(killing our) Pride and (sharing our) Joy!!

On August 29th, we were foster parents and adoption advocates, trying desperately to help an agency find a family for a little guy they couldn't match to one of their waiting families.  The Chinese government was knocking on their door, asking for his file back.  Time was up.

On August 30th, we learned that his file was being returned to China.  We frantically emailed the agency to ask them to give us 24 more hours.  No answer.  We went to bed thinking his file was gone.


On August 31st, we learned that the file had been held up in the US one more day because one of the staff just "happened" to leave work early that day and didn't send it out.  That's when an amazing daddy said, "tell the agency we're going to go get him", and we became parents for the 4th time.

Wow. No, really, WOW!

Our son is a happy & beautiful 2 year old. He also happens to have some orthopedic issues involving one of his legs.  We have researched his condition & spoken with doctors about future surgeries & treatment.  What we know for certain is that he has already had 1 surgery and desperately needs physical therapy as soon as possible.  He IS walking and loves to play with cars.  He likes music, going outside to play and is affectionate and not shy around strangers.  Hmmm…already sounds like one of us!! 

There is so much we could say about our amazing and unexpected family journey over the past 6 or 7 years, the way that God has prepared and equipped us, and His beautiful plan for the next chapter in our family story.  We know He is calling us to this because it is not what we would have charted for ourselves. What a joyful suprise!

First, we ask that you would please pray for our family.

Ø      For strength and perseverance in the journey.  It may take us 1 year to get him home.  We hope not; we’re ready to fly out now!  We’re praying that it could be as little as 6 or 7 months since his paperwork is ready and we are already matched to him. 

Ø      For stamina and creativity as we plow through piles of documents, plan fundraisers and prepare for his physical needs.

Ø      For patience and peace.  Everyday that passes, he is growing up without his Mom & Dad, brother & 2 sisters who are eager to love on and care for him.  We’re already learning how hard the waiting is going to be!

Ø      For provision.  The estimated cost of this adoption will be around $25,000; we do not know what his immediate medical expenses will be after we return home.

Second, we ask for your financial help because we need and want you to be part of his story.  A friend recently said, “Nothing kills pride like having to ask for money”.  I don’t know many people who would disagree with that statement.  We wouldn’t.  But, honestly, the main thing in our way is money.  Can you help us?  If any of our children were stuck in a foreign country with no way to get home, we'd be on our hands and knees begging everyone we know for help.  That's the situation we find ourselves in right now.  The need is great, and God's resources are limitless, but He is asking us to humble ourselves and let everyone know what we need.

Please see the left sidebar of this blog for ways you can help us take the next step.  We are planning other fundraisers, but we have pressing expenses right now to keep the process moving forward.

Thank you.  We are truly grateful.

For our little guy,