Thursday, May 30, 2013

End of the year

The blog has been quiet but there has been so much going on lately.  The end of the year is so busy but they only have one day left.  There isn't really anything new with Molly and Meilin either.  We are waiting for China to approve us but they are working on their computer system this week so nothing is happening.  We are still hoping to go by September but don't have much control over it and having to keep trusting in God's perfect timing.

Hopefully we can spend this summer making more room and getting more organized.  We will have 7 at home this fall and wouldn't survive otherwise.  It will be a good thing for all of us!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

STUCK+

Several weeks ago we went to see the movie "STUCK" in town.  It is about the adoption process, how long and complicated it is, how expensive it is and how there are so many children literally stuck in the process.  There are children that can't come home because paperwork is messed up and countries that close the doors all together while people are in the process.

We are very fortunate that our adoption is moving forward.  BUT, it is still complicated, slow and very expensive.  In a lot of ways you just repeat the same steps over and over.  Hurry up and wait.  Finish one step and then wait while your paperwork sits on someone else's desk.

https://bothendsburning.org/initiatives/stuck/  If you haven't seen the movie you should.  We have a copy if anyone local wants to borrow it or stop over for a movie night!  We would love to share it and our experiences with you.  International adoptions to the US are in a decline.  More and more children are being left behind.  If the process was cheaper, shorter and more efficient it probably wouldn't be the case.  The STUCK movie and Burning at Both Ends campaign is trying to change that.

I think the people that are responsible for our paperwork and the process need to explain to our daughter why we haven't come for her yet.  They need to look into the eyes of a 9 year old orphan  (that has prayed for a family for years and who's dreams are about to come true) why she can't come home for many more months.  I really can't explain it because it makes no sense to me either.  Our house is ready for our girls and they are ready for a family and forever home.  Yet there they sit, stuck in the process like way to many children.  They are fortunate that they will have a happy ending unlike so many children that don't have families or are in countries that have shut down completely.  The system has to change.  We owe it to these children, all of them!

Friday, May 17, 2013

Got Love? Adopt!

One of my favorite shirts is our Got Love?  Adopt!  We all have 1-2 or more of them.  It is a great yet simple message.  We also have the cups and I have a bracelet with the same message.  Now they have come out with some bags that I just love too.  I think one will be perfect to travel with and just use day to day!  You can see all the great items yourself at  http://www.gotloveadopt.com/!  They opened the store to raise money for their adoptions and while in between adopting they support other families!
We already have shirts for Molly and Meilin too so they can wear them home! Can't wait for our new airport picture coming this fall!




Sunday, May 12, 2013

Mother's Day

Mother's Day has even more meaning to me the last few years.  I am so thankful for all our children God has blessed me with.  I am so thankful for birth moms and foster moms as well.  Without them I wouldn't have half of my children.
It is hard though not being with our girls in China.  As the process goes on the wait gets harder.  Instead of focusing on the paper work I would love to be holding them and telling them I love them.
 
We will continue to dig through piles of papers and do whatever it takes to bring these girls home as soon as possible.  For me it feels like it is time but I know this is about God's timing.  Just praying for the process to speed up and or for peace for my anxious heart!

I love all of my children so much including the two in my heart stuck in the adoption process.  Thankfully they have wonderful foster moms watching over them until we get there!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Video of Meilin

http://youtu.be/RdqqEq24iBk

Here is the link to a new and adorable video of Meilin!  There is one part that is my favorite, can you tell what part?  Love hearing her precious little voice at the end too!


Done

Two garage sales done! I am worn out and today was very windy so I spend a lot of time picking things up off the ground after each big gust of wind.  We did really well again though and together we made around $2600 to add to our adoption fund!  So incredibly blessed by that and it makes it all worth it.  But, I need a nap now!

Tomorrow I am going to pack up what didn't sell and get busy on name puzzle orders!  Fundraising for this adoption has turned into a full time job by itself but we are getting there so not complaining.  I will do whatever it takes to get my girls home as soon as possible!

I want to thank everyone who stopped by our garage sale and donated in any way.  We are very blessed by the support we are getting and so thankful for it all!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Garage Sale

We are having a garage sale this weekend!  We started today but didn't advertise it since the rain was on and off.  We didn't have much of a turnout but still sold a few things!  Praying for beautiful weather and a nice large turnout the next two days!  We have a few big things I would love to sell so hopefully the right people come along.

We have also been very blessed with a couple large monetary donations!  It brings me to tears every time I see that someone donated no matter how big or small it is.  They all help and we appreciate it all.  We also got a lot of donations of items to sell  for our garage sale.  We had gotten rid of a lot at the last one but replenished for sure!

We are hoping to get our donation tab on the right up to $11,000.  That is how much we will owe China for two different orphanage fees.  It seems like a lot but God has provided so much so far that I know we will get there.  I have also been very blessed with constant puzzle orders the last couple of weeks.  I am trying to get through the garage sale and then will be busy making them next week!

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Sunglasses

Their futures are so bright they
have to wear shades!!!