Saturday, September 22, 2012
ME & MY GRANNY
Friday, September 21, 2012
GREETINGS FRIENDS OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES
FINALLY - We got all that paperwork together
and had the documents apostilled by our Secretary of State.
When THAT was DONE - We made 4 copies of the entire dossier and sent it America World Adoption Agency.
Then WE PAYED -
2nd Installment of Program Fee
Post Adoption Report Deposit
Dossier Service/Translation Fee
1/2 of International Program Fee
Then AWAA sent - the DOSSIER to ETHIOPIA for the governments review and approval.
NOW THE WAIT BEGINS
WE WAIT....
And WAIT....
And WAIT....
FOR an estimated 24 months WE WILL WAIT
Guest what friends only 9 MONTHS more to....WAIT!!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
OUR STORY
Dear Family & Friends
We are writing this letter with much excitement and expectation of two wonderful gifts from God. As God works through all of us we will see the manifestation of His promise.
Robbe and I started trying to conceive about four years ago. I remember being so excited, we painted a room in our home; in faith, that it would soon be filled with children. Six months went by and still not pregnant. We chalked our failure to conceive up to my tour schedule. People kept saying, “don’t worry about it, as soon as you settle down and are home for good amount of time you’ll get pregnant. So we were not concerned and just kept trying and waiting for my schedule to slow down. Another year came and went and my faith was grabbing its’ knees but we still held on to our faith. We figured it was only a matter of time.
The summer of the third year Robbe decided to exercise and work his faith. He surprised me with a fully furnished and decorated nursery; everything from crib to diapers. I was overwhelmed by his seemingly; limitless fountain of faith. The nursery was evidence of my husbands’ faith (Hebrews 11:1) but for me it was evidence of my failure to conceive. I cried not for joy but in agony; “why me God, I cried; what have I done, why are you denying me the ability to bless my husband with children?” I begged God to do this for my husband’s sake. He was trusting God without wavering, without pause, without doubt; standing on his promise from God.
In the fall of 2009 we went to a fertility specialist that told us that we had only a 1% chance of conceiving without medical intervention and only a 20% chance with medical help. The IVF procedure was quite expensive so we decided to keep trying. God could work a miracle with 1% and what a testimony that would be to other couples suffering with infertility. Six months later and still not pregnant. I did all kinds of research looking for other options with better odds but found nothing that we felt lead to pursue. So we consulted another fertility specialist that told us that getting pregnant with our own eggs was no longer an option. Having to use donor eggs meant that it would cost us at least $40 thousand dollars for the chance to possibly conceive. I was devastated; so I started to really seek God’s face to get some “right now answers.”
What was the purpose of all this heartache; why would God have us go into debt to start our family? I jokingly told Robbe that we would have to make monthly payments on our children. I went on to say that if our kids ever acted badly, we could threaten to return them to the fertility clinic and dispute the charges with our credit card company. Robbe did not think that was too funny but at this point I had to laugh because I had run out of tears. I was praying one day and heard God say that we would not go into debt to fulfill the promise that he made to us. So, I decided to stop grieving and start working to build our family.
I started to research IVF procedures in other countries and discovered the cost was more affordable. I had decided that we would go to Africa to pursue fertility treatments but God had other plans. While doing more research I stumbled across an article about orphans in Ethiopia and my heart began to ache for these children. I knew then that God was moving to fulfill his promise. My faith was restored; knowing that our children were waiting and whether they were to be birth or found we would be blessed with children. I found out that there were millions of children in Ethiopia that had been orphaned by sickness, lack of health care or clean water, and many other issues that were claiming the lives of parents and children as well. I talked to Robbe and found out that he always wanted to adopt. So we were ready to move forward to build our family. Thus begins our adoption journey:
We are writing this letter with much excitement and expectation of two wonderful gifts from God. As God works through all of us we will see the manifestation of His promise.
Robbe and I started trying to conceive about four years ago. I remember being so excited, we painted a room in our home; in faith, that it would soon be filled with children. Six months went by and still not pregnant. We chalked our failure to conceive up to my tour schedule. People kept saying, “don’t worry about it, as soon as you settle down and are home for good amount of time you’ll get pregnant. So we were not concerned and just kept trying and waiting for my schedule to slow down. Another year came and went and my faith was grabbing its’ knees but we still held on to our faith. We figured it was only a matter of time.
The summer of the third year Robbe decided to exercise and work his faith. He surprised me with a fully furnished and decorated nursery; everything from crib to diapers. I was overwhelmed by his seemingly; limitless fountain of faith. The nursery was evidence of my husbands’ faith (Hebrews 11:1) but for me it was evidence of my failure to conceive. I cried not for joy but in agony; “why me God, I cried; what have I done, why are you denying me the ability to bless my husband with children?” I begged God to do this for my husband’s sake. He was trusting God without wavering, without pause, without doubt; standing on his promise from God.
In the fall of 2009 we went to a fertility specialist that told us that we had only a 1% chance of conceiving without medical intervention and only a 20% chance with medical help. The IVF procedure was quite expensive so we decided to keep trying. God could work a miracle with 1% and what a testimony that would be to other couples suffering with infertility. Six months later and still not pregnant. I did all kinds of research looking for other options with better odds but found nothing that we felt lead to pursue. So we consulted another fertility specialist that told us that getting pregnant with our own eggs was no longer an option. Having to use donor eggs meant that it would cost us at least $40 thousand dollars for the chance to possibly conceive. I was devastated; so I started to really seek God’s face to get some “right now answers.”
What was the purpose of all this heartache; why would God have us go into debt to start our family? I jokingly told Robbe that we would have to make monthly payments on our children. I went on to say that if our kids ever acted badly, we could threaten to return them to the fertility clinic and dispute the charges with our credit card company. Robbe did not think that was too funny but at this point I had to laugh because I had run out of tears. I was praying one day and heard God say that we would not go into debt to fulfill the promise that he made to us. So, I decided to stop grieving and start working to build our family.
I started to research IVF procedures in other countries and discovered the cost was more affordable. I had decided that we would go to Africa to pursue fertility treatments but God had other plans. While doing more research I stumbled across an article about orphans in Ethiopia and my heart began to ache for these children. I knew then that God was moving to fulfill his promise. My faith was restored; knowing that our children were waiting and whether they were to be birth or found we would be blessed with children. I found out that there were millions of children in Ethiopia that had been orphaned by sickness, lack of health care or clean water, and many other issues that were claiming the lives of parents and children as well. I talked to Robbe and found out that he always wanted to adopt. So we were ready to move forward to build our family. Thus begins our adoption journey:
Sunday, September 5, 2010
JUST SO YOU CAN HAVE AN IDEA
Here is a list of the home study to-do's:
LET THE PAPER CHASE BEGIN
Obtain Copies of Birth Certificates - DONE
Obtain Copy of Marriage License - DONE
Apply for Passports - N/A
Request and Notarize Letters of Employment - DONE
Home Study Application - DONE
Autobiographies - DONE
Criminal Background Checks - DONE
Residential History - DONE
Statement of Faith - DONE
Medical Examinations for Each Member of the Family - DONE
Fire Protection Inspection - DONE
Copies of Tax Returns - DONE
Current Financial Statements - DONE
Create Floor Plan of the Home - DONE
Photo Session of the House - DONE
Home Study Reference Forms - DONE (Thanks Friends/Family)
Guardianship Agreement - DONE (Thanks big sis!)
Homestudy Interview 1 - DONE
Homestudy Interview 2 - DONE
Homestudy Interview 3 - DONE
Gina Hague Training Complete - DONE
And this is only the beginning of the paper chase.......so hold on friend this is gonna be a long and bumpy ride. lol. Laughter is good for the soul and keeps me going, so send all jokes UPS!
We have been working on completing our home study appointments/payments/finge
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
From: Pure & Lasting Blog
Why does adoption cost so much?
When we are talking with our friends and family about adoption, money inevitably becomes one of the focuses of conversation. We often hear things like, “We’ve thought about adopting, but is it just so expensive.” or “Why does it cost so much?” The friend/family member has good intentions and may even be trying to defend Chris and I and why we have to give up so much in order to bring our daughter home. Because I want to use this blog as a place for our friends, family and anyone else to learn more about adoption and about God’s heart for adoption, I can’t let this topic go unaddressed. First, I want to explain why adoption costs as much as it does and then I will tell you why none of that matters.
So, where does all the money go? The first misconception people have is that we have to write one big check to our agency and that they are making a large profit from this check. That simply is not true. The cost of adoption is spread to many different people/agencies/governments. A large portion of the cost is the travel. Unfortunately, the airlines can’t fly us all over the world for free. We have also paid our doctor for blood work, a notaries for their services, a social worker for her time, the list goes on and on. Chris and I have no problem with where the money is going. There are reasons for them all. No one is taking advantage of us. All the procedures are necessary to ensure that we are capable parents. We are happy to comply. I’m all about transparency, so here is the link to the breakdown of adoption costs from Ethiopia.
Here is the answer our agency gives as to way adoption costs so much:
It is true, adopting a child should be free. Unfortunately an international adoption is quite a complicated legal process. During your adoption process, you (and the agency you are adopting through) will be working with a myriad of entities. These include foreign governments, the USCIS department, county and state authorities, as well as the federal level state department (not to mention the numerous notaries you will need, police checks, medical reports and social services evaluations). There are many people who spend a lot of time working to adequately prepare the legal procedures for the adoption process, and it ultimately ends up costing quite a bit of money. Although most of the money you pay to other entities, not to us, we still include them in our estimate so that you can know realistically all the costs you will be responsible for during the adoption.
With all of that said, when God calls us to do something is makes absolutely no difference how much it costs. As Christians, we are required to take up our cross and follow Him. Follow Him anywhere He leads. It is not about us. We are to give our time, talents, and yes, our money to God for Him to use. He may want 10% or He may ask for it all. We follow a Radical God. Jesus didn’t come talking about rainbows and butterflies. In Matthew 10, He says “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it.”
In May, Chris and I went to a informational meeting our agency was having at a nearby church. We had already made the decision to adopt, but we were waiting to apply until we had more money saved. We wanted to be responsible and feel secure. The problem with that is God wanted us to start this journey now. Waiting for every penny to be in the bank wouldn’t take a mustard seed amount of faith and would leave no room for God to show His providing power.(Disclaimer: Not that there is anything wrong with being careful and I am in no way recommending reckless spending!) While at the meeting, the adorableCristie Martine said to us, “God funds what He favors.” That hit us. We were being so logical that we were leaving God out of the equation. The next day we filled out our application. It doesn’t matter how much it costs because we serve a God who loves adoption, He called us to this and He is bigger than money. Need more proof? I’ll let Jesus tell you Himself.
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be. No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. -Matthew 6:19-34
I know that money is a touchy subject. I’m not good at beating around the bush, so here are my thoughts. Money is a fact of life, but it should not rule our lives. Jesus didn’t dance around how He feels about it: “You cannot serve both God and money.” I have heard story after story after story about God providing the money needed to complete an adoption, from promotions to checks from complete strangers. Even more often, I hear about families who have made adoption and caring for orphans a priority in their lives. Jesus tells us to store up our treasure in Heaven, which means spending our earthly money on heavenly causes. Chris and I have been praying that God would break our hearts for what breaks His. He has. He has turned our world upside down. We don’t like to hear it, but we can’t serve God and have everything WE want. Our needs are so small. It is all our WANTS that stop us from helping others, from being Christ to the world. This process has opened my eyes to all the things I do not need. I am not-so-eagerly expecting God to slowly start asking me to give up things I think I need. Adoption is expensive, but not much (if any) more expensive than a new car or the difference between staying where we are and upgrading to a nicer house (God knows how I thought I NEEDED a bigger house.) “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will be also.” Where is your heart? What consumes your thoughts? Where is God telling you to put your treasure?
-Jenn
Saturday, July 24, 2010
From: Open Hearts for Adoption
Bible Verses About Adoption
In you the orphan finds mercy.
Hosea 14:3
Never take advantage of any widow or orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, you can be sure that I will hear their cry.
Exodus 22:22-23
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8:14-16
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4-6
You are the helper of the fatherless. LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.
Psalms 10:14,17-18
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
James 1:27
Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.
Psalms 68:5-6
When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.
Deuteronomy 24:19
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
Isaiah 1:17
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
Proverbs 31:8-9
And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.
Matthew 18:5
I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!
Matthew 25:40
In you the orphan finds mercy.
Hosea 14:3
Never take advantage of any widow or orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, you can be sure that I will hear their cry.
Exodus 22:22-23
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8:14-16
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4-6
You are the helper of the fatherless. LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.
Psalms 10:14,17-18
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
James 1:27
Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.
Psalms 68:5-6
When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.
Deuteronomy 24:19
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
Isaiah 1:17
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
Proverbs 31:8-9
And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.
Matthew 18:5
I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!
Matthew 25:40
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