Upon announcing our decision to adopt, one of the most common questions we've been approached with is:
"How will this affect your (bio) children?"
I think the question really means, "What sort of negative impact will this have on the children that you already have?"
In response to that question, I'd like you to read this post, written by 11-year-old Genesis House, whose family chose to bring two children into their home forever.
She's a child being "affected", but I wouldn't call it negative.
I don't see an 11-year-old filled with suffering and regret.
I see a beautiful girl with a huge heart for others.
I see a girl more focused on compassion instead of the latest trends and media influences.
I see someone who already understands that she can make a difference, instead of bemoaning in pre-teen angst about how unfair her life is.
Does that begin to answer the question?
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
This is the process that never ends...
yes it goes on and on, my friends...
(Apologizing now, because I'm sure I've got that annoying song stuck in your head.)
Silly, naive me. I really thought our homestudy paperwork would be long finished by now.
Today, my mom had a call from someone from our agency (I assume.) He had twelve million questions about anything and everything you could think of. I'm sure she wasn't the only one, since we had six references on our paperwork. (Good luck to you all, and thanks for suffering through it for us!)
Today I also received the feedback from our adoption agency worker. She had a bunch of minor corrections for the homestudy paperwork. Nothing major, our social worker is clearly competent and did an excellent job, so it was primarily clarifying all the little points that our ee country requires (ee = eastern european).
It's not that I mind all this paperwork, but sheesh, it is dragging on forever! However, I believe that it should now be ready to be mailed off to our state. We are PRAYING that God moves things quickly, because if it gets held up at the state level there is not much of anything else we can do anytime soon. We are also praying that the state finds favor with us. There's nothing like depending on a bunch of people who are simply using a giant summary of your life to determine whether or not you qualify to adopt! Sometimes it feels so silly and backwards- these kids literally have NOTHING. Pretty much ANYTHING is a step up. (Obviously not dangerous situations.) So, seriously, if we don't have a lot of money, or a ton of community resources, or a giant house... does that really mean they should have to sit around and hope someone "better" comes along?
However, I realize and respect the state needing to have a sense of what and who they are approving. It's just hard to accept at a completely bankrupt state looking at us, shaking their heads because our health insurance is so high. (Nevermind the fact that the reason our health insurance has shot up is because the state hasn't been paying its bills. By them not paying the school district, the district has to take money from employees in order to stay afloat. But I guess we aren't supposed to consider that, right?)
ANYWAY... I'm just anxious to be done with this homestudy paperwork already!!
However, we have moved on to sending all of our dossier paperwork (well, what we can.) Which is awesome, because it actually feels like we are doing something again. What is not so great is that I am stuck in a recliner day and night (broken foot, in case you've forgotten) and unable to take care of anything myself. Mister works 10 hour days (with Fridays off) over the summer, so he isn't exactly around to take care of it himself. (And honestly, I'm having trouble convincing him he has to gather all this stuff himself, when he is already playing the role of mom and dad and home nurse right now.) I'm doing what I can, and praying that I will be up and moving soon. (On a positive note, the dr. said he doesn't believe I will need surgery. YEAH!!!)
So... that's that.
I've got a couple of different fundraisers coming up, both for my 5/5/5 kidlet. She's in China, 5 years old, and totally adorable. I'm trying to raise $5k for her AND find her a family, so if you know anyone looking for a precious little girl, send 'em my way! I'll be posting both of those shortly (one I've already mentioned, which is the balloon release.)
I've also got the five thousand footsteps walkathon that I am working on. Tentative month will be September... more to come on that shortly.
And finally, I need to come up with $2,000 to send to our agency in the next few weeks. This is still an "out-of-pocket" expense- meaning we can't use our grant donations for it. We were PLANNING to hold a garage sale, but with the broken foot, I think I need to come up with a Plan B. If anyone has fantabulous ideas, please send them my way! We need to raise these funds pronto, because they'll be due with our dossier (which is as soon as the homestudy gets approved by the state. God willing, that'll be quickly.) So... prayer and great ideas, please!!
(Apologizing now, because I'm sure I've got that annoying song stuck in your head.)
Silly, naive me. I really thought our homestudy paperwork would be long finished by now.
Today, my mom had a call from someone from our agency (I assume.) He had twelve million questions about anything and everything you could think of. I'm sure she wasn't the only one, since we had six references on our paperwork. (Good luck to you all, and thanks for suffering through it for us!)
Today I also received the feedback from our adoption agency worker. She had a bunch of minor corrections for the homestudy paperwork. Nothing major, our social worker is clearly competent and did an excellent job, so it was primarily clarifying all the little points that our ee country requires (ee = eastern european).
It's not that I mind all this paperwork, but sheesh, it is dragging on forever! However, I believe that it should now be ready to be mailed off to our state. We are PRAYING that God moves things quickly, because if it gets held up at the state level there is not much of anything else we can do anytime soon. We are also praying that the state finds favor with us. There's nothing like depending on a bunch of people who are simply using a giant summary of your life to determine whether or not you qualify to adopt! Sometimes it feels so silly and backwards- these kids literally have NOTHING. Pretty much ANYTHING is a step up. (Obviously not dangerous situations.) So, seriously, if we don't have a lot of money, or a ton of community resources, or a giant house... does that really mean they should have to sit around and hope someone "better" comes along?
However, I realize and respect the state needing to have a sense of what and who they are approving. It's just hard to accept at a completely bankrupt state looking at us, shaking their heads because our health insurance is so high. (Nevermind the fact that the reason our health insurance has shot up is because the state hasn't been paying its bills. By them not paying the school district, the district has to take money from employees in order to stay afloat. But I guess we aren't supposed to consider that, right?)
ANYWAY... I'm just anxious to be done with this homestudy paperwork already!!
However, we have moved on to sending all of our dossier paperwork (well, what we can.) Which is awesome, because it actually feels like we are doing something again. What is not so great is that I am stuck in a recliner day and night (broken foot, in case you've forgotten) and unable to take care of anything myself. Mister works 10 hour days (with Fridays off) over the summer, so he isn't exactly around to take care of it himself. (And honestly, I'm having trouble convincing him he has to gather all this stuff himself, when he is already playing the role of mom and dad and home nurse right now.) I'm doing what I can, and praying that I will be up and moving soon. (On a positive note, the dr. said he doesn't believe I will need surgery. YEAH!!!)
So... that's that.
I've got a couple of different fundraisers coming up, both for my 5/5/5 kidlet. She's in China, 5 years old, and totally adorable. I'm trying to raise $5k for her AND find her a family, so if you know anyone looking for a precious little girl, send 'em my way! I'll be posting both of those shortly (one I've already mentioned, which is the balloon release.)
I've also got the five thousand footsteps walkathon that I am working on. Tentative month will be September... more to come on that shortly.
And finally, I need to come up with $2,000 to send to our agency in the next few weeks. This is still an "out-of-pocket" expense- meaning we can't use our grant donations for it. We were PLANNING to hold a garage sale, but with the broken foot, I think I need to come up with a Plan B. If anyone has fantabulous ideas, please send them my way! We need to raise these funds pronto, because they'll be due with our dossier (which is as soon as the homestudy gets approved by the state. God willing, that'll be quickly.) So... prayer and great ideas, please!!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Lies about Adoption
This is so good, I just had to link it to share with others.
http://everlastingmomentum.blogspot.com/2010/12/lies-satan-tells-about-adoption.html
http://everlastingmomentum.blogspot.com/2010/12/lies-satan-tells-about-adoption.html
Monday, June 27, 2011
The village grows
Look at the FSP button to the right of our page.
Just keep checking back.
You are going to see that number take a bit of a leap soon.
Now look at the photo.
That's Marcie and Jason. And Ben and Joe and Charlie.
I've never met them.
Up until very recently. I'd never spoken to any of them.
It came as a total surprise when I was contacted about this family.
Apparently, they are pretty amazing people.
See, when little Ben was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome, they decided to take on a new venture in life.
They found out about orphans with his same diagnosis, and what would have happened to Ben, had he been born elsewhere in this world.
They refused to do nothing. Instead, they decided to do something big.
Last year, they held a benefit concert supporting a family adopting through Reece's Rainbow.
It was a success.
This year, they decided to do the same thing. This year, they decided to hold a concert benefiting a couple different families adopting through Reece's Rainbow.
They chose us as one of these families.
Once again, the concert was a success.
Because of the Niegsch family, because of their friends, the supporters they gathered, and the generous donations of all these people,
our grant for Elisha's adoption is growing.
We are humbled. Floored. Speechless.
We are thankful.
Not only has our grant grown, but because of this family, our village grows as well. We have more people that know her story. More people that care and want her coming home. More people that realize this is not a "feel-good" mission, it's not a "kind" thing that we are doing.
There are children. Children without families. Children with disabilities. Children who don't need much, just need moms and dads who are willing to say, "Come on in. We want you." And now, they know. And because they know, they can do something great.
I'm so very thankful to this family for all that they have done. For us, for Ben, for Reece's Rainbow, and for all these children who so desperately need to come home.
Happy Birthday, little Ben. You are changing the world, kiddo. Two years on this planet and because of you, multiple lives have been saved. Not bad for a kid 92% of the U.S. population would have rather aborted than given a chance at life.
Thank you, village.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
five thousand footsteps
last year, just about this time, i discovered reece's rainbow.
my eyes were opened, and i couldn't look away.
i had to do something.
so, i attempted to do something that i thought could be big.
little did i know, it would fail. miserably.
as in, never happen.
it was a virtual walk-a-thon, called five thousand footsteps.
the concept was simple (at least, i thought so.)
sign up to take part in a walkathon.
do it from anywhere. where you live, where you vacation, wherever you are on the dates that it takes place.
over the course of a month, attempt to walk/run as many miles as you can, getting sponsors to donate based on your miles.
the event would take place over the course of a month. someone insanely fit, with lots of free time, could possibly log 300 miles. someone else, someone with kids, or not so active, or a long-hour desk job, they may only log 30 miles.
the point was, you focus a part of each day on walking to bring a child home, and you let people know why you are doing it.
it was something that could be done in groups. mommies groups could get together and push strollers for the cause.
fitness centers could have members logging some miles.
families could participate together.
or, if you wanted, you could do it as an individual. normally a jogger? why not do the same thing you do each day, but with a different purpose in mind over the course of the month?
new to fitness? maybe a great way to stay focused and reach a short-term goal.
there was no sign-up fee, there was no required amount to be raised.
it was simply,
try.
try to raise money for the miles you move.
try to raise awareness for these children.
5,000 miles is the approximate distance separating eastern european orphans and the north american families with resources available to raise them.
if 100 people signed up to participate, and each person raised one hundred dollars,
that's 10,000 raised during this one event.
if each person were able to raise five hundred dollars,
that's 50,000.
if two hundred people agreed to participate over the course of one month, raising five hundred dollars a piece,
one hundred thousand dollars
would be raised to bring children home.
do i dream big? i guess so. when you fall flat on your face, your supposed to feel like you shoot too high, right? you're supposed to get down off your horse, step away from the soapbox, just say, "I'm never doing that again!" right?
in high school, my guidance counselor called me tenacious.
it has always stuck with me. i guess i like it.
so naturally, even with last year's failed attempt,
i just can't let it go.
i still see five thousand footsteps as something big.
so, this year, i'm starting early.
i want pledges, people. i want YOU to step forward, to say, "i'm in."
200 people.
that's my goal.
across the country. heck, across the globe.
all agreeing to spend one month focused on one goal. getting these children home.
prove me right.
prove to me that this can be done.
because i know it can. and if it can, it should.
my blog has just over 50 followers.
if each of you chose to participate, and you find just three more friends or family members to do the same,
we'd reach a crowd of 200.
can we do it? yes. i am one hundred percent sure it can be done.
will you do it? i sure hope so.
i don't want to fall flat on my face again this year. i want to know that a simple concept can make a huge change.
so, without getting too into it right now, i'm putting the idea into your head. as of now, no dates are sets, no details put into motion.
instead, right now, i'm just putting out the call. sending the call, and seeing who will answer.
are you willing to answer my call? leave a comment, and let me know. i'd love nothing more than to see 200 people raising their hands and tying up their laces!
(wow... coming back to edit as i've already had quite a few reads and responses. whoo! in a future post, i will tell you the planned dates, sponsor details, etc. for this. right now, i just want numbers. remember, even if you are adopting, you can be a part of this for others. i've got a great idea for if we can raise big funds on this one... to help with lots of adoptions. so whether you are in the process, are a future adoptive parent, or someone who wants to support getting kids into homes, you can be a part of the mission!)
my eyes were opened, and i couldn't look away.
i had to do something.
so, i attempted to do something that i thought could be big.
little did i know, it would fail. miserably.
as in, never happen.
it was a virtual walk-a-thon, called five thousand footsteps.
the concept was simple (at least, i thought so.)
sign up to take part in a walkathon.
do it from anywhere. where you live, where you vacation, wherever you are on the dates that it takes place.
over the course of a month, attempt to walk/run as many miles as you can, getting sponsors to donate based on your miles.
the event would take place over the course of a month. someone insanely fit, with lots of free time, could possibly log 300 miles. someone else, someone with kids, or not so active, or a long-hour desk job, they may only log 30 miles.
the point was, you focus a part of each day on walking to bring a child home, and you let people know why you are doing it.
it was something that could be done in groups. mommies groups could get together and push strollers for the cause.
fitness centers could have members logging some miles.
families could participate together.
or, if you wanted, you could do it as an individual. normally a jogger? why not do the same thing you do each day, but with a different purpose in mind over the course of the month?
new to fitness? maybe a great way to stay focused and reach a short-term goal.
there was no sign-up fee, there was no required amount to be raised.
it was simply,
try.
try to raise money for the miles you move.
try to raise awareness for these children.
5,000 miles is the approximate distance separating eastern european orphans and the north american families with resources available to raise them.
if 100 people signed up to participate, and each person raised one hundred dollars,
that's 10,000 raised during this one event.
if each person were able to raise five hundred dollars,
that's 50,000.
if two hundred people agreed to participate over the course of one month, raising five hundred dollars a piece,
one hundred thousand dollars
would be raised to bring children home.
do i dream big? i guess so. when you fall flat on your face, your supposed to feel like you shoot too high, right? you're supposed to get down off your horse, step away from the soapbox, just say, "I'm never doing that again!" right?
in high school, my guidance counselor called me tenacious.
it has always stuck with me. i guess i like it.
so naturally, even with last year's failed attempt,
i just can't let it go.
i still see five thousand footsteps as something big.
so, this year, i'm starting early.
i want pledges, people. i want YOU to step forward, to say, "i'm in."
200 people.
that's my goal.
across the country. heck, across the globe.
all agreeing to spend one month focused on one goal. getting these children home.
prove me right.
prove to me that this can be done.
because i know it can. and if it can, it should.
my blog has just over 50 followers.
if each of you chose to participate, and you find just three more friends or family members to do the same,
we'd reach a crowd of 200.
can we do it? yes. i am one hundred percent sure it can be done.
will you do it? i sure hope so.
i don't want to fall flat on my face again this year. i want to know that a simple concept can make a huge change.
so, without getting too into it right now, i'm putting the idea into your head. as of now, no dates are sets, no details put into motion.
instead, right now, i'm just putting out the call. sending the call, and seeing who will answer.
are you willing to answer my call? leave a comment, and let me know. i'd love nothing more than to see 200 people raising their hands and tying up their laces!
(wow... coming back to edit as i've already had quite a few reads and responses. whoo! in a future post, i will tell you the planned dates, sponsor details, etc. for this. right now, i just want numbers. remember, even if you are adopting, you can be a part of this for others. i've got a great idea for if we can raise big funds on this one... to help with lots of adoptions. so whether you are in the process, are a future adoptive parent, or someone who wants to support getting kids into homes, you can be a part of the mission!)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
HOMESTUDY VISIT COMPLETE!
Our social worker came today (she said rescheduling for today would be her Father's Day gift to Todd; love her!)
It was so much less stressful than I anticipated.
Basically, she asked lots (and lots and lots) of questions about our parenting philosophies and techniques, and how we manage things as a couple. After a quick tour of the house (and my garden, which disappointed the mister, as he had yet to mow the lawn) and lots of paperwork, we were done.
We PASSED! Thank you Lord! It feels so good to have that finally over and done with.
We aren't totally out of the clear. She'll have our reports written up this week, and as soon as they are ready they will be shipped off for our state's approval. We need MAJOR prayers, please, that:
1) The state finds us fit to adopt; and
2) The state (through God's grace alone!) actually moves very VERY quickly on our paperwork. Because of the problems we had with the previous agency, we are pretty behind in the paperwork process right now. Each day that Elisha remains locked away affects her physically, emotionally, and cognitively. It's another day without knowing of our love, and more importantly, another day living unaware of God's love. We need to get her home!!
Our boys are still young, so we haven't gone into much detail with them. Basically, we've explained that Elisha is a little girl without a family, so we are going to see if we can be her family. We've talked about what it means to them; they'd have to share their toys, and probably teach her how to do things she doesn't know yet, and that Mommy and Daddy are going to have to go far away to ask for her. (We never say anything implying it is a done deal, because this process is just too crazy to make promises to little kids who don't understand any better!)
I was very surprised, then, when my 3 1/2 -year-old Evan approached me with a sad look on his face. Asking, "what's wrong?" he responded, "I just want Elisha to come home. I want to play with her."
Yes, Baby, I am right there with you! I want her home, too!
Amazing to see him actively thinking about her.
So... what's next in the process?
The homestudy will be written up, checked for accuracy, and sent on to our state.
We send the first half of our dossier (fancy word for "big pile of paperwork") off to our adoption agency (along with another massive check.)
We wanted to hold a garage sale at the end of this month. With my broken foot, I'm not sure how realistic that will be!
(I realize this post is sort of all over. Since breaking my foot I haven't been sleeping too great, and I have three kids and Yo Gabba Gabba making lots of noise in the background. I'm lucky just to have gotten through this post today!)
It was so much less stressful than I anticipated.
Basically, she asked lots (and lots and lots) of questions about our parenting philosophies and techniques, and how we manage things as a couple. After a quick tour of the house (and my garden, which disappointed the mister, as he had yet to mow the lawn) and lots of paperwork, we were done.
We PASSED! Thank you Lord! It feels so good to have that finally over and done with.
We aren't totally out of the clear. She'll have our reports written up this week, and as soon as they are ready they will be shipped off for our state's approval. We need MAJOR prayers, please, that:
1) The state finds us fit to adopt; and
2) The state (through God's grace alone!) actually moves very VERY quickly on our paperwork. Because of the problems we had with the previous agency, we are pretty behind in the paperwork process right now. Each day that Elisha remains locked away affects her physically, emotionally, and cognitively. It's another day without knowing of our love, and more importantly, another day living unaware of God's love. We need to get her home!!
Our boys are still young, so we haven't gone into much detail with them. Basically, we've explained that Elisha is a little girl without a family, so we are going to see if we can be her family. We've talked about what it means to them; they'd have to share their toys, and probably teach her how to do things she doesn't know yet, and that Mommy and Daddy are going to have to go far away to ask for her. (We never say anything implying it is a done deal, because this process is just too crazy to make promises to little kids who don't understand any better!)
I was very surprised, then, when my 3 1/2 -year-old Evan approached me with a sad look on his face. Asking, "what's wrong?" he responded, "I just want Elisha to come home. I want to play with her."
Yes, Baby, I am right there with you! I want her home, too!
Amazing to see him actively thinking about her.
So... what's next in the process?
The homestudy will be written up, checked for accuracy, and sent on to our state.
We send the first half of our dossier (fancy word for "big pile of paperwork") off to our adoption agency (along with another massive check.)
We wanted to hold a garage sale at the end of this month. With my broken foot, I'm not sure how realistic that will be!
(I realize this post is sort of all over. Since breaking my foot I haven't been sleeping too great, and I have three kids and Yo Gabba Gabba making lots of noise in the background. I'm lucky just to have gotten through this post today!)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
SET THEM FREE
One hundred forty-seven million orphans.
One hundred forty-seven million children without parents in their lives.
What happens to these children?
Is it death?
Is it survival?
What happens to those who grow up?
Imagine an entire life without anyone to call "mom" or "dad".
Imagine an existence without knowing love.
Imagine getting hurt, and not having someone to comfort you through the pain.
Imagine living tied up, drugged, stuck in a crib. Imagine life being so boring that you try to claw at yourself, just for some sort of stimulation.
Imagine existing, but not being able to live.
This is the daily life for these children. Right now, as you read this, as you eat your meal, you go on with your day, you get the mail, you run errands, you do whatever it is you are doing today, THIS IS THEIR LIFE.
Don't tell me about horrible beaurocracies.
They don't care about a system overhaul. They just want out.
Don't tell me it's a shame, they should be receiving better care.
They don't care about what "should" be. They just want out.
Don't tell me that it costs too much money, that it is too far, or that it is a burden on your pocketbook.
They don't care that their ransom is high.
THEY
JUST
WANT
OUT.
On July 17th, at 4:00pm central standard time, let's do something together.
Let's tell them that we have heard their cries.
Let's tell the world it is time to get our heads out of the sand. It's time to change our priorities, and really do something for the 147 million children without a voice in this world.
I'm hosting a balloon release.
I'm not being shy about this.
I want it big. I want it huge. I want it global.
I want those who have never thought about the plight of the orphans to finally take notice
One day, one moment in time.
That's what I'm asking of you.
All the funds raised from this event will be donated to a special population of children at Reece's Rainbow.
There are 5-year-olds that should be getting ready for school this fall.
Instead, they sit and do nothing. Have nothing. Become nothing.
Their lives, quite literally, are nothing.
It isn't hopeless. They just need families to step forward and say, "I'll bring you home. You can be my child."
On July 17th, let's spread the word. Let's show the world that these children are waiting to be set free.
EVENT DETAILS
How to donate to the cause
Send your donations by ChipIn (located at the top of this page) using your paypal account. Suggested donation is $3 per balloon, with a minimum requested donation of $5.
Fill out THIS FORM with your name and address. (The form link is down. To sign up, please leave your name in the comments below; I will have the link fixed shortly!)
I will send you the balloons and message boards to put inside. Decorate the outside of the balloon if you'd like.
(You may also choose to donate and purchase latex balloons yourself.)
Tell your friends.
Tell your family.
Tell your neighbors.
If you are in a host city, you can join the crowd for the release.
If you aren’t, maybe you’ll consider hosting yourself. Invite others to join you at a park, your backyard, or wherever else works for you. We’ll all be releasing at the exact same time.
Let’s spread the message far and wide.
These are children.
They need homes. They need families. They need us.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Mia- An orphan no more
The lovely Kecia Cox has done a fabulous job documenting her daughter's journey out of the orphanage and into their family. Today's post sums up exactly what every one of us adopting parents is longing for our own child to experience.
http://kareensjourneyhome.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-is-going-on.html
http://kareensjourneyhome.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-is-going-on.html
Another population in need
HIV+
I'll be honest. I used to hear of families adopting children who are HIV+, and I really couldn't understand it. Weren't they putting their bio children at risk? Wasn't this too dangerous for anyone responsible to consider?
And yet, there they were, available for adoption, and some, sure enough, being brought into families, even those with young children already in the home.
I couldn't understand it, so I decided that I'd look into it for myself.
The information I learned was eye-opening.
HIV+ adoptions are SAFE! HIV is easy to manage! Even in the event of blood contact, the likelihood of it spreading is so minimal that it truly is not a concern at all.
http://www.projecthopeful.org/get-involved/truth-pandemic
Suddenly, an entire population of needy children began to move my heart. These children are passed over, time and again. Children that, by normal standards, would be considered absolutely gorgeous and snatched up in a heartbeat, instead are not even considered, simply because of those three little letters that overshadow their names.
I implore you to read up on the truth about HIV. The link above takes you to Project Hopeful, which is a great non-profit organization with a mission to educate and find families for orphans who are HIV+.
If you are interested in learning more about any of the children below, visit Reece's Rainbow and type in the name to view their profile information.
I'll be honest. I used to hear of families adopting children who are HIV+, and I really couldn't understand it. Weren't they putting their bio children at risk? Wasn't this too dangerous for anyone responsible to consider?
And yet, there they were, available for adoption, and some, sure enough, being brought into families, even those with young children already in the home.
I couldn't understand it, so I decided that I'd look into it for myself.
The information I learned was eye-opening.
HIV+ adoptions are SAFE! HIV is easy to manage! Even in the event of blood contact, the likelihood of it spreading is so minimal that it truly is not a concern at all.
http://www.projecthopeful.org/get-involved/truth-pandemic
Suddenly, an entire population of needy children began to move my heart. These children are passed over, time and again. Children that, by normal standards, would be considered absolutely gorgeous and snatched up in a heartbeat, instead are not even considered, simply because of those three little letters that overshadow their names.
I implore you to read up on the truth about HIV. The link above takes you to Project Hopeful, which is a great non-profit organization with a mission to educate and find families for orphans who are HIV+.
If you are interested in learning more about any of the children below, visit Reece's Rainbow and type in the name to view their profile information.
 |
| Alina, born August 2004. |
 |
| Dean, born March 2009 |
 |
| Greg, born February 2005 |
 |
| Julia, born January 2005 |
 |
| Marcus, born September 2007 |
 |
| Max, born November 2009 |
 |
| Ricky, born February 2008 |
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| Yelena, born June 2004 |
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| Kenny, born October 2009 |
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| Thalia, born December 2008 |
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Journey of the paperwork (and my excuse for missing small group)
If you are in small group with us, this is my excuse to you as to why you may not have had snacks last night.
With fingerprints FINALLY no longer an issue, our next step was getting paperwork turned in to our homestudy agency so that we could get our "big" meeting scheduled.
The mister has furlough Fridays this month, so I decided that we'd do a "quick" excursion into the city to hand-deliver our paperwork, in hopes that I'd be able set up next week's meeting right then and there. It's important that we get it taken care of this next week, because I will be out of town next week to attend my sister's wedding. This is the only time we get this taken care of in June. So my poor husband agreed to skip out on fishing and instead let us go for a drive.
Who knew we'd get stuck in such a major traffic jam? Our fifty mile trip took over two hours; when we arrived, I bolted through the door, handed the office lady my paperwork, and told her I'd like to get the appointment scheduled... and she said, unfortunately, she can't do that. The lady who does that stuff had already left for the day. AARGH! Looks like I'll be taking care of it first thing Monday morning instead. Please pray that we are easily able to get this taken care of. This hurdle is taking far too long to cross!
Since we were downtown, I figured I'd check how near we were to the Shedd Aquarium (so that it didn't feel like a complete waste of hours when I could have just mailed it overnight instead.) We were very close, just 8 miles away, and we have a membership, so we thought we'd make a "quick" trip to see the fishes (my three boys love the shark exhibit in particular.) Well, good ol' Chicago... 8 miles took a full hour! We arrived, running inside, having just one hour until the Shedd closed. It actually worked out nicely, because the museum was fairly empty so we didn't have to deal with crowds. However, upon arriving it occurred to us that this was a Friday, meaning small group night with our church. Looking at the time, we realized there was absolutely no way we'd make it back in time, considering how long it was taking to get around the city to begin with. Oops, sorry guys. Mister couldn't find his cell phone, and we realized we were in charge of bringing snacks, so we were feeling pretty terrible the whole time. Then, as soon as we left, he realized the cell was in his pocket all along, so we were able to call a friend in the group and let him know of the absence of our family (and, maybe more importantly, the snacks.)
Sorry, small groupers, for flaking out on you! We'll make it up, we promise!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Frozen, but thawing
Last Wednesday we met with our agency for homestudy consultation part 1.
Since then... we've been waiting...
Our state requires two sets of fingerprints. One set for the state (DCFS), the other, FBI.
We were fingerprinted at the beginning of March. Two sets each, $120 total. Big relief getting that out of the way. Or so we thought.
After we changed homestudy agencies (which keeps being confirmed to me time and again it was indeed the right decision,) we had to have our prints resent so that our new agency would have them on hand.
Our previous agency claimed they never received them.
No biggie, just place a call and have them sent out again.
Wrong. At last week's meeting, we were informed that our state prints arrived, but not the FBI ones.
For the last week, I've been trying desperately to find way to get hold of these prints.
The state police have been lovely to deal with. Really. (No sarcasm. Seriously, I couldn't have asked for more helpful people.)
Accurate Biometrics, just as wonderful.
Previous agency, pain in my neck. Basically, they can't be bothered to help us out. Even after receiving multiple copies of our prints, it is apparently too much to ask them to pass the prints along, or to even admit to us that they have received them.
Lucky for us, Accurate Biometrics is in our town on Wednesdays until 2pm. At 1:30pm, after our former agency once again threw their arms up and offered no help, I made an executive decision. We rushed into the van, dragging the kids out of the pool, dripping wet, shirtless, nearly shoe-less (I grabbed sandals as we ran out the door,) and we made it in to get reprinted just as the clock hit 2pm! I was so happy that it didn't bother me a bit that we had to pay another $102 for more FBI prints. Ramen noodles, here we come. :)
So FINALLY,
- Our fingerprints should be at our agency very soon (I was told "within days.")
- Both of our adult medicals are completed; kids' medical paperwork should be finished by tomorrow
- Our other paperwork is nearly finished and ready to be sent to our agency
- We have a few hours of education classes to go, then are done with the required number of hours needed
and as soon as that is all turned in, we will set up our "big" homestudy visit and finally make it over this giant wall that has been erected before us!
My sister gets married toward the end of this month, and I will be out of town for nearly a week. I'm praying that this paperwork will all be submitted by this Friday and that our homestudy visit will be scheduled for next week.
After months of feeling like we are trapped in a block of ice, it's good to finally feel we are beginning to thaw out!
Since then... we've been waiting...
Our state requires two sets of fingerprints. One set for the state (DCFS), the other, FBI.
We were fingerprinted at the beginning of March. Two sets each, $120 total. Big relief getting that out of the way. Or so we thought.
After we changed homestudy agencies (which keeps being confirmed to me time and again it was indeed the right decision,) we had to have our prints resent so that our new agency would have them on hand.
Our previous agency claimed they never received them.
No biggie, just place a call and have them sent out again.
Wrong. At last week's meeting, we were informed that our state prints arrived, but not the FBI ones.
For the last week, I've been trying desperately to find way to get hold of these prints.
The state police have been lovely to deal with. Really. (No sarcasm. Seriously, I couldn't have asked for more helpful people.)
Accurate Biometrics, just as wonderful.
Previous agency, pain in my neck. Basically, they can't be bothered to help us out. Even after receiving multiple copies of our prints, it is apparently too much to ask them to pass the prints along, or to even admit to us that they have received them.
Lucky for us, Accurate Biometrics is in our town on Wednesdays until 2pm. At 1:30pm, after our former agency once again threw their arms up and offered no help, I made an executive decision. We rushed into the van, dragging the kids out of the pool, dripping wet, shirtless, nearly shoe-less (I grabbed sandals as we ran out the door,) and we made it in to get reprinted just as the clock hit 2pm! I was so happy that it didn't bother me a bit that we had to pay another $102 for more FBI prints. Ramen noodles, here we come. :)
So FINALLY,
- Our fingerprints should be at our agency very soon (I was told "within days.")
- Both of our adult medicals are completed; kids' medical paperwork should be finished by tomorrow
- Our other paperwork is nearly finished and ready to be sent to our agency
- We have a few hours of education classes to go, then are done with the required number of hours needed
and as soon as that is all turned in, we will set up our "big" homestudy visit and finally make it over this giant wall that has been erected before us!
My sister gets married toward the end of this month, and I will be out of town for nearly a week. I'm praying that this paperwork will all be submitted by this Friday and that our homestudy visit will be scheduled for next week.
After months of feeling like we are trapped in a block of ice, it's good to finally feel we are beginning to thaw out!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Child With No Promise
It's the headline a friend recently read.
She went to the region we share. A fellow adoptive mom, finally rushing across the ocean to meet the boy she has previously only known through one lonely old photograph.
She met him. She loved him. She ached for him. She cried for him.
With so much paperwork in a language you don't understand, you miss a lot of what they say about your child.
But this? This was written in English. Simple, matter-of-fact words, the "term" apparently used for a child with a diagnosis of an extra 21st chromosome.
We call it
Down Syndrome.
They call it
Child With No Promise.
It's the reality, folks. Without us proving otherwise, this part of the world will continue to believe that these children are without any promise. They will continue to believe they are useless.
If not us, then whom?
If not now, then when?
Please, for these children, these innocent babies, toddlers, young boys and girls, older lost children without chance of a family,
please. cry for them.
Ache for them.
Demand action.
Act.
Society doesn't change for the better until presented a reason to do so.
My plan? Scurry my fanny on over there, and bring the biggest book of HOPE and PROMISE they have ever seen. I say don't give them a chance to deny the possibility within these children.
What's your plan?
She went to the region we share. A fellow adoptive mom, finally rushing across the ocean to meet the boy she has previously only known through one lonely old photograph.
She met him. She loved him. She ached for him. She cried for him.
With so much paperwork in a language you don't understand, you miss a lot of what they say about your child.
But this? This was written in English. Simple, matter-of-fact words, the "term" apparently used for a child with a diagnosis of an extra 21st chromosome.
We call it
Down Syndrome.
They call it
Child With No Promise.
It's the reality, folks. Without us proving otherwise, this part of the world will continue to believe that these children are without any promise. They will continue to believe they are useless.
If not us, then whom?
If not now, then when?
Please, for these children, these innocent babies, toddlers, young boys and girls, older lost children without chance of a family,
please. cry for them.
Ache for them.
Demand action.
Act.
Society doesn't change for the better until presented a reason to do so.
My plan? Scurry my fanny on over there, and bring the biggest book of HOPE and PROMISE they have ever seen. I say don't give them a chance to deny the possibility within these children.
What's your plan?
Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful. ~Author Unknown
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~Edward Everett Hale
Homestudy visit #1: Complete!
We are so backwards in this process, so to those watching our journey to try and plan their own, I don't suggest using our timeline as a guide!
We FINALLY completed homestudy visit #1. It went well, I guess (?) I thought it would last an hour, instead, it was about 2 1/2 hours. Our lovely small group friends offered to babysit the kids; thank goodness for them, because I don't know how we'd have managed carting the kids along! The visit was mostly "getting to know you" type questions. For those that know the mister, you know how social and, ahem, chatty, he can get. I had to keep kicking him under the table to signify to stop talking, otherwise it would have been a four hour visit instead! (Love you honey, but you know it's true. And that's what you get for telling her you love me because I speak gibberish. Who says that, anyway? lol)
Anyway, she handed us a ton more paperwork, told us to fill it out, send it back, and our full day interview will be scheduled quickly. She assured me the house can look lived in, but suggested it not look like we belong on the show "Hoarders" (and then telling me that one social work is a "clean freak" and now having me terrified that will be our worker. Anyone wanna come help clean? hehe.)
So, this weekend, though busy already, will now be filled with finishing lots and lots of paperwork. I'm happy, because at least that means we are surely getting somewhere, right?
I have lots more to share, but will save it for another time. Today I vow to face and defeat my enemy. Yes, laundry, I am taking you down!
We FINALLY completed homestudy visit #1. It went well, I guess (?) I thought it would last an hour, instead, it was about 2 1/2 hours. Our lovely small group friends offered to babysit the kids; thank goodness for them, because I don't know how we'd have managed carting the kids along! The visit was mostly "getting to know you" type questions. For those that know the mister, you know how social and, ahem, chatty, he can get. I had to keep kicking him under the table to signify to stop talking, otherwise it would have been a four hour visit instead! (Love you honey, but you know it's true. And that's what you get for telling her you love me because I speak gibberish. Who says that, anyway? lol)
Anyway, she handed us a ton more paperwork, told us to fill it out, send it back, and our full day interview will be scheduled quickly. She assured me the house can look lived in, but suggested it not look like we belong on the show "Hoarders" (and then telling me that one social work is a "clean freak" and now having me terrified that will be our worker. Anyone wanna come help clean? hehe.)
So, this weekend, though busy already, will now be filled with finishing lots and lots of paperwork. I'm happy, because at least that means we are surely getting somewhere, right?
I have lots more to share, but will save it for another time. Today I vow to face and defeat my enemy. Yes, laundry, I am taking you down!
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