Our Next Fundraiser!

Last year, as we began our adoption journey, we were faced with many decisions. One in particular - How were we going to pay for the expenses associated with an adoption? Typical adoption costs range from $15,000-$30,000. Pretty daunting numbers, aren't they?
We spoke with several families who took different approaches to obtaining the funds needed and, in the end, we were encouraged the most by those who chose to fundraise for a good portion of their needed funds. To be honest, initially, we were not really open to the idea of asking people for money. We simply thought we would take out a loan to cover the costs and do it on our own. After prayer and encouragement from friends, we eventually saw how fundraising is such a beautiful picture of God using the body to work together to accomplish something. I went from being fearful of sharing our needs and asking for support to being overwhelmed by so many giving generously not just with money but with their time and gifts. Without each of you, we would not be where we are on our journey! 

Because of the work of many....
I am excited to share that our final fundraiser is coming up in a little under 2 months! It has been in the works for some months now and to see things finally coming together is very rewarding!
An invitation to my lady friends/family - come spend an evening out with other women being filled with encouragement and truths from God's word and laughing along the way!
Here are the details! 

** Click here to purchase tickets or for large groups call 636-697-7153.

Will you help us promote this event by sharing it with your friends and family? We know that with the help of each of you that this event can be a huge success!! 

This event is also a great reminder for me that we are getting closer and closer to growing our family! Gavin keeps asking "Mommy, why does adoption take so long?!" (My feelings exactly!)
I then remind him of how God's plans and timing are perfect. We prayed for a baby for a long time and God kept saying " not yet" but in God's timing we got pregnant with you....it was indeed perfect and so will be the timing for a brother or sister! 

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen" - Philippians 4:19-20

Waiting

I am back...to blogging that is!! 

Several months have gone by since my last post and God has done some amazing things during this time! 

As we began our adoption journey last year, my husband, Shane and I were also praying about a timeline to purchase a home. The thought of being settled in a home before we bring home our child was ideal! We spent many months praying about where God was leading us and if it was even possible. As we have come to realize over and over again in our lives is that God doesn't take the easiest and quickest path to accomplish something. Instead he takes you on the other path… the one that everyone says is impossible, including myself.

Our home journey is yet another testimony for us about how God worked things out so that He received the most glory!! While man said things were impossible (once again), God proved otherwise! 

Gavin has the key!

After many set backs, God did bless us with a beautiful home! We closed on January 10th, 2013 and have spent the last several weeks getting settled in. 

Our new home!

We are looking forward to scheduling our next visit with our social worker soon. She will be coming to our home...so needless to say I have the motivation to unpack quickly!

Over these past few months, we also have been blessed with several more families partnering with us financially. We have been so overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends and family and can not thank them enough for their continued support for our adoption. 

A reduction in fees from the adoption agency came as another blessing. The agency we are using sets their fees based on your income and ours was lower this past year than the year prior, placing us in a lower fee bracket!  So by waiting until when we filed taxes this year, we were able to reduce our fees by $1,250!! I am thrilled to share that we are currently 56.5% funded!! 

Needless to say, my original timeline of getting our home study done by January is out the window!! But by reflecting on all God has accomplished during these months, I am yet again reminded of how God's plans are nothing less than perfect. 

Our prayer is that this year, in 2013, our family will be blessed with our bundle of joy! I am excited to see how God's plans will unfold and grateful that we get to share our journey with you!

I encourage you to reflect and to be reminded of God's goodness in your own life. He is worthy of all our praise.

"I believe that I shall look up on the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

-Psalm 27:13-14