Katie's Message

I've been wanting to post, not really knowing quite what I want to say, or, more specifically, how to say it. As I stumble over my words, writing, erasing, thinking, not getting anywhere, I come across a post. Not just a post that speaks for me, but one that speaks to me.
The part that especially has lifted me is her reference to Elijah and the widow, as that is what I was first reading when Our Girl was laid on my heart. I've spent the past few hours asking God, "Are you sure? Are you sure you want us to do this? Are you sure you can provide for us to do this?" Once again, He speaks to me in such simple grace, reminding me of how this all began, how clearly He gave me this child, and how boldly He has challenged us to go forth.

Here is Katie's post; she inspires me time after time, and this is no exception.
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/2011/03/breathing-deep.html
(If you are unfamiliar with Katie, after reading her blog, I strongly encourage you to her organization website:
http://amazima.org/  Kick back and spend some time reading about how it all began. I PROMISE you will inspired beyond your wildest imagination!)

Kameron's Kupcakes

Alright people, I've got something special for you.
I've got a secret recipe that'll knock your socks off. I'm tellin' you, it's good. It's... dare I say... heavenly.

The recipe, my friends, is for frosting. Not just any frosting, but the greatest frosting I have ever tasted. It's probably my greatest mistake... you know how sometimes you make a mistake and it turns out to be the one of those million dollar ideas?
Okay, this probably isn't worth a million dollars, but I promise, it's worth bragging about.

So, now that I've (hopefully) peaked your curiosity, here's the deal.
For anyone who donates to the Beamish family within the next 24 hours, I am going to send you my secret frosting recipe.
You can use it however you choose! Imagine the possibilities...

Impress your friends
Make a delicious mid-day treat
Send your kids to school in style on their birthday
Host a fundraiser
Open a bakery
Win the Pillsbury baking contest

(Okay, okay, maybe I'm getting a little slap-happy, but you get the idea.)

Here's how you get your very own 

Kameron's Kupcake "Fundraiser Frosting" Recipe:

1. Donate a minimum of $25 to the Beamish family by using the ChipIn on my page, Renee's page, or Sara's Page (my recommendation is you donate through one of their blogs instead, because you can win other awesome goodies at the same time. However, I'll keep mine here in case you tend to get distracted too easily. I can relate.)


2. After you donate, CLICK ON AND FILL OUT THIS FORM.  Recipe will be sent when all names have been verified.

You have until 7:30pm (maybe a little later) Friday, so get your donation in right away!

Mountains are Moving!

The Beamish fund is growing! Thank you to those of you who are GIVING and SHARING. Spread the word. This little girl doesn't have a voice, so we need to shout for her.

I know it is hard to give. I get it. It's hard to earn your money, it's hard to pay bills, and it's harder to  make the decision to just give the rest away. You aren't asking for much; you've worked hard, and all you really want to do is get a haircut, have a dinner out, see a movie, buy  whatever it is that you're heart has been set on. Truly, I get it. 

But at the end of the day, 

a haircut can wait; 

you can make yourself dinner one more time;

skipping the movie isn't really that big of a deal; 

and whatever your heart is set on

just doesn't quite compare to the gift of a

FAMILY.

So please, if you can spare anything, do. Make the sacrifice. I promise, it doesn't hurt as much as you think. In fact, it feels pretty darn good, especially when you realize you've literally changed lives.

The Beamish family is hosting a great big giveaway. Not only are they hosting one, but other families have come to the rescue and at this point there are lots of goodies available for those who give.
If you want to try to win prizes for your donation, visit HERE, or HERE.

If you just don't feel like clicking links, you want to just hurry up and give, you can do so through the ChipIn button I have set up at the top of my page. It links directly to their account through Reece's Rainbow. 

If you currently have an empty bank account, and feel like "I wish I could help", you still can. You can PRAY, and you can SHARE. Share my blog. Share the Beamish blog. Share the story. Call your friends and family, ask if they can help out. 

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

Edmund Burke

Thank you to those of you that REFUSE TO DO NOTHING!

URGENT!

See this beautiful little girl? This is K, soon to be K. Beamish. Her family is packing their bags, gearing up to travel across the ocean to rescue their little princess. They leave THIS SUNDAY.

There's just one problem. $12,000.  Right now, a measly little twelve thousand dollars stands in the way of K being united with her new family.

At first glance, $12,000 seems like a lot of money.
But think about it; what can $12,000 really get you? It's not enough for a new car. Certainly not much down payment on a house. It isn't even enough to send a family of five on a European vacation.
BUT...
$12,000, just twelve thousand measly dollars, will literally SAVE a child's life.

If a helpless child were laying before you, her life being threatened, and you knew all it took to save her life would be $12,000, would you be a part of her rescue? If not, you probably are on the wrong blog altogether (there are plenty of other self-absorbed ones out there that would much better suit your style.)  Hopefully, anyone reading here, would absolutely, whole-heartedly, without even a moment's hesitation, say YES, I'll help save her!


That's what I am asking of you right now.
I'm not offering an iPad or any other fancy giveaway prize. Sorry, I don't have it.
I'm just asking you to open your hearts and help.

Her family needs this. Their journey has been so long, filled with so many bumps in the road. If you want to read about them, visit their blog.
If you don't want to read, then please, just trust me; it is time for this family to be complete.
It's time for K to come home.

A mere $12,000 is all it takes to bring her home.
Please give. Give whatever you can. $1, $5, $10, $20, $100, $1000. Give because you can. Give because you'd never, ever pass a child suffering on the street. This is your time to match your money to your heart.
Please, help save K. Help bring her home.
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Donations are tax-deductible. If you would like to give but do not have a paypal account (and do not want to open one,) please contact Reece's Rainbow (staff is quick to check email) letting them know of your intentions and they will give you alternate options.

To donate, click the box below:


Please share this post and spread the word for this family. K deserves parents, not life in an institution. Let's make sure this measly amount of money doesn't keep her from knowing her family.

UPDATE: As of 5:20pm, this post has had 78 views. 78, and not one donation. I hope and pray that you have visited the Beamish blog and donated on their page instead. 78 people, at $20 each would put them $1560 closer to their daughter. I am URGING you, please, give. (And in case you are wondering, yes, I have donated myself. I'm putting my money where my mouth is, too.) Please, please, do this. Be a part of this child's new existence as a member of a family. You will not regret the choice to help save a life!

Faith

This road is a test of faith.
Faith. Simple little word, but so hard to truly get sometimes.

We have faith:
- That God will provide the funds we need at this moment in time to continue forward.
- That the coordinator in charge of the adoption process for our state will grant in our favor to move forward.
- That we are doing His will, and because of this our family will remain protected from all the unknowns that lay in our future.

We aren't the only ones relying on faith.
The Beamish family has faith that God will provide the funds they still need as they prepare to travel this weekend.
The Davis family has faith that they will soon hold their son again, as they now go through the appeal process because the judge told them no.
The Burman family has faith that God will heal their precious Carrington. 3 1/2 years old, 11 pounds. ELEVEN. Emaciated, on death's doorstep, the family rescued her just in time. Rescued her because of their faith; when God called, they answered.
The Carlin family had faith when they committed to Danil. They showed more faith when they committed to bringing home Josslyn and Parker as well. As they committed to these three children, through faith they believed that God would provide the funds needed to complete this amazing adoption. $35,000, the family is fully funded and will soon be taking their first trip to meet their new additions.
The DelLanos family journeyed through faith to bring their precious Timothy home. It came at a personal cost, and yet, they still have faith that God is carrying them through. All the while facing their own struggles, Mel has stepped forward time and again to help us bring our little one home. It is through faith that I believe she was put into my life for a reason. I was praying for someone to be my spiritual mentor, and through faith I know that Mel has sent as the person I was praying for.


I was recently asked, "If you don't have the money, should you really be adopting? Don't you think you should just focus on your own kids and family? Isn't that your most important job right now?"

My response is this.
It is in faith that I know God has brought us to this place. It is in faith that I know He will lead us on His journey. I walk by faith, not by sight. My wallet may be empty, but God's bank account overflows. He has enough to fund our adoption and the adoption of every other family who answers His command to care for the least of these.

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the ways of this world.     James 1:27

In faith, I know that we are on the right path. 

And, for the record, we are not on a journey to just rescue "a child." We are rescuing OUR DAUGHTER. So, yes, you are right; my most important job is to be a mother and protect my children. All of them. If one just happens to be waiting for me on the other side of the world, than I believe it is my duty to go and get her. 

Lame attempt at a post

Lame simply because I have written three posts now, none of yet are ready for me to hit "publish." And yet, here I am starting a fourth, simply because I don't know how to tie this into any others but feel the need to share.

Here are our current upcoming expenses (all due very soon):
Homestudy: 1st meeting coming up next week. $3000 is due to begin (although the social worker hinted that a payment plan is possible, so my theory is that we can begin without having it ready to pay in full.)
Agency Fee: We have our phone meeting this Tuesday. The first half of our fee, $1500 is due in one week.
Class: Our first class is coming up. Cost is $130.
Extras: I'll be ordering marriage certificates and other little things like that over the next few week or two. These add up quickly, but I have yet to actually sit and do the math.
RR application/donation: $275

Please pray that God continue to lead our path. We've been running into more little obstacles, small walls that show up along the way. It's frustrating, but nothing that will defeat us. Right now, we just need to be able to pay these fees and get things moving forward. Be sure to check out my "Crafts For Sale" page if you would like to see what I've made and have for sale. I take custom orders, so feel free to email with special requests!

Our Current Prayer Requests

Don't forget that the Twila Paris cd fundraiser is up and running (ends March 15th.) See post below for details! Also, click on the tab Our Fundraisers to see the different ideas we have currently available.  I've made some pretty cute coasters that I'd love to start selling!

So... here are the specific prayer requests we have as of now:
- That our homestudy coordinator agree to start our paperwork beginning next week. She retires in May, so if we can get the homestudy completed before then, we won't have to worry about a new social worker taking on our case partially through. We chose this social worker due to her expertise and reputation with international adoptions, and she is very supportive of our decision to bring a special needs' child into our family. A new social worker may not have the same personal opinions as she does, and would not have the same level of experience, so I feel it is very important that our homestudy is completed with our current worker.
- That God provides a way for us to fund the homestudy immediately. Technically, the payment ($3000) is due in full prior to beginning the process (yes, folks, that'd be next week.) However, our social worker did mention that payment plans are sometimes accepted, so if we do not have the entire $3000, pray that they will allow us to move forward as we continue to collect the funds to complete the homestudy.
- Please pray that the mister gains a sense of peace over this process. He doesn't read the blogs, he doesn't follow other's journeys, so he looks at the big figure and just shakes his head. I don't want him to become burdened over this; he has a very difficult, high-stress job, works long hours (too bad there isn't overtime, he'd be making a fortune!), and I don't want him to have to deal with any more stress than necessary. So please, pray that the holy spirit fills him with a sense of peace over all of this.

Thank you for your continued prayers!

Giveaway: Small Sacrifice

I don't think there could have been a more fitting title for this post.

Are you familiar with Twila Paris? If you are at all familiar with Contemporary Christian music, there is no doubt that you have come across her songs at one point or another. In fact, you may have been singing them at church on Sundays without even knowing it.

I've always been a huge Twila fan. Her voice is magical. Her songs are pure inspiration, and pretty much any time I've been in a pickle or feeling blue, a song of hers would come to mind and instantly lift my spirits (see previous post for evidence.)

I've always loved Twila's music, but since beginning this journey, I've come to love it so much more, because the lyrics are practically written for the adoptive path.

Take for example:
God is in Control
God is in control;
We believe that His children will not be forsaken
God is in control;
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
God is in control, oh God is in control.


Or how about:
The Joy of the Lord

The joy of the Lord
Will be my strength
He will uphold me
All of my days
I am surrounded by mercy
And grace
And the joy of the Lord
Is my strength

I could easily go on and on and on. But instead of just making a list of great lyrics, how about getting a chance to hear them for yourself?

Up for grabs is an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Twila's most recent album, appropriately titled, "Small Sacrifice" to share with you, my villagers. 

(Yes, I'm still kind of stuck in the stone ages; I don't own an mp3 player or whatever you technologically updated people now use to listen to music. This is a CD, but just remember you can easily download on your computer. Or is it upload? Whatever.)

In any case, this is a really great CD to show appreciation for those willing to make their own small sacrifice.
HOW TO WIN:

To be entered in the giveaway, make a $5 or more donation to my ChipIn between now and March 15th. 

For an additional entry, link my giveaway to your facebook, twitter, or whatever social site you use.

For another entry, add my giveaway to your blog.

For another entry, leave a comment about your favorite inspirational song (by Twila or anyone else; whatever really gets you through the tough times!)

Note: You MUST leave a comment (or email me if you'd prefer) to let me know any of any "additional entries" you earn in order for those entries to qualify. 

Look how easy it is to get four entries to win! All donations received between now and March 15th will be considered as entries. The money we raise will go toward the following immediate costs we are facing:

- Homestudy (due in full prior to beginning)

- Fingerprints (this Wednesday)

- RR commitment fee 

Note: This post has been edited to reflect new prize language. Just in case you read before, I want to assure you you aren't going crazy. :)

Seeking Peace

I've spent most of the day in freak out mode. (Good news being that we didn't end up being in the reject pile; not so good news being long and too much to go into, but nothing more than headache-inducing issues.)

Lucky for me, I have one person I really vent to, kind of uncontrollably. Which means not so lucky for her.

After spending most of the day overcome with anxiety, I took a shower.
Showering is my alone time with God. It's when I can really pray, really confess, really listen to what He has to say. Without distraction, I can actually seek peace and solace in His name.

On my honeymoon, I was nearly pushed off the edge of a mountain by a panicked hiker (apparently she was a bit bee-phobic.) God saved me.
Today, I've felt again like I'm at the edge of the mountain, about to tumble over with nothing to break the fall. I can only rely on God to save me once more.

As I'm sitting here, a song comes to mind. The lyrics are simple, but the words hold such power, such clarity in what I need to remember while on this road.

I Will Wait Twila Paris

I will wait on the Lord;
I will wait for His word.
Because I fear His holy name,
I will wait,
I will wait.

I will wait on the Lord;
I will wait for His word;
Before I move, before I speak,
Perfect wisdom I will seek,
and I will wait as long as it takes.

I will wait on the Lord.

And that leads me to the inspiration for my next giveaway...
Get ready....

(note to self: learn how to put a music player on the blog for audio examples instead of just lyrics.)  :)  See? Feeling better already.

PAID!

They cashed the check!
I saw it today while checking my account balance:
$350 to our adoption agency, cashed.

A BIG, GINORMOUS, HUMONGOUS THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU WHO HELPED PAY THAT FIRST BIT OF RANSOM!

And to each of you who are praying for us, I say thank you as well. This is His journey for us, so following it comes through prayer before finances. Prayer before all else. We NEED prayers. We've already been hit with a few obstacles, and I know that is only the beginning. I've got every inclination that this is going to be a tough road, and we are going to require prayer warriors in order to make it through.

I've got more to say on that, but right now, it's bedtime.
So to everyone who has supported us in any way thus far, I say once more, THANK YOU!

As it stands now:
Adoption Agency application- Submitted and PAID
Homestudy agency application- Submitted, paid by credit card

Next up:
Wait for both agencies to give us the go ahead
Apply through Reece's Rainbow to commit to Our Girl

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Please pray that both agencies accept us, and quickly, so that we can move forward in making our commitment.
Please pray that our homestudy coordinator is willing to meet with us very quickly so that she can fill out necessary paperwork to submit to RR. Her initial feeling about us will determine whether or not RR will let us commit, so it is very important that we meet with her right away, and that she feel comfortable with us.

THANK YOU!!

While We Wait

While we sit waiting for the next step, there is a little boy that I must share with you all:

"Kolya" Region 15. Love him? Contact Reese's Rainbow for information!

Oh, I can't even begin to put into words how strongly I feel about him. What I wouldn't give to find him a family!
Well, there's one thing that I can give:

My emerald cut diamond and white gold engagement ring. It's been on quite a journey!

Those of you who follow my other blog may be thinking, "Didn't you already give the ring away?" Yes! I did... and then something amazing happened. The woman who won it decided to use it in her own giveaway, and guess who ended up winning it back? Hehe... I always say God's got a sense of humor.

So, now I again have my ring, and while it isn't much, maybe it's something.

To whomever decides to call Kolya their "son", I will happily (exuberantly) give you this diamond ring. Maybe it will help with fundraising to bring him home. Maybe you can sell it, or use it in a giveaway. Whatever you want to do with it, that is your choice.

When the ring came back, I opened the box, admired it for a few minutes, then closed it and prayed that God would tell me what to do. First instinct was to keep it ("Yeah, I've got my engagement ring back!"), second instinct being to use it in our own adoption venture (after all, every dollar adds up, and we need all the funding sources we can get.) Really, though, both of those felt like my solutions.
I wanted God's plan. His journey through and through.
So, I prayed... and prayed... and listened.

And as soon as the thought entered my mind, "Give it to Kolya's family," I felt at such peace with it, that I knew this was right.

So, I'm waiting. And so is Kolya.

Please, spread the word, tell everyone you know. Not because I want people to look at me, but because I want his family to hurry and find him. The more people know, the more people will see his face. Soon, I am positive they will see him, and know he is their son. He's waited ten long years for someone to call Mom and Dad. TEN YEARS.

My husband and I became engaged ten years ago. It feels like a lifetime. I can barely remember those days.
I can't imagine spending these past ten years without parents or my family.
And yet, Kolya's been without parents. Without family. For ten years. A lifetime. His lifetime.


This is our year, Kolya, I know it. I'm finding you a home, kiddo, I promise. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure this is our year. Ten years ago I was given a ring, and you were given life. This year, I will give up my ring, and perhaps you will gain a new life. Your family is out there. I promise, you, sweetie, we'll find 'em. 

If you love Kolya as much as I do, and you think he could be YOUR son, please contact Andrea at Reece's Rainbow to learn more about this precious little guy. 

THE WINNERS ARE...

wonderful people. Oh, you wanted to know if you won? That'll have to wait just a moment. I need to say thank you first!

We didn't meet the $900 goal, BUT that's okay, because we are still inching forward! I was able to submit one of the applications by credit card, so while it isn't ideal to take on any debt, at least it means the ball is rolling.
Even more importantly, because of YOUR generous gifts, plus
THIS AMAZING PERSON AND HER FUNDRAISING EFFORTS FOR US,
we received the exact amount we needed to submit the agency application (no credit cards allowed.)
(Don't ever think God doesn't know exactly what He is doing.)

So, as it stands, two of three applications have been submitted! Next comes getting the initial acceptance from our homestudy agency, as well as being accepted by our adoption agency. If they say yes, we can send in our paperwork and officially commit to bringing home Our Girl!!!! That'll be more paperwork and more money, which I've decided should be the official theme of international adoption:

 International Adoption: More Paperwork, More Money. 

(But totally worth every bit of it in the end!)

Catchy? :)

Like you haven't done enough already, I've got one more huge favor to ask (one more for now. I'm sure there will be many more to come.)
I just ask for you to pray. Pray that we get accepted. Pray that our homestudy coordinator doesn't turn us away because we have young children, because we don't make enough money, or because of any other reason. Pray that she gives us a chance to bring Our Girl home, regardless of how "crazy" the decision may seem.
Pray that the adoption agency accepts us as well. If I have to be honest, I'm terrified that they will look at our living expenses, look at our paychecks, and say, "You can't afford to adopt. Sorry, you're out." Really, that is my one true fear right now... that they don't think we can do it. (For what it's worth, we do meet the requirements/qualifications for this region, but I still have my fears that they'll just shake their heads and call us loonies.)

Okay, now that I've taken care of that... onto the good stuff!
Four prizes; four winners.
Thank you to each and every person who gave. Every dollar, every email stating "You've received money," made me giddy with excitement. The thing is, out of EVERY SINGLE PERSON who donated, I've NEVER MET ONE of you in person.
That speaks wonders.
It gives me such faith, because I realize there are people out there with giving spirits; these are the people I want to surround myself with. I don't like negativity, I don't like pessimism. Knowing that complete strangers can say, "I believe in you," makes me appreciate this journey all the more.

So, without further ado, here are the prizes and their winners!
Winners were chosen through random.org; sorry, I should have taken screen shots! Prizes were awarded based on personal requests in your comments in order that names were drawn. Enjoy!!

Item A: Boba Carrier goes to RHONDA S. in Oklahoma!

Item B: Jamba and Dunkin' gift cards goes to HEATHER B. in Michigan!

Item C: $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate goes to THERESA M. in Virginia!

Item D: Wilson leather purse goes to ADDIE T. in Mississippi!

Please make sure to contact me with your email and home address so I can get things mailed to you.