Well, I just got done posting that we got our official referral and that we had to wait about 2 weeks for a court date. On Friday morning we received an email that said our court date was set for Jan. 4th! Since Ethiopia is ahead of us, we should find out by noon if we passed court.
We are very encouraged by the speed of our court date. We know that God is watching this whole thing closely and we keep praying we can have her home before her next birthday! (which is the end of February).
We are very glad that we have the holidays to keep us distracted while we wait for our court date. We will have one of the best destractions ever, the McKenzie clan (all 7 of them) will be coming to stay with us for a week and help us ring in the New Year. Another family, the Mottos (who just brought home their son from China) will be coming to spend New Years eve with us as well (the McKenzie's and Mottos were friends first, but now we all are). Anyway, that will be their 5 and our 5 and the McKenzie 7! Wow!! What a house full we will have and we are looking forward to every minute of it.
Keep up your prayers. Send us emails of encouragement!
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
It's here! It's here! It's here!
Our official referral showed up on Tuesday! We had a scare last Thursday that there might have been a problem, apparently everyone at the agency thought we had our referral already. Sort of a nerve racking weekend!
Yesterday, we dropped the 100 pages of signed and notorized documents and another check off in the mail. (okay, not quite a 100 pages, but it felt like it). So glad that part is over.
Next step is waiting for a court date. We hope to hear about our court date before the end of December, but it could be January. We do not have to be there for the actual court date, a representative of the agency handles that for us. The theory is we should "pass" court a-okay because our daughter was on a special list and all her paperwork is in order. Some people don't pass court the first time, which just means the judge wants clarification on something, so you get another date and so on til you pass.
Once we pass court we get to travel. It's about 3-4 weeks after court...typically. We are praying very hard and would appreciate all prayers that the next 2 steps go very quickly as Emma has a birthday toward the end of February. We would love to have her home by then.
In the meantime we are keeping very busy with the holiday season. We will have family over for Christmas day dinner and our dear friends are going to drive all the way from Virginia to spend the week before and New Year's with us. We are so excited to have them again this year. The distraction will be great for the kids as everyone is getting anxious nervouse and anxious excited.
My apologies to everyone, but I am not mailing Christmas cards this year. I will try to get a great picture of the kiddos up as you won't believe how much they keep changing!
Thank you for all your warm thoughts and prayers.
Yesterday, we dropped the 100 pages of signed and notorized documents and another check off in the mail. (okay, not quite a 100 pages, but it felt like it). So glad that part is over.
Next step is waiting for a court date. We hope to hear about our court date before the end of December, but it could be January. We do not have to be there for the actual court date, a representative of the agency handles that for us. The theory is we should "pass" court a-okay because our daughter was on a special list and all her paperwork is in order. Some people don't pass court the first time, which just means the judge wants clarification on something, so you get another date and so on til you pass.
Once we pass court we get to travel. It's about 3-4 weeks after court...typically. We are praying very hard and would appreciate all prayers that the next 2 steps go very quickly as Emma has a birthday toward the end of February. We would love to have her home by then.
In the meantime we are keeping very busy with the holiday season. We will have family over for Christmas day dinner and our dear friends are going to drive all the way from Virginia to spend the week before and New Year's with us. We are so excited to have them again this year. The distraction will be great for the kids as everyone is getting anxious nervouse and anxious excited.
My apologies to everyone, but I am not mailing Christmas cards this year. I will try to get a great picture of the kiddos up as you won't believe how much they keep changing!
Thank you for all your warm thoughts and prayers.
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Blind Side
Doug and I went to see the Blind Side over Thanksgiving weekend. Actually, we went twice, because the fist time it was sold out! I was impressed that it was sold out after already running for 2 weeks and it was an afternoon show.
Anway, all I can say is "Wow!" It is definately a must see.
As most of you know, I am not a crier. I can take a hit pretty well and I don't choke up at things that normal women choke up at. However, there is a scene in the movie that struck a cord with me. It's played in a commercial for the movie, but something about seeing it in the moment and I couldn't stop the tears.
The foster mom shows Michael his bedroom and Michael says, "I've never had one before." She says, "What? Your own bedroom?" and he says, " A bed."
Can you imagine being 16 and never having a bed? Well, it's happening all around us. Right in our own backyards (as this movie depicts) and all around the world.
Do us a favor. Count your blessings. Do you have a bed? Did you eat today? Yesterday? Will you be able to eat tomorrow? Do you have shelter over your head? Do you have heat? Someone to call family?
What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.Albert Pine, English author, d.1851
Anway, all I can say is "Wow!" It is definately a must see.
As most of you know, I am not a crier. I can take a hit pretty well and I don't choke up at things that normal women choke up at. However, there is a scene in the movie that struck a cord with me. It's played in a commercial for the movie, but something about seeing it in the moment and I couldn't stop the tears.
The foster mom shows Michael his bedroom and Michael says, "I've never had one before." She says, "What? Your own bedroom?" and he says, " A bed."
Can you imagine being 16 and never having a bed? Well, it's happening all around us. Right in our own backyards (as this movie depicts) and all around the world.
Do us a favor. Count your blessings. Do you have a bed? Did you eat today? Yesterday? Will you be able to eat tomorrow? Do you have shelter over your head? Do you have heat? Someone to call family?
What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.Albert Pine, English author, d.1851
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
It's a good day!
Just wanted to write that. IT'S A GOOD DAY!
I wonder what our Ethiopian daughter is doing today? Did someone give her a hug today? I wonder what her hugs are like? Are they tight? Does she reach for your neck or your waist? Does she look you in the eyes when she hugs (like my Samantha) or does she lay her head on your chest and snuggle in (like my Isabella)? ....sigh....
I wonder what our Ethiopian daughter is doing today? Did someone give her a hug today? I wonder what her hugs are like? Are they tight? Does she reach for your neck or your waist? Does she look you in the eyes when she hugs (like my Samantha) or does she lay her head on your chest and snuggle in (like my Isabella)? ....sigh....
Monday, November 9, 2009
DTE!
We are DTE as of Friday, November 6th!!
DTE=Dossier to Ethiopia
Timeline??? Still no idea. We have to go through translation 2-4 weeks and then wait for official referal and then court and then we can finally get travel approval. Best guess (and I am emphasizing GUESS here) Travel time ... Feb. 2010!
DTE=Dossier to Ethiopia
Timeline??? Still no idea. We have to go through translation 2-4 weeks and then wait for official referal and then court and then we can finally get travel approval. Best guess (and I am emphasizing GUESS here) Travel time ... Feb. 2010!
Friday, November 6, 2009
National Adoption Month
November brings a lot of fun and exciting times. November in MN usually brings the first snow that stays until March. In November we have Thanksgiving, which leads to black Friday shopping, which leads to Christmas.
But did you know that November is also National Adoption month? I personally didn't know this until myself had adopted. The second Sunday of November has been marked as Orphan Sunday in many churches. Again, never knew that (or paid attention) until I adopted. I am not proud of that fact, in fact I am embarrassed my own self-centeredness. Yes, I was one of those people that thought, "Adoption is for all those other people." You know, the ones with lots of money, the stay-at-home mom types, the people that have the patience of Job, the people with the Norman Rockwell home and the white picket fence to boot. Boy, was I ever wrong. The typical people who adopt, are not rich, not stay-at-home moms, ALL have the patience of Job (you have to with adoption), live in homes less than 3000 square feet and a chipped white picket fence (if there is even a fence). They are amazing people inside and out. Everyone has something special of themselves to contribute the crazy world of adoptions and foster care.
I realize that many of you are not in a position to adopt or foster care a child, but there are so many things you can do to help orphans. This is a list I keep handy on my computer through the last year. I hope it inspires you to serve orphans this November and forever….
*Be informed - learn about adoption so you can support those who do. Many are still hindered by ignorance when it comes to adoption - don't be one of them.
*Financial Support
-Donate to a specific family trying to raise funds for their adoption-Donate to foundations that support adoption
Shaohannah's Hope www.shaohannahshope.org/
The Elison Project www.theelisonproject.org/
Project 1:27 http://www.project127.com/
*New in 2009: Children’s Hope Gift Catalog:
http://orphan.childrenshope.net/fileadmin/media/2010_Foundation_Catalog.swf
*Physical Support
-Provide assistance to a family during the adoption process
-During their travel time (3 days to a month or more) provide:
- childcare to children left at home
- provide meals
- Lawn care or shoveling
- Pet Sitting
- Housecleaning or house-sitting
*Throw a baby shower or welcoming party if the child is older- all children new to the family should be honored and recognized
*Home modifications
- help paint/decorate the child's room
- donate new or gently used furniture
- help with modifications necessary for the child who has physical challenges
*Ongoing Support
- Adoptive family's needs may not be known for several years after finalization - be there for the long haul
- Be a "student" of the adoptive family and counsel them with empathy and respect.
- Provide one-on-one support to the special needs child during church so their parents can be refreshed by worship and fellowship.
-*ASK - don't be afraid to ask what ways you can help families raising adopted children - particularly those with special needs.
* Pray for families who have adopted and that God will raise up many more who are willing.
But did you know that November is also National Adoption month? I personally didn't know this until myself had adopted. The second Sunday of November has been marked as Orphan Sunday in many churches. Again, never knew that (or paid attention) until I adopted. I am not proud of that fact, in fact I am embarrassed my own self-centeredness. Yes, I was one of those people that thought, "Adoption is for all those other people." You know, the ones with lots of money, the stay-at-home mom types, the people that have the patience of Job, the people with the Norman Rockwell home and the white picket fence to boot. Boy, was I ever wrong. The typical people who adopt, are not rich, not stay-at-home moms, ALL have the patience of Job (you have to with adoption), live in homes less than 3000 square feet and a chipped white picket fence (if there is even a fence). They are amazing people inside and out. Everyone has something special of themselves to contribute the crazy world of adoptions and foster care.
I realize that many of you are not in a position to adopt or foster care a child, but there are so many things you can do to help orphans. This is a list I keep handy on my computer through the last year. I hope it inspires you to serve orphans this November and forever….
*Be informed - learn about adoption so you can support those who do. Many are still hindered by ignorance when it comes to adoption - don't be one of them.
*Financial Support
-Donate to a specific family trying to raise funds for their adoption-Donate to foundations that support adoption
Shaohannah's Hope www.shaohannahshope.org/
The Elison Project www.theelisonproject.org/
Project 1:27 http://www.project127.com/
*New in 2009: Children’s Hope Gift Catalog:
http://orphan.childrenshope.net/fileadmin/media/2010_Foundation_Catalog.swf
*Physical Support
-Provide assistance to a family during the adoption process
-During their travel time (3 days to a month or more) provide:
- childcare to children left at home
- provide meals
- Lawn care or shoveling
- Pet Sitting
- Housecleaning or house-sitting
*Throw a baby shower or welcoming party if the child is older- all children new to the family should be honored and recognized
*Home modifications
- help paint/decorate the child's room
- donate new or gently used furniture
- help with modifications necessary for the child who has physical challenges
*Ongoing Support
- Adoptive family's needs may not be known for several years after finalization - be there for the long haul
- Be a "student" of the adoptive family and counsel them with empathy and respect.
- Provide one-on-one support to the special needs child during church so their parents can be refreshed by worship and fellowship.
-*ASK - don't be afraid to ask what ways you can help families raising adopted children - particularly those with special needs.
* Pray for families who have adopted and that God will raise up many more who are willing.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Samantha's GOTCHA DAY
It's so hard to believe that it's been 4 years since we laid eyes on Samantha for the first time. I remember her standing in classroom where all the tables were pushed up against the tall windows. Her back was to us, but she had beautiful long black hair. She was putting beads onto string. Her eyes were so close to both, but Doug and I looked at each other and then at her foster mom and said, "She can see?!?!" Her foster mom was surprised that we didn't know she could see. When you get into adoption, especially international you have to take a leap of faith and boy did that leap pay off greatly for us.
Samantha is thriving in school, with family and friends. She just loves life and has the energy to prove it.
Tonights menu...dumplings, corn (on the cob) and chocolate dessert fondu!
We love you Samantha!
Mom and Dad
Samantha is thriving in school, with family and friends. She just loves life and has the energy to prove it.
Tonights menu...dumplings, corn (on the cob) and chocolate dessert fondu!
We love you Samantha!
Mom and Dad
Monday, October 12, 2009
Snow?
It's snowing in MN right now. We had snow a couple of days ago, more than a dusting, less than an inch. But it started at 3AM and it's suppose to go until late this afternoon. We have actual white trees, white ground and white knuckles (driving for the first time this snow season is always fun).
It made me think, what's the temp. like in Addis Ababa, ET?
70 degrees the whole week (rain today and tomorrow) Lows are around 50s. Not as bad as I thought. However, poor Emma. Nice warm weather and we are dragging her to the frozen tundra at the coldest time of year. (sorry sweetie!) We promise to buy a very nice coat, boats, hat, mittens, scarf and save our best bread bags.
A few quick facts about Ethiopia.
Capital: Addis Ababa
Population: 64.5 million
Currency: Birr ($1-8.16)
Language: Amharic + 60 others
**Ethiopia is the oldest state in Africa and formly known as Abyssinia.
Thank you to mapsoftheworld.com for the above information.
Feel free to email me or post a comment if you know any "fun" facts about Ethiopia.
It made me think, what's the temp. like in Addis Ababa, ET?
70 degrees the whole week (rain today and tomorrow) Lows are around 50s. Not as bad as I thought. However, poor Emma. Nice warm weather and we are dragging her to the frozen tundra at the coldest time of year. (sorry sweetie!) We promise to buy a very nice coat, boats, hat, mittens, scarf and save our best bread bags.
A few quick facts about Ethiopia.
Capital: Addis Ababa
Population: 64.5 million
Currency: Birr ($1-8.16)
Language: Amharic + 60 others
**Ethiopia is the oldest state in Africa and formly known as Abyssinia.
Thank you to mapsoftheworld.com for the above information.
Feel free to email me or post a comment if you know any "fun" facts about Ethiopia.
Monday, September 28, 2009
It's here! It's here! It's here!
Our pesky little I600A came back! Around 60 days! We didn't think we would see it until at least mid October. So off to get the last of the documents state sealed. make a million and one copies and then it goes to our agency who just makes sure everything is there and then off to Ethiopia!
Yikes! It's sort of like this hazy dream is coming into view!
Yikes! It's sort of like this hazy dream is coming into view!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Surprise!!
Out of the blue I got an email from our social worker with another several page assessment and more pictures!! She is doing fabulously and looks so big to me.
Please pray we can get her home before her next birthday which is the end of February!
Please pray we can get her home before her next birthday which is the end of February!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
School days, school days, good old golden rule days...
All the girls are back in school. As we were preparing the week before by trying on clothes and switching summer clothese to fall clothes and sorting school clothes from play clothes I realized that next year I would be doing this for one more girl. Phew, I will have to start at least a month before school next year!
Briana started her junior year. She is loving it already. She has decided to not be apart of debate team and try her hat in different areas, such as the school play. She is hoping to get on tech crew.
Isabella started middle school this year. It's a very big change for her, not only does she start school an hour and half earlier she has to change class rooms every hour. Isabella doesn't like change very much, but I already see her getting more comfortable and I think she will really like middle school.
Samantha started 3rd grade. She loves her new teacher and she is so excited to be back to see her friends. She is still playing the piano and is doing quite well.
Emma- I suppose will start first grade when we bring her home. Her and Samantha will be in the same school, so that will be nice. Of course, they are sharing a room so they may get tired of each other pretty quickly. ;-)
We have no adoption news as of yet. We are just waiting on our I600A (Petition to bring an orphan into the United States). We are thinking we should see it around mid-October. Then we can get everything all ready to send over to Ethiopia. I can't wait til it is off my desk and onto someone elses.
We hope you all had a fabulous summer and make sure you get out and enjoy the beautiful fall colors (for those of you that live places with trees and cooler weather) !
Briana started her junior year. She is loving it already. She has decided to not be apart of debate team and try her hat in different areas, such as the school play. She is hoping to get on tech crew.
Isabella started middle school this year. It's a very big change for her, not only does she start school an hour and half earlier she has to change class rooms every hour. Isabella doesn't like change very much, but I already see her getting more comfortable and I think she will really like middle school.
Samantha started 3rd grade. She loves her new teacher and she is so excited to be back to see her friends. She is still playing the piano and is doing quite well.
Emma- I suppose will start first grade when we bring her home. Her and Samantha will be in the same school, so that will be nice. Of course, they are sharing a room so they may get tired of each other pretty quickly. ;-)
We have no adoption news as of yet. We are just waiting on our I600A (Petition to bring an orphan into the United States). We are thinking we should see it around mid-October. Then we can get everything all ready to send over to Ethiopia. I can't wait til it is off my desk and onto someone elses.
We hope you all had a fabulous summer and make sure you get out and enjoy the beautiful fall colors (for those of you that live places with trees and cooler weather) !
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Exciting news!
Last week, Briana and I went to see the movie Julie and Julia. It was cute. If you are not aware, it's about a women, Julie, who cooks her way through Julia Childs cookbook and blogs about it...EVERYDAY. It dawns on me that people actually write on their blogs everyday. Now, between blogs, Facebook, Twitter, work, home, and family, I have no idea how people get the time to BLOG everyday. Most of you know I am not a fan of FB and you maybe see me once a week throw something on there.
My new thing will be to post once a week on this Blog. It's intended for friends and family to keep up with the adoption, but since I have a capitve audience (of about one I am guess. ha!) I will post something else. Maybe interesting facts about Ethiopia, and funny family story (which usually involves, a child, a pet, or some sort of injury). This way I can train you all to come out to the Blog, so when it comes time for updates on the adoption you are already checking the site.
Onto the Exciting NEWS!!!
We got an update on our daughter waiting for us in Ethiopia. Our referral photo can't even really be called a photo. It was the size of a postage stamp and Xeroxed so many times that all we could see was a silhoute. Obviously to us it doesn't matter what she looks like because between this photo and about 3 sentences of information we decided she was the child for us. However, after all this time of paperchasing and paying money out for this and that I didn't realize until yesterday how much I needed that photo. It's my tangible evidence that I do have a daugther and she is not just a paragraph on a piece of paper.
Let me tell you. She is absolutely, 100% gorgeous! She looks healthy and happy. She is smiling and already missing a front tooth! (That makes me a little sad, I am missing the milestone of no front teeth). Not only were we blessed with a photo, but a 6 page assessment report!!!
I can not share her photo with you online or any personal information, but Iwill tell you she is beatiful, an intelligent girl and loves to jump rope! Our family was so excited last night gathered around the computer. We printed off her photo and put it at the empty chair at the table and from now on she is with us in spirit until she can be with us forever!
When is forever going to get here you ask? Well....FOREVER...ha! We are waiting for our final piece of paper from the government and then we can send our whole dossier off to the main agency and they will make sure it's complete. It will be sent to Ethiopia, where it will be translated. This takes about a month. Right now best guess is January-February time frame. Of course, with adoptions nothing is set in stone. It's like trying to nail jello to the wall.
Thanks for all your continued prayers and support!
HUGS and LOVE~ The Grabers
My new thing will be to post once a week on this Blog. It's intended for friends and family to keep up with the adoption, but since I have a capitve audience (of about one I am guess. ha!) I will post something else. Maybe interesting facts about Ethiopia, and funny family story (which usually involves, a child, a pet, or some sort of injury). This way I can train you all to come out to the Blog, so when it comes time for updates on the adoption you are already checking the site.
Onto the Exciting NEWS!!!
We got an update on our daughter waiting for us in Ethiopia. Our referral photo can't even really be called a photo. It was the size of a postage stamp and Xeroxed so many times that all we could see was a silhoute. Obviously to us it doesn't matter what she looks like because between this photo and about 3 sentences of information we decided she was the child for us. However, after all this time of paperchasing and paying money out for this and that I didn't realize until yesterday how much I needed that photo. It's my tangible evidence that I do have a daugther and she is not just a paragraph on a piece of paper.
Let me tell you. She is absolutely, 100% gorgeous! She looks healthy and happy. She is smiling and already missing a front tooth! (That makes me a little sad, I am missing the milestone of no front teeth). Not only were we blessed with a photo, but a 6 page assessment report!!!
I can not share her photo with you online or any personal information, but Iwill tell you she is beatiful, an intelligent girl and loves to jump rope! Our family was so excited last night gathered around the computer. We printed off her photo and put it at the empty chair at the table and from now on she is with us in spirit until she can be with us forever!
When is forever going to get here you ask? Well....FOREVER...ha! We are waiting for our final piece of paper from the government and then we can send our whole dossier off to the main agency and they will make sure it's complete. It will be sent to Ethiopia, where it will be translated. This takes about a month. Right now best guess is January-February time frame. Of course, with adoptions nothing is set in stone. It's like trying to nail jello to the wall.
Thanks for all your continued prayers and support!
HUGS and LOVE~ The Grabers
Monday, July 20, 2009
2009 Annual Family Camping Trip
Average July temps for MN/WI - 90's
Temp for our camping trip (average) 50's !
Yikes it was a cold one, but yet another great time. Funny how great company, family, food, and a little firewood (okay lots of firewood) can turn your mind from the cold weather into a great weekend!
This year we camped at the same place as 2007, which is an Army Corp of Engineers campground just 60 mins east of the cities. We had the pleasure of being joined by our usual suspects and for her 2nd Johnson family camping, a returnee, my friend Nicole from NM and her son Joshua (age 4). I think Joshua had the best time ever!
We ate great food, pretty much 24/7 and played lots of games (you are looking at the 2009 cribbage champion), searched for the 2nd annual Yule bucket (found by my Samantha) and talked and talked. We even got my dad's iteranary for his 2010 hike along the Applacian Trail.
I didn't get any pictures, but there were people in the group lurking with cameras so I hope we can get a few copies of that and I will post.
It was fun to get our minds of the stresses of adoption and tell family and friends of our new daughter who will be joining us on 2010's annual family camping trip!
Temp for our camping trip (average) 50's !
Yikes it was a cold one, but yet another great time. Funny how great company, family, food, and a little firewood (okay lots of firewood) can turn your mind from the cold weather into a great weekend!
This year we camped at the same place as 2007, which is an Army Corp of Engineers campground just 60 mins east of the cities. We had the pleasure of being joined by our usual suspects and for her 2nd Johnson family camping, a returnee, my friend Nicole from NM and her son Joshua (age 4). I think Joshua had the best time ever!
We ate great food, pretty much 24/7 and played lots of games (you are looking at the 2009 cribbage champion), searched for the 2nd annual Yule bucket (found by my Samantha) and talked and talked. We even got my dad's iteranary for his 2010 hike along the Applacian Trail.
I didn't get any pictures, but there were people in the group lurking with cameras so I hope we can get a few copies of that and I will post.
It was fun to get our minds of the stresses of adoption and tell family and friends of our new daughter who will be joining us on 2010's annual family camping trip!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Still paperchasing
Just so you don't think we fell off the face of the earth. Right now I am scrambling to gather paperwork from far and wide. I actually do sit down with my SW and go over everything we have collected so far, make sure we have it all and it will pass (notaries signatures, dates, etc...). If it is all good and I can send it off for state sealing and then off to the main Bethany office for final approval and then off to Ethiopia! It sounds so far away but the next couple of weeks lots of things will be determined.
The summer is going much faster than I would like, but loving July so far.
Prayer requests: I can't be specific, but we have a major hurdle to overcome please keep us in your prayers while we try to handle it with the Lords grace and timing.
The summer is going much faster than I would like, but loving July so far.
Prayer requests: I can't be specific, but we have a major hurdle to overcome please keep us in your prayers while we try to handle it with the Lords grace and timing.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Quick Facts:
Quick facts:
The average cost of an international adoption is $25,000-$30,000
According to UNICEF, there are over 100 million orphans worldwide
"He who can reach a childs heart, can reach the worlds heart." Rudyard Kipling
Monday, June 15, 2009
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary my love! 18 years. What a ride! Thank goodness we aren't the ones in control as we would have crashed and burned years ago!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down,his friend can help him up.But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down,his friend can help him up.But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
It's most definately a girl!
Our social worker came over last night for our homestudy visit and she brought news that I didn't think we would hear for more than two more weeks. M* is offically our daughter. Well, as official as she can be. She has been put on hold for us while we complete our dossier paperwork. We are excited, humbled and feel so blessed!! I want to shout from the rooftops and tell you everything, but I can't (due to some country regulations). that's okay, whatever it takes to bring her home is fine with me. Bring on the burning hoops we need to jump through!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
It's a GIRL....maybe...
Doug and I have decided to pursue the adoption of a six year old girl that resides in Ethiopia. Please pray for her and for us while we try to finalize things in the coming weeks to make her officially ours. Right now we can only say we want to pursue her since our homestudy isn't done yet.
We are very excited. As soon as I am able I will share more about her. Due to Ethiopia restrictions I can not post a picture of her or her real name. In fact, I can't post those things until after we are home with her.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support. We need it now especially!
We are very excited. As soon as I am able I will share more about her. Due to Ethiopia restrictions I can not post a picture of her or her real name. In fact, I can't post those things until after we are home with her.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support. We need it now especially!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Bethany Ethiopia Adoption Videos
This is a very, very good video that our agency put together about adoptions and the children of Ethiopia. It was definately the reminder I needed today why I am doing this. I need to focus on Gods plan. Please take a few moments to watch this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGcO3DpABdA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGcO3DpABdA
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Out of the mouth of babes!
This was sent to me from one of Samantha's teachers...
Samantha said, "My parents are thinking of adopting another child." I asked if it was going to be a boy or a girl. Samantha said, "Definitely a girl.A boy wouldn't really go with our 'theme'."
Samantha said, "My parents are thinking of adopting another child." I asked if it was going to be a boy or a girl. Samantha said, "Definitely a girl.A boy wouldn't really go with our 'theme'."
Friday, May 8, 2009
Our Story
Who are we? What are we doing? and Why do we have a blog?
Hi, we are Doug and Katy Graber. We live in beautiful Minnesota. We have two biological daughers, ages 16 and 11 and one adopted daughter from China, age 8. We are your every day run of the mill suburban family. We are just a normal family, that is about to go on a crazy adventure; we are adopting from Ethiopia. We plan to adopt a girl between 5-8 years old and special needs is a definate possibility. We have been called to step up and step out in faith. There are millions of orphans in the world and they cannot wait! That is why we have this blog. We feel so strongly about moving forward with this adoption now.
We want this blog to be an inspiration to the thousands and thousands of people that have thought about adopting, but something is holding them back. Please take a few moments and read our stories below so you can understand where we are coming from.
We realize in these trying economic times that money is tight for so many people out there. Our requst is prayer. Prayer for our family as we prepare to bring a child into our home, prayer for our daughter that is waiting for her family to come and get her, and prayer for all the orphans to find their families.
We want to thank everyone who is reading this for taking a moment out of their time. Please feel free to pass this blog along. The more people praying for us, definately the better!
Doug and Katy Graber
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”
Katy's Story:
In October of 2005 we brought home from China our new daughter; taking our family of 4 to a family of 5. The year leading up to her homecoming and the year following, were some of the biggest, life changing years of my life. I went into adoption because we wanted to add to our family, but we came out of the process with a love for a country, a culture, a lifestyle, and a child I never knew could exist on this earth. My family was complete.
In September of 2008 I traveled with my very good friend, Shelby to China once again to adopt her son. The trip was long and hard, but the seed had been planted. My son was waiting for me in China. I secretly always wanted a son. Growing up with 4 older brothers I was more of a tom-boy than anything else. I thought it was ironic God blessed me with 3 girls. With my first pregnancy I prayed fervently for a boy, I was never a sister to a sister and never a girl in the true sense of the word. I preferred action flicks to romance, I would rather drive a truck than go shopping, I love, love, love to play sports, watch football, and only recently I discovered I had tear ducts. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my daughters and I am jealous of the relationship they do have and will have, one that I never will experience. I just thought I could relate to a boy better. ;-)
While on my China trip I knew I would have to pitch the adoption idea to my husband very carefully, as he doesn’t like change in the least. He loves our children and has a heart of gold, but he likes his world of consistency. However, I had a plan. Ha! Turns out that saying, “Wanna make God laugh? Tell him your plans”, was right on the money. Through the next couple of months, my plan to adopt was not dead, but pushed out a couple of years. Strangely, I had accepted that easier than I thought.
In late March of this year I started waking up each morning with two words in my head, girl and Africa. I didn’t give it much thought other than I would be getting ready in the mornings and trying to remember if I have ever in my life woken up like that. It’s the only thing in my head and clear as a bell. It would stick with me for at least an hour. It was nothing more than a cool conundrum. This went on for about a week. Every morning I would wake up with those two words and only that in my head… girl and Africa. At this point I still think it sort of neat to wake up with my mind that clear. Then it started to happen during the night; one time during the night, as well as the morning and then twice at night and so on. I would just pop open my eyes and those two words clear as a day… girl and Africa. Now it was starting to annoy me! I would go to work tired and come home crabby. I am definitely someone that needs her sleep. Finally, through utter exhaustion, one night I headed to bed quite early for me. I was bound and determined to get some rest. For the next 2 hours I woke up every 20 minutes from a sound sleep with those darn 2 words in my head... girl and Africa. I was so mad, tired, and frustrated I wanted to cry. But then for a brief moment my heart stopped, I caught my breath, stumbled out to the living room to where Doug was sitting on the couch and said, “I think we are suppose to go to Africa and adopt a girl...now maybe I can sleep.”
I walked back to my room, lay down and had the best night of sleep in probably my entire life.
Doug's Story:
Our story really starts way back in autumn, 1990. Katy and I had met just a few short months before, but we had already realized we were going to marry. Katy was talking about how she would like to adopt at some point. It was a nicely amorphous dream. I could agree that adopting, at some point, would be nice; but I didn’t really give the discussion serious consideration.
Fast forward fourteen years – autumn, 2004. We’re finally living in our own home with two children and a dog. Both Katy and I have good jobs and we’re bringing home some nice money. We’re comfortable. I like comfortable. Katy says she is ready to adopt. Woah! Where did that come from? September, October. Much discussion and prayer ensue; but I have my heels dug in – We’re Comfortable! Lord, please change my wife’s heart. This can’t possibly be what you want for us. A couple months and many, many prayers later the Lord finally softened my heart, and we proceeded to add a wonderful daughter to our family. Through every step of the way, the Lord demonstrated his hand in the process. This was definitely what he wanted for us. The year following the adoption was probably the most emotionally trying time I’ve ever experienced. I don’t like change very much, and we had change coming out our ears. Things finally settled down, and I can say that I have absolutely no regrets.
Fast forward another few years – autumn, 2008. We’re living in a different house with three children and a dog. I know Katy’s thinking about adoption again, but there’s no way I’m even going to consider it. The subject keeps coming up – “Let’s adopt a boy from China”. Well, I’m not going to consider adoption right now, but, of course we’ll adopt from China if we adopt again. Lord, this can’t possibly be what you want for us. If this is what you really want for us, please give me a sign (something big so I won’t miss it).
March 2009 – We’re still in the same house with three children, but we’ve added another dog. Adoption is way on the back burner, but is still part of my prayers. It’s late at night, and I’m still up watching TV. Katy’s been in bed for a couple hours already, so I’m surprised when she comes back down the hall. “Honey, I think we’re supposed to adopt a girl from Africa”, she says. I knew as soon as she said it that we had been called. “Girl” and “Africa” hadn’t been on either of our hearts or minds. As much as I was prepared to dig in my heels again, I couldn’t. I had my sign. I knew this was right. This is what the Lord wanted us to do.
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18
Hi, we are Doug and Katy Graber. We live in beautiful Minnesota. We have two biological daughers, ages 16 and 11 and one adopted daughter from China, age 8. We are your every day run of the mill suburban family. We are just a normal family, that is about to go on a crazy adventure; we are adopting from Ethiopia. We plan to adopt a girl between 5-8 years old and special needs is a definate possibility. We have been called to step up and step out in faith. There are millions of orphans in the world and they cannot wait! That is why we have this blog. We feel so strongly about moving forward with this adoption now.
We want this blog to be an inspiration to the thousands and thousands of people that have thought about adopting, but something is holding them back. Please take a few moments and read our stories below so you can understand where we are coming from.
We realize in these trying economic times that money is tight for so many people out there. Our requst is prayer. Prayer for our family as we prepare to bring a child into our home, prayer for our daughter that is waiting for her family to come and get her, and prayer for all the orphans to find their families.
We want to thank everyone who is reading this for taking a moment out of their time. Please feel free to pass this blog along. The more people praying for us, definately the better!
Doug and Katy Graber
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”
Katy's Story:
In October of 2005 we brought home from China our new daughter; taking our family of 4 to a family of 5. The year leading up to her homecoming and the year following, were some of the biggest, life changing years of my life. I went into adoption because we wanted to add to our family, but we came out of the process with a love for a country, a culture, a lifestyle, and a child I never knew could exist on this earth. My family was complete.
In September of 2008 I traveled with my very good friend, Shelby to China once again to adopt her son. The trip was long and hard, but the seed had been planted. My son was waiting for me in China. I secretly always wanted a son. Growing up with 4 older brothers I was more of a tom-boy than anything else. I thought it was ironic God blessed me with 3 girls. With my first pregnancy I prayed fervently for a boy, I was never a sister to a sister and never a girl in the true sense of the word. I preferred action flicks to romance, I would rather drive a truck than go shopping, I love, love, love to play sports, watch football, and only recently I discovered I had tear ducts. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my daughters and I am jealous of the relationship they do have and will have, one that I never will experience. I just thought I could relate to a boy better. ;-)
While on my China trip I knew I would have to pitch the adoption idea to my husband very carefully, as he doesn’t like change in the least. He loves our children and has a heart of gold, but he likes his world of consistency. However, I had a plan. Ha! Turns out that saying, “Wanna make God laugh? Tell him your plans”, was right on the money. Through the next couple of months, my plan to adopt was not dead, but pushed out a couple of years. Strangely, I had accepted that easier than I thought.
In late March of this year I started waking up each morning with two words in my head, girl and Africa. I didn’t give it much thought other than I would be getting ready in the mornings and trying to remember if I have ever in my life woken up like that. It’s the only thing in my head and clear as a bell. It would stick with me for at least an hour. It was nothing more than a cool conundrum. This went on for about a week. Every morning I would wake up with those two words and only that in my head… girl and Africa. At this point I still think it sort of neat to wake up with my mind that clear. Then it started to happen during the night; one time during the night, as well as the morning and then twice at night and so on. I would just pop open my eyes and those two words clear as a day… girl and Africa. Now it was starting to annoy me! I would go to work tired and come home crabby. I am definitely someone that needs her sleep. Finally, through utter exhaustion, one night I headed to bed quite early for me. I was bound and determined to get some rest. For the next 2 hours I woke up every 20 minutes from a sound sleep with those darn 2 words in my head... girl and Africa. I was so mad, tired, and frustrated I wanted to cry. But then for a brief moment my heart stopped, I caught my breath, stumbled out to the living room to where Doug was sitting on the couch and said, “I think we are suppose to go to Africa and adopt a girl...now maybe I can sleep.”
I walked back to my room, lay down and had the best night of sleep in probably my entire life.
Doug's Story:
Our story really starts way back in autumn, 1990. Katy and I had met just a few short months before, but we had already realized we were going to marry. Katy was talking about how she would like to adopt at some point. It was a nicely amorphous dream. I could agree that adopting, at some point, would be nice; but I didn’t really give the discussion serious consideration.
Fast forward fourteen years – autumn, 2004. We’re finally living in our own home with two children and a dog. Both Katy and I have good jobs and we’re bringing home some nice money. We’re comfortable. I like comfortable. Katy says she is ready to adopt. Woah! Where did that come from? September, October. Much discussion and prayer ensue; but I have my heels dug in – We’re Comfortable! Lord, please change my wife’s heart. This can’t possibly be what you want for us. A couple months and many, many prayers later the Lord finally softened my heart, and we proceeded to add a wonderful daughter to our family. Through every step of the way, the Lord demonstrated his hand in the process. This was definitely what he wanted for us. The year following the adoption was probably the most emotionally trying time I’ve ever experienced. I don’t like change very much, and we had change coming out our ears. Things finally settled down, and I can say that I have absolutely no regrets.
Fast forward another few years – autumn, 2008. We’re living in a different house with three children and a dog. I know Katy’s thinking about adoption again, but there’s no way I’m even going to consider it. The subject keeps coming up – “Let’s adopt a boy from China”. Well, I’m not going to consider adoption right now, but, of course we’ll adopt from China if we adopt again. Lord, this can’t possibly be what you want for us. If this is what you really want for us, please give me a sign (something big so I won’t miss it).
March 2009 – We’re still in the same house with three children, but we’ve added another dog. Adoption is way on the back burner, but is still part of my prayers. It’s late at night, and I’m still up watching TV. Katy’s been in bed for a couple hours already, so I’m surprised when she comes back down the hall. “Honey, I think we’re supposed to adopt a girl from Africa”, she says. I knew as soon as she said it that we had been called. “Girl” and “Africa” hadn’t been on either of our hearts or minds. As much as I was prepared to dig in my heels again, I couldn’t. I had my sign. I knew this was right. This is what the Lord wanted us to do.
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Timeline
April 15, 2009 Mailed Pre-application to Bethany
April 23, 2009 Submitted Pre-Formaal Application to Bethany
May 6, 2009 First meeting with Bethany (start paperchasing)
June 3, 2009 Told SW we want to pursue 6 yr. girl on their list
June 5, 2009 Formal Application (and ALL Dr. visits) DONE!
June 11, 2009 Homestudy visit (first and last!)
July 25, 2009 Fingerprints for I600A
September 24, 2009 I600A received!
November 6, 2009 DTE
December 8, 2009 Official Referral
April 23, 2009 Submitted Pre-Formaal Application to Bethany
May 6, 2009 First meeting with Bethany (start paperchasing)
June 3, 2009 Told SW we want to pursue 6 yr. girl on their list
June 5, 2009 Formal Application (and ALL Dr. visits) DONE!
June 11, 2009 Homestudy visit (first and last!)
July 25, 2009 Fingerprints for I600A
September 24, 2009 I600A received!
November 6, 2009 DTE
December 8, 2009 Official Referral
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