Adoptive Families Blog Hop

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A Testimony of His Faithfulness

(this may be my longest post ever but if you want an overview of our adoption story, mainly in regard to God's faithfulness to provide, then you may want to read this. It's gonna take some time, maybe read it in bits lol)

A few weeks ago it occurred to me that I really need to share a brief (ha!) synopsis of the many times God has come through for us, financially, in our adoptions over the years. In the past few days, it has become apparent that I could stand to use some encouragement and some reminders of how God has come through for us before. It’s not that I doubt Him, I don’t. It’s more that I have not been certain about whether God has wanted us to do fundraisers or not and yet I continue to do them. In addition to that, I think there’s just a tad bit of fear that I will find out that God’s perfect timing is not the timing I am hoping for. I know fundraising will not force His hand, so it’s silly anyway.

So tonight, I’m going to take a stroll down memory lane. I want to look back over our previous adoption and see what God did when I was worried or doubting.

Here’s what I can tell you that I know for sure, no need to look back to remember this. Over the past 7 years, we have completed 4 separate adoptions of 5 children from Ukraine. I know that our least expensive adoption was $21,000 and our most expensive was over $30,000. In all, we have completed over $100,000 worth of adoptions in 7 years!!!

We have never been sitting on a mound of cash. At the start of each adoption we were trying to figure out where the money would come from:

Yana 2004 (we did not yet know the Lord back then)

This entry talks about how we could just have enough to start SOME paperwork. But my posts one week later talk about a $400 vet bill…the next post about a $200 vet bill.

http://www.findingrdaughter.braveblog.com/entry/9026

Then a post 2 months later http://www.findingrdaughter.braveblog.com/entry/9030

we are $2600 “into” the process.

Now, the fact that we did not know the Lord meant that we did not have any reason to trust the Lord to provide. This meant that we would have to fundraise, work, work, work, and take a loan to adopt. And we did. (In 2007 we sold our house to buy a less expensive home, same size, larger piece of land, out in the country. We were able to pay off ALL of our debt from this. And yes, at that point we had come to the Lord).

“Flower” 2006

After Yana is home just 8 weeks, we start talking adoption AGAIN. J I struggle with the financial part of it all (again, still didn’t know the Lord), AND we end up with an $800 vet bill! http://www.findingrdaughter.braveblog.com/entry/19840

2007

That adoption tanked in 2007 after we (as a family) came to Christ. http://www.findingrdaughter.braveblog.com/entry/23827

But then…some hope that things could still work out and we pick up where we left off in the adoption process. Of course knowing the Lord, things were different. As I mentioned before, we sell the house, get out of debt and lower of mortgage payments but not quite before the spiritual warfare starts to really heat up. http://www.findingrdaughter.braveblog.com/entry/25785

The spiritual warfare increases.

http://www.findingrdaughter.braveblog.com/entry/25818

The house sale and purchase go through and “Flowers” passport/visa issue is overcome…she comes for the winter break but I experience one of the greatest losses in my life http://www.findingrdaughter.braveblog.com/entry/26095

Probably the most difficult time in my Christian walk. http://www.findingrdaughter.braveblog.com/entry/26105

Nadia 2008

“Flowers” visit is fabulous but she leaves back to Ukraine and I have no idea if I will be able to adopt her, I could have Cancer….and I do (did). I undergo a major surgery, the largest abdominal surgery there is. I’m told that with regular scans and blood tests, I could live a typical lifespan. I press on.

We reveal to the world our desire to adopt 3 (enter, Nadia’s adoption story) http://www.findingrdaughter.braveblog.com/entry/27237

We move forward to adopt Nadia and “Buttercup” (who, btw, is years later referred to as “Faith” on our blog…I don’t think my additional blog posts today show what happened, she turns out not to be available for adoption due to a paperwork issue). We find Nadia “Hope” http://www.findingrdaughter.braveblog.com/entry/27742

Skip ahead a bit and we are denied permission to adopt “Flower” out of foster care. http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2008/06/not-good.html

http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2008/06/gods-battle-not-mine.html

We get an appointment date and have just 2.5 months to come up with $12,000

http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2008/06/and-our-appointment-is.html

NOW HERE’S ENCOURAGEMENT

http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2008/06/andwere-on-up-swing.html
http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2008/06/ive-instilled-wisdom-in-her-lol.html

And money starts to come from unexpected places

http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2008/06/pretty-cool.html

And here’s just a blurb from a blog entry about the money $$$
“Okay, so 9 weeks left and still waiting for money to fall out of the sky! ;) It's frustrating that we budget money to save (in addition to what we are already saving in another account) and things keep coming up. Grrrr...God has a plan though, right? Just trusting in Him and praying He will work it all out.”

Then a post follows from a fellow adoptive mom who features us on her blog and donates towards our adoption. Such encouragement! Thank you, Ashley Fumia!

More funds and still praying to adopt the 3 girls

“Wow! So Ashley's plea for help actually touched someone who also contributed to our adoption!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I do not know this person either, how incredible is that. God bless you!

The refund check that I mentioned in an earlier post also arrived today, so that definitely makes my heart smile. My mom also said she would contribute the funds she has built up by selling Avon, which is about $1,000. When she cuts the check, I'll update my FundsTracker :)”

Then another friend donates.

And…another donation and some scripture.

Eph 1:5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will...

Rom 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

Then another donation! (I’m reading back post by post)

And then, yet another donation.
“First of all, I have to tell you I was in shock today when I opened an envelope from a friend (another Ukrainian adoptive family) and found a check for $1,000 for our adoption!!!! Can you believe it?! I still can hardly believe they really were SO incredibly generous, not because of who they are or anything but just that anyone would have such an amazing and unselfish heart to help bring these girls home. I know this is hard earned money, and the economy is pretty darn lousy right now, so...just WOW!!!! THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!”

More calculations…
“As you may have noticed, I have updated our FundsTracker. I have included the costs to adopt all 3 children and updated our funds (God bless all who have contributed!!!). We leave in 5 weeks and still need $15,000. So let's see, that's only $3,000 a week! LOL Yeah, right!”

And more donations!

And then another…
Getting closer to traveling and still praying for God’s provision!
This is when we learn “Fatih” is not available but become open to adopting a boy/girl sibling group.
Another donation comes in the mail!

I seriously don’t remember how or when the rest of the money came for that adoption but somehow it did because the posts lead us right to Ukraine to adopt Nadia (the other sibling group did not work out either as there was a 3^rd older child that would need to be adopted with the 2).

Olya and Ivan 2009

We find out “Faith” is now available for adoption, followed by learning that she has a boyfriend, among other things. We decide to write to her to let her know more about our family and to see if she even thinks she could be happy living here. But in stepping out in faith to even start this adoption, a mere acquaintance (now a REALLY close friend of the families) offers to cover any of the adoption costs needed….which ends up being about $26,000!

More adoption roller coaster. We end up trying to adopt another child, things don’t seem right with “Faith.” That falls through with much of the money (long story, won’t go into it).

We continue moving forward for 2 16 yr old best friend boys, they turn out not to be available. I travel “blind” to Ukraine praying for a brother/sister sibling group that I will KNOW are God’s chosen children for us when I see them.

Here’s a long one about our struggles and “spiritual spanking” at the time (I say that playfully now..not sure if that’s what I truly believe but lesson learned) http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2009/10/complete-transparency.html

Encouragement came,

“First of all, some of those more mature in their walk of faith do not agree that we were disciplined (spiritually spanked lol). They were in agreement with my original feeling that if I were on the wrong path, God would have let me know in my spirit. I really liked hearing that.”

Dan and I both grew a lot through that process and I learned:

“Another thing pointed out is that all that we have been going through is not about the kids at all, it is about us and our relationship to God. Everything is about our growth in faith and relationship with God. I liked that too because it takes a lot of the guess work out as to "WHY?" everything turned out like it did.”

Money is again an issue….but then generosity, opportunity, and unknown bank accounts are revealed and all is provided…although not completely before there was a sudden change of plans, the night before I left for Ukraine I had to book one more plane ticket! Yup, Nadia would be traveling with me though we had not initially saw that as something that needed to be done, it now was revealed to us that it would be the only way I could go.

I find Ivan and Olya J

Then we learn of some fairly large bank accounts the kids have (intended for their use when they would be turned out on their own). After donating to the orphanage the remaining funds were available to cover adoption costs that we still had not figured out how they would be covered.

Marni 2010

May 2010 we announce we feel led to adopt a little girl with Down syndrome. I share a little about how funny it is how God works in our lives where we begin to do things we never thought we would. http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2010/06/we-said-its-goodbut-not-for-us.html

June 2010 I cry out for my prayer warriors, we do not have the funds we thought we would have available to us to begin the adoption. http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2010/06/cry-for-help-prayer-warriors-needed.html

Friends I’ve yet to meet face-to-face but have come to know through the online adoption community throughout the years feel led to fundraise for our adoption. Thank you Beth and Amy!

http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2010/06/bringing-home-joy.html

Then a donation. The half the cost we anticipated to update our homestudy! http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2010/06/praise-god.html

ANOTHER ENCOURAGING POST OF HIS FAITHFULNESS AND PROVISION

http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2010/07/is-there-such-thing-as-too-much-faith.html

On August 5^th 2010 (our anniversary) our dossier was submitted to the SDA and my blog post included this,

“Anyway, funds! I am still believing God will provide but want to be faithful to do whatever it is He is calling us to do to bring those funds together. We still need AT LEAST $15,000.”

10 Days later He provided it all!

http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2010/08/he-provided.html

Alyssa and “Piper” 2011-2012

We want to commit to “Abbie” (Alyssa) but quickly learn that an adoption for a Hague country has a much different payment timeline than a Ukrainian adoption, but that’s no obstacle for God. We think we have $1000 to start but we need $4300! http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2011/12/its-officialwe-are-adopting-again.html

The Lord puts “Piper” on our hearts and we commit to her too…still not knowing where the remaining funds will come from.

Then donations and more donations…mostly to our RR FSP so we can’t yet access these funds.

I post about Jehovah Jireh! http://findingrdaughter.blogspot.com/2012/01/jehovah-jireh-lord-will-provide.html

We get a nice tax return J

We have a successful bake sale.
We receive a $2,000 donation.
We are over $14,000 “into” the process with no delays!!

Now we are looking at needing another $8,350 in just 5-6 more weeks. The MANY fundraisers we’ve been attempting are just not pulling in the funds. It’s likely time to do something different…which is why I took this journey back to 2004 to today. God is faithful to provide. If I abide in Him and remain in prayer about what He desires me to do or not do, I will not miss His lead. Thank you Jesus for adoption blogs J Boy, I really do need to get ALL of it printed to a book before it begins to disappear.

I hope you have been encouraged to!

Such Encouragement!

Thank you for your donation and encouragement!

I noticed that our Reeces Rainbow FSP is up $200 today. What a blessing!

I've received blog comments, Facebook comments, emails, and direct words of encouragement since pondering the fundraising efforts. The donation was a beautiful pretty pink icing on a very delicious cake. Then I spotted a bumper sticker that read, "Where God guides, God provides." Of course I've heard this and even have said it before, but today I believe it (and the donation) was a special message just for me.

I hope later today I will find some quiet time (ha! That's funny just "saying that out loud") to look over many of my old blog posts from out previous adoptions of our trials, worries, victories, and God's provision. I really want to follow it up with a synopsis of sorts to post here sharing the story of His faithfulness to provide for each adoption He has called us to. I know I need a reminder and I know many of my readers need the same encouragement. I am so incredibly grateful that I have the comfort in knowing He has called us to these 2 precious girls, I have no doubt of that. I just need to allow God to bless this adoption how HE desires and stop looking at it from a worldly view and thinking as if we've maxed out on the big financial blessings.

Thank you again! There truly are so many amazing people out there that have blessed me and continue to bless me tremendously.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Fundraisers May Stop

I'm not sure what to do. Aside from the bake sale, none of our fundraising efforts have accomplished much of anything this time around....and God has provided thus far. I'm contemplating giving up all fundraising efforts. It makes me sad for some reason. Maybe because a part of me equates that with giving up but that's definitely NOT what I intend to do nor is it what I believe God wants us to do.

In all of adoptions (with the exception of our first when I did not know the Lord), we did not do a ton a fundraisers and God always provided. I think the problem with this time is I'm convinced all of our resources are tapped out but perhaps that's the problem. Perhaps my thinking is off. Our resources (which we didn't necessarily consider resources in those previous adoptions either) are tapped out but God's resources never are.

Likely after this weeks raffle I will not be doing anymore fundraisers. I will just need to solely abide in God through prayer for Him to provide. We really do need prayer right now. $9300 in 5-6 weeks seems overwhelming.

No, I don't take this as a sign that we aren't to adopt these girls, I know what the Lords called us to do and we will wait on Him.


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Mountain Resort Giveaway!

In attempt to edit this post, I accidentally deleted it :(

Due to the issues with editing and deleting of the original post, this giveaway has been extended and will run until April 5th. Read details below about how to enter!

5-Night Resort Stay at MountainLoft Resort in Gatlinburg, TN

April 15 – 20, 2012

LODGING DETAILS

(taken from Bluegreene Resorts website)

This townhome is approx. 1,107 sq. ft. Features a King in the master room, two Twins in the second room and a sofa bed in the living room (home sleeps 6). There are two full baths and a full kitchen. Amenities include: tub w/jets, gas fireplace, washer/dryer.

RESORT DETAILS

(taken from Bluegreene Resorts website)

As you drive beneath the canopy of oak and pine trees down the winding country road to MountainLoft, you feel as though you’re entering the nearby Smoky Mountains National Park. From an elevation of 2200 feet, the clubhouse and vacation homes afford sweeping views of the mountainside.

The rich, earthy colors and traditional American furnishings within each villa or chalet will make you feel right at home. Catch a glimpse of deer or a black bear from your balcony or patio. Warm up after a day on the slopes in front of the fireplace or in your whirlpool tub. If you prefer the crisp outdoor air, you can relax in any of four outdoor hot tubs, two heated pools or the sauna.

After a day of rafting or hiking or a workout in the fitness center, soothe your aching muscles with an on-site massage. You can host your own hoedown in the clubhouse or in one of two gazebos available for private parties. And don’t worry about the kids. With the kid’s club, activities and game room, they’ll stay busy no matter the season. Visit the concierge desk for reservations and tickets to all the local shows and attractions, then explore the area by trolley.

Resort Amenities:

BBQ Grills		Children's Pool		Clubhouse
Concierge		Elevator		Fitness Room
Game Room		Hot Tub		Indoor Pool
Internet Access		Kid's Activities		Massage Therapy/Spa
On-Site Security		Outdoor Heated Pool		Playground
Sauna/Steam Room		Vacation Planning

Villa Amenities:

Balcony/Porch		Blender		Cable TV
CD Stereo		Coffee Maker		Dishwasher
DVD Player		Fireplace		Hairdryer
Ice Maker		Internet Access		Iron/Ironing Board
Microwave		Oven		Refrigerator
Stove/Range		VCR		Washer/Dryer
Wheelchair Accessible		Whirlpool Bath

Area Amenities:

Basketball		Canoes/Kayaks		Fishing
Golf		Horseback Riding		Ice Skating
Live Entertainment		Mini-Golf		Movie Rentals
Museums		National/State Park		Nature Trails/Hiking
Racquetball		Rafting		Restaurant(s)
Shopping		Snow Skiing		Tennis
Theme Park

AREA INFO

(taken from Bluegreene Resorts website)

At the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, charming Gatlinburg awaits you. The Smoky Mountains National Park offers numerous activities such as fishing, horseback riding, biking, picnicking or hiking throughout 800 miles of trails. In town, Gatlinburg bustles with activities all its own. Take in the scenery from high above on a chair lift or take off on an adventure at one of the many theaters, museums, arcades or amusement parks. To see and do:

Smoky Mountains National Park

Dollywood®

Gatlinburg Sky Lift Space Needle (360° view)

Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies®

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® Museum

Miniature Golf, Arcades and Games

Snow Skiing

Fly-fishing

Whitewater Rafting

Horseback Riding

Hiking and Biking

For additional area information: www.gatlinburg.com
www.tnvacation.com
Smoky Mountains National Park www.pigeonforge.com/event

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS OF MOUNTAINLOFT RESORT

(taken from Bluegreene Resorts website)

It is estimated that this 5-night resort stay values at approximately $1,000!

How to enter:

Any donations from now until April 5th of $10 or more (through the ChipIn button on the right sidebar of this page) will automatically enter you for a chance to win this wonderful mountair resort vacation!

For each $10 donation, your name will be entered 1 time.
For each donation of $50 or more, your name will be entered for every $5 increment (i.e. a $50 donation would enter you 10 times, an $80 donation would enter you 16 times).

More ways to enter!
Post this blog entry on your blog (be sure to comment and share the link to your blog) and you will be entered in this drawing.

Post this blog entry on Facebook (be sure to comment and share the link to your blog) and you will be entered in this drawing.

Remember to use the ChipIn option for any donations so that I will have record of your donation!

Due to the issues with editing and deleting of the original post, this giveaway has been extended and will run until April 5th.

This resort stay was donated for the purpose of raising funds to bring Alyssa and Piper home. All donations will do just that!!

Thank you in advance for your prayers, donations, and spreading the word!