Today, I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God and the faithfulness of friends to allow Him to use you. Check out the ticker at the top of the page. We're about $100 away from having the funds we need to submit our USCIS paperwork. Then, we just have to knock out the $1400 for the home study agency, so they'll release our dossier documents.
You all did an amazing thing, yesterday. The money is awesome, but even more than that, you shared our need, again and again. You encouraged us with messages and comments and phone calls. You prayed for us! We're so blessed not to be alone on this journey. We're blessed that you choose to link arms with our family and continue to walk this path with us.
There's a little girl on the other side of the ocean, who must feel so alone and abandoned. She got left behind. Her very best friend in all the world was chosen and she was left to wait. What must her world feel like, right now? I know, that it grieves my heart to think about it. What a wonderful day is coming, when we get to cross the ocean and tell her that not only has she been chosen, but God has worked out the details for her to come home to her brother. It's a miracle in the making and I'm humbled that God is allowing us to be a part of it. I'm thankful, too, that you're choosing to be a part of K's miracle, too.
Thankful that we serve an on-time God! He has an appointment with K's circumstance and He continues to show-up and show-off for her. She is not forgotten. God knows her name!
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support!
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Very Discouraged
Here it comes. Run away, now, if you dislike the posts where I'm brutally honest about how I feel.
I'm just gonna jump right in. We paid to expedite our home study. We were told that would take 6-8 weeks at the most pending our backgrounds coming back in a timely fashion. They did. We finally have our home study in hand today, almost 12 weeks after the contract was signed. We won't be getting a refund of our expedited fees ($500). We did, however, receive an additional bill, today. A post-placement agreement (for our follow-up visits after K's adoption is complete) that says we'll pay $1400 for our 4 post-placement visits. Here's the kicker and yes, it feels like a kick in the gut, they want their $1400, now! As in, they are holding 2 pieces of paperwork that we need for our dossier hostage until we pay the $1400.
My anxiety level is through the roof and I'm looking at our account and realized that we're still $600 short of what we need to send our USCIS application in. Now, we do have a golf tournament that's happening on Saturday, but most of those checks are going straight to Reece's Rainbow to our grant. In other words, we can't access it until we have a travel date. Are you following me? We can't take the next step in this process without another $600, rapidly followed by $1400 donated to our personal account.
I'm asking you to pray. Pray and believe with us that God is going to meet this need. That God is going to give us grace to continue to walk with integrity this path that He's placed us on. Pray that we will represent Christ well to the people who look this way. Even, when our flesh cries out, "That's not FAIR!" It's not fair. Not even a little bit, but God...
I think, God is looking for a chance to show-off. We're in that place, right now, of complete dependency. We have nothing left to give. We can only humbly ask that you help us. There's a chip-in on the right hand side that goes directly to our paypal account. We're just going to drag the mountain into the presence of the Lord and pray that it will melt like wax.
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
I'm just gonna jump right in. We paid to expedite our home study. We were told that would take 6-8 weeks at the most pending our backgrounds coming back in a timely fashion. They did. We finally have our home study in hand today, almost 12 weeks after the contract was signed. We won't be getting a refund of our expedited fees ($500). We did, however, receive an additional bill, today. A post-placement agreement (for our follow-up visits after K's adoption is complete) that says we'll pay $1400 for our 4 post-placement visits. Here's the kicker and yes, it feels like a kick in the gut, they want their $1400, now! As in, they are holding 2 pieces of paperwork that we need for our dossier hostage until we pay the $1400.
My anxiety level is through the roof and I'm looking at our account and realized that we're still $600 short of what we need to send our USCIS application in. Now, we do have a golf tournament that's happening on Saturday, but most of those checks are going straight to Reece's Rainbow to our grant. In other words, we can't access it until we have a travel date. Are you following me? We can't take the next step in this process without another $600, rapidly followed by $1400 donated to our personal account.
I'm asking you to pray. Pray and believe with us that God is going to meet this need. That God is going to give us grace to continue to walk with integrity this path that He's placed us on. Pray that we will represent Christ well to the people who look this way. Even, when our flesh cries out, "That's not FAIR!" It's not fair. Not even a little bit, but God...
I think, God is looking for a chance to show-off. We're in that place, right now, of complete dependency. We have nothing left to give. We can only humbly ask that you help us. There's a chip-in on the right hand side that goes directly to our paypal account. We're just going to drag the mountain into the presence of the Lord and pray that it will melt like wax.
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Do Something!
From time to time, we get some backlash regarding our adoption. People get really angry and up in arms over the fact that we're adopting internationally, when there are children in the USA that need a home. I've addressed it here before. My simple answer is this: Our family is walking where God has called us to walk.
I read a verse today, that made me think of this. In Proverbs 29:27 (from the Message version) the Word says, "Good people can't stand the sight of deliberate evil; the wicked can't stand the sight of well-chosen goodness." I have often asked God why does it bother people, so much, that we went overseas to get our boys and now, our girl? Honestly, it's usually the people who aren't doing anything, at all to help children here at home or overseas, but that's a whole different conversation. Then, I read this verse and it began to make sense.
Well-chosen goodness offends people who aren't doing anything.
Did I really just say that? Yes, I did. I think, we need a wake-up call. If someone is doing something that offends you (especially when it directly lines up with the Word of God) it's time for some serious self-evaluation.
When God opened our family's eyes to the orphan crisis, He showed us children with special needs in Eastern Europe. I wanted to go to Africa and Marty wanted to go to Haiti, but God sent us to Eastern Europe. We don't get to choose, God chooses for us. We saw deliberate evil happening in orphanages and institutions across the ocean and we couldn't stand the sight of it. God said, "Go" and we went. We're continuing to go.
Whatever it is, wherever God is calling you, wherever He has shown you deliberate evil, simply DO SOMETHING! Have no doubt that once He has opened your eyes to truth, you are accountable to that truth. If He is calling you to foster care, then foster. If He is calling you to adopt, then adopt. If He is calling you to pray, then pray. If He is calling you to support an adoptive family (whether through fundraising, giving or advocacy), then support them. Whatever He's calling you to do, do it to HIS Glory and stop worrying about what everyone else is doing.
It matters to the children who are waiting for a home. It matters to the boy with the story no one would believe. It matters and God is watching how we respond.
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something!
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
I read a verse today, that made me think of this. In Proverbs 29:27 (from the Message version) the Word says, "Good people can't stand the sight of deliberate evil; the wicked can't stand the sight of well-chosen goodness." I have often asked God why does it bother people, so much, that we went overseas to get our boys and now, our girl? Honestly, it's usually the people who aren't doing anything, at all to help children here at home or overseas, but that's a whole different conversation. Then, I read this verse and it began to make sense.
Well-chosen goodness offends people who aren't doing anything.
Did I really just say that? Yes, I did. I think, we need a wake-up call. If someone is doing something that offends you (especially when it directly lines up with the Word of God) it's time for some serious self-evaluation.
When God opened our family's eyes to the orphan crisis, He showed us children with special needs in Eastern Europe. I wanted to go to Africa and Marty wanted to go to Haiti, but God sent us to Eastern Europe. We don't get to choose, God chooses for us. We saw deliberate evil happening in orphanages and institutions across the ocean and we couldn't stand the sight of it. God said, "Go" and we went. We're continuing to go.
Whatever it is, wherever God is calling you, wherever He has shown you deliberate evil, simply DO SOMETHING! Have no doubt that once He has opened your eyes to truth, you are accountable to that truth. If He is calling you to foster care, then foster. If He is calling you to adopt, then adopt. If He is calling you to pray, then pray. If He is calling you to support an adoptive family (whether through fundraising, giving or advocacy), then support them. Whatever He's calling you to do, do it to HIS Glory and stop worrying about what everyone else is doing.
It matters to the children who are waiting for a home. It matters to the boy with the story no one would believe. It matters and God is watching how we respond.
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something!
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Homestudy is Coming!
I have reviewed and approved the final draft of our homestudy and am currently waiting to receive my notarized copies from our homestudy agency. Hoping for Monday! Next step is USCIS for their approval for us to adopt "K." Last adoption this process took us over 70 days, so please, begin to pray for favor, now! We have seen families in and out in 30 days, recently. We'd love to be one of them.
Please, don't forget about our Golf Tournament and all the ways that you can be involved. Make sure to check out our wall of kids. 3 have been chosen, so far. Pray that their families will see them. I am believing that God is writing a beautiful story for each of them. I hope, we all get to witness their miracles.
I also hope that we all get to see Ian find a home. I look at him and I see a treasure. I know, that God has good in mind for him, as He does for each of us. There's just something special about this boy. Please, share his picture and help us find his Mom and Dad.
I found out recently that Ian doesn't have a grant on Reece's Rainbow, because they only have his file for a limited amount of time. That means he needs a family, now. Please, don't let his file go back. Let's don't reaffirm what other's think about Ian. He is worthy of love and a family. Someone, please, choose Ian to be your son. You'll be choosing well.
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something!
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
Please, don't forget about our Golf Tournament and all the ways that you can be involved. Make sure to check out our wall of kids. 3 have been chosen, so far. Pray that their families will see them. I am believing that God is writing a beautiful story for each of them. I hope, we all get to witness their miracles.
I also hope that we all get to see Ian find a home. I look at him and I see a treasure. I know, that God has good in mind for him, as He does for each of us. There's just something special about this boy. Please, share his picture and help us find his Mom and Dad.
I found out recently that Ian doesn't have a grant on Reece's Rainbow, because they only have his file for a limited amount of time. That means he needs a family, now. Please, don't let his file go back. Let's don't reaffirm what other's think about Ian. He is worthy of love and a family. Someone, please, choose Ian to be your son. You'll be choosing well.
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something!
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
Monday, October 1, 2012
Three Handsome BOYS!
I'm so thrilled that the first two children added to our signs for the Golf Tournament are boys. I love little boys. Last year, I wrote a post about the number 1 reason a child stays an orphan. You might be surprised to know that it's simply being born a boy. So, my heart sang as it realized that the first two chosen to be represented for our golf tournament were boys. I would love to see a wall full of boys! Don't hesitate to add the girl of your heart, either, though.
While we're talking boys and special needs, I want to show you someone who's been heavy on my heart for a couple of weeks. My dear friend shared him on her facebook wall and my heart skipped a beat. If I'm quite honest, so did Marty's and we knew we needed to find this boy a family, fast.
Isn't he wonderful? This is Ian. Ian is 7 years old and such a handsome guy. His special needs are such a non-issue, that I have to believe he waits simply because he's a boy. Where are the families who want to raise the next generation of warriors for our faith? I believe there is no greater calling or privilege on earth than to raise a Godly man. Our world is sadly lacking men of honor. Ian could be one! Ian could change the world, if given a chance.
Ian spent the first 19 months of life living with his biological family. Then, he went to a baby orphanage, until he was 3 years old. Finally, he was transferred to an orphanage for older children. He had a rough time, but has settled in. He's going to school and learning new things. He's a good helper and loves to watch cartoons. Sounds like a lot of seven year old boys, I know. The only thing Ian's missing is a family. Even the very best orphanage will send you away one day, with no where to call home and no arms waiting to catch you when you fall. Ian deserves better than that. The Church CAN do better than this for Ian.
Are you Ian's family? Will you share his story? He needs the Church to do what she is called to do, to care for the widows and orphans in their distress.
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something!
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
While we're talking boys and special needs, I want to show you someone who's been heavy on my heart for a couple of weeks. My dear friend shared him on her facebook wall and my heart skipped a beat. If I'm quite honest, so did Marty's and we knew we needed to find this boy a family, fast.
Isn't he wonderful? This is Ian. Ian is 7 years old and such a handsome guy. His special needs are such a non-issue, that I have to believe he waits simply because he's a boy. Where are the families who want to raise the next generation of warriors for our faith? I believe there is no greater calling or privilege on earth than to raise a Godly man. Our world is sadly lacking men of honor. Ian could be one! Ian could change the world, if given a chance.
Ian spent the first 19 months of life living with his biological family. Then, he went to a baby orphanage, until he was 3 years old. Finally, he was transferred to an orphanage for older children. He had a rough time, but has settled in. He's going to school and learning new things. He's a good helper and loves to watch cartoons. Sounds like a lot of seven year old boys, I know. The only thing Ian's missing is a family. Even the very best orphanage will send you away one day, with no where to call home and no arms waiting to catch you when you fall. Ian deserves better than that. The Church CAN do better than this for Ian.
Are you Ian's family? Will you share his story? He needs the Church to do what she is called to do, to care for the widows and orphans in their distress.
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something!
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Golf Tournament Update!
Our Golf Tournament is coming up, quickly. If you've never been to a golf tournament (I haven't), then, you may not have any idea how one works. Let me fill you in and tell you about how you can be involved, even from the other side of the country. How does a golf tournament raise funds? I'm so glad you asked. There are two ways.
First, (and most obvious way) golfers pay to participate. We're signing up 4 man teams and the cost to register a team is $160. We do have to give some of that registration fee to the golf course, but you get the idea. There's a registration form linked on the tab above. Or you can just click here and it will take you directly to the form. If you're local and want to play, all the details are there. Simply print the form and mail it to me or bring it the day of the event.
Second, businesses can sponsor a hole for $100. A hole sponsorship gets a business (or church) a sign placed at the hole. I'll also have a list of sponsors on the blog, shortly. I may even get crazy and add them to the facebook event. Some businesses sponsor one hole, some sponsor more. We keep the entire $100, minus the cost to print the sign, for our adoption. How's this sounding so far?
Well, you know, I couldn't leave it alone. This seemed like a great opportunity to advocate and help bring "K" home. This is the part where you come in, the part where God inspired an idea for a third way to make our event successful. For $50 you can sponsor a hole! What will your sign say? I'm hoping that you'll hop on over to Reece's Rainbow and choose a child or family whose name you'd like to have on your sign. Not only will the child or family of your choice go on the sign, but I'll add a picture and the web address to their grants. Oh, and did I mention that $20 from each $50 given will go to the child or family grant, you choose. Everyone wins.
Obviously, the people participating in the Golf Tournament have a heart for orphans. What better group to have the child or family you're advocating for in front of? How do you give your $50? I'm asking you to use the chipin on the right hand side of the blog. Make sure you leave me a note with the name of the child/family you are sponsoring a sign for. The chipin is not tax-deductible and goes directly to our paypal. I'll need to pay for the signs and pictures, so need access to the funds.
Thanks for helping bring our girl home and for helping advocate for waiting children.
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something!
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
First, (and most obvious way) golfers pay to participate. We're signing up 4 man teams and the cost to register a team is $160. We do have to give some of that registration fee to the golf course, but you get the idea. There's a registration form linked on the tab above. Or you can just click here and it will take you directly to the form. If you're local and want to play, all the details are there. Simply print the form and mail it to me or bring it the day of the event.
Second, businesses can sponsor a hole for $100. A hole sponsorship gets a business (or church) a sign placed at the hole. I'll also have a list of sponsors on the blog, shortly. I may even get crazy and add them to the facebook event. Some businesses sponsor one hole, some sponsor more. We keep the entire $100, minus the cost to print the sign, for our adoption. How's this sounding so far?
Well, you know, I couldn't leave it alone. This seemed like a great opportunity to advocate and help bring "K" home. This is the part where you come in, the part where God inspired an idea for a third way to make our event successful. For $50 you can sponsor a hole! What will your sign say? I'm hoping that you'll hop on over to Reece's Rainbow and choose a child or family whose name you'd like to have on your sign. Not only will the child or family of your choice go on the sign, but I'll add a picture and the web address to their grants. Oh, and did I mention that $20 from each $50 given will go to the child or family grant, you choose. Everyone wins.
Obviously, the people participating in the Golf Tournament have a heart for orphans. What better group to have the child or family you're advocating for in front of? How do you give your $50? I'm asking you to use the chipin on the right hand side of the blog. Make sure you leave me a note with the name of the child/family you are sponsoring a sign for. The chipin is not tax-deductible and goes directly to our paypal. I'll need to pay for the signs and pictures, so need access to the funds.
Thanks for helping bring our girl home and for helping advocate for waiting children.
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something!
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
Back to Reality
Vacation was wonderful, refreshing, restful. Yes, restful, even with 4 children, along. We're so blessed to have great kids. I know, you all are here for the pictures, so I'll let you enjoy them. Then, it's back to reality. Waiting children, fundraising, advocating...that's where I'm heading. I hope you're coming with me!
Vaylo loved Eric and Julie loved Ariel! They were great with the kids and even asked to hold Vaylo.
The rides were great!
Vaylo riding Dumbo with Daddy.
A family picture, not because it's great, but because we're family!
The parade is magical and they love it!
Disney was great. We ended up only doing two days in the parks, because we really loved our resort. Swimming was everyone's favorite part of the week...
Samuel loves to be thrown in!
I love this boy!
His two favorite things, Daddy and Water. What more could a boy want?
We are so blessed to have this time and these memories. We're anxiously awaiting the day when our family of 6, becomes a family of 7. It's hard to explain, but at random times, during our vacation, we'd look at each other and say that we missed "K." I know, she's never been here, but we love her and we're sad that she's missing this time. I know, God has a plan and His timing is always right, trying to rest in that, as we wait for our girl.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures of our whole family, but mostly of our boys. This is redemption. Not only are they not orphans anymore, but they are sons with all the rights and privileges that come along with that title. No longer just existing, but living life to the fullest! So thankful for the wide open spaces of grace that God allows us.
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
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