After all the financial ups and downs of the past week, God continues to remind us of His faithfulness. With Tony's car repair, we were reminded that this adoption is not about us and not about what we do, but we are in His care and He is watching for us. Our next payment of thousands of dollars will come when we are matched with our daughter, so while we are anxious to put a face and a name to the love in our hearts, we also still need some time to pull together the money.
But after weeks of not receiving any money from our fundraising, we received $100 in the form of our first check from Just Love Coffee, I sold a necklace that I made, and we received a donation from a sweet family friend who had held onto our card and letter since we sent them out last September. They were waiting until after the 1st of the year, but then apologized for not getting it out right away in January, but I know that God was waiting for them to send it at just the right time that we needed it as a reminder of His faithfulness.
O LORD God almighty, who is like you?
You are mightly, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
Psalm 89:8
Friday, February 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
6 months
Today marks 6 months since we officially started our adoption process. In the past six months, some of the things I have learned are:
- that God specifically calls us to care for orphans; James 1:27.
- how devastating AIDS has been to Ethiopia and the entire continent of Africa.
- where Ethiopia is.
- that you can deeply love a child that you haven't met or even know their name.
- that God provides just what we need when we need it.
- adoption involves a lot of paperwork.
- that there are many amazing families who have adopted and we have loved getting to know them.
- how generous Megan and Emily are.
- how generous many of our friends and family are.
- what a dossier is.
- what an I-600A is.
- where the USCIS office is in Phoenix.
- how to be biometrically fingerprinted.
- that DHL tracking is a great thing.
- that I am not in control.
- that Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and Ethiopian coffee is really good.
- never say that you are done having kids, God may yet change your heart.
- that I am a doer. I don't sit and wait well. I'm working on that.
- that Tony has a traffic violation on his police report from over 10 years ago (but mine came back clear, by the way). ;)
- that the volunteer fingerprinter at the downtown Chandler Police station has an adopted Ethiopian grandson.
- that adoption can trigger the same hormones as pregnancy, including nesting and craziness.
- that Megan, Emily, and I don't love Ethiopian food, but Tony does.
- that I love when people read my blog, and I really love when people leave comments. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing, but it's me just being honest.
- that I love reading other blogs (especially of people who have adopted or are adopting).
- there is nothing better you can do with your life than to follow God wholeheartedly.
I know that there are many more things we have learned, and many more things that we will learn, but it just seamed like I had to mark this milestone in a special way. And, if you are adopting or have adopted, in the comments, feel free to add what you are learning or learned along your journey.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Car Update
After being a one car family for 5 days, we got Tony's car back today. Praise to God, it was not as bad as we first thought. Our repairs were near $800, but that was 1/3 to 1/2 of what we had originally anticipated. Again, the LORD will provide! I do have to still fight off thoughts of all the other things that the $800 could have gone to, especially in a time when we are choosing to cut every non-essential expense, and we have such a long way to go to completely finance our adoption. But, the LORD will provide. I refuse to believe that He will allow money to come between us and our daughter, but He is teaching us to put our trust only in Him. Jesus said in John 14:1, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me."
On a side note, we did make the best of being a one car family for a few days. Though I am grateful to have Tony's car back, I did enjoy having him home a little later in the morning so I could drive him after dropping Megan off at school, and the girls and I picked up drinks from Sonic's Happy Hour before we picked him up yesterday afternoon, and surprised Tony with his favorite drink in the cup holder when he got in the truck.
On a side note, we did make the best of being a one car family for a few days. Though I am grateful to have Tony's car back, I did enjoy having him home a little later in the morning so I could drive him after dropping Megan off at school, and the girls and I picked up drinks from Sonic's Happy Hour before we picked him up yesterday afternoon, and surprised Tony with his favorite drink in the cup holder when he got in the truck.
Friday, February 5, 2010
The LORD Will Provide
Today we got some bad news. Tony's car needs some major (and very expensive) work. It's a 2001 sedan, so it isn't even worth very much to start.
We are already strained as far as we can go as we pay for our adoption, and then we have this unplanned bump. The money for the repairs is going to have to come out of our adoption fund, and we have to trust God.
So again, I'm turning His word and His promises.
Do you know that the word "provide" is used 101 times in the NIV Bible? And that "provision" is used another 24 times? Now they aren't all referencing financial provision, and God providing for our needs is not the same as God meeting every want that comes across out path. And many of those verses talk about how we are to provide for others. But right now I am trusting Him on our path of adoption and that He will provide a way through this. (Maybe I should do a follow up word study on "trust", "help", and "faith".--Ok, I got on a roll and did look up those words as well.)
Provide:
Genesis 22:14
So Abraham called that place, The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
Trust:
Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 22:5
They cried to you and were saved,
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
Help:
Psalm 5:2
Listen to my cry for help
My King and my God
For to you I pray.
Psalm 124:8
Our help is in the name of the LORD
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Faith:
2 Corinthians 5:7
We live by faith and not by sight.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
What a great time that was for me to read and find those verses. I wish I had more time to do just that, but I have to go pick up Emily from pre-school, Megan from school, and now Tony from work since we are currently a one car family, before we head out for soccer practice tonight.
PS - To search out your own truths from God's word, I suggest the website www.BibleGateway.com
We are already strained as far as we can go as we pay for our adoption, and then we have this unplanned bump. The money for the repairs is going to have to come out of our adoption fund, and we have to trust God.
So again, I'm turning His word and His promises.
Do you know that the word "provide" is used 101 times in the NIV Bible? And that "provision" is used another 24 times? Now they aren't all referencing financial provision, and God providing for our needs is not the same as God meeting every want that comes across out path. And many of those verses talk about how we are to provide for others. But right now I am trusting Him on our path of adoption and that He will provide a way through this. (Maybe I should do a follow up word study on "trust", "help", and "faith".--Ok, I got on a roll and did look up those words as well.)
Provide:
Genesis 22:14
So Abraham called that place, The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
Trust:
Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 22:5
They cried to you and were saved,
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
Help:
Psalm 5:2
Listen to my cry for help
My King and my God
For to you I pray.
Psalm 124:8
Our help is in the name of the LORD
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Faith:
2 Corinthians 5:7
We live by faith and not by sight.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
What a great time that was for me to read and find those verses. I wish I had more time to do just that, but I have to go pick up Emily from pre-school, Megan from school, and now Tony from work since we are currently a one car family, before we head out for soccer practice tonight.
PS - To search out your own truths from God's word, I suggest the website www.BibleGateway.com
Thursday, February 4, 2010
On a Roller Coaster
Right now I am so envious of my husband. Everything for him is factual, and he doesn't get worked up over emotions. Which is good, because I often have enough emotions for the both of us. Like this week.
A week ago I was talking with a friend which led me to allow myself a little leeway in starting to prepare to bring our baby home. We made our first trips to BabiesRUs and buybuyBaby, we got a crib, I've started looking at crib bedding, I allowed my heart to connect with her deeper than before and dream of her over in Ethiopia as we prepare for her here. I was looking forward to today's phone call and expected to hear just what I wanted to hear--that we were getting close, really close. But, what I heard was we are still months away, and it could be many months. When I was pregnant, I got to figure out my due date within hours of knowing that my child was growing inside of me. I held on to that date like a precious jewel. And even through the waiting, I knew just where my baby was at every moment--right with me.
Adoption is full of so many unknowns, and unfortunately, this one has brought me into a funk. I know it will be short term. I know that it is all in God's hands. I know that He knows our daughter and is watching out for her. I also know that we are not financially ready for our next payment and then travel costs.
So these are the verses that I'm holding onto tonight. Thank you Lord. Sometimes I feel like I am barely strong enough to do this with You, I can't imagine doing this without You.
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."
Matthew 6:34
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
A week ago I was talking with a friend which led me to allow myself a little leeway in starting to prepare to bring our baby home. We made our first trips to BabiesRUs and buybuyBaby, we got a crib, I've started looking at crib bedding, I allowed my heart to connect with her deeper than before and dream of her over in Ethiopia as we prepare for her here. I was looking forward to today's phone call and expected to hear just what I wanted to hear--that we were getting close, really close. But, what I heard was we are still months away, and it could be many months. When I was pregnant, I got to figure out my due date within hours of knowing that my child was growing inside of me. I held on to that date like a precious jewel. And even through the waiting, I knew just where my baby was at every moment--right with me.
Adoption is full of so many unknowns, and unfortunately, this one has brought me into a funk. I know it will be short term. I know that it is all in God's hands. I know that He knows our daughter and is watching out for her. I also know that we are not financially ready for our next payment and then travel costs.
So these are the verses that I'm holding onto tonight. Thank you Lord. Sometimes I feel like I am barely strong enough to do this with You, I can't imagine doing this without You.
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."
Matthew 6:34
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Phone Call
In a few minutes we have a phone call with our representatives at Dove. This call is intended to walk us through what we need to do now to prepare to travel and what is involved when we are in Ethiopia. This is also an opportunity for us to ask any questions we have about what to pack for our baby, when to get our immunizations, and any other lingering questions we may have. We still have not been matched, but once we are, we are told, that it is a whirlwind and we need to start preparing now. This is one more step we can check off in our process, which is nice in this phase of our adoption because mostly we are just waiting now.Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Haiti's Orphans
As I wrote about on our family blog, www.TheWeberFamilyNews.blogspot.com, the stories of the orphans in Haiti have deeply impacted me as I've watched the news and heard stories of people who have been there first hand. But I've also been interested in watching people here and how international adoption has been brought to the forefront. My friend, Bethany, has an Ethiopian daughter, and she also has been paying attention to people's thoughts and comments and wrote a great response that I'd like to share with you.
Hutchison Family Blog
Hutchison Family Blog
Monday, February 1, 2010
buybuyBABY Date Night
Last week Emily and I ran into a friend at the library who has adopted from Ethiopia. It was a great unexpected meeting, but we were able to talk for quite a while while Emily and her daughter played. One thing she asked me is what we've done to start getting ready. I told her we haven't done anything, and she suggested that we start thinking about preparing for her arrival. It is true that our referral could still be a ways away, but the time from our referral to our travel will be a whirlwind.
So, on Sunday nights our girls go to Awana, and we get to have a date night. Last night our date night was to the new baby superstore in town, buybuyBABY. It was so much fun to finally be shopping for our baby. I've held off because I knew my excitement would be out of control once we passed that milestone, and I was right. Right now we are focusing on what bedding we want, so then we can paint, look for a crib, and most of all, my mom is going to make a quilt for the baby to match her room. We are also starting to realize just how much "stuff" we have in the office that needs to be relocated.
But as I was looking at all the bedding and baby clothes, it hit me again, that she is probably already born and living in Ethiopia. I have 15 choices of pink and brown blankets, but did she have any blanket to keep her warm last night? I get to choose from 20 different styles of bottles, but did she get enough to eat? My heart aches as I just want to bring her home.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Travel Prep
Today we scheduled a conference call with Dove International to talk about our next steps, including preliminary information about our travel. We also have a packet of information coming that I can't wait to get and pour over everything in it. Each step brings her a little closer to home. We still expect to be 4-6 months out from being matched to a baby, but it could be anytime, so they want us to be prepared.
Our call will be on February 4th, and I'll let you know what we talk about. ;)
The call is expected to be an hour and a half. Please pray for us that all the information soaks in, and that we think of the questions that we need to ask to be prepared.
Our call will be on February 4th, and I'll let you know what we talk about. ;)
The call is expected to be an hour and a half. Please pray for us that all the information soaks in, and that we think of the questions that we need to ask to be prepared.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Baby Names
For me, a name brings a new level of bonding and preparation that we don't have yet. Recently, a good friend of mine had a baby, but they were keeping the baby's name a secret. Can I tell you that it drove me absolutely crazy?!
One of my biggest frustrations is that we don't have a name for our baby. We talk about our baby or our baby sister, but it doesn't flow well for me. She needs a name, but yet we won't settle on a name until after our referral comes because we want to incorporate her Ethiopian name as her middle name.
Megan and Emily's names came so easily for us, and probably this little one's name will too as soon as we get her referral, but until then nothing seems to work for me to refer to her as my child that I already love, but I don't even know her name.
Tony and I had a date night last night (love those :) ) and we talked about names for our baby and nothing was jumping out for both of us.
So, to anyone who is still reading our blog, what are your favorite baby girl names for us to consider for baby girl Weber #3?
One of my biggest frustrations is that we don't have a name for our baby. We talk about our baby or our baby sister, but it doesn't flow well for me. She needs a name, but yet we won't settle on a name until after our referral comes because we want to incorporate her Ethiopian name as her middle name.
Megan and Emily's names came so easily for us, and probably this little one's name will too as soon as we get her referral, but until then nothing seems to work for me to refer to her as my child that I already love, but I don't even know her name.
Tony and I had a date night last night (love those :) ) and we talked about names for our baby and nothing was jumping out for both of us.
So, to anyone who is still reading our blog, what are your favorite baby girl names for us to consider for baby girl Weber #3?
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Our Dossier Has Arrived in Addis Abba
I woke up this morning to the DHL e-mail that our dossier has been delivered to Addis Abba, Ethiopia. That means that all our paperwork, that we've been working on since August, has been delivered to the people who will match us and send us a referral for our daughter. This starts another chapter of living with unknowns. Technically, they have everything they need and could match us immediately, but we've been told that the typical wait time right now is 4-6 months. But, this is also the step where some families get "stuck". So please continue to pray with us that God will guide the process and bring our daughter home to us as quickly as possible.
Tracking history...
Date and time Status Location Service Area
1/9/2010
8:15 am Shipment delivered. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
7:59 am With delivery courier. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
7:46 am Arrived at DHL facility.Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
7:46 am Transit through DHL facility Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
1/8/2010
10:22 am Depart Facility Frankfurt, Germany
7:59 am Processed at DHL Location. Frankfurt, Germany
7:45 am Transit through DHL facility Frankfurt, Germany
5:00 am Depart Facility Leipzig, Germany
1/7/2010
11:10 pm Processed at DHL Location. Leipzig, Germany
10:27 pm Transit through DHL facility Leipzig, Germany
6:02 am Depart Facility Cincinnati Hub, OH
4:01 am Processed at DHL Location. Cincinnati Hub, OH
3:03 am Transit through DHL facility Cincinnati Hub, OH
1/6/2010
7:11 pm Depart Facility Seattle, WA
7:11 pm Processed at DHL Location. Seattle, WA
7:10 pm Transit through DHL facility Seattle, WA
6:05 pm Depart Facility Portland, OR
6:04 pm Processed at DHL Location. Portland, OR
3:49 pm Departing origin. Portland, OR
11:47 am Scheduled to move Portland, OR
1/5/2010
1:40 pm Shipment picked up Portland, OR
Friday, January 8, 2010
Show Hope Grant Application
Yesterday, Thursday January 7th, our application for a grant was delivered to Show Hope. Please pray with us that we will be selected to receive one of the grants from Show Hope. The grants can be as high as $3000. This would almost get us to our final payment, which is due when we accept the referral of our baby and help us bring her home.
Who is Show Hope?
Show Hope is an organization originally founded by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth out of their desire to see more children find their way into forever families. Though many families they talked to were willing to adopt, the financial costs to adoption were simply too high. Originally named after the Chapman’s first adopted daughter, Shaohannah Hope Chapman, Shaohannah’s Hope has grown far beyond the initial vision of helping a few orphans find homes. In 2009, after changing the name to Show Hope, this organization has seen an amazing explosion in growth. From a six-story caring facility in China, equipped to provide surgeries and medical care to special needs orphans, to multiplying the effects of the adoption grant program by assisting churches in setting up their own adoption funds, Show Hope continues to expand in it’s remarkable worldwide impact. Please check out their website at http://www.showhope.org/ and look at what they are doing today.
Who is Show Hope?
Show Hope is an organization originally founded by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth out of their desire to see more children find their way into forever families. Though many families they talked to were willing to adopt, the financial costs to adoption were simply too high. Originally named after the Chapman’s first adopted daughter, Shaohannah Hope Chapman, Shaohannah’s Hope has grown far beyond the initial vision of helping a few orphans find homes. In 2009, after changing the name to Show Hope, this organization has seen an amazing explosion in growth. From a six-story caring facility in China, equipped to provide surgeries and medical care to special needs orphans, to multiplying the effects of the adoption grant program by assisting churches in setting up their own adoption funds, Show Hope continues to expand in it’s remarkable worldwide impact. Please check out their website at http://www.showhope.org/ and look at what they are doing today.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Dossier Travels
Here is the journey of our dossier from Tuesday night up to now (Thursday night). Keep on movin' DHL and get our dossier to Ethiopia!1/7/2010
11:10 pm Processed at DHL Location. Leipzig, Germany
10:27 pm Transit through DHL facility Leipzig, Germany
6:02 am Depart Facility Cincinnati Hub, OH
4:01 am Processed at DHL Location. Cincinnati Hub, OH
3:03 am Transit through DHL facility Cincinnati Hub, OH
1/6/2010
7:11 pm Depart Facility Seattle, WA
7:11 pm Processed at DHL Location. Seattle, WA
7:10 pm Transit through DHL facility Seattle, WA
6:05 pm Depart Facility Portland, OR
6:04 pm Processed at DHL Location. Portland, OR
3:49 pm Departing origin. Portland, OR
11:47 am Scheduled to move Portland, OR
1/5/2010
1:40 pmShipment picked up Portland, OR
11:10 pm Processed at DHL Location. Leipzig, Germany
10:27 pm Transit through DHL facility Leipzig, Germany
6:02 am Depart Facility Cincinnati Hub, OH
4:01 am Processed at DHL Location. Cincinnati Hub, OH
3:03 am Transit through DHL facility Cincinnati Hub, OH
1/6/2010
7:11 pm Depart Facility Seattle, WA
7:11 pm Processed at DHL Location. Seattle, WA
7:10 pm Transit through DHL facility Seattle, WA
6:05 pm Depart Facility Portland, OR
6:04 pm Processed at DHL Location. Portland, OR
3:49 pm Departing origin. Portland, OR
11:47 am Scheduled to move Portland, OR
1/5/2010
1:40 pmShipment picked up Portland, OR
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
On Its Way
This afternoon we got the e-mail we've been waiting for. Our dossier has sent by DHL to Ethiopia! That means that we could be matched at any time, but realistically we are expecting to be presented with a referral (a packet of information, including pictures of a child) within 4-6 months.
Whenever I order something on the internet, I can become obsessive about watching it work its way across the country until it arrives at our doorstep. With our dossier, we have been given a tracking number and I am wondering how many times I will check its progress until it gets there.
This means that our work is basically over for now, and we wait, and we dream, and we pray. Thank you for following and joining us on our journey. We are grateful for each one of you!
Whenever I order something on the internet, I can become obsessive about watching it work its way across the country until it arrives at our doorstep. With our dossier, we have been given a tracking number and I am wondering how many times I will check its progress until it gets there.
This means that our work is basically over for now, and we wait, and we dream, and we pray. Thank you for following and joining us on our journey. We are grateful for each one of you!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Just Love Coffee
We have been so blessed by the outpouring of support from so many of our family and friends, but we still have a lot of expenses coming our way before our journey is over. We have found a coffee company that sells fair trade Ethiopian coffee, plus they will help us fund raise for our expenses. Specifically we will be earmarking the money raised to go toward our travel expenses.
So, if you love coffee, or know someone who does, we'd love to you to check our the website that they have designed for us. $5 from each bag of coffee sold will come back to us to help fund our adoption.
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