 |
| Our Thankful turkey! |
 |
| Our Mayflower hand prints- watch out for the waves! |
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
It's the time of the year when the weather turns cold and snow is in the forecast. It's when gatherings become more frequent with family and friends. It's also the time when we begin to talk about the things that we are thankful for. We have always talked about this with our children, however this Thanksgiving season we are emphasizing thanking God for these things. It amazes me as we tuck our ladies into bed and listen to their prayers what they are thankful for! What compassionate little ladies they are growing up to be!
We recently finish our sixteenth week of home school on Tuesday. So far this school year, we have learned about the different Native American tribes, the Puritan's beliefs, the injustice's of slavery, the Mayflower, and why the Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving. It is very interesting, and has helped our two school-age children love history! I am learning right along side them, as I have forgotten so much of the important details since I was in elementary school. What an amazing time of religious freedom, survival in a new land, and relying on God to get them through the first year.
As a family we are thankful for so many things that we usually take for granted. Running water, heat in our house when it is snowing, all of God's amazing animals, our lovely daughters, transportation, electricity, loving grandparents and great-grandparents, freedom to educate our children at home, etc. We are also thankful that our adoption is in His timing. God loves adoption, however the devil does not and will try to stop every adoption from happening. We are in the midst of a war to bring our baby home, which is why I am grateful we have God to rely on because as humans we have a tendency to give in and fail.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Orphan Sunday 2014
Today, November 2, 2014 is Orphan Sunday.
It is a day to raise awareness of all of the orphans here in the United States and around the world.
One day each year churches around the world will talk about those without a family to call their own. They will show videos about the cause, in hopes to raise money for them. They will instruct their congregation what Jesus tells us to about orphans. Today is a day to advocate on behalf of those with no voice. It's also a day to remember our adoption as sons and daughters of God (Ephesians 1:5).
Orphans are everywhere, and we are called to act. Every single one of us are called to help those who go to bed each night alone and without a family. There are many ways God calls us to act, but he makes it clear that all of us have a part in helping others in need (Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world, James 1:27).
Our family chose to act by adopting an orphan from Ethiopia. We began this process in 2012, and through all the detours that we endured, we have kept faith that God will show us where she is and will help us bring our little one home. Adoption is not always an easy process, so please pray for the little ones today. Please pray that they are safe, that they have nutritious food to eat, and for God to lead them to a permanent family.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall
It seems completely crazy that summer has come and gone so quickly! School has begun! This year we have two schoolagers (a third grader and a kindergartener)! Wow, how did my babies get to be so big!?! As you know from my April post, which was a few months ago (sorry about that), we are having some changes this school year. In June I quit my part-time position so I can home school our two girls! I cannot believe that it is September already, and we are into our fifth week of school! I believe that this type of schooling is not for everyone, but right now it is right for our family and we are LOVING it!! We love beginning our school day with a devotion as a family. We love the freedom of completing ALL their work between the hours of 8:00a-1:30p each day (with multiple breaks) and not having homework that cuts into family time! We love that big sister is helping little sister! We love the curriculum we choose (It is more advanced than public school and both ladies are excelling)! It is amazing how much both have matured and grown in the past few weeks! They have become self-motivated, and more independent for their ages! We truly should have done this from the beginning! We even found cool art classes and hands-on animal science classes that are for homeschoolers (our girls love both art & animals), so they are meeting new kids and making friends who are schooled the same way! I didn't realize the home school community was so big and supportive of each other! We are truly blessed that we listened to God and are loving all of the extra family time that comes along with it!
Our adoption remains at a stand still. I just realized that we have been in the number one referral spot for a little girl for 11 months now. I talked to the director or our agency yesterday and was told that the past week there were children whose paperwork was completed, and she referred them to their potential families. The children were all boys, and unfortunately the way our original agency completed some of our Dossier paperwork we cannot accept a little boy. This helps us to remain hopeful though, because they are beginning to get new referrals after many months of none. We know there are little girls in the orphanage in Ethiopia who are just waiting for the orphanage staff to get their paperwork completed so they can get home. Somewhere in Ethiopia there is a beautiful little girl who is destined to have three big sisters (who still pray for her, still wonder about her, and who continue to draw her pictures and make her cards)! At this time, we are praying and knowing it is in His timing.
Our adoption remains at a stand still. I just realized that we have been in the number one referral spot for a little girl for 11 months now. I talked to the director or our agency yesterday and was told that the past week there were children whose paperwork was completed, and she referred them to their potential families. The children were all boys, and unfortunately the way our original agency completed some of our Dossier paperwork we cannot accept a little boy. This helps us to remain hopeful though, because they are beginning to get new referrals after many months of none. We know there are little girls in the orphanage in Ethiopia who are just waiting for the orphanage staff to get their paperwork completed so they can get home. Somewhere in Ethiopia there is a beautiful little girl who is destined to have three big sisters (who still pray for her, still wonder about her, and who continue to draw her pictures and make her cards)! At this time, we are praying and knowing it is in His timing.
 |
| Goodbye carefree summer, hello beautiful fall!! |
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Ramblings...
So, this blog was originally started as a blog about our Ethiopian adoption. It was designed as a way for our family & friends who live in distant and far away places to keep connected on our adoption process. I know, your thinking "What"? Lately it has nothing to do with our adoption.
Since it has been awhile since I've been able to give an adoption update, I thought the Spring season would be a great time to give us a sense of renewed hope. Well, here it is....nothing is happening. We are still waiting. We are still the next in line to receive a referral through our agency. We pray everyday this will happen. The Ethiopian Government did state that the number of adoptions to foreigners will decrease, however they did not state that it will be abandoned.
So, here we sit waiting for our little girl. It is beginning to feel as if there is no end in site. In two months we will have been in this adoption process for two years. When we started the process, we knew there were potentials for bumps in the road, and that it could take longer than expected. What we did not realize was that every possible bump would effect our case with a devastating effect. Although we are currently feeling worn down and almost defeated, we still have hope. We are not giving up until the Ethiopian Government makes us stop. Families with our agency have gone through the new PAIR process, passed court, and have brought their little ones home, which is reassuring. However there is a lack of referrals coming though the orphanages. Without referrals, the process will eventually stop.
It is so sad & awful to think about all of the children sitting in a run down orphanage with no way to get out. The majority will age out of the system and will be forced into the drug & prostitution trade. What else is there for a kid with absolutely no education, no family, no home, and no food to do? This is the sad world we live in. It is a reality for those children sitting in orphanages all over the world. We often forget that people still live in mud huts with dirt floors, no electricity, no education, child brides, child soldiers, lack of medicine, and starving children. This life does exist in the world today. The sad commercials that occasionally pop up on our TV are still true in many cultures today. We just don't have to acknowledge it in our bountiful area of the world.
So, as Spring is upon us we celebrate Jesus. Jesus gave his life for everyone! For you, for me, for the children trapped in orphanages and prostitution around the world. God gave us freewill, which can lead to some very disturbing situations.
As I type this, our lovely three year old is standing next to me signing, "baby Jesus loves me, yes baby Jesus loves me, for bible tells me so" its her own version of Jesus Loves Me, but every word of it is true! Rock on sweet girl! Sing it loud and often for others to hear!!
Please pray for referrals to begin to move again. Not just for our family, but for those all over the United States who are in the same situation. Please pray for the boys and girls around the world with no families. We believe that everyone deserves a loving family, and it breaks our heart that so many are without.
Since it has been awhile since I've been able to give an adoption update, I thought the Spring season would be a great time to give us a sense of renewed hope. Well, here it is....nothing is happening. We are still waiting. We are still the next in line to receive a referral through our agency. We pray everyday this will happen. The Ethiopian Government did state that the number of adoptions to foreigners will decrease, however they did not state that it will be abandoned.
So, here we sit waiting for our little girl. It is beginning to feel as if there is no end in site. In two months we will have been in this adoption process for two years. When we started the process, we knew there were potentials for bumps in the road, and that it could take longer than expected. What we did not realize was that every possible bump would effect our case with a devastating effect. Although we are currently feeling worn down and almost defeated, we still have hope. We are not giving up until the Ethiopian Government makes us stop. Families with our agency have gone through the new PAIR process, passed court, and have brought their little ones home, which is reassuring. However there is a lack of referrals coming though the orphanages. Without referrals, the process will eventually stop.
It is so sad & awful to think about all of the children sitting in a run down orphanage with no way to get out. The majority will age out of the system and will be forced into the drug & prostitution trade. What else is there for a kid with absolutely no education, no family, no home, and no food to do? This is the sad world we live in. It is a reality for those children sitting in orphanages all over the world. We often forget that people still live in mud huts with dirt floors, no electricity, no education, child brides, child soldiers, lack of medicine, and starving children. This life does exist in the world today. The sad commercials that occasionally pop up on our TV are still true in many cultures today. We just don't have to acknowledge it in our bountiful area of the world.
So, as Spring is upon us we celebrate Jesus. Jesus gave his life for everyone! For you, for me, for the children trapped in orphanages and prostitution around the world. God gave us freewill, which can lead to some very disturbing situations.
As I type this, our lovely three year old is standing next to me signing, "baby Jesus loves me, yes baby Jesus loves me, for bible tells me so" its her own version of Jesus Loves Me, but every word of it is true! Rock on sweet girl! Sing it loud and often for others to hear!!
Please pray for referrals to begin to move again. Not just for our family, but for those all over the United States who are in the same situation. Please pray for the boys and girls around the world with no families. We believe that everyone deserves a loving family, and it breaks our heart that so many are without.
Monday, April 14, 2014
The Homeschooling Debate
Public school, private christian school, online school, homeschooling...its enough to make you dizzy!
Yes, we are currently having this debate in our home. Which program is right for our children? They have their own individual needs, so should they be placed in separate schools? We have recently came to the conclusion that the traditional public school is no longer the place for our oldest (at least not for now). But what is right for her, and for our middle daughter since she will be in Kindergarten in the 2014-2015 school year? Is homeschooling right for our oldest child? What about our middle child? If so, which program (all the books, companies, co-op organizations, etc)? My head is spinning with all of the information on the web pertaining to this subject. We feel as through we have gathered all the necessary information. We've attended on-line seminars, talked to parents who are in the trenches of homeschooling their children, attended meetings at private christian schools, looked into online schools, talked to a homeschooling counselor, and have even talked to adults who were home schooled since Kindergarten and now are productive members of our society. I must say there is a huge debate as to the positives and negatives on taking children out of brick-&-mortar schools and into their own homes for a nurturing education. From what I am reading, families are entirely for or against keeping their children home and out of the trenches.
As you can see, we are not taking this issue lightly. We are fortunate enough to be able to live comfortably on one income (although there will be sacrifices). We have always approached parenting as being selfless, while also not giving them everything. We do this by putting our children's needs ahead of our careers. We don't strive to have the biggest house, the fanciest vacations, or the newest vehicle on the market. We strive to be there for them, & to protect their childhood by allowing them to be kids for as long as possible (which is difficult in today's hyper all-about-me society). People allow their children to grow up too quickly, when their children may not be able to maturely handle situations. Once the child has made this transition, they can never go back to being that care free kid again. However, we also understand that we still need to be able to keep food on the table, a roof over our heads, and the lights on (which is why I currently am employed part time). Parenting is hard!! As we investigate, we have prayed. Prayed for our little girl and for what is best for her.
Anyway, I am not on here to give you my opinions on the subject (there's enough opinions from other parents online). I am here to say I understand. It's scarey and frustrating when it comes to your child and their education. I understand that you only want what is best for your child and their situation, but seriously what is the best option for them??? If your child is struggling academically, socially, being bullied, etc, you are NOT alone. Keep praying, you will find the answer! We live in a society where parents have the power to decide, and there are many options available! We have contacts in our area, and I am willing to share them with you.
I do feel that we have come to the conclusion as to how our oldest child will be educated for her 3rd grade, but at this time were not set as to how our middle, an almost kindergartener, will receive her education. Our school system has made changes to their Kindergarten Program, which we are not for, so now were praying and trying to figure out where she will receive her education.
Yes, we are currently having this debate in our home. Which program is right for our children? They have their own individual needs, so should they be placed in separate schools? We have recently came to the conclusion that the traditional public school is no longer the place for our oldest (at least not for now). But what is right for her, and for our middle daughter since she will be in Kindergarten in the 2014-2015 school year? Is homeschooling right for our oldest child? What about our middle child? If so, which program (all the books, companies, co-op organizations, etc)? My head is spinning with all of the information on the web pertaining to this subject. We feel as through we have gathered all the necessary information. We've attended on-line seminars, talked to parents who are in the trenches of homeschooling their children, attended meetings at private christian schools, looked into online schools, talked to a homeschooling counselor, and have even talked to adults who were home schooled since Kindergarten and now are productive members of our society. I must say there is a huge debate as to the positives and negatives on taking children out of brick-&-mortar schools and into their own homes for a nurturing education. From what I am reading, families are entirely for or against keeping their children home and out of the trenches.
As you can see, we are not taking this issue lightly. We are fortunate enough to be able to live comfortably on one income (although there will be sacrifices). We have always approached parenting as being selfless, while also not giving them everything. We do this by putting our children's needs ahead of our careers. We don't strive to have the biggest house, the fanciest vacations, or the newest vehicle on the market. We strive to be there for them, & to protect their childhood by allowing them to be kids for as long as possible (which is difficult in today's hyper all-about-me society). People allow their children to grow up too quickly, when their children may not be able to maturely handle situations. Once the child has made this transition, they can never go back to being that care free kid again. However, we also understand that we still need to be able to keep food on the table, a roof over our heads, and the lights on (which is why I currently am employed part time). Parenting is hard!! As we investigate, we have prayed. Prayed for our little girl and for what is best for her.
Anyway, I am not on here to give you my opinions on the subject (there's enough opinions from other parents online). I am here to say I understand. It's scarey and frustrating when it comes to your child and their education. I understand that you only want what is best for your child and their situation, but seriously what is the best option for them??? If your child is struggling academically, socially, being bullied, etc, you are NOT alone. Keep praying, you will find the answer! We live in a society where parents have the power to decide, and there are many options available! We have contacts in our area, and I am willing to share them with you.
I do feel that we have come to the conclusion as to how our oldest child will be educated for her 3rd grade, but at this time were not set as to how our middle, an almost kindergartener, will receive her education. Our school system has made changes to their Kindergarten Program, which we are not for, so now were praying and trying to figure out where she will receive her education.
 |
| Our Easter projects hanging on our back door! |
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Ramblings
Hello Everyone! It has been over a month since I've posted anything, and its because nothing with our adoption has changed. We are still the next in line to receive a referral. We are remaining hopeful that this happens soon, but we are also realistic about our adoption situation. It is in God's hands, and although at times our heart struggles with this (that we have absolutely NO control) right now our hearts are relieved that this is not something that we can mess up, we are human after all. We have a loving GOD who is perfect (even if we do not understand). We trust that God will do what is right for our family, in His timing (not ours).
We attended our Biometrics appointment in February, and we have all the required home study documents for our social worker's visit next week. In the mean time, we are living life! Life doesn't stop as we wait (especially not with our three beautiful little ladies). We are busy spending precious time with our girls, while waiting for the snow to melt and for spring to arrive. The months of February & March were busy with two birthdays, crafts, hanging out with out ladies, and having a whole lot of fun!
We have always cherished our children as individuals. We feel that now, while they are still young, is the time to grow our relationship with our children & teach them about God. One way we do this by "hang out time"! We rotate spending individual time with each of our children. It is simple, but also special for both the parent and child. We simply take one to two hours each weekend and spend it with one of our girls doing special things with them (while the other parent stays home with the other two). We take a walk in the park, a trip to the local pet store (we remind them each time before we go in that the animals will be staying there), eat a dessert, enjoy a simple meal together, etc. It doesn't need to cost a lot of money to spend quality time with them. It helps each child know how special and loved they are, and it keeps the line of communication open! It's crazy how much our older two will tell us during this time, ask us questions about God, talk about things on their minds, etc. Sometimes we simply enjoying each others company. Something magical usually happens during this time, our oldest (who is turning 8) will initiate holding our hand as we are walking to/from where we are going! We highly suggest that if you have more than one child to try it! You will see changes in behavior, how they get along with siblings, and they will talk more about issues in their lives that happen at school! It has been a blessing to our lives. It's rare that we miss a weekend where at least one child doesn't get hang out time.
Some of our recent Spring crafts our ladies created:
Goodbye hand made snowflakes...here comes colorful butterflies & flowers! Happy Spring everyone!
We attended our Biometrics appointment in February, and we have all the required home study documents for our social worker's visit next week. In the mean time, we are living life! Life doesn't stop as we wait (especially not with our three beautiful little ladies). We are busy spending precious time with our girls, while waiting for the snow to melt and for spring to arrive. The months of February & March were busy with two birthdays, crafts, hanging out with out ladies, and having a whole lot of fun!
We have always cherished our children as individuals. We feel that now, while they are still young, is the time to grow our relationship with our children & teach them about God. One way we do this by "hang out time"! We rotate spending individual time with each of our children. It is simple, but also special for both the parent and child. We simply take one to two hours each weekend and spend it with one of our girls doing special things with them (while the other parent stays home with the other two). We take a walk in the park, a trip to the local pet store (we remind them each time before we go in that the animals will be staying there), eat a dessert, enjoy a simple meal together, etc. It doesn't need to cost a lot of money to spend quality time with them. It helps each child know how special and loved they are, and it keeps the line of communication open! It's crazy how much our older two will tell us during this time, ask us questions about God, talk about things on their minds, etc. Sometimes we simply enjoying each others company. Something magical usually happens during this time, our oldest (who is turning 8) will initiate holding our hand as we are walking to/from where we are going! We highly suggest that if you have more than one child to try it! You will see changes in behavior, how they get along with siblings, and they will talk more about issues in their lives that happen at school! It has been a blessing to our lives. It's rare that we miss a weekend where at least one child doesn't get hang out time.
Some of our recent Spring crafts our ladies created:
 | ||||
| Bouquet of home made flowers |
 |
| Butterflies that are beautiful when the sun shines through! |
 |
| Valentines window hearts! |
Friday, February 7, 2014
Home Study II
As we wait for our USCIS apt (which is a couple of weeks), we just found out that we need to update our home study in order to get a new I-171H (that will be expiring in June). For some reason, getting all of the documents ready to update our home study is just as stressful the second time around. I am excited to see our social worker again (she's so sweet), but not excited to go through the hassle of obtaining all the documents and paying a pretty hefty fee. Can't believe it has been a year and a half since we completed our first one.
Right now, were excited that Ethiopia is remaining open to international adoption, but this waiting is beginning to affect all of us (even our little ladies). They talk about what she could be doing at any given moment. One of them asks almost daily where we are at on our referral list. At least one of them asks ask weekly why we can't just hop on an airplane to bring her home (if only it were that simple). This process is not a simple one, and is difficult explaining it in kid terms.
As we are going through the motions this winter of school, we are praying for a little girl who is far away. A little girl who we have never seen, and who we don't even know if she is here on the earth. Please continue to pray with us as we wait (sometime not very patiently) for our referral. Lately international adoption has been looked upon negatively. There are so many boys and girls in the world who are desperately needing parents, but less people are adopting. It is sad that less adults are stepping up to protect the children of the world
.
Right now, were excited that Ethiopia is remaining open to international adoption, but this waiting is beginning to affect all of us (even our little ladies). They talk about what she could be doing at any given moment. One of them asks almost daily where we are at on our referral list. At least one of them asks ask weekly why we can't just hop on an airplane to bring her home (if only it were that simple). This process is not a simple one, and is difficult explaining it in kid terms.
As we are going through the motions this winter of school, we are praying for a little girl who is far away. A little girl who we have never seen, and who we don't even know if she is here on the earth. Please continue to pray with us as we wait (sometime not very patiently) for our referral. Lately international adoption has been looked upon negatively. There are so many boys and girls in the world who are desperately needing parents, but less people are adopting. It is sad that less adults are stepping up to protect the children of the world
 |
| 6 inches of fresh snow + bright sun=squinty eyes |
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Not Stopping
We received confirmation that Ethiopia will NOT be stopping intercountry adoptions at this time! What amazing news for our family! This means that once we receive a referral, we will be able to move along and get the paperwork completed for the PAIR (Pre-Adoption Immigration Review) process. It is just another step in the process which went into effect September, 2013. So, as we are still waiting on a referral, we have a glimmer of hope that one day we will bring our fourth child home from Ethiopia.
Please pray that the process begins to speed up now that the Ethiopian Government has made the choice to keep their international adoption program open. Please continue to pray for UNICEF (that they stop interfering with paperwork so more children can get referred which will bring them closer to going home to their forever families), and pray for all of the babies and children who are stuck in the orphanage. I cannot imagine what they are going through. Please pray that the kids are safe, fed, and that one day (hopefully soon) they will go home to a loving and forever family.
The weather FINALLY warmed up a bit, so we were able to get outside to play in the fun fluffy white stuff!!
Please pray that the process begins to speed up now that the Ethiopian Government has made the choice to keep their international adoption program open. Please continue to pray for UNICEF (that they stop interfering with paperwork so more children can get referred which will bring them closer to going home to their forever families), and pray for all of the babies and children who are stuck in the orphanage. I cannot imagine what they are going through. Please pray that the kids are safe, fed, and that one day (hopefully soon) they will go home to a loving and forever family.
The weather FINALLY warmed up a bit, so we were able to get outside to play in the fun fluffy white stuff!!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Brrr
January in Ohio is notorious for cold, ice, wind, and snow. This year, we have had an abundance of all four. Normally we love winter, but this year the weather has kept us indoors. When the temperature drops in the negative degrees and the wind is blowing hard, it is too cold to play in the fluffy, white, drifts of snow. The girls look longingly outside wanting to make footprints in the untouched snow, make forts out of the enormous drifts that are in our back yard, and make friendly snow people. This will need to wait. There is a point when even with all the warm snow gear we have, it is just not safe for a 2, 5, & 7 year old to be outside for an extended time of play.
As of right now, Ethiopia is still opened to international adoptions. Cases are still going through court, just very slowly. New referrals are still nonexistent at this time, but praying for a miracle. Right now we are stuck. Stuck sitting without a referral, unable to move onto the next phase of adoption with no end in site. For a while this has caused an array of emotions (this waiting has really gotten to me lately). But were clinging tightly to God. If we were meant to adopt He is the only one who is going to be able to make this happen.
As of right now, Ethiopia is still opened to international adoptions. Cases are still going through court, just very slowly. New referrals are still nonexistent at this time, but praying for a miracle. Right now we are stuck. Stuck sitting without a referral, unable to move onto the next phase of adoption with no end in site. For a while this has caused an array of emotions (this waiting has really gotten to me lately). But were clinging tightly to God. If we were meant to adopt He is the only one who is going to be able to make this happen.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
USCIS...again
Today is the day that I will be visiting FedEx to ship out all the required paperwork to update our biometrics. Yes, it is time to visit the little USCIS office in Columbus again that will make sure our background is clear to bring a child into the United States. The first time we made this trip we were excited about the possibilities of adding to our family, this time we are uncertain if adding to our family will happen but were not giving up.
We are praying that Ethiopia will remain open to international adoption, and that the Children In Families First passes soon (this will take UNICEF out of the equation when it comes to adoption). Don't get me wrong, UNICEF does some great things to help children. However, when they discourage international adoptions and encourage orphanages to not complete paperwork that will allow the child to be placed for adoption, there is something wrong. Children need forever families, not a life sentence to living in an orphanage. Have you contacted your senator to raise awareness yet?
http://childreninfamiliesfirst.org/
We are praying that Ethiopia will remain open to international adoption, and that the Children In Families First passes soon (this will take UNICEF out of the equation when it comes to adoption). Don't get me wrong, UNICEF does some great things to help children. However, when they discourage international adoptions and encourage orphanages to not complete paperwork that will allow the child to be placed for adoption, there is something wrong. Children need forever families, not a life sentence to living in an orphanage. Have you contacted your senator to raise awareness yet?
http://childreninfamiliesfirst.org/
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
All We Wanted for Christmas...
What we truly wanted for Christmas is something that cannot be bought. Something that cannot be made out of paper or yarn. What we truly wanted was a referral. It would have been a Christmas miracle, one that did not happen as the Ethiopian Government has stopped all new referrals from going through.
We knew when we started this process that there are never any guarantees that going through all of this work and paying out all of that money would result in a successful adoption. In the back of our minds we thought, yeah that's not going to happen to us. We know quite a few people who have gone through this process flawlessly, and it makes me wonder why our adoption is different from theirs. Is there a lesson in this that God is trying to teach us? There is a good chance that we will never receive our referral, that we will never be able to bring baby #4 home from Ethiopia. What we need at this time is miracle that only God can provide. The Ethiopian government has proposed to stop international adoption from their country. Read an article about it here:
http://childrendeservefamilies.com/human-rights-violation-alert-ethiopia-proposes-ending-international-adoption/
So as we went through the magical Christmas season with our three beautiful ladies we had sadness in our hearts. Were not giving up. We will NEVER give up, but we are missing the little one that we may never get to meet. What we need is a miracle from God to bring her home. Please pray the the Prime Minister does not pass the closure of Ethiopian adoptions. Please pray that he thinks of the children first, and that he realizes there are so many people who are willing to become their family. Pray that we will be able to bring our girl home, someday.
There is a proposed bill that could potentially stream line international adoption. It may help those individuals who are adopting from other countries. Please read about it here:
http://childreninfamiliesfirst.org/legislation-chiff/
And you can tell your congressmen about it here:
http://childreninfamiliesfirst.org/support-chiff-get-involved/
Happy New Years everyone
We knew when we started this process that there are never any guarantees that going through all of this work and paying out all of that money would result in a successful adoption. In the back of our minds we thought, yeah that's not going to happen to us. We know quite a few people who have gone through this process flawlessly, and it makes me wonder why our adoption is different from theirs. Is there a lesson in this that God is trying to teach us? There is a good chance that we will never receive our referral, that we will never be able to bring baby #4 home from Ethiopia. What we need at this time is miracle that only God can provide. The Ethiopian government has proposed to stop international adoption from their country. Read an article about it here:
http://childrendeservefamilies.com/human-rights-violation-alert-ethiopia-proposes-ending-international-adoption/
So as we went through the magical Christmas season with our three beautiful ladies we had sadness in our hearts. Were not giving up. We will NEVER give up, but we are missing the little one that we may never get to meet. What we need is a miracle from God to bring her home. Please pray the the Prime Minister does not pass the closure of Ethiopian adoptions. Please pray that he thinks of the children first, and that he realizes there are so many people who are willing to become their family. Pray that we will be able to bring our girl home, someday.
There is a proposed bill that could potentially stream line international adoption. It may help those individuals who are adopting from other countries. Please read about it here:
http://childreninfamiliesfirst.org/legislation-chiff/
And you can tell your congressmen about it here:
http://childreninfamiliesfirst.org/support-chiff-get-involved/
 |
| Our sweet, Dakota girl. Patiently waiting. |
Happy New Years everyone
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)