An Adoption Update!

I realize it’s been quite some time since I’ve posted an update on our adoption.

In short…we’re in “waiting” mode. This is where it gets really hard. Waiting, in general, is simply hard friends. It’s even harder knowing the children God is preparing for us to bring home are going to sleep each night in their orphanage bed without a mommy and daddy to tuck them in, read them a bedtime story, and kiss them goodnight. How we long to see the faces, hug the necks, and kiss the cheeks of our precious littles. But, we have to wait until we get the go-ahead.

While receiving our referral and traveling to our program country is the next step in this journey, the reality is we still have quite a mountain to climb in terms of fundraising. We’ve been blessed to see God move through friends and strangers, alike, to provide exactly what we need when we’ve needed it throughout this journey. We know the next amount we have to raise (the largest, to date) is not a surprise to God, and He already knows where it’s coming from also. But, if truth be told, sometimes our weary hearts tend to lean towards a bit of worry. We know better, but if we’re being truthful…worry still sneaks in at times.

We also know to expect the expense of having to update our home study, fingerprints, etc. sometime before summertime, assuming our adoption isn’t complete by then (more-than-likely it won’t be). It’s all part of this crazy, yet amazing, international adoption journey…just wish it wasn’t so hard sometimes.

And so…while we wait…we continue to examine various ideas for fundraising. It’s been amazing to watch how God uses people in that capacity to join us in this journey. Many people can’t just write a check, but most people can do something.

• We had a tremendous response from so many people last spring before our mega yard sale fundraiser…from donating items to sell, to donating time to volunteer on the big day, or making items for the bake sale component.
• Through The Apparent Project bracelet sale, we raised several hundred dollars and most bracelets were purchased by friends we only “know” through Facebook.
• We’ve had various small business owners donate their commissions as gifts toward our adoption…from Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Younique, and Jamberry.
• Our basket raffle in the fall produced an overwhelming response, both from people who provided the baskets and from those purchasing raffle tickets.
• The 200 Envelope Facebook fundraiser generated a fantastic response in donations.
• We’ve earned money towards our fundraiser account through both of Leah’s businesses: Rodan+Fields (skincare) and doTERRA (essential oils).
• Many people have simply donated directly through our You Caring or AdoptTogether pages or by simple dropping a check in the mail to us.
• And…we’re currently collecting items for our Spring Online Silent Auction (more details HERE).

We are so humbled by what God is doing, and saying “thank you” hardly touches the surface of our level of gratitude. We pray for each of you who have already given so much to help us bring our children home. We pray God blesses your generosity exponentially, because we know how near and dear to Him is the plight of orphans. We also pray for those of you that will be joining us in this next “leg” of our journey. May God speak with such clarity in how He’s calling you!

You are loved!