What more can I say that this video doesn't say?
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Winner of the Kindle Fire!!!
And the winner of the Kindle Fire is.........
WE can't express how thankful we are for all of you! Thank you to my sweet friend who donated the Kindle to auction off, thank you to my friends and family who reposted during this month, thank you to those who took time to donate any amount, large or small to help us get closer to bringing home Rose, and thank you if you took a moment to pray for us and Rose.
God provides in such amazing ways for our needs and I am always in awe. Thank you for allowing Him to use you to accomplish His plan to rescue a little girl and place her into a family.
Blessings to you all!!!
God provides in such amazing ways for our needs and I am always in awe. Thank you for allowing Him to use you to accomplish His plan to rescue a little girl and place her into a family.
Blessings to you all!!!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Winner of the $50 Target gift card Announced!!!!
We have one more week left for the Kindle Fundraiser and we are so thankful for the amount we have raised so far.
Monday, September 17, 2012
MINI GiVeAwAy!!!!
!!!!!!!MINI GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!
From tonight until Friday, those who donate on our blog will be entered to win a $50 Target gift card in addition to a chance to win the Kindle Fire.
We will draw the name on Saturday.
Help us finish this adoption debt free!
We are hoping to bring her home by Christmas if our paperwork keeps going at this rate. We obviously don't know when exactly it will happen, but we are hoping to not let finances hold us up at any point.
Thank you for helping give Rose a family.
From tonight until Friday, those who donate on our blog will be entered to win a $50 Target gift card in addition to a chance to win the Kindle Fire.
We will draw the name on Saturday.
Help us finish this adoption debt free!
We are hoping to bring her home by Christmas if our paperwork keeps going at this rate. We obviously don't know when exactly it will happen, but we are hoping to not let finances hold us up at any point.
Thank you for helping give Rose a family.
School starts
Thatcher is in 1st
Addis is in K
After browsing through old pictures, you know the time before digital cameras, I realized how little pics I have taken lately of my kids. And COTP where Rose is, does such a good job of taking their photo every month. I am embarrassed to admit I think I might have more pictures of her, then my children in my home. I am so thankful to have the ones of Rose since I can't be with her, but I know I will be thankful years from now if I take the time to get pictures of all my kids. They grow so fast.
Oliver is in 3rd
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Speechless!!!
I.Don't.have.the.words.
Amazed.
Humbled.
Inspired.
Thankful.
Giddy.
I can't say enough how incredible it is to see God working, through this adoption, through my friends and family, complete strangers.......
Thank you for giving and helping us bring home our Rose.
Whatever money that is over our immediate need will be used for the next stage and travel. We anticipate a total of $11,000 left and have already been blessed with $5500 of that between our fundraiser and a grant. That's crazy!!!
Thank you again for your support.
Amazed.
Humbled.
Inspired.
Thankful.
Giddy.
I can't say enough how incredible it is to see God working, through this adoption, through my friends and family, complete strangers.......
Thank you for giving and helping us bring home our Rose.
Whatever money that is over our immediate need will be used for the next stage and travel. We anticipate a total of $11,000 left and have already been blessed with $5500 of that between our fundraiser and a grant. That's crazy!!!
Thank you again for your support.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Kindle Fire Fundraiser
Just when I was starting to get discouraged and down about how long this adoption was taking and how the money just seems to always be an issue, God reminded me of His faithfulness.
I have a very sweet and generous friend who has offered to raffle off a Kindle Fire for us to raise money for our last adoption fees.
I am so in awe of God's timing and the way He uses people in our lives to bless my socks off.
I never doubt whether or not God CAN do something, but I sometimes wonder if it's in His will for something to happen the way I want it to in a situation. It is so hard to be in this situation of humbling myself and relying on others (God) to do something, right now, bring home our daughter. But I know this is God's perfect way of keeping us dependent on Him and bringing people together to accomplish something great.
I am a giver. I am not comfortable being on this end of things, but I am. I can't do this without help, your help.
Please consider using the donation button to donate to our adoption and for every $15 donated, your name will be entered in to win a KINDLE FIRE!!
We so appreciate your love and support.
Rose is doing well and thriving at her orphanage. I am sure her mom and dad would be so happy to see her doing so well. We pray we can have her with us by Christmas and she can start to know the feeling of unconditional love in a family.
Kindle fundraiser will end at the end of September, so get your name in every time you donate $15.
Please leave a comment with your name and email so we can keep track of entries and email the winner.
I have a very sweet and generous friend who has offered to raffle off a Kindle Fire for us to raise money for our last adoption fees.
I am so in awe of God's timing and the way He uses people in our lives to bless my socks off.
I never doubt whether or not God CAN do something, but I sometimes wonder if it's in His will for something to happen the way I want it to in a situation. It is so hard to be in this situation of humbling myself and relying on others (God) to do something, right now, bring home our daughter. But I know this is God's perfect way of keeping us dependent on Him and bringing people together to accomplish something great.
I am a giver. I am not comfortable being on this end of things, but I am. I can't do this without help, your help.
Please consider using the donation button to donate to our adoption and for every $15 donated, your name will be entered in to win a KINDLE FIRE!!
We so appreciate your love and support.
Kindle fundraiser will end at the end of September, so get your name in every time you donate $15.
Please leave a comment with your name and email so we can keep track of entries and email the winner.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Meeting our Rose
Last week Travis and I made our first trip to visit the orphanage where our daughter is. We started out with a mini vacation for us, it seemed, because of the time it took to get there. We left on Saturday and flew to MN and stayed the night and then flew to Miami in the morning. We had the rest of the day in Miami to just hang out. We took a shuttle to the Dolphin Mall and looked around and then just sat around the pool in the evening. It was so relaxing. It felt strange to not have to look after someone and I kept looking around feeling as if I was missing something.
We flew to PAP Monday morning and then flew to Cap Hatien where Children of the Promise orphanage is located. I had heard so many good things about this orphanage and was excited to see it in person. The plane to CH was a twin prop little 12 seater, Quite an experience! It did, however, allow us to see the beautiful landscape of Haiti.
The orphanage is beautiful with lots of trees and several buildings that house the orphans and volunteer staff. They have a clean well for water that they open up to the community and several community outreach programs. They are trying to raise chickens and rabbits to help with their food supply as well.
When we came to where the children were they were all napping so our first view of RM was a diaper only, chunky, sweetness sleeping on a cot. We waited for them to wake and visited with the other volunteers under the huge mango tree that seems to be the gathering place.
RM's bday was the Friday before we got there and they waited for us to arrive to celebrate it. We were so excited to participate in that celebration. We had seen pictures of such celebrations so to be a part of our little girls 3rd birthday even though we are normally so far away, was something we will always cherish.
I got to hold her while they sang "Happy Birthday" and T prayed over her. Then a nanny prayed for her in Creole. It was a special moment to say the least.
The rest of our short time there was filled with playing with the kids and trying to soak in being in RMs presence, knowing the uncertainty of the process and how long it might take to see her again.
We left the next afternoon and flew back to PAP. We stayed at a hotel near the airport and were so thankful to have our travel buddies with us. Another family who is adopting traveled at the same time and so we were able to share in this experience with them.
The next morning we set off early to the embassy after filling out the proper paperwork. We had an 8 oclock appointment and after going through the many security points, found a seat in a large waiting room filled with Haitians also waiting for their turn. I was so curious to know each of their stories and many times became overwhelmed with the knowledge that God loves EACH ONE of these precious lives in this room. And then to wonder how many of them even know of His love for them and what His Son did for them.
We waited for hours and then our names were called to a window. A lady asked us some questions and gave us some instructions and that was it. We were done. Our whole trip's purpose completed in 10 minutes. Well, I guess God used that 10 min. purpose to further His purpose of continuing to open our eyes to the world around us. We as Christians have so much to give and we get so caught up in our lives we forget to share it with those around us.
I want to change that in my life. Look at my hurting neighbors, see those hurting in my city, rejoice with them and comfort them when they are hurting. Share my resources with those in need, here, across the oceans, wherever God takes me.
After the Embassy appointment we were driven to the airport and started our trek home. All of our flights were uneventful and smooth. We were a little alarmed when upon take off the stewardess said over the speaker, "Say your Goodbyes!"....... What does that mean????? Ha!
It was nice to have some time for just T and I to be together. I often hear of older married couples complain of how when their children move out of the home they are left staring at their spouse as if they were strangers. They had let the years go by without cultivating their marriage and now left to figure out how to begin this new part of their lives. It was nice to have this opportunity to not think about caring for our kids, house projects, and all the other things that demand our attention and enjoy being with one another. I was happy to realize that I actually still enjoy being around my husband after 12 years of marriage. And hope to have, or make more opportunities to continue to cultivate our marriage in the future.
I have video but trying to figure out how to edit it since I cant post any other child but RM. I will post pics too.
Thank you to all who have been praying us through this long journey. In august it will be 2 years since starting the process and we probably have another year to go. Your continued prayers are greatly appreciated.
We flew to PAP Monday morning and then flew to Cap Hatien where Children of the Promise orphanage is located. I had heard so many good things about this orphanage and was excited to see it in person. The plane to CH was a twin prop little 12 seater, Quite an experience! It did, however, allow us to see the beautiful landscape of Haiti.
The orphanage is beautiful with lots of trees and several buildings that house the orphans and volunteer staff. They have a clean well for water that they open up to the community and several community outreach programs. They are trying to raise chickens and rabbits to help with their food supply as well.
When we came to where the children were they were all napping so our first view of RM was a diaper only, chunky, sweetness sleeping on a cot. We waited for them to wake and visited with the other volunteers under the huge mango tree that seems to be the gathering place.
RM's bday was the Friday before we got there and they waited for us to arrive to celebrate it. We were so excited to participate in that celebration. We had seen pictures of such celebrations so to be a part of our little girls 3rd birthday even though we are normally so far away, was something we will always cherish.
I got to hold her while they sang "Happy Birthday" and T prayed over her. Then a nanny prayed for her in Creole. It was a special moment to say the least.
The rest of our short time there was filled with playing with the kids and trying to soak in being in RMs presence, knowing the uncertainty of the process and how long it might take to see her again.
We left the next afternoon and flew back to PAP. We stayed at a hotel near the airport and were so thankful to have our travel buddies with us. Another family who is adopting traveled at the same time and so we were able to share in this experience with them.
The next morning we set off early to the embassy after filling out the proper paperwork. We had an 8 oclock appointment and after going through the many security points, found a seat in a large waiting room filled with Haitians also waiting for their turn. I was so curious to know each of their stories and many times became overwhelmed with the knowledge that God loves EACH ONE of these precious lives in this room. And then to wonder how many of them even know of His love for them and what His Son did for them.
We waited for hours and then our names were called to a window. A lady asked us some questions and gave us some instructions and that was it. We were done. Our whole trip's purpose completed in 10 minutes. Well, I guess God used that 10 min. purpose to further His purpose of continuing to open our eyes to the world around us. We as Christians have so much to give and we get so caught up in our lives we forget to share it with those around us.
I want to change that in my life. Look at my hurting neighbors, see those hurting in my city, rejoice with them and comfort them when they are hurting. Share my resources with those in need, here, across the oceans, wherever God takes me.
After the Embassy appointment we were driven to the airport and started our trek home. All of our flights were uneventful and smooth. We were a little alarmed when upon take off the stewardess said over the speaker, "Say your Goodbyes!"....... What does that mean????? Ha!
It was nice to have some time for just T and I to be together. I often hear of older married couples complain of how when their children move out of the home they are left staring at their spouse as if they were strangers. They had let the years go by without cultivating their marriage and now left to figure out how to begin this new part of their lives. It was nice to have this opportunity to not think about caring for our kids, house projects, and all the other things that demand our attention and enjoy being with one another. I was happy to realize that I actually still enjoy being around my husband after 12 years of marriage. And hope to have, or make more opportunities to continue to cultivate our marriage in the future.
I have video but trying to figure out how to edit it since I cant post any other child but RM. I will post pics too.
Thank you to all who have been praying us through this long journey. In august it will be 2 years since starting the process and we probably have another year to go. Your continued prayers are greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Still alive!
It's been almost a year since posting last.......not sure what happened....oh ya! Life!! Ha! Lots of things have happened since then.
Here are some highlights for you:
July- went to Ethioian festival, Mehaber, in MN. Addis rocked some braids!
August-helped with the flooding in the area.
September- school started again (do we really ever stop learning, really?) o started 2 nd, T started k, and A and S in preschool.
November- went to MO for Thanksgiving and had a great time with family.
December- watched the Elf movie everyday with little bursts of the Grinch. S opening presents was the highlight. He gave the classsic response of joy and excitement.
Ugh! The low after the holidays....... I will use this time to tell you the update on our adoption front. As last you read, M & A we're no longer available for adoption and we had a decision to make. Do we stop? Do we try to adopt another child somewhere else? Do we wait forever in hopes they come back? ( not really since they are with their parents, where they should be) After much prayer and discussion, we moved on and we were matched with a little girl at another orphanage in Haiti. Little RM is at Children of the Promise orphanage. She will be 3 this June and is a sweet thing. We had to do a little paperwork change but not too much. We are making our first trip down in a couple weeks to meet her. The process has been so much longer then Ethiopia it's been hard to keep focused on it. It has been such a different journey for sure. I think my mind forgot about it sometimes to spare myself from being so impatient. But every time we received n update or new pictures my heart would melt a little more. RM is a strong, sweet, special little girl who has blossomed over the year she has been at the orphanage. I can't wait to meet her.
March- we decide to tear apart our kitchen and dining room area. Quite a transformation. We have learned so much doing it ourselves. I am really glad we did it this way, even if it would all be done right now.....oh well. I will post before and after pictures on next post.
April- house remodel. My dad and stepmom came up to help us install the flooring. It was a fun time being with them and sharing our time and house, and FLU with them. Of all the times!
May- still house remodel And here we are in June. Pictures to come. We will be doing some fundraising soon, so stay tuned. (ya right, I don't have a very good track record of being consistent on here:)
July- went to Ethioian festival, Mehaber, in MN. Addis rocked some braids!
August-helped with the flooding in the area.
September- school started again (do we really ever stop learning, really?) o started 2 nd, T started k, and A and S in preschool.
November- went to MO for Thanksgiving and had a great time with family.
December- watched the Elf movie everyday with little bursts of the Grinch. S opening presents was the highlight. He gave the classsic response of joy and excitement.
Ugh! The low after the holidays....... I will use this time to tell you the update on our adoption front. As last you read, M & A we're no longer available for adoption and we had a decision to make. Do we stop? Do we try to adopt another child somewhere else? Do we wait forever in hopes they come back? ( not really since they are with their parents, where they should be) After much prayer and discussion, we moved on and we were matched with a little girl at another orphanage in Haiti. Little RM is at Children of the Promise orphanage. She will be 3 this June and is a sweet thing. We had to do a little paperwork change but not too much. We are making our first trip down in a couple weeks to meet her. The process has been so much longer then Ethiopia it's been hard to keep focused on it. It has been such a different journey for sure. I think my mind forgot about it sometimes to spare myself from being so impatient. But every time we received n update or new pictures my heart would melt a little more. RM is a strong, sweet, special little girl who has blossomed over the year she has been at the orphanage. I can't wait to meet her.
March- we decide to tear apart our kitchen and dining room area. Quite a transformation. We have learned so much doing it ourselves. I am really glad we did it this way, even if it would all be done right now.....oh well. I will post before and after pictures on next post.
April- house remodel. My dad and stepmom came up to help us install the flooring. It was a fun time being with them and sharing our time and house, and FLU with them. Of all the times!
May- still house remodel And here we are in June. Pictures to come. We will be doing some fundraising soon, so stay tuned. (ya right, I don't have a very good track record of being consistent on here:)
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