Jeremy didn't feel like taking a normal picture
We are completing the nursery little by little
Where are you at?
1 hour ago
Sunday, October 4, 2009
One More Small Touch Added
Jeremy didn't feel like taking a normal picture We are completing the nursery little by littleMonday, September 28, 2009
Number 70
Today we hit number 70 on the unofficial list. Last week there were 6 referrals. Referrals have been slow lately, but the courts in Ethiopia were closed for September. Hopefully referrals will pick back up when the courts reopen in October.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Neat Adoption Story Video (SKIP the first 3:45 minutes to get to the adoption video towards the end)
I thought this was a really neat adoption story about 2 people that helped a family begin the adoption process. Skip the first 3 minutes and 45 seconds, 3:45, to get to the adoption video towards the end.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Fellow Blogger's Post On The Question-Is International Adoption Worthy of Our Time and Money?
I read this post from a fellow blogger and thought it was written so thoughtfully and so well. I had to share. Read this great post (link below in green) on her answer to the following question:
"Why not use the money that you are spending on your adoption and give it to programs that alleviate poverty in the third world and allow impoverished families to provide for their families intstead?"
This is a fair question that she was asked. A question that I have asked myself, but was never able to put into words.
Click on the link below to read her response:
http://joshuaandlydia.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-answer-to-whether-interntional.html
"Why not use the money that you are spending on your adoption and give it to programs that alleviate poverty in the third world and allow impoverished families to provide for their families intstead?"
This is a fair question that she was asked. A question that I have asked myself, but was never able to put into words.
Click on the link below to read her response:
http://joshuaandlydia.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-answer-to-whether-interntional.html
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Tubing Down the Poudre River
We filled up the kayak today and paddled down the Poudre River. Unfortunately the water was really low, so we didn't do a whole lot of floating. Jeremy was out in the water pushing the kayak most of time because we kept getting stuck on top of rocks. But we still had fun!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
I love Gobena Coffee!
I have been drinking Gobena Ethiopian coffee. It is delicious and all of the proceeds go to help orphans! http://gobena.org/
Friday, July 17, 2009
An Orphan's Prayer
An Orphan’s Prayer
I am waiting… somewhere far, far away…on the other side of the world. I may not know who you are or what you look like. But somehow, deep in my heart, I know you are out there. That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time. I wish it could be easier. But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost. They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless. Day by day wondering, "Why was I born here and not somewhere else?" Asking, "Why couldn't my life have been different?" It is so lonely…
Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children, I know that something is missing. I know in my heart, I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace… I long to be saved by a mother's love. Gazing out of the orphanage window, I offer a prayer of hope, "Oh God, please help them come quickly."
Even as I lay in the darkness each night, somehow I feel assured. That no matter how lost I appear, I am not alone. Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe my tears…Touching my lonely heart.
The one who made me, The God who knew me before I was born, Hears me every time I call. He whispers His promises in my ear. I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most, is that no one wants to look for me. The fields are vast, and there are so many scattered all over the earth. I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found.
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you. That He will make sure you hear His voice clearly. He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields. That He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door.
My prayer is…When He speaks, please don't forget to listen. When He calls, don't be too afraid to go. For I am waiting…somewhere far, far away.
From All God's Children International
I am waiting… somewhere far, far away…on the other side of the world. I may not know who you are or what you look like. But somehow, deep in my heart, I know you are out there. That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time. I wish it could be easier. But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost. They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless. Day by day wondering, "Why was I born here and not somewhere else?" Asking, "Why couldn't my life have been different?" It is so lonely…
Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children, I know that something is missing. I know in my heart, I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace… I long to be saved by a mother's love. Gazing out of the orphanage window, I offer a prayer of hope, "Oh God, please help them come quickly."
Even as I lay in the darkness each night, somehow I feel assured. That no matter how lost I appear, I am not alone. Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe my tears…Touching my lonely heart.
The one who made me, The God who knew me before I was born, Hears me every time I call. He whispers His promises in my ear. I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most, is that no one wants to look for me. The fields are vast, and there are so many scattered all over the earth. I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found.
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you. That He will make sure you hear His voice clearly. He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields. That He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door.
My prayer is…When He speaks, please don't forget to listen. When He calls, don't be too afraid to go. For I am waiting…somewhere far, far away.
From All God's Children International
We moved 10 spots
We moved 10 spots to number 79 on the unofficial list in about a month. We don't know where we are on the real list, but most likely somewhere around number 300. Last week there were 29 referrals. There aren't usually this many, but I hope it becomes the new trend. In 2 days we will hit our 5 month waiterversary for a referral. That means only 7-13 months to go.
Last Friday I started my first round of shots, 4 of them. Jeremy is on his 2nd round. It was nice to check off one more thing on the To-Do list before our referral.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions/Education
I found this on another blog about a year ago and saved it. I changed some of the answers to go along with our adoption. This gives some really good information on answers to adoption questions as well as the correct way to talk about adoption. Many of the things in the don't say/do say section are very helpful. Before we started the adoption process we weren't aware of all the correct answers and terms to use when talking about adoption and we don't expect everyone else to know either. It is a learn as you go process for everyone.
Frequently asked questions :
Why Ethiopia?
Simply put – Ethiopia is where our child is and we have fallen in love with Africa! Every country has a unique way of approaching adoption-different timelines, costs, travel requirements, etc. On a practical level, the adoption process from Ethiopia is among the most accessible. But, more importantly, Ethiopia is a beautiful country with a rich and proud culture and history. The people value their children immensely, so the children are treated very well in the care centers before adoption. This helps facilitate an easier transition into an adoptive family. And, after doing much research, we found Ethiopia to suit us best.
Why are so many children available for adoption in Ethiopia?
Ethiopian children are placed for adoption for many reasons. As a result of years of civil war, famine and disease, literally millions of children have lost their parents. They end up either in orphanages or living on the streets. Also, some children are placed for adoption because the family can’t afford to care for one more child. Whatever the reason, it is important to know that Ethiopians view adoption as “loaning” their children to us. They believe it takes a village to raise a child and we are part of that village. It is never an easy decision to place a child for adoption – these are not “unwanted” children by any means. These are simply children whose birth families wanted a better life for their children and are “loaning” them to us to help provide that better life.Adoption is not about “rescuing” these children – it’s about parenting them. We want a child and a child needs a family.
Aren’t you concerned about the race issues?
Of course! Race is still a major issue in our country and the first thing anybody adopting transracially (cross-culturally) needs to do is accept that and find ways to raise the child in a supportive environment. We will do our best to learn about race and ethnicity issues and how to deal with problems that may arise. We will also do everything in our power to help our child feel proud and comfortable about being Ethiopian.
What is a referral?
This is when we are matched with a child. The referral includes ALL information the agency has on our child – there may be pieces of information missing but it is all the information known about our child. There will also be a picture of our child and all medical records for our child.
Will you share all the referral information with us?
We will definitely share some things, but don’t expect us to share everything. This is very private information and it belongs to our child. It could be especially devastating if a child learns information for the first time from a friend or relative. Our child will know his or her full story when he is older. It will be his decision on whether or not he would like to share his birth story with others.
Can I hold your baby right away? Can I help feed your baby?
Probably for a short amount of time. Our baby has been in many hands and she needs to know that we are her primary caregivers and parents. By being passed from person to person, our baby will become more confused. Because of this, we will be the only one's feeding our baby until she has established a bond with us (this could take several months if not longer).
Can you have biological children?
We think so, but we chose adoption as our first choice. We may have adopted children and biological children someday, but for now adoption is the way we are building our family. We will be blessed with any way that our children come to us.
Will your child be healthy?
We are requesting a healthy child and all medical information will be given to us. Of course there are possibilities that minor illnesses such as tummy bugs, respiratory problems, and parasites can be present, but these are things that can be easily treated in the U.S.
Please don't ask/say:
How much is the baby going to cost?
We don't mind at all discussing the fees associated with our adoption with you. There are fees associated with adoption (legal fees, travel fees, care fees, etc...) just as there are fees associated with giving birth in a hospital. But we are not buying a baby. We are paying the fees associated with adoption and every cent will be worth it.
Why not adopt from China (or some other country)?
We’ve already chosen to adopt from Ethiopia and are thrilled with our decision.
Children all over the world are precious and we know our child is in Ethiopia.
Why are you adopting when you can have your own children?
Our adopted child will be our own child.
Adopting is right for our family
Don’t use terms such as “real mother” or “children of your own”
Use terms that affirm the value of both her birth parents and adoptive parents
I am her real mother, She is my own child
Say "birth mother" instead of "real mother"
All of our children, whether biological or adopted, will be our own children. When talking about biological children, say "biological children" not "children of your own".
Please DO say/ask:
Do ask questions about the adoption process, expectations and fears.
Do feel comfortable about expressing your own fears and concerns, but realize that adoption is a very personal decision – maybe not one you would have made for yourself but one we have come to after much research, deliberation and soul-searching.
Do embrace the differences our child brings to our family.
Do speak positively about our child’s culture/heritage.
Do treat us the same way you’d treat people expecting a biological child – with excitement, tenderness, and even a bit of pampering!
Frequently asked questions :
Why Ethiopia?
Simply put – Ethiopia is where our child is and we have fallen in love with Africa! Every country has a unique way of approaching adoption-different timelines, costs, travel requirements, etc. On a practical level, the adoption process from Ethiopia is among the most accessible. But, more importantly, Ethiopia is a beautiful country with a rich and proud culture and history. The people value their children immensely, so the children are treated very well in the care centers before adoption. This helps facilitate an easier transition into an adoptive family. And, after doing much research, we found Ethiopia to suit us best.
Why are so many children available for adoption in Ethiopia?
Ethiopian children are placed for adoption for many reasons. As a result of years of civil war, famine and disease, literally millions of children have lost their parents. They end up either in orphanages or living on the streets. Also, some children are placed for adoption because the family can’t afford to care for one more child. Whatever the reason, it is important to know that Ethiopians view adoption as “loaning” their children to us. They believe it takes a village to raise a child and we are part of that village. It is never an easy decision to place a child for adoption – these are not “unwanted” children by any means. These are simply children whose birth families wanted a better life for their children and are “loaning” them to us to help provide that better life.Adoption is not about “rescuing” these children – it’s about parenting them. We want a child and a child needs a family.
Aren’t you concerned about the race issues?
Of course! Race is still a major issue in our country and the first thing anybody adopting transracially (cross-culturally) needs to do is accept that and find ways to raise the child in a supportive environment. We will do our best to learn about race and ethnicity issues and how to deal with problems that may arise. We will also do everything in our power to help our child feel proud and comfortable about being Ethiopian.
What is a referral?
This is when we are matched with a child. The referral includes ALL information the agency has on our child – there may be pieces of information missing but it is all the information known about our child. There will also be a picture of our child and all medical records for our child.
Will you share all the referral information with us?
We will definitely share some things, but don’t expect us to share everything. This is very private information and it belongs to our child. It could be especially devastating if a child learns information for the first time from a friend or relative. Our child will know his or her full story when he is older. It will be his decision on whether or not he would like to share his birth story with others.
Can I hold your baby right away? Can I help feed your baby?
Probably for a short amount of time. Our baby has been in many hands and she needs to know that we are her primary caregivers and parents. By being passed from person to person, our baby will become more confused. Because of this, we will be the only one's feeding our baby until she has established a bond with us (this could take several months if not longer).
Can you have biological children?
We think so, but we chose adoption as our first choice. We may have adopted children and biological children someday, but for now adoption is the way we are building our family. We will be blessed with any way that our children come to us.
Will your child be healthy?
We are requesting a healthy child and all medical information will be given to us. Of course there are possibilities that minor illnesses such as tummy bugs, respiratory problems, and parasites can be present, but these are things that can be easily treated in the U.S.
Please don't ask/say:
How much is the baby going to cost?
We don't mind at all discussing the fees associated with our adoption with you. There are fees associated with adoption (legal fees, travel fees, care fees, etc...) just as there are fees associated with giving birth in a hospital. But we are not buying a baby. We are paying the fees associated with adoption and every cent will be worth it.
Why not adopt from China (or some other country)?
We’ve already chosen to adopt from Ethiopia and are thrilled with our decision.
Children all over the world are precious and we know our child is in Ethiopia.
Why are you adopting when you can have your own children?
Our adopted child will be our own child.
Adopting is right for our family
Don’t use terms such as “real mother” or “children of your own”
Use terms that affirm the value of both her birth parents and adoptive parents
I am her real mother, She is my own child
Say "birth mother" instead of "real mother"
All of our children, whether biological or adopted, will be our own children. When talking about biological children, say "biological children" not "children of your own".
Please DO say/ask:
Do ask questions about the adoption process, expectations and fears.
Do feel comfortable about expressing your own fears and concerns, but realize that adoption is a very personal decision – maybe not one you would have made for yourself but one we have come to after much research, deliberation and soul-searching.
Do embrace the differences our child brings to our family.
Do speak positively about our child’s culture/heritage.
Do treat us the same way you’d treat people expecting a biological child – with excitement, tenderness, and even a bit of pampering!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Firefighter Jeremy
Jeremy made it on as a volunteer firefighter! He will be starting the academy soon. After he graduates from the academy, he will be volunteering 12 hours per week. My Mom and I went to the Fire Department open house this weekend and took a tour.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
We are in the 80's
We are number 89 on the unofficial waiting list. We have a list on our adoption forum of families that are waiting for a child from Ethiopia through CHSFS. Not everyone chooses to be on this list so we don't know exactly what number we are, but it gives us a rough idea. Someday we will be all the way up to number 1.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Little Birds
A few weeks ago we had a nest right outside of our nursery window. There was a mama robin sitting in it constantly so I figured that she must be sitting on her eggs. It was so fun to watch during this long wait as we started the nursery. About a week ago I saw the Mother and Father bringing lots of worms to the nest so I knew the eggs must have hatched. It had been raining all weekend and 2 days ago I looked out of the window and noticed half of the nest on the ground. My heart just sank. One of the babies was in the grass and was still breathing. The Mother and Father were panicked. They continued to bring worms for the baby to eat. I found another baby down in the window well. Luckily it landed on a soft pile of leaves. The Mother was trying to get to him, but couldn't. A third little baby didn't make it. I am a crazy animal lover and just couldn't leave them there. I called the wildlife humane society to ask what to do and they told me to bring the babies in. They said they wouldn't survive long out of their nest. So, I called Jeremy and begged him to come to their rescue. He came home on his lunch break and put them in box and away they went to the wild life place. They said they would raise them and release them into the wild when they are ready. It was so sad. The Mama bird is still flying around the yard wondering where her babies went. I can only hope that somehow she knows that they are ok.Saturday, April 25, 2009
We started the nursery today
Cally and Emmy are waiting too
Jeremy painting the dresser
I'm not very good at painting, but I helped too
Jeremy is a painting expertThis weekend we started painting the nursery. I have been planning it for a while, but we wanted to wait until after we were officially waiting to start. We are going with a neutral theme as we won't know the gender until after we have been matched with a child (our referral). I will post more pictures as we get further along.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Fully Recovered From Surgery!
In December I found out that I had a tumor the size of a cantelope in my liver which turned out to be benign. In February I had surgery to remove it. The surgeons took out 70% of my liver along with the tumor and my gall bladder. My liver should be fully regenerated (grown back) soon. It was a scary and painful experience, but it is over and I am just about fully recovered. I was so lucky to get such a great surgeon, Dr. Kam, and I am so thankful for the people that were praying for me and a wonderful family that was by my side. This was just a small bump in our adoption road, but it wasn't going to stop us. We are counting down the months. We have now been officially waiting for a month and a half.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
We are Officially Waiting!!!
As of today, 2/19/09, we are officially on the wait list for an infant 0-12 months or siblings 0-36 months. We are so excited! As of right now the wait is expected to be 12 months, but that is just an estimate. YAY!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Our Dossier Is Complete!
We went to an Ethiopian restaurant called Nyala in Fort Collins for Valentines Day to celebrate. The food was delicious. Jeremy wants to learn how to make Injera (the flat bread). We had lamb, beef, and chicken tibs.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
We are so happy! I-171-H
We recieved our I-171 H today! This is approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to adopt up to 2 children from Ethiopia. We couldn't believe how fast this office was. We weren't expecting it for at least a couple more weeks so it was a nice surprise!
Thank you to the greatest family ever!
Our entire family gave us this great card for Christmas with a surprise inside. We love you guys and we are so thankful to have a family like you! You are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had a lot of fun spending some time with everyone and meeting some new members of the family:)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I Need Africa More Than Africa Needs Me
"Because it is Africa that has taught me that possessions in my hands will never be as valuable as peace in my heart."
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Check out this website: www.charitywater.org . Instead of buying Christmas presents this year, donate what you would have spent to build wells for people that don't have access to clean drinking water.Wednesday, October 8, 2008
LONGER wait!
Well, we received an e-mail from CHSFS a few weeks ago informing us that the wait times for a referral are increasing. So, we are looking at a much longer wait than we anticipated. We hope to have our baby or babies home by the Summer of 2010, but there are no guarantees. There are a lot of uncertainties in Internation Adoption, but we have to trust and have faith that this will happen as it is supposed to happen. We also have to remember that a wait is just a wait. The family of this child(ren) would give anything to have nothing else to worry about but a wait. All we have to do is wait patiently with some ups and downs. They have to make the most heartbreaking decision of their lives. They will no longer be able to hold their child or see them grow. When I think about the pain that these families will have to go through, our wait is nothing compared. Jeremy reminded me the other day that our child WILL come to us when they are supposed to come to us. Until then, I am learning to be very patient and trying to remember that this isn't just about me.
Ethipian T-Shirt-Proceeds go to Global Food Crisis
These T-Shirts are sold by Compassion and the proceeds go the Global Food Crisis Fund. There are 4 colors for 4 different countries. They say "please" in 4 languages. The black one say's "PLEASE" in Amharic, the Ethiopian language. They are sold at store.compassion.comGet a cool T-shirt and help those in need!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Working on Dossier
Our homestudy was officially accepted by CHSFS and we received our dossier packet about a week ago. We are now in the paper chase stage. We hope to have all of our documents ready to send in by August. At that point, we will be on the official waiting list for a referral. Our next step is to get USCIS (US Citizen and Immigration Services) approval.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Eating Ethiopian Food
Our Anniversary! We went to Ras Kassas in Boulder and it was so much fun! We really enjoyed experiencing a taste of Ethiopia.Thursday, June 5, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Little Travellers HIV/AIDS Initiative
Check out this website. I bought some of these dolls. They are so cute and go to a great cause!
The Little Travellers link is on our page.
"By making these dolls, families have been fed, lights have been turned on, little children have gone to school, water has poured out taps... but most of all, hope has been restored."
Paula Thompson, Woza Moya income-generation project, Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Thanks to all of you who have been such a support and for the encouraging words that we have received from those who have gone before us. God has truly shown us such an amazing way to build our family. His heart is in the heart of orphans, and when we show up, He shows up. Too often we ignore the widows and orphans, which is exactly where God said He would be. We are so grateful that we have been encouraged to step out into this amazing journey. At times the process seems like a roller coaster ride, but never in my life has my heart felt so full. What a blessing adoption has already been in our lives... and we have just begun!
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