Adoptive Family Gathering

Tonight we had the opportunity to get together with four other families that either have recently adopted, or are on their journey to adopt from Ethiopia. We had a great time and are looking forward to getting together on a regular basis. It was great to be able to hear the stories of those who already have their kids home, and to be able to openly talk about the struggles and joys that are involved in the process of adoption. It was also great to see the kids playing all playing together like they knew each other. Megan, of course, was a little mommy and basically babysat the rest of the kids while the adults talked. It is great to have these new friends and a community to walk through this process alongside us.

Update

Thank you for still reading our blog. I haven't written lately because we are at a waiting stage. Our social worker is wrapping up our home study, then will submit it to a judge so that we are certified to adopt in the state of Arizona. Pray that our home study is accepted and approved quickly and smoothly.

Meanwhile, Tony and I are completing an on-line class that is required by our international agency. It is very interesting to read and watch about all the steps that are in our future.

We are also continuing to receive support letters, both financial and prayer support, and for that we are so thankful!

Thank You

I am excited to announce that Tony and I finished making the first batch of our sponsor Thank You gifts (plus we made extras since we are living in faith). We will be sending out one necklace per family that financially supports our adoption with $50 or more. We are so thankful for the support we have already gotten, yet we still have a long way to go.

Megan, Emily, and I have already been sporting our Ethiopia necklaces for a few weeks and I love that it is a constant reminder to be praying for our baby and a great conversation starter to tell others about our journey.

So thank you to those of you who have already donated. We'll be getting your necklace to you in the next few days.

The Growth of Ethiopian Adoption

While looking for some other Ethiopian information, I ran across these statistics to share. I can also attest to the growth of Ethiopian adoption as we are quickly meeting other families who have or are in the process of their adoption.

Why has Ethiopian adoption grown so fast?

Ethiopian adoption is relatively new and has seen a tremendous surge since 2003. The surge is due to a number of factors. In 2003, the government of Ethiopia restructured and streamlined the adoption process making it reasonably predictable and smooth. Also in recent years, China has added restrictions on eligibility and in other countries such as Guatemala and Vietnam the adoption process has become very uncertain. Ethiopian Adoption Data From 2001-2007, 3,115 children were adopted to families in the United States, with 1,255 having come in 2007 alone.

Year - # of adoptions to the US
2000 - 95
2001 - 158
2002 - 105
2003 - 135
2004 - 289
2005 - 441
2006 - 732
2007 - 1,255

Source www.adoptivefamilies.com

Support Letters

Yesterday we got our first two support checks and prayer cards. It has been a long week of anticipating the mail each day and then trying not to be disappointed when the mailbox is filled with only bills and junk mail.

Our first support came in person and is a promise (and very generous promise) for monthly support. We are so thankful to have these people in our lives who are showing by their words and actions that they support what we are doing.

Our second support came in the mail and lifted my heart to see that little white envelope with the little map of Africa on it. The check wasn't as large as the first, but it came from a great family who we love and they too gave sacrificially from what they have. To me, their love and support meant more than the money they sent (though we are thankful for the money at the same time).

I also enjoyed the cards sent in by these families sharing their thoughts, hopes, and prayers for our baby. I already have them posted on the cork board in the room that will someday be her room (and the room where I'm sitting right now to write).

I am being reminded that God will supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19). God cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). God gives us rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30).

Sometimes I wish I could get a glimpse of our future family to know that it all works out in the end, but we aren't granted that, and that's why it's called faith (Hebrews 11:6).

• Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."


• 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.


• Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.


• Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Pictures for Our Dossier

These are the pictures that I chose that will be going to Ethiopia to portray our family to the Ethiopian government and the orphanage to match us to our baby.

Doctor Visit - Check

Yesterday was a long day in our adoption world. Tony and I both need a signed form from a doctor stating that we are healthy enough to adopt and raise a child. I was very excited to get in to see my good friend and OB/GYN Shelly Messer. She saw me through the births of both girls and I was sentimental and wanted her to have a part in bringing this baby into our family. Well, my blood pressure wasn't cooperating, and I got a higher reading than anyone wanted. I was even told to rest and relax, that only caused my pressure to go up. I left the office to have lunch (I had only had coffee, and lots of it, for breakfast), and come back for a recheck and it still wasn't great. I've never had a blood pressure issue before and was frustrated about why now when we are sending this off. It also didn't help that I was watching the clock and worrying that I wasn't going to make it in time to pick Megan up from school. Eventually we got through the appointment, the forms, the notary, and I arrived just in time to pick up Megan.

A Walk of Faith

Adoption is a walk of faith in many ways. It is such an amazing feeling that God is allowing you to raise a child who has lost everything, including her family, and welcome her into your family. But, with all the paperwork, fees, support for the orphanage, and expenses for us to travel to pick her up, we are looking at $20,000. We don't have $20,000 that we can just write a check and be done with it, so we have gone to our friends and family to ask for help. If you can help us, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

We sent letters out to some of our friends and family with details about how you can help. If you don't have a letter and would still like to help, please contact us and I will get you everything that you need to know. And, all gifts are tax deductible! Thank you, thank you, thank you.