Quote of the Month

"If just one church in every four churches got one family to adopt there would be no more orphans in America. It's not because we lack the resources, or lack the knowledge, or lack the skills… what we lack is the willingness for a group of people to say enough is enough, no more orphans."

                                                                                  -- Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life

New Pic

We just got an updated picture of our handsome little man, and I can barely stand this smile and curly hair! 

I'm dying to hold this sweet boy again!!

Say Yes

There are so many children in need of a loving family.  Not a perfect family, or a rich family, or a family that completely has their act together.  Just a loving family.  I believe that if more Christian families opened their homes to children in need, it would change the world!  What a powerful witness.

Quote of the Month

 

"Few things are harder to do than to confront the violent forces of injustice the way Jesus taught--with love and faith, perseverance and strength, hope and humility.  This is the authentic transformation that earns a hearing from a tired, suspicious and wounded world: a band of believers who move out from behind "doors locked for fear" (John 20:19) and proceed by courageous love to become "these people who have been turning the world upside down" (Acts 17:6)."
                     --Gary Haugen, President of International Justice Mission, from his book Just Courage

Worth the Wait

It's funny when the heaviness of the wait hits you.  Jamey and I were watching the 4 year olds in kids church this past Sunday and I walked in to the large group meeting.  There was a little boy from Africa in the room, and as soon as I layed eyes on him I immediately and unexpectedly became overwhelmed with emotion.  I couldn't stop thinking about Lincoln and holding him and how much I longed to have him back in my arms.  This process gets long and challenging, but God is faithful and our sweet boy is worth every moment of the wait.

We recently found out that our case was submitted to the US Embassy this past Wednesday.  We were a bit bummed to find out that this means another 6-8 weeks of waiting before we're able to head back to Ethiopia to bring Lincoln home.  This time frame is only if there aren't any problems.  If there are, it'll take longer.  Please pray for patience for us as we wait, and for everything to go smoothly so we aren't delayed--a delay could mean that I would be too far along in my pregnancy to travel back with Jamey which would be very hard for me.

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail. 

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness."

--Lamentations 3:23

It's a Boy!!

The gender of our surprise baby has been revealed.  It's a boy!  He's due to arrive in June of this year.  The same month as Lincoln's birthday, so they'll be about a year apart exactly.  Praying that these two are the greatest of friends.

Starting a Movement

Watch for this ad during the Superbowl!

Tony Dungy, "We have an incredible opportunity to start a movement that says we won't rest until the orphan crisis has ended."

Trip of a Lifetime

We're back!  It's the middle of the night and my jetlagged self is wide-awake.  Since our return almost a week ago, I've been going to bed around 6 or 7pm and waking around 4am.  My pregnant body hasn't had the will to fight the jetlag, so the off-based schedule persists.  It's taken me all of this week to readjust after our trip and process all that happened.  Our time in Paris was a wonderful treat.  Our time in Ethiopia was amazing.  Our son was to die for.  The most precious, snuggly, sweet little boy I've ever had the privilege of holding.

We met some other amazing adoptive families, ate a traditional Ethiopian dinner, went to market, soaked up as much of the countryside as we could on our way to various restaurants, passed court, and cherished every moment we could with our little Lincoln Ryan Tesfa.

They tell us that it will be about 2-3 months until everything is processed with US Immigration Services, and then we'll get to go back and pick him up.  We're praying this is so!  Until then, we continue to pray blessings over this sweet boy, and praise God for bringing him in to our lives. 

Ethiopia or Bust!

In less than a day, we'll be heading to Ethiopia!  I'm super excited and yet have been trying to remain focused on all that has needed to get done to prepare for our trip--shopping, packing, Christmas cards, wrapping presents, trip to the bank, trip to the notary, clean the house, finish laundry, make arrangements for the dog, tie up loose ends and try to remember anything that I'm forgetting.  We have been so blessed by a great support system of people that have volunteered to help us as we prepare.  I'm not sure what we'd do without my parents who are watching the girls all week, our bible study who made us a sweet care package and are helping to take care of the dog while we're gone, Courtney who watched Grace so I could shop peacefully early this week, and everyone who has prayed and offered words of encouragement to us.  What a gift it is to have friends and family!

Later tonight, we'll be on a plane, headed to London, then Paris for a couple of days (a last little hurrah before we become a family of 6!), then on to Ethiopia.  I'm trying not to put too much pressure on the moment that we've been waiting for, but meeting Lincoln will be huge and wonderful even if he cries his eyes out the first time he sees us.  Can't wait to hold that little boy in my arms.

God has been faithful every step of this 18 month journey, and it has been amazing to take this step of faith and watch how he has brought every detail together thus far.  For anyone who has considered adoption but is afraid to make the financial committment, I would say that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and will provide every step of the way if He's calling you to do this.  We've made sacrifices and it hasn't always been easy, but He has moved in power to provide a family for this precious child.  Trust Him and be blessed!

We'll give updates if we can while we're there.  Otherwise, a little ditty will be written upon our return.  Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!!    Bon voyage!!

If You Feel Him Tugging on Your Heart

If you feel God tugging on your heart in the area of adoption, would you look at this list of waiting children through Lifeline Children's Services (our wonderful adoption agency, also used by David Platt and his wife!), and consider Brandon or Bobby?  Both boys are two year olds, with minor special needs who are only allowed to be on this list for a short time.  Very soon they will be removed from the special needs children list and put on a much bigger country-wide list which they could end up stuck on for years before being selected and adopted.

Could one of these precious boys be yours?

The Gospel Demands Radical Giving

I really needed this.  Thank you, David Platt.

Quote of the Month

"When people ask me, "How do you want to be introduced?"  I usually propose they say, 'This is Tim Keller, minister of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City.'  Of course, I am many other things, but that is the main thing I spend my time doing in public life.  Realize, then, how significant it is that the Biblical writers introduce God as a 'father to the fatherless, a defender of widows' (Psalms 68:4-5).  This is one of the main things he does in the world.  He identifies with the powerless, he takes up their cause."
                                                                                            --Tim Keller, Generous Grace

Orphan Sunday

Next Sunday, November 6th, thousands of events will echo across America and around the globe, all sharing a single goal: that God’s great love for the fatherless will find echo in our lives as well.  We invite you to share an orphan meal with us, watch a video about caring for orphans and join a live webcast from Kansas City at Jacob's Well Church from 5-7pm.  Childcare is provided.  If you have any questions or to RSVP, contact me or Jamey.

Check out the promo video:

http://player.vimeo.com/video/28012514?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=01AAEA

Hope to see you there!!

The helpless entrusts himself to You; You are a helper of the fatherless.  --Psalm 10:14b

The Moment We've Been Waiting For...

Came.

Last night in the middle of our bible study, we received a call from Kentucky.  Our adoption coordinator said she had a potential referral so I called Jamey into our bedroom.  She said they had a 4 month old boy with a minor special need, a polydactyly, or extra "little finger" on his left hand, and would we be interested in him?  Are you kidding me!  Of course!  No question.  I really didn't care if he had eight extra fingers.

She sent a picture of his hand, and I cried at the first glimpse of my son.  Our son.  It's surreal to say it even now.  She called us back a bit later with a full profile.  He's gorgeous, and I can't stop looking at him.  His Ethiopian name is Tesfa which means hope.  Perfect.  He is that.  Hope.  He gives me hope for all those, still waiting.  I have renewed hope in the One who brought him to us--that He would give my messy, redeemed self a privilege such as this is humbling.

We celebrated with our sweet, sweet, authentic bible study.  They had gone to get wine & cake & ice cream while we were on the phone. 

Then we went to get the girls who were at my parents'.  Siena was sleeping so we sat down privately with Grace and told her that we had a picture of the brother she'd been praying for for over a year now.  Her excitement was priceless.  She slept last night with his picture on her pillow.  She's still talking about how beautiful he is.

It's overwhelming and we are in awe. 

Thank you for all of your prayers and support.  This little boy is a miracle, and just like our girls, he's always been plan A for our family.  Only He could orchestrate this.  Oh, praise Him!

Update

At the end of August, we were told that it would be about 4-6 weeks until paperwork was ready for 20 available children, the final step before they were able to be matched with their forever family.  The 4-6 weeks has recently passed without news, but Jamey made contact with our adoption coordinator and she said that she would be very surprised if we didn't receive a referral before November 1st.  That's less than two weeks away! 

We've recently been feeling like this process is never going to end, but there could be a big boost to our resolve if this news about a referral is true.  Either way, God is awesome and we continue to trust that He will bring our child home in His perfect time--even though things haven't been happening as we thought they would.

On another note, we've begun leading an Orphanology small group at church, and are loving discussing with other believers the importance of caring for orphans and the oppressed.  If you're looking for a book that will challenge you, I recommend this one!

Quote of the Week

"Adoption is not just about couples who want children--or who want more children.  Adoption is about an entire culture within our churches, a culture that sees adoption as part of our Great Commission mandate and as a sign of the gospel itself."

                                                                                              -- Russel D. Moore, Adopted for Life

Steve Jobs Was Adopted

A brilliant modern day man, adopted.  Makes me reflect on the potential of countless orphans entrapped by their circumstances even now.  Read his adoption story here, and ponder with me.

What Can We Do?

There are SO many children in need of a loving home--almost 150 million worldwide.  This problem is complex and sadly most of these won't be adopted, but why aren't more families stepping up and providing loving homes for these little ones?  I think sometimes we tend to overthink things and talk ourselves out of it.   We feel like we have to have it all figured out before we take a leap of faith or that our life needs to be wrapped up perfectly with a nice, shiny bow that doesn't include taking a risk on an orphan who could "ruin" our family.  We think we have to have our act together before we bring another child in to our home.  We say that we'll do it someday, and then we get busy with other things and never take the initiative to pursue it.  We see the cost involved and become overwhelmed.  There's so much that can prevent solid, Christian families from adopting.  Yet, there are SO many children yearning for and in need of a home.  Take a look at this list of "special needs" children in China, and be reminded of a few of them. 

God has these things to say in His word regarding orphans and adoption:

In you the orphan finds mercy.

                          --Hosea 14:3

Never take advantage of any widow or orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, you can be sure that I will hear their cry.

                         --Exodus 22:22-23

You are the helper of the fatherless. LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.

                          --Psalms 10:14,17-18

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

                          --James 1:27

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.

                           --Psalms 68:5-6

When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.

                            --Deuteronomy 24:19

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

                            --Isaiah 1:17

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

                            --Proverbs 31:8-9

And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.

                           --Matthew 18:5

I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!

                            --Matthew 25:40

The call is clear, and I believe wholeheartedly that when you help orphans, you come close to the heart of God.  I know He doesn't call everyone to adopt, but what else can we do to obey this command to defend the cause of the Fatherless?  Check out this LIST to get some ideas.

Quote of the (er) Week

" North Americans are simply not doing enough.  We are the richest people ever to walk the face of the earth.  Period.  Yet, most of us live as though there is nothing terribly wrong in the world.  We attend our kids' soccer games, pursue our careers, and take beach vacations while 40 percent of the world's inhabitants struggle just to eat every day.  And in our own backyards, the homeless, those residing in ghettos, and a wave of immigrants live in a world outside the economic and social mainstream of North America.  We do not necessarily need to feel guilty about our wealth.  But we do need to get up every morning with a deep sense that something is terribly wrong with the world and yearn and strive to do something about it.  There is simply not enough yearning and striving going on."

--Brian Fikkert from his book, When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor and Yourself

Transitions & Reason's to Smile

 

I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks because we've needed time to transition with all the changes that a new school year brings.  Two in particular have been major. 

Numero uno is homeschooling.  There were several moments, the first week in particular that I wondered what we were thinking when we decided to homeschool--I even had thoughts of re-registering Grace for pre-school a couple of days late.  After months and months of research and prayer, I had felt pretty certain that this is where God had been leading us, but was really wondering if I had missed something.  Now that we're getting in to a bit of a rhythm with it, and the onslaught of Facebook status updates proclaiming how wonderful it is to send your children off to preschool have subsided (no offense if you yourself were a culprit--I know that no harm was meant!:), I'm so glad that we made this choice.  I know that it's not the right choice for every family in every season, but this year (or semester--who knows!) it is the right choice for us, and God has been so gracious to show and remind me how much our family is being blessed by it.

A couple of days before we began homeschooling, Grace went to the chalkboard and wrote her name on her own.  She had never done this before, and it was so cool to be reminded of how eager she is to learn.

Next major transition is that Jamey was offered a job with the company he worked for this summer only a few days before he was supposed to go back to school!  We had been wondering for the past several months how we were going to live paycheck to paycheck this next year after almost emptying our savings accounts to pay for the adoption, receiving a substantial paycut due to our state's new budget repair bill, Jamey stepping away from his position as a football coach because we thought we'd be going to get Lincoln this Fall, and adding another mouth to feed.  God totally showed up, and I get goose bumps thinking about how faithful He has been to provide for us as we've stepped out in faith to follow His call to adopt.  It has been bittersweet for both of us for Jamey to step away from his teaching career, and all the students and fellow staff members that he grew to love, but we are very confident that this is where God wants him for now.

Grace, Jamey and Siena on Grace's first day of Pre-K homeschooling and Jamey's first official day with his new position.

 

 

The big transitions have kept our minds focused on other things as we are growing weary with the wait.  We were having dinner with my parents last night and they showed us this hoot of a youtube video of an old couple trying to figure out how to use their webcam, not realizing that they're being recorded. Delightfully cute and HEE-lar-ious!  God is so good to continue to sustain us and give us so many reasons to laugh as we count down the days until we see our sweet Lincoln's face.  May it be refreshing to your soul as well.  Enjoy!

 Do not become weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 
                                                                                                           --Galatians 6:9