It's been a few months since I have posted any kind of update about our adoption. Honestly, not much has happened in that area since September, when I last posted. Jordan and I were fortunate enough to go to an adoption conference in Dallas last month and we came back with some great tools and knowledge that will definitely come into play when our son comes home. We also got to have each other's undivided attention to have some great conversation and discussions about our adoption, marriage, and life which is hard to find time to do in our crazy life lately. We are in our 10th month of waiting for that one phone call that will forever change our lives. The phone call from our agency that we have been matched with our son. We know nothing more than we did in our first month of waiting. There are no promises made in the adoption world, I have come to realize. There is no promised waiting time, no guarantee that our paperwork will be sufficient, no promise that we will even be approved by the Ethiopian courts to parent one of their own. So, amidst all this uncertainty, I find every ounce of myself clinging to HOPE. Knowing that no matter what happens or what our future has in store for us, that God will be there every step of the way getting us through it.
The past couple of months my relationships and responsibilities in my life, have been tested to the max. Whether it be as a wife, a mother, a business owner, or as a follower of Christ. I have never been the one to have doubts and struggles in those areas. If anything, I have always been the one on the other side of the table being that listening ear or shoulder to cry on. It's been an emotional rollercoaster working through these relationships that God is reshaping, strengthening and molding, so that these relationships can produce fruit and work towards His glory. I found myself reflecting on the past couple of years, the good and the bad, through old journals, my relationships,situations and circumstances, and honestly, the one thing I remember as I searched my heart was remembering and seeing His faithfulness through all of it. He opened my eyes so I could clearly see Him and how He has been working like crazy in my life from the very moment I declared my life his! Every prayer that I have sent his way, every thought, every tear, every joy, every relationship, he has carefully handsewn all of these little things together in my life making His beautiful masterpiece and through it all, no matter where I stood, his faithfulness has remained the same.
So I am very thankful during this season that he has brought me to. Thankful for all of the people in my life that God has allowed me to live life with. To encourage my walk and journey, and when times get tough, pointing me back in the direction of Jesus. I am thankful for my family who is willing to put up with me and help carry my heavy load when I need it. But most importantly, I am thankful for the strong hold that God has on my life no matter where I am or how I feel.
Moving forward, please continue to pray for our adoption process, that it all happens in God's perfect timing. Pray for God's provision through the rest of this journey. We will most likely have another fundraiser soon to help raise the rest of the funds needed for our travel expenses, so prayers as well for this. And last, but not least, pray for our son in Ethiopia. Pray that God is preparing his heart for all of the changes that will happen in his little precious life in the near future.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The "real" adoption update
So, here's the adoption update this month: we're waiting.
Do you want the real update? The real stuff. The everyday ins and outs of this waiting game. Often, I say that every day is a day closer to bringing our son home. While, quite literally, everyday is another day closer, the truth of that statement is that every day God has been breaking us down and building us up to transform us into the people that we need to be to handle life with an internationally adopted child. The waiting part hasn't been as difficult as the trying to shake the fear of the unknown as to how life is going to be after we get him here.
From the beginning of this journey I knew that God called our family to adoption, and I honestly thought that, that would be enough to sustain us through this journey. So, we very blindly jumped in with both feet. Thank goodness it started out this way, because if I would have known the fears, the darkness, and the weaknesses that God was going to expose to me during this time, I probably would have done a quick sprint while screaming and crying in the opposite direction. I get it. He must break us down and expose the nasty stuff in our lives to be able to transform us into who we need to be.
I want to be very transparent with you right now, and not in a sense of airing out my dirty laundry or venting to my internet audience to get sympathy, but in hopes that God will expose some of these truths in your own life, to allow you to grow in him in the particular journey he has decided to send you on. Seeing the holes in my marriage, the ugliness that comes out of me as a parent at times, and seeing my weaknesses of making choices between obeying God or following the ways of the world has created a fear and a sense of shame in me. A fear that at times, makes me question if I am ready for all of this. I've always known that the yucky stuff was there, but I've been too proud, too ashamed, or too scared to admit it. I was scared of people's perception of me if they saw my weaknesses instead of my strengths. I was ashamed of all of it. Ashamed that I actually had ugliness in my heart where I was supposed to be overflowing with God's love and joy. I always told myself that because adoption is such a controversial topic that I had to be on top of it. I felt that everyone was looking, and I had to look like the perfect parent, perfect spouse, and perfect human being or else I would be deemed as not good enough to take in an orphaned child.
I was talking to a friend that other day about all of the struggles that I have been going through recently, and it took her asking me, "Do you think with all of this stuff going on, it's a good idea to bring a new child into your life?" to WAKE UP. At first I was a tad bit on the defense and tried to water down everything I had been saying. "my problems aren't really that bad. I'm just overreacting." and then I stopped and thought, "Who ever told me to be ashamed?" I'm not perfect and yes I have a lot of ugliness like everyone else. I don't have to be held back or chained down by all of my ugly stuff, because he releases me from it. He takes our ugliness and out of the ashes we rise. He sets us free to live. Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.O But the most redeeming part of it all, is that he loves us anyway and he can still use a broken person like me to show His love and His glory and his message. That's actually the point to his message.
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our savior, who DAILY bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19
"the Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, o Lord, endures forever-do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8
He breaks us down and He exposes all of it,so that we can be the people he created us to be. I don't know what that person looks like at the end of this journey, but I trust and know that God does. It's all about the endgame, and praise God that He has ALWAYS known what the endgame was since the beginning, because I haven't a clue. If God revealed to us the outcomes of our situations at the beginning then we wouldn't need that comforter in times of troubles, or that truth when the world is telling us lies, or a sustainer to hold us over when we feel defeated or ashamed or unworthy. It's All about him. In him, I must put my trust, my hope, my fears, my worries, my victories, my life. Not only does he put up with me and all my junk, but he wants to hold onto it for me so that I am able to keep going, and living out his mission that he has laid out for me.
"Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years the land he swore to give your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
Deuteronomy 30:20
And, if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us. And if our God is with us, then who can stand against us.
Do you want the real update? The real stuff. The everyday ins and outs of this waiting game. Often, I say that every day is a day closer to bringing our son home. While, quite literally, everyday is another day closer, the truth of that statement is that every day God has been breaking us down and building us up to transform us into the people that we need to be to handle life with an internationally adopted child. The waiting part hasn't been as difficult as the trying to shake the fear of the unknown as to how life is going to be after we get him here.
From the beginning of this journey I knew that God called our family to adoption, and I honestly thought that, that would be enough to sustain us through this journey. So, we very blindly jumped in with both feet. Thank goodness it started out this way, because if I would have known the fears, the darkness, and the weaknesses that God was going to expose to me during this time, I probably would have done a quick sprint while screaming and crying in the opposite direction. I get it. He must break us down and expose the nasty stuff in our lives to be able to transform us into who we need to be.
I want to be very transparent with you right now, and not in a sense of airing out my dirty laundry or venting to my internet audience to get sympathy, but in hopes that God will expose some of these truths in your own life, to allow you to grow in him in the particular journey he has decided to send you on. Seeing the holes in my marriage, the ugliness that comes out of me as a parent at times, and seeing my weaknesses of making choices between obeying God or following the ways of the world has created a fear and a sense of shame in me. A fear that at times, makes me question if I am ready for all of this. I've always known that the yucky stuff was there, but I've been too proud, too ashamed, or too scared to admit it. I was scared of people's perception of me if they saw my weaknesses instead of my strengths. I was ashamed of all of it. Ashamed that I actually had ugliness in my heart where I was supposed to be overflowing with God's love and joy. I always told myself that because adoption is such a controversial topic that I had to be on top of it. I felt that everyone was looking, and I had to look like the perfect parent, perfect spouse, and perfect human being or else I would be deemed as not good enough to take in an orphaned child.
I was talking to a friend that other day about all of the struggles that I have been going through recently, and it took her asking me, "Do you think with all of this stuff going on, it's a good idea to bring a new child into your life?" to WAKE UP. At first I was a tad bit on the defense and tried to water down everything I had been saying. "my problems aren't really that bad. I'm just overreacting." and then I stopped and thought, "Who ever told me to be ashamed?" I'm not perfect and yes I have a lot of ugliness like everyone else. I don't have to be held back or chained down by all of my ugly stuff, because he releases me from it. He takes our ugliness and out of the ashes we rise. He sets us free to live. Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.O But the most redeeming part of it all, is that he loves us anyway and he can still use a broken person like me to show His love and His glory and his message. That's actually the point to his message.
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our savior, who DAILY bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19
"the Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, o Lord, endures forever-do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8
He breaks us down and He exposes all of it,so that we can be the people he created us to be. I don't know what that person looks like at the end of this journey, but I trust and know that God does. It's all about the endgame, and praise God that He has ALWAYS known what the endgame was since the beginning, because I haven't a clue. If God revealed to us the outcomes of our situations at the beginning then we wouldn't need that comforter in times of troubles, or that truth when the world is telling us lies, or a sustainer to hold us over when we feel defeated or ashamed or unworthy. It's All about him. In him, I must put my trust, my hope, my fears, my worries, my victories, my life. Not only does he put up with me and all my junk, but he wants to hold onto it for me so that I am able to keep going, and living out his mission that he has laid out for me.
"Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years the land he swore to give your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
Deuteronomy 30:20
And, if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us. And if our God is with us, then who can stand against us.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
31 Bag Fundraising Party
So, it's been a long 6 months of waiting, and although we don't know when we will get the awaited phone call from our agency telling us we've been matched with a child, we know that we are getting so much closer as each day goes by.
Not too much news on the adoption front. We have been hearing from our wonderful agency once a week, and they have told us recently that the Ethiopian government is now processing more adoption cases and doing everything they can to make it as fast as possible. Our agency is still issuing out court dates, so we are thankful that it has not come to a stand still.
We have been busy at the Michael house preparing for our little man to come home from getting him a bed to sleep in to becoming accustomed to Ethiopian food (it's not my favorite food in the entire world, but at least Jordan loves it!) We are still taking our adoption parenting training and every little thing we do, is helping pass the time.
Another thing that we are preparing right now, is a 31 Bag party. A dear client of mine is a 31 Bag consultant and has offered to throw us a fundraiser party where the proceeds will go to our adoption. How amazing is she!!!! To learn more about 31 Bags and their ministry go to www.mythirtyone.com/nataliescarryalls. They have some of THE cutest bags, totes, storage bins, and accessories that can all be personally customized to your liking AND it just so happens if you place an order by the end of August through our event you get an additional 15% off! We want to invite everyone to our party and if you can't make it, please check out the catalog online HERE and order something online through our event. I am definitely going to be purchasing some bags, myself, for Christmas presents. What lady wouldn't love a bag! Proceeds will benefit our adoption from all sales. Here is the information for the party, please let us know if you can make it.
Not too much news on the adoption front. We have been hearing from our wonderful agency once a week, and they have told us recently that the Ethiopian government is now processing more adoption cases and doing everything they can to make it as fast as possible. Our agency is still issuing out court dates, so we are thankful that it has not come to a stand still.
We have been busy at the Michael house preparing for our little man to come home from getting him a bed to sleep in to becoming accustomed to Ethiopian food (it's not my favorite food in the entire world, but at least Jordan loves it!) We are still taking our adoption parenting training and every little thing we do, is helping pass the time.
Another thing that we are preparing right now, is a 31 Bag party. A dear client of mine is a 31 Bag consultant and has offered to throw us a fundraiser party where the proceeds will go to our adoption. How amazing is she!!!! To learn more about 31 Bags and their ministry go to www.mythirtyone.com/nataliescarryalls. They have some of THE cutest bags, totes, storage bins, and accessories that can all be personally customized to your liking AND it just so happens if you place an order by the end of August through our event you get an additional 15% off! We want to invite everyone to our party and if you can't make it, please check out the catalog online HERE and order something online through our event. I am definitely going to be purchasing some bags, myself, for Christmas presents. What lady wouldn't love a bag! Proceeds will benefit our adoption from all sales. Here is the information for the party, please let us know if you can make it.
Thirty One Bag Party
Where: The home of Denise Ramey (my lovely mother)
2323 Zoa Drive
Cedar Park, TX 78613
When: Saturday, August 27 at 6:30pm
RSVP: 512-851-7183
or kristinmichaelstylist@gmail.com
Bring a friend, bring your daughter, bring your mom, but sorry boys, LADIES ONLY!!!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Adoption Update...Month 5 of waiting
Sorry, for taking so long to update on everything in our adoption journey. We've had a lot of activity at the Michael house, and I'm finally getting a moment to sit down and put together all of my thoughts. So, with that being said, here is the latest in our little adoption world.......
PRAISE BE TO GOD! We made $800 on our garage sale fundraiser. We are that much closer to paying our way to go and get our little guy. A BIG thank you to everyone who donated their unwanted items to the sale. Also, special thanks to my parents for coming out and helping with the sale. God has blessed me with some amazing family who not only show me their love and support, but also show me and teach me how to be a great example in love, service, and faithfulness.
On the adoption front, we learned from our agency today, that the MoWCYA (Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs) is taking on 10 more cases per day, from what was initially 5 cases every day. Things are going to move a little faster now. We are so thankful for any productivity at this point, and continue to just sit back and be content in the timeline God has laid out for us. I have family in Ethiopia right now who will be visiting the orphanage, most likely, where our son is at. Though we haven't been matched with a specific child yet, I am praying that God will allow my family to be able to hold him and love on him for us. Something that I have been longing to do for quite some time now. Everyday we are getting closer to bringing home our baby. We feel it more and more everyday. The waiting part has been hard. I'm starting to feel an ache in the missing part in my heart that God has carved out for my son and I just want to hold him and put every waking thought and breathe into getting him home. Nothing is in our control, so we are always putting our trust in God
Adoption has been the most beautiful journey that I have ever been on. To think of all of the ways that God has used this journey to restore us and show us how he loves is overwhelming. I feel a constant growth and transformation in not only myself, but my husband, my children, and in our relationships with each other. And, I feel I've only scratched the surface in learning more about Him, what He did for us, and who He is. There's nothing better than seeing God through your children, and nothing more attractive than seeing God through your husband. I also feel his presence everywhere. It's so comforting being under His wing. He is the driving force that is keeping us going.
I hope to have more updates soon about our adoption. Please continue to pray for us as we wait patiently and that we stay focused on Him no matter which way this crazy road is winding.
PRAISE BE TO GOD! We made $800 on our garage sale fundraiser. We are that much closer to paying our way to go and get our little guy. A BIG thank you to everyone who donated their unwanted items to the sale. Also, special thanks to my parents for coming out and helping with the sale. God has blessed me with some amazing family who not only show me their love and support, but also show me and teach me how to be a great example in love, service, and faithfulness.
On the adoption front, we learned from our agency today, that the MoWCYA (Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs) is taking on 10 more cases per day, from what was initially 5 cases every day. Things are going to move a little faster now. We are so thankful for any productivity at this point, and continue to just sit back and be content in the timeline God has laid out for us. I have family in Ethiopia right now who will be visiting the orphanage, most likely, where our son is at. Though we haven't been matched with a specific child yet, I am praying that God will allow my family to be able to hold him and love on him for us. Something that I have been longing to do for quite some time now. Everyday we are getting closer to bringing home our baby. We feel it more and more everyday. The waiting part has been hard. I'm starting to feel an ache in the missing part in my heart that God has carved out for my son and I just want to hold him and put every waking thought and breathe into getting him home. Nothing is in our control, so we are always putting our trust in God
Adoption has been the most beautiful journey that I have ever been on. To think of all of the ways that God has used this journey to restore us and show us how he loves is overwhelming. I feel a constant growth and transformation in not only myself, but my husband, my children, and in our relationships with each other. And, I feel I've only scratched the surface in learning more about Him, what He did for us, and who He is. There's nothing better than seeing God through your children, and nothing more attractive than seeing God through your husband. I also feel his presence everywhere. It's so comforting being under His wing. He is the driving force that is keeping us going.
I hope to have more updates soon about our adoption. Please continue to pray for us as we wait patiently and that we stay focused on Him no matter which way this crazy road is winding.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
GARAGE SALE ADOPTION FUNDRAISER 2011
We're going on month 4 of waiting....... .....One would think that this month would go by fast seeing that we have both my kiddo's birthdays, our 5 year anniversary (Love you, Jordan!), a 4 day hair conference in Las Vegas, Father's Day, and a quick trip to Houston to see the family. And let's not forget the obvious, daily duties as a mom and wife, on top of running my salon and being there for all my amazing, supportive clients.
Being the tumultuous person that I am, this was just not enough. I was getting bored just thinking about it, which caused my thoughts to turn to my baby boy across the world, which then led to me pondering ways to assure our journey was getting closer to him, since we can't control the speed or pace of the Ethiopian government. So, we decided to host another garage sale fundraiser for our adoption at the end of the month. The exact dates are Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25, from 7-4.
Last year, our garage sale fundraiser was a HUGE success. We were able to cover the cost of our intial agency fee and a big chunk of our homestudy. (Roughly $2600.) God truly showed up in a big way! Not only did we raise money for our personal adoption, but we were able to spread orphan awareness in our community and experience His glory, through tons of conversations. You can go here to read about our 2010 garage sale.
So, here we are, at the beginning stages, again.................And here I am, yet again, asking for some continued support for our garage sale. They weren't lying when they said it takes a village!
So to all my fellow Austinites, if you have things that have been sitting around your house that you have been meaning to donate to goodwill, we will gladly accept. We will even come to you, if it makes it easier. We will accept anything and everything, from clothes, electronics, furniture, arts and crafts, toys, your leftover garage sale stuff, you name it! You can either email me at mrandmrsmichael@gmail.com, you can message me on facebook, or even call or text me.
If you don't live in the Austin area, if you wouldn't mind help get the word out to all of your friends in the Austin area by sharing this blog. The more stuff we have, the more money we will raise.
If you don't have anything to donate, please come out and check out all the merchandise. Last year we had everything to brand-new clothing to ping pong tables.
ALL proceeds will go towards our 2 trips that we are required to take for our 2 Ethiopian court dates, that one day we will know.
Please also pray that God will show up throughout our garage sale fundraiser and His glory will be made known.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Month Three of waiting....
It's been 3 months, since we sent in our dossier and have officially been on the waitlist,
1 year, since we mailed off our application to our agency and started this whole process,
and 2 years, since God had put on our hearts that we would have another child, and that he lives halfway across the world from us, and we need to go and get him.
3 years ago I would have never imagined our life looking the way it looks right now. The things that we have given up, the lessons we've learned (almost always the hard way), the GROWING UP we've done, and the way God has been consistently molding us into the people He needs us to be. Although it's been challenging, it's been worth it.
The day we bring our son home keeps getting closer and closer. We still don't know an exact time of anything. It would be a shot in the dark, even making an educated guess. We could get the call anywhere between next month to a year, maybe, if all goes according to plan................. Ok, who am I kidding, nothing ever goes according to plan these days. :)
Right now, we are just very complacent being held in His hands, knowing that it is all in God's timing
I was able to talk to our case worker last week. She said that between all of the orphanages affiliated with our agency, they combinably have enough children to match a child with every waiting family on the waitlist RIGHT NOW!
What's the reason for the wait?????
It's nothing we can control. We've done all the paperwork on our side, and the wonderful people of our agency have done their part (here in the US and in Ethiopia) The hold-up is, that, in order to claim that a child is truly an orphan and legally put them up for adoption, you need proof.
In the US, there would be death certificates of the parents, documents with parent signatures relinquishing their rights as parents, and so forth. There are systems in place, in our country, that require us to have proper documentation, and not only that, but it is at our disposal whenever we need it to use it as proof.
In Ethiopia, there is no paperwork. There are no birth certificates, death certificates, and definetely no system that advocate for the child that is orphaned and homeless on the street taking care of his 2 younger siblings with no family and nowhere to go. These orphanages, and the amazing people that run them, are the only thing that orphans on the streets of Ethiopia have when it comes to having a glimmer of hope. So, when these children find their way to an orphanage, there is not a piece of paper that comes with them stating, that both parents died of AIDS or their mother abandoned them because she could no longer care for them, because she was dying and could not even take care of herself. Usually, you don't even know the true age of the children or if they have even an aunt or uncle alive that could at least, try to take care of them. For these kids to be even thought of for adoption, these are things that you must know.Someone must investigate the lives of each child, and physically search and find information about their parents and their lives and prove that they are orphaned. You can only imagine, with 50 million orphans living in just Africa (there are 150 million orphans worldwide), how long it would take to do this, especially with not enough people willing to help and advocate for the orphan. I hope you are starting to see just how big the orphan crisis is, and how crucial we are to giving hope to this crisis, by everyone coming together and doing their part, may it be big or small. And, yes, I think we ALL play a part. If you are fortunate enough, right now, to be online reading this blog in the air conditioner while enjoying your weekend, then you have the ability to help, whether it's adopting your next child, bringing awareness in your community, showing support, donating your extra things to orphanages, or buying them a small Christmas present just to show them that they are thought of and loved. With each person doing their part, we will make ONE BIG IMPACT and, together, we can take care of our fatherless children in the world.
It makes me GREATLY appreciate what we have here in the US, but often take for granted. The fact that we can get on a computer and order up and pay for a birth/marriage/death certificate, with the option of having it delivered overnight, is just a small petty convenience that we take advantage of. I don't care if you are left winged, right winged, or somewhere in the middle, I think we can all agree that, we have so much more than most countries to be thankful for. Especially, in Ethiopia. As a believer, I feel that these kind of blessings that gracefully have been given to us with no merit of our own, are ours to SHARE with everyone in His kingdom. To only focus on our country and just give back to only our country is neglecting the rest of the world, which makes up the rest of His kingdom. God is not American. And, I think it will be surprising to some when we get to Heaven and see all of the different people who are there.
1 year, since we mailed off our application to our agency and started this whole process,
and 2 years, since God had put on our hearts that we would have another child, and that he lives halfway across the world from us, and we need to go and get him.
3 years ago I would have never imagined our life looking the way it looks right now. The things that we have given up, the lessons we've learned (almost always the hard way), the GROWING UP we've done, and the way God has been consistently molding us into the people He needs us to be. Although it's been challenging, it's been worth it.
The day we bring our son home keeps getting closer and closer. We still don't know an exact time of anything. It would be a shot in the dark, even making an educated guess. We could get the call anywhere between next month to a year, maybe, if all goes according to plan................. Ok, who am I kidding, nothing ever goes according to plan these days. :)
Right now, we are just very complacent being held in His hands, knowing that it is all in God's timing
I was able to talk to our case worker last week. She said that between all of the orphanages affiliated with our agency, they combinably have enough children to match a child with every waiting family on the waitlist RIGHT NOW!
What's the reason for the wait?????
It's nothing we can control. We've done all the paperwork on our side, and the wonderful people of our agency have done their part (here in the US and in Ethiopia) The hold-up is, that, in order to claim that a child is truly an orphan and legally put them up for adoption, you need proof.
In the US, there would be death certificates of the parents, documents with parent signatures relinquishing their rights as parents, and so forth. There are systems in place, in our country, that require us to have proper documentation, and not only that, but it is at our disposal whenever we need it to use it as proof.
In Ethiopia, there is no paperwork. There are no birth certificates, death certificates, and definetely no system that advocate for the child that is orphaned and homeless on the street taking care of his 2 younger siblings with no family and nowhere to go. These orphanages, and the amazing people that run them, are the only thing that orphans on the streets of Ethiopia have when it comes to having a glimmer of hope. So, when these children find their way to an orphanage, there is not a piece of paper that comes with them stating, that both parents died of AIDS or their mother abandoned them because she could no longer care for them, because she was dying and could not even take care of herself. Usually, you don't even know the true age of the children or if they have even an aunt or uncle alive that could at least, try to take care of them. For these kids to be even thought of for adoption, these are things that you must know.Someone must investigate the lives of each child, and physically search and find information about their parents and their lives and prove that they are orphaned. You can only imagine, with 50 million orphans living in just Africa (there are 150 million orphans worldwide), how long it would take to do this, especially with not enough people willing to help and advocate for the orphan. I hope you are starting to see just how big the orphan crisis is, and how crucial we are to giving hope to this crisis, by everyone coming together and doing their part, may it be big or small. And, yes, I think we ALL play a part. If you are fortunate enough, right now, to be online reading this blog in the air conditioner while enjoying your weekend, then you have the ability to help, whether it's adopting your next child, bringing awareness in your community, showing support, donating your extra things to orphanages, or buying them a small Christmas present just to show them that they are thought of and loved. With each person doing their part, we will make ONE BIG IMPACT and, together, we can take care of our fatherless children in the world.
"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
It makes me GREATLY appreciate what we have here in the US, but often take for granted. The fact that we can get on a computer and order up and pay for a birth/marriage/death certificate, with the option of having it delivered overnight, is just a small petty convenience that we take advantage of. I don't care if you are left winged, right winged, or somewhere in the middle, I think we can all agree that, we have so much more than most countries to be thankful for. Especially, in Ethiopia. As a believer, I feel that these kind of blessings that gracefully have been given to us with no merit of our own, are ours to SHARE with everyone in His kingdom. To only focus on our country and just give back to only our country is neglecting the rest of the world, which makes up the rest of His kingdom. God is not American. And, I think it will be surprising to some when we get to Heaven and see all of the different people who are there.
"At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need." 2 Corinthians 9:14
I hope to keep getting more updates about our adoption, so that I can keep telling our story and that His glory may be seen through it. Here are a few things that you can pray for while we wait:
- In earlier posts, I had mentioned a lawsuit that we have been in for the past 2 1/2 years. Well, unfortunately, it has not been settled yet. It's kind of become that dark cloud that won't go away. Just pray that we come to a settlement, and that we won't have any anxiety about how it will shake up our lives. That we remain trusted in Him and that He provides what we need to make this go away.
- Also, please pray for the people who have brought on this lawsuit. Pray for peace and understanding in her heart. That God may provide closure for her and her family.
-Please pray for our next fundraiser to help fund the rest of our adoption. We will very soon, be starting up another garage sale fundraiser that we will hold at the end of June, and hoping the God shows up HUGE.
Thanks, again, for everyone's letters, emails, and words of encouragement through all of this. They are truly from God and we feel every single one!!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
A big THANK YOU is in order!
Well, the cut-a-thon is over, and we are eternally grateful for everyone who came out and supported us. Thanks to everyone online as well that showed your support by being a part of the event. A special thank you also goes out to the businesses who helped everything come together. It would have not been possible without Kristin Michael Salon, Felicia Whiteside Salon, Becky Newcombe, Elayna McElveen, and Nicole Eagle, our wonderful stylists for the day. I would also like to thank all of the businesses that contributed to the events: Alamo Drafthoouse, The flower Junction, Cookies by Michael Hoag and Paul Mitchell.
We made a grand total of $1,100.00 at the event! That is FANTASTIC!
The event did so much more than raise money for our adoption. It provided great awareness of adoption, Ethiopia, and orphans. There's nothing better and more joyful, than watching people come together for a common cause and making a difference. Something, that I am so proud to be a part of!
Most of all, this event brought me so much hope. With everything going on right now, in the world, I was starting to lose confidence, but thanks be to God! He showed up huge this weekend and completely restored our hope of bringing home our son and allowed us to enjoy and absorb all of the blessings and grace he put in our lives. Throughout this process I have looked to Him for guidance, and let me tell you. When you look to Him, you find a strength and a guidance that you cannot get anywhere else!
We made a grand total of $1,100.00 at the event! That is FANTASTIC!
The event did so much more than raise money for our adoption. It provided great awareness of adoption, Ethiopia, and orphans. There's nothing better and more joyful, than watching people come together for a common cause and making a difference. Something, that I am so proud to be a part of!
Most of all, this event brought me so much hope. With everything going on right now, in the world, I was starting to lose confidence, but thanks be to God! He showed up huge this weekend and completely restored our hope of bringing home our son and allowed us to enjoy and absorb all of the blessings and grace he put in our lives. Throughout this process I have looked to Him for guidance, and let me tell you. When you look to Him, you find a strength and a guidance that you cannot get anywhere else!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Thanks again to everyone who has played a part in our journey thus far! It will all be worth it when our little boy comes home, whenever that may be. Thank you for showing us your faith which allowed our faith and hope to grow!
PS: We still have t-shirts left over that we would love to get rid of. We're selling them for $10 (shipping included). Email me at kristinmichaelstylist@gmail.com or message me to buy one. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=604242822&aid=279153
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