After fighting a stomach virus this week, and taking care of Abby while she was sick this morning, I can't help but think how lucky we are to be here......right here in the good ole' USA (all political jokes aside, please).
It's only by the grace of God that I was born here. While fighting a stomach bug, I have the leisure of resting in a warm bed, snuggled in the blankets, checking my FB account while texting my hubby in the other room to ask him to bring me some sprite. I have the luxury of clean running water and a toilet to hug in all of my misery. These are the simple things we all too often take for granted.
This morning when Abby was sick I was able to reassure her that she would be fine, and that a doctor's visit would not be necessary today. I knew that everything would be okay, and it is. Actually, she bounced back much faster than me.
But if it wasn't for God's grace, I wouldn't have this assurance. If I had been born in Ethiopia, this simple stomach bug could be life threatening. No warm bed to rest in, more like a mud floor. No clean water to drink, and no sewage system to keep this from spreading. I might not even be able to see a doctor if I were dehydrated. And as a mother, I would look at my sick child with worry. Would my child even make it through the night? There would be no reassuring words to tell her.
If it wasn't for God's grace I may not even be here. If I had been born in China, I would likely have been aborted, or I would be an orphan. I am the second child in my family, and the Chinese are not permitted to have more than one child. Either my life would have ended too soon, or I would be left to face the world scared and alone. But God put me here.
We often sulk in our own self-pity (I am guilty of this for sure) and we forget how fortunate we are. I am truly blessed to be right HERE where I am. For what reason God has placed me here, I don't know. But I am going to use all he has given me to help at least ONE child. To make a difference in ONE life that will impact and inspire so many others.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Dx3 Graphics
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| Personalized Plate |
Since I've been home sick today anyway, I thought I would sieze this opportunity to update my blog. I'm sure some of you are getting tired of hearing about fundraising. But, this is where we are at right now. Our amazing family and friends have provided us with some great opportunities. And I just HAVE to share!
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| Custom Birthday Cake Print -I just LOVE the Superman! |
I was contacted by Duane, over at Dx3 Graphics who is willing to donate a perentage of his sales that are referred by me. He makes a lot of amazing things, a few of my favorites I am including in this blog but you can find so much more by checking out his page here. I've also included a link to the right for future reference.
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| Personalized Coffee Mugs - Various sizes available |
Everything Duane does is one of a kind, so please contact him for prices!
And don't forget to mention, we sent you!
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| Personalized Travel Mugs |
With Mother's Day and Father's Day ahead, I think these personalized mugs would make great gifts for all the grandparents!
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| Custom shirts.....and MUCH more |
Okay, so he has so many things on his site, this blog could go on forever! And he's up for a challenge, so if you have something in mind that you don't see, just contact Duane. And, did I mention he also has a great sense of humor?
I think we could all use more family photos that are out of this world!
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| Custom Portraits |
A special THANKS to Duane for supporting our family! And I can't leave without reminding you our we are still collecting for our iPad2 raffle - $20 per chance or $50 for 3 chances.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
iPad Raffle
We are raffling an Apple iPad2 16GB with Wi-FI! So how do you enter? Simply donate $20 per chance to our Adoption Fund by clicking the "Donate" button on the right. Or get (3) chances for every $50. (This is safe and secure and our button was downloaded directly from PayPal.) If you have trouble with our link, please leave me a "comment" below. Or if you would like to donate with cash, please contact me at acrowe949@hotmail.com.
Fine Print: Drawing will be held April 8th. However, we hold the right to extend the raffle if we have not earned a minimum of $425 to cover the cost of the iPad. This drawing is open to anyone in the continental U.S. If the winner does not live in our immediate area, shipping will be provided for free.
Right now there is only one thing standing between us and a submitted adoption application - about $500. Once our application is accepted, we have to pay $3083.33 to start the home study process (Adoption Fee Sheet here). Please help us raise $500 so we can get the process started! Share this blog with your Facebook friends so they can enter too!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Persecution
I realize that choosing to adopt from Ethiopia can be controversial to some. I mean, we live in Kentucky, and racism still exists here. I also know that racism is not an inherent behavior. It's something that is taught and something that is learned. We aren't born with it. MY children know no difference in race. When Abby asks me why someone is a certain way, whether it's the color of their skin, or seeing a child in a wheelchair, I tell her God made everyone different.
I know that we are making the right choice for our family. In fact our WHOLE family will be better for it. All of our family and friends will learn compassion, and see the grace of God in a beautiful little Ethiopian face. As long as there are parents like us - willing to go, willing to fight, willing to LOVE more than skin deep - no child should be hungry, no child should be lonely, no child should have to face the world without knowing LOVE.
By choosing to follow God in his call for us to adopt, we have put our family in the path of persecution. But, God didn't promise us an easy ride, happiness, and peace. He promised us ETERNITY when we follow Him.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10
I know that we are making the right choice for our family. In fact our WHOLE family will be better for it. All of our family and friends will learn compassion, and see the grace of God in a beautiful little Ethiopian face. As long as there are parents like us - willing to go, willing to fight, willing to LOVE more than skin deep - no child should be hungry, no child should be lonely, no child should have to face the world without knowing LOVE.
By choosing to follow God in his call for us to adopt, we have put our family in the path of persecution. But, God didn't promise us an easy ride, happiness, and peace. He promised us ETERNITY when we follow Him.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The Rescued
I have been overwhelmed lately with all the love, and support we have received. One thing we keep hearing is how we are doing such a "great thing". Hmmm.....I suppose we are but I haven't really looked at it as though I am doing something great or anything extraordinary.
Then I came across this quote at the My Crazy Adoption blog. And really this says it all!
“It’s important to realize, then, that we adopt not because we are rescuers. No, we adopt because we are the rescued. And in this way, the Gospel uniquely portrays, compels, and ultimately sustains adoption.”
Then I came across this quote at the My Crazy Adoption blog. And really this says it all!
“It’s important to realize, then, that we adopt not because we are rescuers. No, we adopt because we are the rescued. And in this way, the Gospel uniquely portrays, compels, and ultimately sustains adoption.”
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The Big Reveal
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We finally decided on Ethiopia! And we are soooo excited!
Why Ethiopia?
This has been a difficult decision for us, with so many countries and so many children in need. We were able to narrow things down by practicality. Ethiopia had been tugging at our heart because of the extreme poverty. So I found a few interesting facts to share with you about Ethiopia:
- 1 in 10 babies die during childbirth or infancy
- 1 in 6 children die before the age of 5 due to malnutrition, infection, or disease
- 42% of children under 5 are underweight
- Over 2 million children are orphaned in Ethiopia
- Ethiopian adoption costs $33,648
Adoption application. We have to get together some referrals and submit our application. Once our application is accepted we'll start the home study process.
In my spare time I have been reading other Ethiopian Adoption Blogs. And here are a few I loved!
Pure and Lasting - this one will completely change the way you look at adoption!
Our Ethiopian Daughter
Precious Adornment
Expanding Our Hearts & Minds - Bardstown Family
Our Adoption Journey - Bardstown Family
Ethiopia Adoption Resources:
West Sands Adoption
Lifeline Children's Services
Little League
Earlier this week I posted about Fundraising. I've spent a fair amount of time thinking about fundraising, because, well, $33,000 is a lot of money. That's more than the cost of our car. And more than the cost of our garage. And a bit overwhelming if you really think about it. So we have been praying....about adoption, and for God to provide for us. After all, he wouldn't call us to adopt and not provide a way.
God answered.
The very same day that I posted about fundraising, I got a message from Fran at Maggie's Hope about a HUGE fundraising opportunity for families that are adopting in our church. That very day she was notified that Maggie's Hope will be running the Bardstown Little League concession stand. It's amazing how God works isn't it? I'm worried about fundraising, and HE is giving me opportunities. If that's not confirmation that we are following HIS plan for our family, I don't know what is!!! Needless to say I'm excited!
Now this is going to involve a lot of work. All of the families involved are going to split the responsibilities in running this concession stand. Now I have to admit, I've never ran a concession stand before, but I'm pretty psyched to sell some snow cones and hot dogs right now!
But we need some help! We don't have the schedule together yet. But it looks like I'll have to help run this concession stand at least one night a week from 4:00-9:30, and some weekends too. That's pretty late for us. I mean, Abby is in preschool, and needs to be in bed WAY before 9:30. And Shawn, well, he doesn't even get off from work until 5:00 so it may be difficult for him to help.
So here's the plan (at least for now) I am going to work the concession stand, and Shawn is going to stay home with the kids - feed them dinner, and try to get them to bed at a decent time. But clearly, I can't run this concession stand alone. I'm only one person and while I'm pumped about selling snow cones and hot dogs, I'm sure I'll need some help! SO my amazing family and friends, please let me know if you would be willing to help me run this concession stand. You don't have to help every week, just once would be great! If you're interested in helping I'll send you my schedule when it's available!
Also wanted to note the wonderful Adoption Fund tracker I've added to the right. After the bath remodel, and the orders I have for the next couple of weeks, we will have raised $615 already! And we just announced our plans to adopt a week ago! Pretty amazing huh?
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. - John 1:27
God answered.
The very same day that I posted about fundraising, I got a message from Fran at Maggie's Hope about a HUGE fundraising opportunity for families that are adopting in our church. That very day she was notified that Maggie's Hope will be running the Bardstown Little League concession stand. It's amazing how God works isn't it? I'm worried about fundraising, and HE is giving me opportunities. If that's not confirmation that we are following HIS plan for our family, I don't know what is!!! Needless to say I'm excited!
Now this is going to involve a lot of work. All of the families involved are going to split the responsibilities in running this concession stand. Now I have to admit, I've never ran a concession stand before, but I'm pretty psyched to sell some snow cones and hot dogs right now!
But we need some help! We don't have the schedule together yet. But it looks like I'll have to help run this concession stand at least one night a week from 4:00-9:30, and some weekends too. That's pretty late for us. I mean, Abby is in preschool, and needs to be in bed WAY before 9:30. And Shawn, well, he doesn't even get off from work until 5:00 so it may be difficult for him to help.
So here's the plan (at least for now) I am going to work the concession stand, and Shawn is going to stay home with the kids - feed them dinner, and try to get them to bed at a decent time. But clearly, I can't run this concession stand alone. I'm only one person and while I'm pumped about selling snow cones and hot dogs, I'm sure I'll need some help! SO my amazing family and friends, please let me know if you would be willing to help me run this concession stand. You don't have to help every week, just once would be great! If you're interested in helping I'll send you my schedule when it's available!
Also wanted to note the wonderful Adoption Fund tracker I've added to the right. After the bath remodel, and the orders I have for the next couple of weeks, we will have raised $615 already! And we just announced our plans to adopt a week ago! Pretty amazing huh?
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. - John 1:27
Monday, March 18, 2013
Fundraising & Support
Today's post is mostly just a way to help me organize some thoughts and ideas. Nothing better than having your thoughts in writing.
I know it's early, as we still have not decided on a country, but I've been trying to think of some creative fundraisers and ways for our family and friends to support us on this journey. Here are a few things I'm hoping to do, more details will come later:
Avon - My wonderful sister-in-law, Sarah Crowe, is an Avon rep and would like to have a campaign to benefit our adoption! I'll post more information as this gets closer.
Amber's Custom Gifts - As I posted before, I have set-up an online store on Facebook. I've sold a few hair bows, and have some orders lined up for baby shower gifts. I'm getting ready to start making tutus in all sizes! I'm extremely excited about this since I have two adorable little girls, and 4 nieces! I'll also be posting some ideas for creative teacher gifts as we get close to the end of the school year.
Crafts Fair - I'm doing some research about the Bardstown Crafts Fair, and whether I might want to try to sell some of my crafts there. If I do, I will probably host a big Crafts Day for anyone who wants to help me build up my inventory!
Odd Jobs - Shawn just accepted a side job helping with a bath renovation! And we are willing to take just about any odd job that comes our way.
Raffle - Someone suggested I raffle some diaper cakes. I'm not sure if this is what we'll choose but I'm sure we'll host some type of raffle.
T-shirts - Once we have decided on a country, we will be designing a t-shirt to promote adoption and help raise funds!
Swagbucks - This one is great for those of you who don't have much extra money but would still like to support us. Swagbucks is a rewards site that allows you to earn points by doing various activities like searching the web. The points can later be used towards things like Amazon gift cards. I have used swagbucks the last two years to help pay for Christmas, averaging about $250/year in Amazon gift cards. I earn points by searching the web with the swagbucks search engine, and occassionally printing coupons. You may be wondering how this could help.....I earn points for active referrals using the search engine (you), while you earn points for yourself! This will help my family build up our gift budget on Amazon, and allow us to spend less out of pocket, which means more of our own hard earned cash going into the adoption! It will also help you earn your own gift cards, saving you some green along the way too! It's a win-win!
If you have any other ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear them!
I know it's early, as we still have not decided on a country, but I've been trying to think of some creative fundraisers and ways for our family and friends to support us on this journey. Here are a few things I'm hoping to do, more details will come later:
Avon - My wonderful sister-in-law, Sarah Crowe, is an Avon rep and would like to have a campaign to benefit our adoption! I'll post more information as this gets closer.
Amber's Custom Gifts - As I posted before, I have set-up an online store on Facebook. I've sold a few hair bows, and have some orders lined up for baby shower gifts. I'm getting ready to start making tutus in all sizes! I'm extremely excited about this since I have two adorable little girls, and 4 nieces! I'll also be posting some ideas for creative teacher gifts as we get close to the end of the school year.
Crafts Fair - I'm doing some research about the Bardstown Crafts Fair, and whether I might want to try to sell some of my crafts there. If I do, I will probably host a big Crafts Day for anyone who wants to help me build up my inventory!
Odd Jobs - Shawn just accepted a side job helping with a bath renovation! And we are willing to take just about any odd job that comes our way.
Raffle - Someone suggested I raffle some diaper cakes. I'm not sure if this is what we'll choose but I'm sure we'll host some type of raffle.
T-shirts - Once we have decided on a country, we will be designing a t-shirt to promote adoption and help raise funds!
Swagbucks - This one is great for those of you who don't have much extra money but would still like to support us. Swagbucks is a rewards site that allows you to earn points by doing various activities like searching the web. The points can later be used towards things like Amazon gift cards. I have used swagbucks the last two years to help pay for Christmas, averaging about $250/year in Amazon gift cards. I earn points by searching the web with the swagbucks search engine, and occassionally printing coupons. You may be wondering how this could help.....I earn points for active referrals using the search engine (you), while you earn points for yourself! This will help my family build up our gift budget on Amazon, and allow us to spend less out of pocket, which means more of our own hard earned cash going into the adoption! It will also help you earn your own gift cards, saving you some green along the way too! It's a win-win!
If you have any other ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear them!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Sacrifice
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10
Sacrifice - the act of losing or surrendering something.
Sacrifice has been on my mind a lot lately. I can't help but think that there must be something I can sacrifice to raise money for this adoption. We live pretty frugally, so at some point you really start to feel like there is nothing else to cut out. Most of you who know me would say I'm CHEAP!
Over the last few years we have cut several things out of our lives and our budget, with the goal to pay off debt. The biggest shocker to most people is that we don't pay for cable or satellite TV. About 3 years ago we spent $50 on an HD antenna and have never looked back. We dropped our internet plan to the slooooowest speed to save a few extra dollars. We dumped our cell phone contract and went prepaid. We shop on craigslist and ebay to find things we need at a cheaper price. Couponing has been a struggle for me. I used to be coupon crazy but lately feel overwhelmed with coupons. I still clip what I can and save a few dollars. Last year we paid off our Jeep. Folks we have been married almost 10 years and this is the first car we have EVER paid off. And I plan to keep it until the wheels fall off!
So what's left to sacrifice? Well I'm struggling a bit but I've been able to come up with a few things:
Credit Cards - It shames me to say that while trying to pay off debt I've held on to my credit cards. We rarely keep a balance on them and I've always said I need them for "emergencies". Though they are more likely to get used on a vacation! My New Years Resolution this year was to quit using my credit cards - for anything! And I've done great, so yesterday I finally made the call and cut up those cards.
Vacation - We are the family that loves a good vacation - EVERY YEAR! We do have a weekend Spring Break trip planned and a weekend Anniversary trip in May, but both of those are paid for. We had been thinking about a week long trip in October but we're putting that on hold and using that money towards adoption. And we'll keep those Disney Trips on the back burner until we bring our child home.
Fast Food - Somehow we still manage to hit a fast food restaurant every week. Not only is that bad for our wallets, but terrible for our health too. We are going to start Meal Planning to stay on track with meals at home. This isn't to say that we'll never eat out, but that when we do it will be a planned event and not so spur of the moment.
Meal Planning - We are going to start meal planning each week before we hit the grocery store. This seems simple but so often we head to the grocery without a list or a plan. Also planning to have a rice & beans type of meal each week. This will save us money, and also serve as a reminder to us that there are orphans eating meals like this, and sometimes not even eating for days!
Clothes - I love a good shopping trip to Kohls (this was the hardest credit card to lose). But until our adoption is finalized I am going to try to buy more things at consignment/thrift stores and off the clearance racks. A few exceptions may be socks, undergarments, and shoes. But still hope to find all of these things on a good sale too!
Soda - We've been spending about $15 a week on soda (for me) and energy drinks (for Shawn). Now this one is going to be a challenge! After we finish drinking what we have on hand, we are giving up these drinks. We may still have them on occasion (eating out or at other outings) but we aren't going to stock these drinks in our home, or buy them from vending machines. You guys may have to help keep us accountable here!
Haircuts - We invested in a good pair of scissors and clippers. I will be cutting Shawn, Abby & Ashton's hair at home. I'm even going to give Shawn a chance to cut mine. We'll see how this one turns out!
Toys - Since we've been talking about sacrifice at our house this week, I asked Abby what she would be willing to sacrifice. She has declared that she will not ask for new toys except on special occasions (holidays, and birthday). To help her stay on track, we are going to try to hit the stores without the kids as much as possible, and remove the temptation.
Laundry Detergent - A good friend of mine makes her own laundry detergent and loves it. And if I remember correctly, her last batch lasted over a year. I had her send me her recipe. So before I run out of detergent again, I'm going to whip up a batch of my own. Can't wait to give this one a try!
If you have any other ideas/suggestions I'd love to hear them!
Also want to let everyone know that we are getting close to picking a country! We have been talking to the people at Lifeline about what country would be best for us. This process is a little overwhelming. How do you choose between so many available countries and so many children in need? We have been able to eliminate quite a few, based on requirement, and the length of travel time. We think we've narrowed it down to Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Ethiopia. Getting more information on all 3 of these programs!
Please pray that God will lead us to the right country!
Also, wanted to mention our online donation page. There's a link at the right if you just want to make a donation! I'll also keep you updated on my craft sales. I've had several requests and it's only been up for a week now! The Holy Spirit is definitely moving in our family and friends too!
Sacrifice - the act of losing or surrendering something.
Sacrifice has been on my mind a lot lately. I can't help but think that there must be something I can sacrifice to raise money for this adoption. We live pretty frugally, so at some point you really start to feel like there is nothing else to cut out. Most of you who know me would say I'm CHEAP!
Over the last few years we have cut several things out of our lives and our budget, with the goal to pay off debt. The biggest shocker to most people is that we don't pay for cable or satellite TV. About 3 years ago we spent $50 on an HD antenna and have never looked back. We dropped our internet plan to the slooooowest speed to save a few extra dollars. We dumped our cell phone contract and went prepaid. We shop on craigslist and ebay to find things we need at a cheaper price. Couponing has been a struggle for me. I used to be coupon crazy but lately feel overwhelmed with coupons. I still clip what I can and save a few dollars. Last year we paid off our Jeep. Folks we have been married almost 10 years and this is the first car we have EVER paid off. And I plan to keep it until the wheels fall off!
So what's left to sacrifice? Well I'm struggling a bit but I've been able to come up with a few things:
Credit Cards - It shames me to say that while trying to pay off debt I've held on to my credit cards. We rarely keep a balance on them and I've always said I need them for "emergencies". Though they are more likely to get used on a vacation! My New Years Resolution this year was to quit using my credit cards - for anything! And I've done great, so yesterday I finally made the call and cut up those cards.
Vacation - We are the family that loves a good vacation - EVERY YEAR! We do have a weekend Spring Break trip planned and a weekend Anniversary trip in May, but both of those are paid for. We had been thinking about a week long trip in October but we're putting that on hold and using that money towards adoption. And we'll keep those Disney Trips on the back burner until we bring our child home.
Fast Food - Somehow we still manage to hit a fast food restaurant every week. Not only is that bad for our wallets, but terrible for our health too. We are going to start Meal Planning to stay on track with meals at home. This isn't to say that we'll never eat out, but that when we do it will be a planned event and not so spur of the moment.
Meal Planning - We are going to start meal planning each week before we hit the grocery store. This seems simple but so often we head to the grocery without a list or a plan. Also planning to have a rice & beans type of meal each week. This will save us money, and also serve as a reminder to us that there are orphans eating meals like this, and sometimes not even eating for days!
Clothes - I love a good shopping trip to Kohls (this was the hardest credit card to lose). But until our adoption is finalized I am going to try to buy more things at consignment/thrift stores and off the clearance racks. A few exceptions may be socks, undergarments, and shoes. But still hope to find all of these things on a good sale too!
Soda - We've been spending about $15 a week on soda (for me) and energy drinks (for Shawn). Now this one is going to be a challenge! After we finish drinking what we have on hand, we are giving up these drinks. We may still have them on occasion (eating out or at other outings) but we aren't going to stock these drinks in our home, or buy them from vending machines. You guys may have to help keep us accountable here!
Haircuts - We invested in a good pair of scissors and clippers. I will be cutting Shawn, Abby & Ashton's hair at home. I'm even going to give Shawn a chance to cut mine. We'll see how this one turns out!
Toys - Since we've been talking about sacrifice at our house this week, I asked Abby what she would be willing to sacrifice. She has declared that she will not ask for new toys except on special occasions (holidays, and birthday). To help her stay on track, we are going to try to hit the stores without the kids as much as possible, and remove the temptation.
Laundry Detergent - A good friend of mine makes her own laundry detergent and loves it. And if I remember correctly, her last batch lasted over a year. I had her send me her recipe. So before I run out of detergent again, I'm going to whip up a batch of my own. Can't wait to give this one a try!
If you have any other ideas/suggestions I'd love to hear them!
Also want to let everyone know that we are getting close to picking a country! We have been talking to the people at Lifeline about what country would be best for us. This process is a little overwhelming. How do you choose between so many available countries and so many children in need? We have been able to eliminate quite a few, based on requirement, and the length of travel time. We think we've narrowed it down to Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Ethiopia. Getting more information on all 3 of these programs!
Please pray that God will lead us to the right country!
Also, wanted to mention our online donation page. There's a link at the right if you just want to make a donation! I'll also keep you updated on my craft sales. I've had several requests and it's only been up for a week now! The Holy Spirit is definitely moving in our family and friends too!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
John 14:18
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. -John 14:18
So after a week of praying, and some discussion with our parents, we're finally ready to announce (drum roll please)....
We have been praying about ADOPTION!
Now I'm sure you guys have tons of questions, like why we would want to adopt when we have 2 beautiful, healthy girls. The answer is quite simple, this is the Lord's calling for us. We have an abundance of love in our hearts and feel called to bring an orphan into our family. This means so much more than you can even imagine - not only saving a child from poverty, but (prayerfully) saving their soul by bringing them into a Christian home, and leading them to Christ.
I'm sure you have tons of other questions, and frankly, so do we. Soon we will be chattng with our friends Fran & Eric Runner about their recent experience adopting Maggie. You can read more about their story on their blog here.
So far we have seen lots of love and support from our family. We are going to need lots of financial support too, so be sure to check out my facebook page Amber's Custom Gifts. 'Like' it, 'Share' it, and spread the love!
So after a week of praying, and some discussion with our parents, we're finally ready to announce (drum roll please)....
We have been praying about ADOPTION!
Now I'm sure you guys have tons of questions, like why we would want to adopt when we have 2 beautiful, healthy girls. The answer is quite simple, this is the Lord's calling for us. We have an abundance of love in our hearts and feel called to bring an orphan into our family. This means so much more than you can even imagine - not only saving a child from poverty, but (prayerfully) saving their soul by bringing them into a Christian home, and leading them to Christ.
I'm sure you have tons of other questions, and frankly, so do we. Soon we will be chattng with our friends Fran & Eric Runner about their recent experience adopting Maggie. You can read more about their story on their blog here.
So far we have seen lots of love and support from our family. We are going to need lots of financial support too, so be sure to check out my facebook page Amber's Custom Gifts. 'Like' it, 'Share' it, and spread the love!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Lead Me
For awhle now, Shawn and I have had a huge family decision weighing on our hearts. A path I thought we might cross in a few years, when the kids are a little older. This week I was dabbling with our finances, and trying to find the quickest path for our family to become debt free (a long-term goal as we are nowhere near this). That's when this idea, this plan, this huge decision crossed my mind again, and pulled at my heart. I thought to myself, maybe in 2 or 3 years we'll be ready. The kids will be older, and we'll have time to chisel away some of our debt. That's when God spoke to me....
Now I can't say that God has ever spoken to me before. I mean, I'm sure he has, he speaks to all of us right? But I've never heard him so clearly, or perhaps I've never taken the tme to listen.
"What are you waiting for?" he asked.
Since then my mind has been racing. I keep doubting myself. "But God", I think, "we don't have enough money to face this right now. But Ashton is just a baby, only 16 months old. But God I'm not ready yet, we're not ready for this".
And still God speaks "What are you waiting for?"
While God is calling me, I'm doubting his perfect plan. He created the Heavens and the Earth, placed all the stars in the sky. Doesn't He know better than me? He is Omnipotent, Holy, Righteous, Loving, and Forgiving, and He is calling me to serve Him and fulfill His perfect plan.
I realize I may have confused you, or left you in curiosity. But we are still praying intinsely about this.
I'm listening God. Lead me.
Now I can't say that God has ever spoken to me before. I mean, I'm sure he has, he speaks to all of us right? But I've never heard him so clearly, or perhaps I've never taken the tme to listen.
"What are you waiting for?" he asked.
Since then my mind has been racing. I keep doubting myself. "But God", I think, "we don't have enough money to face this right now. But Ashton is just a baby, only 16 months old. But God I'm not ready yet, we're not ready for this".
And still God speaks "What are you waiting for?"
While God is calling me, I'm doubting his perfect plan. He created the Heavens and the Earth, placed all the stars in the sky. Doesn't He know better than me? He is Omnipotent, Holy, Righteous, Loving, and Forgiving, and He is calling me to serve Him and fulfill His perfect plan.
I realize I may have confused you, or left you in curiosity. But we are still praying intinsely about this.
I'm listening God. Lead me.
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