More paperwork! It's not nearly as much as the first time around, but it has to be done. I'm finally feeling awake enough to conquer it, so our goals for today are Christmas decorations and 2nd stage dossier preparations. We will have to submit with the USCIS (United Stated Citizenship and Immigration Services) and wait for their final official approval of our adoption. Then, a judge will be appointed, a court date set. At that court date the boys will become our legal children and we'll be able to pick them up within a month of court. This whole process should take 4 months, if we don't hit any snags. Please, pray we don't hit any snags. We want our boys home!
What else will we be doing in the next 4 months? Finishing up our fundraising. How much do we still need?$9,500. I'm going to find a new ticker and get it set up so everyone can watch as we knock this last $9500 out. Ways you can help?
By entering to win some Christmas Cash! We have $450 in gift cards, we're giving away, here. Enter for your chance to win and help bring home Joseph and Samuel.
By making a purchase through Ordinary Hero and using Rhodes, Amanda as the affiliate at checkout. There's a link on the right hand side of the blog. We have an additional giveaway going on with that. You can read about it here. Special thanks to Susan, again, for taking the time to write that post for me.
By praying and praying some more. Maybe you have no money to give, but prayer changes things. It moves hearts. You can also share our story with your friends and family. Maybe they're looking for someway to be a blessing to an orphan this Christmas season.
In 4 days, we're going to start a couple of really fun, fast giveaways. 24 hours each and you should have your gift by Christmas. Entries will only be $5 this time around, so maybe some friends who haven't been able to participate in the past, we'll be able to win a nice gift in time for Christmas.
We'll also be giving away a small gift to random friends, family and strangers who have given, prayed, shared throughout this past year. You don't have to give anything else, we just have a list of friends who have participated in our journey and we'll be choosing some to give a little something extra to. We know that's not why you gave, prayed, shared, encouraged, but we want you to know that we realize we could not be here without you.
Blessings,
Mandy
When I think of the saying, "Be the change that you want to see in others", it is truly you and your family! I am truly blessed to have met you and your family! I pray that all things go as planned for you guys, that God protects your family in order to see you through this last part. Sometimes when you finally see the finish line it looks farther than it really is. God will see you through! I wish your family the best!
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Elissa Wilson
Thank you, Lisa, for always being such an encouragement. Your words are too kind. Thank you for continually covering us in prayer and for offering our family friendship a long time ago when we were in a lonely place. Keep letting your light shine. We love and miss you and the family.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Mandy
Mandy, First off, Welcome Home! Four months! Woohoo, while it might seem so far away right now with all the preparation of getting paperwork ready and travel it will be here in a blink of an eye.
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know the gal on Etsy sent out the print that I won on Meredith's giveaway. The family that received it LOVES it! Thank you so much. It was a real joy for me to be able to share that gift with them for their little girls new nursery. Their little girl is having 2 surgeries back to back, one for her airway next Monday and the following Monday open heart surgery. If you don't already know the Basile family hop on over and read up on sweet Mila. http://hopefulheartadoption.blogspot.com/ and their other blog that is for the little girl they adopted in 2010 is for Zoya angeleyesadoption.blogspot.com
Merry Christmas to your family. I donated a little something to your fund today.
Prayers to you and your family,
Teri
Thanks, Teri!
ReplyDeleteI have followed the Basile's family journey. They're girls are both just precious. I'm glad you were able to be a blessing with your gift.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Blessings,
Mandy