AGCI

Oh people we are so close. I mean CLOSE to finally picking an agency. THANK YOU so much for recommending All God's Children. They seem like a great fit for our family. So right now we are just checking into the money situation. I know I know. (Oh and update: We are not selling the house. I couldn't handle all the pressure.) So yeah, looking into the money. AGCI wants quite a bit upfront and with homestudy and all the other little fees that is kinda more than I thought it was going to be. I mean, I knew it was going to be this much I just thought I would have a little bit more time to spread it out and make it feel less painful. You know? But it's nothing we can't handle, just trying to see what options are best for us. I know God has a plan for us so I am going to just trust He knows where this money is. So I will let you know when it becomes official but I did receive the application in the mail today so you can bet it will be soon!!

Note to Amy Bottomly: We are going to the Queen tonight to celebrate! I think I read on your blog that you thought the injera looks like skin and now I can't get that out of my head, so thanks for that:) Wishing we were going to the OKC Queen instead so you could guide me to the best choices but I will let you know how it goes......

Some CUTE Pictures

Ok so I know that you are just dying to see some pictures of my oh so cute family:)











Ahh a boy and his monkey and a chocolate sprinkled donut. Could life get any better?



Oh and by the way, I am looking into other agencies. Thanks for recommending some! AGCI looks pretty good so I am requesting some more info. I thought more about AAI and it looks like the time frame would be almost the same as they have a little longer wait than Gladney. Also getting nervous about putting the house on the market....pretty sure I am close to a minor nervous breakdown:)

Praying for the Chapmans

You have probably heard by now that the youngest daughter of musician Steven Curtis Chapman died in a tragic accident Wednesday evening. I am not sure how to grasp that reality right now. It is not right for something like this to happen to such an amazing family. A family that has done so much for us as a "community" of adopting families. I just ask you to pray for them. I am not sure what to pray for though.... nothing will make this better for them. I guess we just pray for God's glory to shine through this tragedy and that the believers that are closest to them will rally around them with support and love.

OK Seriously!

More from CNN front page.......

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/05/21/ethiopia.hunger.ap/index.html


Help Hopechest launch their awesome programs for orphans in Ethiopia by clicking HERE.

Update

First of all, there are so many faces on the adoption page of RLC that I can barely find my own! It is so awesome to see so many people coming together!! That being said, I don't think I will be able to keep track of all the Ethiopia people but I will try and check in once and a while. I have really been enjoying reading about your journey!

So here's an update. I really want to use Gladney but they won't send the dossier to Ethiopia until Jackson is two which is MARCH! That is kinda a long ways away. I got the AAI packet this week and I like them but still unsure. They let you start whenever but I don't know.... Also, (as if I don't need anymore stress) we decided to sell the house! AHH I know. We figure we have a lot of equity in this house and we can split what we make on the adoption and the down payment on a slightly larger house near the school I would love the kids to go to. Sound smart? I have no idea. But with the market the way it is who knows. We are just going to try it out and see how it goes. So maybe just waiting and using Gladney is best. But it just seems too long.

Oh and AAI sends PICTURES of waiting children with their packet and I totally fell in love with this sibling set of 4 kids.... I am telling you they are gorgeous. But then my too smart of a husband pointed out that I am only 12 years older than the 12 year old. Yeah that could probably be a problem:) So I guess I am just going to pray like crazy that they get adopted because for some reason they just stood out among the rest.

So that's where I am at right now..... let me know what ya think:)

On CNN front page

one more reason to support Hopechest and Launch Ethiopia with RLC.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/05/20/ethiopia.children/index.html

Ethiopia and Children's Hopechest

Ah just when I thought I could get away and get back to cleaning! (HA like I want to get back to cleaning!) Got this email, well I originally had to hear from Amy's blog because YAHOO put it in my SPAM FOLDER! That's right Yahoo I am slamming you on my blog!!! Be afraid!

Ok sorry, so I got this email from Children's Hopechest and they are about to launch their program in....you guessed it.....Ethiopia. (This was one of my MANY signs from God saying here is your country!!) So if you also have a heart for Ethiopia you can call into their conference call with me on Thursday! They are going to be talking about the need, the strategy, the vision trip, etc. So check it out! I sponsor a little boy from Russia from Children's Hopechest and have been completely blessed by the experience. These people know what they are doing! And you all know how much I enjoy Tom Davis:)

Here's the info:

Time: Thursday, May 15, 9AM MDT (make sure you translate the time difference)I believe thats 10 am Central for those of you near me:)

Conference Dial-in Number: (712) 432-1620

Participant Access Code: 1083603#

If you are going to participate please RSVP to daniel@hopechest.org


OK cleaning...or TV, I mean the day after Mother's Day counts too right? ugh, I thought you would say that.

Samaritan's Feet

Ok I told myself I wouldn't get on the computer today because I have so much to do, but I have to tell you about something cool I saw last night on TV.

So I was checking my email and Sports Center was on muted in the background. Then it caught my eye. The camera was on this guy's bare feet. Then it moved on the next set of feet. Still men's, bare, and wearing nice dress pants. Then the next pair of feet, exact same. Then the fourth pair of feet were really big black feet with bright red toe nails. I thought for a second, "That is one VERY large lady!" Then the camera pans up to.... Charles Barkley! So then of course I had to unmute and figure out what the heck was going on.

So the guest on Sports Center was the founder of this organization called Samaritan's Feet. They help distribute shoes to third world countries but mostly Africa! Sounds right up my alley right? So ESPN and the guys from Sports Center (including Barkley) were all bare feet to raise awareness. So the founder is talking up his organization and then he says, "You know, we don't just give out shoes to the poor. We literally wash their feet, people and kids who haven't bathed in weeks or months. We tell them we love them, that God loves them. We say He created you and loves you and has a plan for your life and He sent us here to tell you that. Get in school. Get into sports. Do something with your life because He has a special plan for you."

Ok wow! Right there on Sports Center. Right there, God's love being shared. How cool is it for our young boys and husbands and anyone to see the guys on Sports Center and Charles Barkley and his sparkly red toes getting excited about helping others? Very cool. How cool is it to see Ron Hunter, head basketball coach at IUPUI, to coach games in his bare feet to raise awareness? Very cool.

Anyways, it was neat to see it last night and very funny hearing Charles Barkley talk about going and getting his pedicure. Check it out www.samaritansfeet.org I think you can either just donate $30 for two pairs or buy a pair of shoes for $30 and another pair goes to the poor (like Tom's shoes but they are generic athletic shoes) . Happy Shopping!

Dangerous Surrender Chapters 1 and 2

Ok so I have been reading this book by Kay Warren for a lot of reasons. First, Angel talked it up and said it was great. She is doing an online book club on her site, Voice of Adventure. Check it out. Secondly, its about how she surrendered to God's call in her life and went on a path that completely unknown to her. God gave her a passion for people that she knew nothing about. I feel that we are kinda in that same spot right now. And last, its about HIV/AIDS and Africa.

I am going to just admit it. I know just about NOTHING about AIDS. Just thinking about AIDS freaks me out a little. I never even wanted to consider adopting from Africa because of it. But God had different plans, now didn't he? He wants to use me in the experience and pull me away from what is comfortable. I thought, "Sure God, I'll adopt! How about any Latin American country? I mean I speak Spanish pretty well, I am familiar with the culture, Texas is pretty much completely Hispanic anyways, and its only a hop, skip, and a jump to whatever country we choose!" Nope. God wants me to surrender to him. He wants to stretch me, make me lean on him, give up my control to him.

So here is what I liked about Chapters 1 and 2. Hopefully, you will like it too and start to read it also!
Chapter 1

We refuse to talk about the painful, disturbing subjects--child prostitution, child labor, rape, poverty, injustice, ethnic hatred, greed, materialism, environmental destruction, HIV/AIDS. These are disturbing topics. But if we're not disturbed by the world in which we live, we will be consumed with the trivial, the insignificant, and the temporary.

I like this because I don't want to be naive and sit on my couch and not think that there are people in the world that are suffering. Luke 12:48 says "Much is required from those to whom much is given." Let's just say when I get to heaven and God says what did you do with all of the blessings I gave to you? I want to be able to tell him something! I did not earn the place that I was born, or the family that I have, or my cushy middle class position in society. God blessed me with those things and I want him to be able to use me in the fullest possible way.

When we sense God leading us on a new journey, we want all of the information up front. .... For you to become a seriously disturbed, surrendered person of faith, you will have to be willing to say yes in advance-- to give God your answer before you've heard the question.

Ok whoa! Seriously that's not even nice. I KNOW THIS IS ME! I am aware. Thank you. The end.

Chapter 2

The more we accept that he operates out of love for us, the more we will entrust ourselves to him.... God is not a spy looking to surprise you. He is not an enemy lurking in the shadows to hurt you. God is your Father who loves you, and wants to help you if you will but trust in his goodness.

Ok, again. I admit it. I all too often see God as the the guy in heaven who is going to strike me down when I don't do things right. He is going to stop blessing me. He is going to take everything away from me and see if I still say I believe the things I do. He is going to test me over and over to make sure I am sincere by sending pain to my life. This is not how God operates. I know that in my head but it is hard for my heart to always understand it. This is something that I have had to learn a lot about. I still have to repeat to myself that God loves me and wants good things from me. He is my Father. This is something I have a hard time dealing with sometimes.

That's what it means to follow Jesus- saying yes and trusting that he won't let us fall even when we can't see where he is leading.

Here is the bottom line: Figuring out God's ways isn't any of my business, following Him is.

Trusting. That step of faith. Saying ok to God even when you're not sure what the end will look like. That's where I am, and its kinda scary:)

Hope you liked it. Feel free to comment and tell me what you think:) Ok super long post. I am out.

Adoption Journal Blogger Buddies

Wow! I just went to Red Letters Campaign and saw all the new faces under the Adoption Journals and I am so excited to see all of the ones for Ethiopia! (excited for the other faces too!) So I just bookmarked all of your blogs and will hopefully start to read them regularly! I am so encouraged to see God bring others alongside to learn about this crazy journey! Since we are just in the beginning phase of picking an agency I have so much to learn it feels a little overwhelming at times.

So if you are an Ethiopia Adopting Blogger Buddy (that's a long name!) and you are lurking around out there.. comment me and give me any advice you may have! I am in information seeking mode! Some things I would love to know if you have any information are about The Gladney Adoption Agency and Advocates for Adoption International. I have just learned about AAI recently and all the incredible work they do with AHOPE so I want to add them to my list to research. All other info and advice is welcomed!!

THANKS!!

thats a really big number.....

I have not heard of the organization behind this video but it's pretty amazing to see.

Red Letters Campaign

So here it is! This is the something that I am so super excited about. If you are not going to click the link then I will post it here for you:

"We at the Red Letters Campaign (RLC) believe that YOU have the power to reduce extreme poverty, fight preventable disease and connect orphans with loving families. Our mission is to provide you the tools and a network of partners and like-minded people that enable you to be an active part of the solution - the way you want to participate.
RLC is a different kind of non-profit designed to support you in your passions - not the other way around. Whether your passion focuses on the HIV epidemic in Africa, providing safe drinking water to Central America or finding homes for children without families in India, we can connect you to people and resources that help you make a difference in the way that you desire.
Whether you’ve just recently become aware of the challenges faced by the orphaned, widowed and extreme poor or have already rolled up your sleeves and joined the front line, the Red Letters Campaign will connect you with the people and resources you need to turn passion into action."

So here's the story. I have been reading Angel's blog for awhile now and have been really inspired by her story, her beautiful girls, and her amazing heart for the Lord. So its kinda weird but we were praying about which country would be right for our family and Angel was one of the ways God laid Ethiopia on my heart. I had just asked God to show me which country and then after praying I turned on my computer, checked my email, read some blogs and thats when I came across Angel's blog on Ethiopia. She had just gotten back from there and had an amazing video of a lady named Hanna. Well that was just one way God has showed me that Ethiopia is where He wants us.

So long story short, Angel and her friends have started this amazing campaign to connect average people that want to make a difference for God's glory. I can't wait to see what this turns into! So my cool new badges mean that this blog is now a Red Letters Campaign Adoption Journal so that others who go there can find out more about the adoption process and the awesome country of Ethiopia! I will try and do them justice, but no promises!! So YAY! for new friends, new readers, and new opportunities to serve to the least of these.

P.S. I am learning SO much about the people and culture of Ethiopia and I love it!

Ethiopia!

Ok so I wasn't sure when I would announce this but now seems as good of a time as any and most people already know anyhow:) We have decided on Ethiopia! YAY! One step closer! Now I just want to say that there is still a chance we may change to Rwanda. And since I don't want people to read this and wonder why, I will tell you.

Ethiopia

- We feel for many different reasons that God is leading us to Africa, which is where Ethiopia is:). He has united us as a couple on this and you will see how cool that is when Paul finally gets around to writing his side of our story! (yep I am throwing you under the bus!)

-There is a huge Ethiopian community here in Dallas which would benefit with teaching our child about her culture.

-There is a huge Ethiopian adoption community as well. This will allow our child to see other kids adopted from her same country.

-There seem to be a ton of opportunities opening up with people I know to help minister to the people of Ethiopia. Very excited about that!

-This is kinda the kicker....and feel free to comment if you feel differently because I need to see others perspectives on this since I am unsure of how I exactly feel about it. There is a lot of corruption in the international adoption world, especially in infants. I am not saying its all corrupted, I am just saying its out there. For this reason, countries have shut down and new countries have become the hot place to adopt. We did not realize that Ethiopia is now the hot spot until we had already chosen it for our family. When places have a lot of adoption activity, wait times get longer and the possibility for corruption increases. So saying that, I want to be extra sure our agency is ethical in receiving referrals of true orphans and our presence there only helps a child and a country in need and does not hinder it.

Rwanda-

-Our very very good friends, The Musekaras, founded A.L.A.R.M. ministries which works in Rwanda and eight other African countries. They are also from Rwanda. We absolutely love them!

-Still in Africa:)

-Rwanda is a BRAND NEW program, lots of unknowns but lots of need.


So there you go..... Ethiopia is what we would like to do but we are still exploring the options for Rwanda. Hey, you never know, maybe we will adopt one from each! Please comment if you have any info on either of these countries as I am trying to learn as much as I possibly can!

This video is just one opportunity for Ethiopia that I am excited about. This is Tom Davis and he is the president of Children's Hopechest and the author of two books on my side bar. If you want to know anything about orphans and how to help them you need to know about Tom Davis and the amazing work he does:)