Favorite Adoption Videos

I could watch these every day for encouragement, for their sheer beauty, thought you might enjoy them too..(Please pause the music on the sidebar because I can't figure out how to disable it)

To celebrate completion of our home study, those of you who have
walked this path can surely relate to the joy

Blessings,

An incredible article regarding adoption..

I came across this article last night on the Together for Adoption blog that I follow.  I felt compelled to share it with you...

Pro-Life=Pro-Orphan Care

Blessings,

A Beautiful Homecoming

This family is such an amazing and inspiring group.  I had the privilege of briefly meeting Gwen at the Together for Adoption conference I attended two years ago in Nashville.  She is an incredible woman on fire for serving and supporting the orphans of this world.  If you haven't yet met her or her 147 partner Suzanne, go by and meet them and give them a big ole' hug.  Their 147 Million Orphans gear is gorgeous, the t-shirts are as soft as clouds, our entire family love our 147 gear!

 About 147:

"Helping FEED children in Uganda, Haiti, Honduras, China and Ethiopia with each product purchased (50%+)

Educating and encouraging families about the HIV+/Aids crisis along with financially supporting several ministries that care for these children.

Offering Adoptive Families wholesale products to sell 
(100% profit from fundraising for families)

Helping Local African Refugees earn a sustainable income 
from handmade products

Working with Ugandan women in Africa on sustainable income from their handmade necklaces

Encouraging other adoptive families on their journey

Partnering with churches to help grow their Orphan/Adoption Ministry

Speaking Up For Those Who Do Not Have a Voice"

One of the ministries that 147 "supports and invests in

financially" 

is Amazima, and her blog is called The Journey, 

prepare to sit a while and be amazed... 

The first time I read her blog, more than 2 years ago, I

read for hours upon hours, her ministry is awe-inspiring, a 

beautiful woman who has surrendered it all to 

be filled up by our Heavenly Father.

Blessings for a week full of joy,

Orphan Care Resources

If you would like to know more about orphan care/adoption,here are 2 awesome, information packed sites::
ABBA Fund
Together for Adoption

 This is the conference I hope to attend next year, Created for Care
Check out all of these awesome families who have answered the call to adopt...



And finally, check out this song, one less...



Blessings,

Adoption Etiquette

Disclaimer: I do not by any means claim to be an expert in this area, having not completed an adoption, yet. However, during the past 3 years of our adoption journey, we have encountered several occasions in which I wish I had known the etiquette of adoption, specifically the etiquette of appropriate adoption language.
Here is a helpful chart that I found on adoptive families.com:
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/pdf/PositiveLanguage.pdf

Now here are a few of the less blissful comments we've heard during the last 3 years along with the response that we didn't always have on hand
(we harbor no ill will toward the authors of these comments, we may have uttered even worse before we became passionate about orphans and adoption)


1. "what about your real children, aren't you worried about how this will impact them?"

First of all, any adopted child of ours will be our real child, no pretend kids here.
Secondly, yes we have thought about how this will impact our kids, we think it will be an excellent way for them to experience firsthand the amazing way we have been adopted by God through Jesus Christ.

2. "aren't you worried what people will think, your parents, other relatives?"

No. Our parents and family have been amazingly supportive and excited. And, gasp, we all live
in the Deep South.

3. "I could never adopt because you just never know what you are going to get, mental, physical, emotional issues. With my biological children at least I can trace our medical history and know what to expect".

News flash...we never can know what we'll "get". How many families do you know whose kids don't have some sort of unpredictable issue ranging from a severe aversion to vegetables to severe physical handicaps? None of us can know, being a parent is the ultimate, unpredictable journey.

4. "aren't you worried about the issues a child of a different race may face as he/she grows up and feels alienated in your blonde headed, mainly blue-eyed, fair skinned family?"

I did, honestly do, worry about this. We have sought out countless books and other families who have adopted a child of a different race. I believe it is important to educate yourself on your childs' birth culture and be willing to embrace that culture. Sometimes I worry about our future adopted child rejecting us or being embarrassed by us in their teen years. Wait, isn't that a rite of passage for all teens, bio, adopted, blue, yellow, green?

5. "why spend so much on international or domestic adoption when there are so many children languishing in our foster care system?"

Usually this is said in an accusing tone, interestingly always by those who have never adopted. We are not opposed to adopting from the foster care system, we recognize there is a huge need.  Furthermore, there is no perfect adoption scenario, an orphan is a child in need of a loving family.  Sadly, orphans can be found on every continent and from every race.  Instead of debating where someone chooses to adopt from why not rejoice that they are willing to adopt, period.

If you have adopted and have advice to share, please do so.  I am eagerly seeking ways to educate myself and others, not only about the need for adoptive families, but also how to respectfully support those families.

Blessings,

Our latest adoption update...

Lately we've had a lot of people ask about where we are in our adoption journey, so here it is...
After passing our homestudy back in October
(Mom, don't forget to pause my music first, on the right hand side, in the green box ;)
 
we set about completing the rest of our application for domestic adoption, specifically what's called
"Transracial adoption",
which means a willingness to adopt a child of any race.
We have recently submitted the first draft of our profile book and are reprinting it for the required 4 copies.  No small feat for this non-scrapbooker.  If it hadn't been for Cha-Cha's insistence and weeks of snow days I fear it would have taken me until Spring. 

If you had asked me three years ago, when we first began this journey, if I thought it would've taken this long, I would not have accepted or believed it.  There have been high and lows throughout the process.  However, throughout it all my dear, amazing husband has never wavered in his commitment and passion towards our adoption.  Even when I have had my doubts and days of thinking, "what are we doing/thinking?", he has always been sure footed and strong, just two of the many reasons I'm madly in love with this man. 

A friend mentioned recently that often times when we set about to do something that God places on our hearts we are criticized for a
"look at me, aren't we something? you should be doing this" mentality.
Furthermore, I know adoption isn't for everyone.  I know that.  I do know that it is something God has put on our hearts and something that we as a family have fully embraced and are extremely excited about.  I do know that the Bible says in
James 1:27
"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

So as my friend, I would ask you to:
~Pray for the orphans of this world
~Pray for the families who are stepping out in faith to adopt
~Find ways to financially support orphans, I can refer you to a few great resources

Next week I'll be discussing adoption etiquette (terms, what not to say/ask, how to support those in the process of).  I do not claim to be the expert but honey, let me tell you, we have heard some bizarre-o questions that would make your toes curl. As someone who sticks her foot in her mouth almost daily I want to save you from the same mistakes I've made.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by.
Love and Blessings,

A story y'all just have to read!!

Stop what you're doing right now and go read about this amazing family and the adorable, inspiring

Josie Love!!!

Blessings!

Orphan Sunday

 This Sunday, November 7th
is 
Orphan Sunday 

which exists to raise awareness of 

fostering, adopting, and caring for orphans. 

Please watch the video and 

prayerfully 

consider joining us in

  "standing up for the orphans, visiting them in their distress, advocating for the most vulnerable" ...

(DON'T FORGET TO PAUSE MY MUSIC ON THE RIGHT SIDEBAR FIRST)

 
Why Love Orphans? from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Fabulous new blog friend you must meet!

I love meeting new friends in blog world who totally inspire me.  Swing by and meet this sweet gal at 

"60 Miles from Town and Out of Milk".  

She has recently shared her families' path to adoption.  

I believe you'll be inspired by her as well!

Blessings,

WE HAVE EXCITING NEWS!!!

We have exciting new regarding our 

adoption journey!  

No, she isn't here yet but we are one

BIG step closer!! 

All of you non-"Office" fans need to watch the first video lest you think our crazy family has decided to enter into the redneck version of

"Dancing With the Stars"...

(DON'T FORGET TO PAUSE MY MUSIC ON THE SIDEBAR TO THE RIGHT FIRST)

 The Office


and NOW for our remix...

Thank y'all for your prayers during 

this long process that will hopefully

lead to us soon having Ruby join her "Forever" family!

Adoption #101

Adoption #101 

is a summary of our experiences with adoption over the past 3 years.  I do not claim to be an expert in this area.  After sharing  with our friends and family about needing prayers for this weeks' home study inspection it occurred to me that most people are like Jeff and I three years ago in regards to the who, whens, and whats of adoption.  Furthermore, I think our home study visit went smoothly, despite our boys' impish behavior as they became more comfortable with the social worker, more on that in a later post.  

Ok, in a nutshell there are numerous different scenarios in which an adoption can occur.  We are more familiar with two, international and domestic.  This is how they differ and their timelines:

International (specifically Ethiopia):

1.     pray.  also make sure you and your spouse are both on board.  so many people have told us they would love to adopt but their spouse just isn't keen on the idea.  adoption is a huge commitment of time and emotions, there is no way I could be on this journey without Jeff's full support

2.    research, research, and research some more before choosing an agency.  there are numerous websites you can use to check the backgrounds and personal experiences of others who have used an agency

3.    schedule an interview with your chosen agency, use a list of questions, such as these.  adoption is also a big financial commitment with prices ranging an average of $20k, so don't be shy about asking them the essential questions

4.     pray some more because this is when you may start thinking this is way too much work, who has time, especially if you are raising children already.  then remember we were adopted by God through His son Jesus Christ.  I believe that God loves adoption, he created us all why would he want any of His children to be raised as orphans?  Adoption not only glorifies God but it also has the potential to fill your life with the amazing, unparalleled joy that children bring!

5.     ok, once you have chosen your agency you will want to find as many blogs as possible of people who are pursuing or who have adopted.  they will serve as an extremely valuable source of support and inspiration.  

6.     Next is the paper chase.  Prepare yourself because you will have to dig up documents and forms that you may not have seen in a decade.  You'll have health physicals, pet vet record verifications, FBI clearance letters, reference letters, financial records, you name it, you need it.  

7.     Then you have the homestudy.  this is usually done by a 3rd party agency, not the adoption agency you chose.  They will send you on another paper chase, this one involving your autobiographies (yes your entire life story), more references, pictures of your family, your house, your farm animals, no not really.  Hold on tight because you have just done a "total reveal", splayed yourself wide open for a group of strangers to examine, evaluate, critique every aspect of your life up to this point.  Girlfriend, if this doesn't thicken your skin and bring you to your knees in prayer you are a tougher woman than me, and I have las-oed goats.  I feel like I should invite our Social Worker to be in our Christmas card picture. 

8.    Ok this is where things split depending on if you are pursuing domestic or international adoption.  

      

        a)If you are pursuing international adoption there are many more forms needed to meet the strict criteria imposed by immigration.  Some positives of international adoption are that you will most assuredly receive a match with a waiting or newly orphaned child in a certain time frame, depending on the country.  You are matched with a child by the agency.  Some countries take longer than others.  When we started this adoption journey three years ago some people were completing their Ethiopian adoptions in less than 9 months.  China on the other hand can have a wait of up to 5 years or more.  The negative aspects of international adoption are the higher cost mainly resulting from travel expenses.  Additional negatives are extended time away from home, and honestly from what I've read and heard, dealing with a 3rd world country and all of the ethical issues and judicial systems can be very unpredictable.  But adoption by definition is unpredictable, we have not ruled out international adoption completely.  (Somehow boys names have started getting tossed around for another little brother, both boys are fighting over who could share a room with him, so far we are split on Calvin vs. Jack, so we are praying about C.J.)  Know that the need is there, the children are there, and if you are being led to adopt no hurdle is too huge.

      

        b) domestic adoption, this is the route we have chosen.  domestic adoption is different in that you put together a portfolio book containing pictures of your family, your home, ect.  It's a type of scrapbook that the birthmother and/or birthfather looks through when choosing a family to place their child with .  The child is usually a newborn.  You are asked if you are open to any gender, race, physical disability.  the wait could be months or years.  there is no guarantee that you will ever be matched with a child.  Furthermore, the need is here, there are thousands of children in the U.S. foster care system that often end up there because they were unwanted.  In the U.S. there is a huge need for families open to adopting black children.  Check out this article by one of my favorite bloggers at Ordinary hero..

Adoption has so many more aspects than I have covered here.  I'd love to hear about your experience or questions.  It is by no means an easy or quick journey, but what in this life that is truly amazing ever is?  According to numerous sources there are 147 million orphans in this world.  My goal is to educate others about the tremendous need and to encourage you to join me on this life transforming, joyful path.

Blessings,
Today I am linking with 
chatting at the sky: http://www.chattingatthesky.com/ 

Beautiful description of adoption

If you want to read an incredible, 

beautiful post about adoption go to the above link 

and read the post entitled 

"teenagers and a lesson from Jacob"

This woman is simply amazing.

The tassle was worth the hastle

The tassle was worth the hastle

Amen sister! This is such an amazing and accurate description of the adoption paperwork trail. We are also ready to submit our dossier (doss-e-ay for my fellow Southern pals). So funny, you just have to read her account ;)  Just click on "The tassle was worth the hassle" and it will take you to one of my favorite blogs and her must read link...

http://mymindonpaper.wordpress.com/2010/06/08/advice-from-an-adoptee-to-mom/

 This is an incredibly informative and refreshingly honest blog post regarding transracial adoption. 

http://mymindonpaper.wordpress.com/2010/06/08/advice-from-an-adoptee-to-mom/

found another fabulous blog to share..

Hey ya'll, check out this great new blog I found:
http://www.apennysavedblog.com/

She is adopting from Africa AND  has wonderful decorating ideas  AND has a video with Dwights' funniest moments from The Office, how cool is she!!!

Joy

'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the 
least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' 

(Matthew 25:40)

  http://www.fumcmorristowninmissions.blogspot.com/

I don't even know where or how to begin to describe the events of the past 10 days.  I knew it would be life changing, that my eyes would be opened in countless ways.  I struggle to find the words to describe our trip to others who were not there.  I will post pictures as soon as I can, however, even they do not convey the rich beauty of our experience.  While we were in Bulgaria we called home and were told to "have fun" on our mission trip.  I was put off, have fun? really?  Did they not realize we were visiting orphans, fun?  Did they not get that we were seeing heartbreaking situations that ripped at our hearts?  As the week progressed we did have fun, we played with the orphans, sang, laughed.  The last night while we were sharing our feelings about the trip I shared my annoyance by the comment regarding "having fun", a dear woman from our group said yes, what we had done that week was fun, we brought joy to our Heavenly Father by bringing joy to the "least of these" the orphans. 

I encourage you to seek out a way to support missions, you could go on a mission trip or pray for the countless missionaries who are selflessly giving of themselves to bring glory to Him.  There is not a more amazing way to find joy and fun than to step out of your comfort zone and reach out to the suffering.  God bless you as you seek joy,

 

Check out this great post by one of my favorite bloggers

http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/05/blessed-to-be-weirdo.html#links

Happy Mama's Day!!

Happy Mama's Day!
It's brief because I am worn out from a day of fun with the family.
In honor of Mama's Day I wanted to invite you to check out a super amazing mom I just found in blog world...
http://hoodmamamel.blogspot.com
Girl you got to check it out like right now.

Hugs!