Our first shipment came today.  It tastes delicious.  We are excited to partner with such a great company and product.

Money, Money, Money, Must be Funny, in a Rich Man's World

Every time I look at our adoption fee outline, this ABBA song pops into my head.   I have my parents and their first CD, ABBA GOLD, to thank for it!  

In all seriousness, Mike and I have always known that adoption was going to be expensive.  We knew that we would have to be frugal, save and eventually pay out.  I didn’t realize however, how hard it was going to be to write those big checks!  America World estimates up to $35,734 for an Ethiopian adoption –YIKES!

In my world the amount listed above seems like a lot, but in God’s, it is mere pennies.  Psalm 24:1 The Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.

To help me keep perspective, I really like the comparison a speaker made in this audio conference.   Many of us do not pray or even second guess buying a car like this onethough, somehow we say we can’t afford adoption… it is too expensive.  The car will inevitably rust, break down and although it can be used, in and of itself, has no worth in eternity.  On the other hand, a life is “priceless” and eternal.

Please pray for us as we look for ways to fundraise, save and come up with the money to finance our adoption.  We have already connected with Just Love Coffee – (We especially love that their story starts with an Ethiopian adoption too!)  As soon as we complete our home study, we also hope to apply for grants.  We are attempting to be good stewards of what God has financially entrusted to us, knowing He will provide us with the amount needed in the end.   

Blogging, Really?

To be honest I never thought that I would write a blog.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love blogs.   I have spent countless hours reading other people’s blogs.  I just don’t write.  I have never felt like I could articulate my feelings or thoughts very well in writing and honestly wasn’t really sure I had time.  I also am very aware my spelling and grammar are horrendous!  But with that said M and I feel a blog is a simple way to quickly keep those we love, our friends and family, informed.  This way has been paved by so many who have gone before us, too many to count or name, especially related to adoption. 

Through this blog we want you to celebrate with us.  We want to share how God is working in our lives.  We want you to support us and learn through our struggles.  We want to be real.  So over the next couple of months, I am going to put my perfectionist tendencies behind me and just write (and hopefully post lots of pictures!).  Here we are…

Yesterday we completed our first meeting with the social worker who will complete our home study.  We felt it went really well.  Now we have to dive into all the probing and personal questions to prepare for the home visit!  We are currently in the “paper chase” stage of adoption that can last up to 6 months.  We are hoping with a little diligence, and babysitting help from Grandma Kelton, to try and finish most of it up by the end of April.

M & J thoroughly blessed, though exhausted, daily due to our little BMWs who keep us on our toes (and knees!).  We are honored the Lord has blessed us with children and overwhelmed by the responsibility.  We thank God for grace and pray for patience.  We are moving forward in paperwork while earnestly awaiting the time until we can welcome with love new little ones the Lord is preparing for our family.