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....
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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.
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