A Touching Story...

We have been ministered to by a married couple whom we've never met.  They are the founders of an incredible ministry called Hope for Orphans. 

We just learned that their grandson, adopted from Korea with pulmonary atresia, passed away a couple of weeks ago at the age of six.  Read the deeply touching blog post written by Paul Pennington regarding his grandson's death.

What Would I Tell a Family Considering Adoption?

Last night I was asked what I would tell a family considering adoption.  I don't know how articulate my answer was in that particular moment, but after thinking about it there are a few simple things I would say:

1.  You don't have to be perfect.
2.  You don't have to be rich.
3.  You just have to be willing.
4.  If you feel God tugging on your heart in the area of adoption then, with your spouse, prayerfully consider doing it.  God may want you to go through a season of preparation before you take that step, but be willing to ask Him, with an open heart, if this is what He's calling you to do.  He will answer you!
5.  Keep in mind that we tend to overthink things-- you don't have to have everything figured out before you take this step of faith-- and that's what it is, a step of faith.
6.  Don't forget the children who right now are languishing in orphanages or foster homes, deeply, intensely longing for a family to call their own.  Then ask yourself, why can't we give them one?
7.  Remember that you cannot solve the entire orphan crisis, but you can do something.  If God is not calling you to adopt, then what is He calling you to do to defend orphans?  Do it.  Take a step.  One small step can lead to another and another. 
8.  Ask yourself, "If not us, then who?"

"Learn to do good.  Seek justice.  Help the oppressed.  Defend the orphan.  Fight for the rights of widows."  --Isaiah 1:17

Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit VII...Here we come!!

It's official-- we're attending the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit VII this coming May 12-13th!  We balled our eyes out for two days straight, and experienced the Holy Spirit moving powerfully in us when we attended last year in Minneapolis, MN.  However, because of being in the midst of adopting while raising a family on a teacher's salary, I didn't think we'd be able to go again this year.  Praise God that He had different plans!  My husband had the idea to approach our church leadership about attending to represent our church and they were completely supportive and totally on board with the idea.  I can't wait to soak up as much as I possibly can and be in the same room with so many people whose lives I want to emulate.  Food for the soul, I tell ya!  The other cool thing is that we get to come back and share with some of our church leadership regarding all the ideas we picked up at the conference about engaging the church to help care for orphans.  Oh yeah, and did I mention that our adoption agency is located in Lousiville?--so we'll get the chance to stop in and meet with some of the people whose voices we've only met, but have worked alongside us on this journey to bring our baby home.  Can't wait, and all this only a few days after I turn 30.  Couldn't think of a better way to begin this new chapter of life!

Successful Fundraiser

Thank you to all of you who prayed for, donated, helped prepare for, or stopped by our garage sale.  It was a total success!  We had hoped to raise about $500, and ended up raising over $1000.00!!!!  We were so encouraged by all the support, and we are within a $1000.00 of reaching our next goal of $8000.00 that will be due once we receive our referral.  Throughout this process, as we've needed the money, it's come in just in time, and we have been so blessed to see God faithfully providing.  He who has called us is faithful!

Garage Sale Fundraiser

This Friday and Saturday is our

 Adoption Garage Sale Fundraiser 

If you've already done some spring cleaning and have anything that you want to get rid of, we'd love to take it off your hands!!  Contact me, and we'll do our best to find a time to get it from you.  It would be awesome if we could reach a goal of about $500.  Also, Thursday night, if anyone wants to join us for pizza while we set up, price items, post signs and tie up loose ends, let me know--we'd love the extra help!