Hopefully by now you've read our BIG news from a couple weeks ago. If not, you better start there.
A couple small updates.
1. We just wanted to clarify....yes we do have pictures....no you can't see them.....at least not here. If you see us in person, we'll gladly show you. We're not allowed to put pictures of Elias up here until he's officially ours via paperwork. Please know we're giddy to show you his giant eyes. When we can we will.
2. That being said....if you've already seen a picture of him.....we have new pictures!!! You should ask to see them.
3. In our announcement post we explained that the Ethiopian courts shut down for August and September for rainy season. At the time we were still holding out a little hope that maybe just maybe we could get in before they closed. Then we more realistically realized the time frame doesn't work....we're not going till October. In our e-mail tonight we have this news to share. Our first court date (just paperwork in front of an Ethiopian judge) goes to court July 17 (next Wednesday). Our agency says that "since they've been slow in writing their acceptance letters, it is too optimistic to think you will be able to travel before court closure a few weeks after that....but really one never knows." Well to that I say, "I serve a God who specializes in 'too optimistic'". We know that it's not likely.....BUT.....how awesomely crazy would it be if we had to make a mad dash to Ethiopia in a couple weeks? I'm willing to take on the stress that would come with a whirlwind trip like that!!!
4. We get regular updates on Elias from our agency. He's a little small for his age....but so were both C and T before they came home. So what. They say that he is a delight and plays well with the other kids. He is walking, running, potty training....and is talking....but no one can understand anything he says. That's cute and all....but I want him to be doing those things in my house.
Actions for you:
1. Would you join with us on Wednesday to pray for the court to clear our paperwork? Also that if the follow up is suppose to....it'll be pushed through before courts close. And mostly that we'd have a peace about however that turns out.
2. While interacting with people both in person and online, we've realized that large groups of people haven't heard our news yet. Can you help us with that? Can you spread the word about what's going on with our adoption. God is moving. Things are happening. We begin to see glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel.
As always......thanks for partnering with us in this journey and continuing to pray for us regularly. We feel it and know you are with us. It means the world to us. Thanks.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Monday, July 01, 2013
T-shirt SALE
Because of the recent news, we want to kick some things into high gear.
As you probably know we've been selling T-shirts to help fund our adoption. We still have a bundle of these. We'd like to have zero. SO....to not only help fund the adoption, but close out our stock of shirts...we're putting them on SALE.
If you are local we're going to drop the cost of a shirt from 20 dollars down to 15 dollars.
If we need to ship you the shirt, we've said 23 dollars would do it. We'll now ship you a shirt for 18 (and that's even with the USPS postal price hike).
Currently we have Youth small, Youth medium, Youth Large, Adult small, Adult medium, Adult Large and Adult X-large.
First come first serve. These are super comfy shirts. All the cool kids are wearing them.
As you probably know we've been selling T-shirts to help fund our adoption. We still have a bundle of these. We'd like to have zero. SO....to not only help fund the adoption, but close out our stock of shirts...we're putting them on SALE.
If you are local we're going to drop the cost of a shirt from 20 dollars down to 15 dollars.
If we need to ship you the shirt, we've said 23 dollars would do it. We'll now ship you a shirt for 18 (and that's even with the USPS postal price hike).
Currently we have Youth small, Youth medium, Youth Large, Adult small, Adult medium, Adult Large and Adult X-large.
First come first serve. These are super comfy shirts. All the cool kids are wearing them.
Friday, June 21, 2013
It's a........
We are very excited to share with you all.....WE HAVE A CHILD!!!!!!
Introducing........drum roll............NOBODY.....Unfortunately we signed a paper legally binding us to what we are and are not allowed to share on the internet until our child is officially ours....which happens after the courts grant our actual adoption in Ethiopia......so we can't post a picture.
Here's what we can tell you.
1. For everyone who have been praying we'd get a girl.....you can start crying. It's a boy!!!!
2. He's 2. He's healthy.
3. He was given an Ethiopian name by his caregivers. Much like both our boys we will be keeping that name as a middle name. We will be calling him Elias ( E-LIE-us).
4. We don't know when we will be able to travel. Rainy season is coming in Ethiopia. The courts shut down for months. Our agency is pushing and we're hoping to get in before courts close. If that doesn't happen, we're waiting until October before our first trip and later before he can come home.
5. What do the boys think? Honestly.....they're really excited it's a boy....and that's about it. It doesn't really impact their world of summer fun right now....so it's gonna take awhile for them to grasp the implications.
We're excited. Lots to think about. More blog posts coming.
Introducing........drum roll............NOBODY.....Unfortunately we signed a paper legally binding us to what we are and are not allowed to share on the internet until our child is officially ours....which happens after the courts grant our actual adoption in Ethiopia......so we can't post a picture.
Here's what we can tell you.
1. For everyone who have been praying we'd get a girl.....you can start crying. It's a boy!!!!
2. He's 2. He's healthy.
3. He was given an Ethiopian name by his caregivers. Much like both our boys we will be keeping that name as a middle name. We will be calling him Elias ( E-LIE-us).
4. We don't know when we will be able to travel. Rainy season is coming in Ethiopia. The courts shut down for months. Our agency is pushing and we're hoping to get in before courts close. If that doesn't happen, we're waiting until October before our first trip and later before he can come home.
5. What do the boys think? Honestly.....they're really excited it's a boy....and that's about it. It doesn't really impact their world of summer fun right now....so it's gonna take awhile for them to grasp the implications.
We're excited. Lots to think about. More blog posts coming.
Sunday, June 09, 2013
Fundraising: Grey Area
Since we don't have anything immediately to update you on as far as a referral (picture and info about our child)...we thought we'd let you know some financial information. Several people have been asking how we're doing. So we'll tell you.
- God has been doing some awesome stuff. Last year at this time we were freaking out when we looked at the "big number" that we had to raise. We knew that we were called to this adoption and that He was going to figure out the money because (as we stated from the beginning) we didn't have it.
If we're really honest....we were also really worried as money really didn't start coming in for a good long time. And then....slowly....bit by bit....people started donating. It's been amazing.
So the question lately has been....how are you doing...or really....how much more do you need?
And the answer is....we don't know. Here's the thing....we're in what I call the grey area. I can tell you that we're close. The problem is that we have two trips to Ethiopia that we have to make. Some of the things associated with travel are flexible in cost. For instance when I checked flight prices 3 months ago and then compared them to flight prices now....they've doubled.....but they'll go back down again in the fall. So depending on when we have to travel, will depend on our total over all expense.
There are also some weird fees and expenses in country that can't ever be accounted for.
So it's hard to say, "this is absolutely what the entire adoption will cost". We do know that we're close though....but we're not definitely there yet. But we have to say, "God is GOOD." We have been blessed over and over and over again by so many people. We say THANK YOU so very much.
So here's where we're at with fundraising: We're not done yet. We still have some more that we KNOW we have to raise. The grey area is what we can't account for.
We want to be completely transparent with money and finances. We're not out to MAKE money on our adoption. So this is our plan. We're going to continue our fundraising for now. If for some reason we complete our adoption and there is any money left over (at the present time that wouldn't happen), we will be donating any excess to Bring Love In.
You might remember that the Benkert's from Bring Love In, were scheduled to stop in Warren last summer when they were in America on leave. They run this awesome program inside Ethiopia. They match orphans with widows and make new FOREVER families. They're fixing the orphan problem INSIDE of Ethiopia. Adoption isn't always the answer. There are other options. We believe highly in what they're doing. So if there is anything left at the end, we want to bless them for what they're doing.
Quick recap:
1. We're not there yet, but we're getting close.
2. We're nearing this grey area of not knowing final cost.
3. If for some reason there is any excess at the end of our adoption we will be donating it to Bring Love In.
Steps for You:
-As always we covet your continued prayer. Pray not just for adoption, but for our family as we deal with the stress that comes from the adoption process. Pray for patience and peace.
-Check out BRING LOVE IN and see why we're choosing to partner with them toward the end of our adoption process.
-We're still fundraising. We're going to drop the price of T-shirts this week. Remember we give you Permission to think outside the box in helping us out or talking about what we're doing.
- God has been doing some awesome stuff. Last year at this time we were freaking out when we looked at the "big number" that we had to raise. We knew that we were called to this adoption and that He was going to figure out the money because (as we stated from the beginning) we didn't have it.
If we're really honest....we were also really worried as money really didn't start coming in for a good long time. And then....slowly....bit by bit....people started donating. It's been amazing.
So the question lately has been....how are you doing...or really....how much more do you need?
And the answer is....we don't know. Here's the thing....we're in what I call the grey area. I can tell you that we're close. The problem is that we have two trips to Ethiopia that we have to make. Some of the things associated with travel are flexible in cost. For instance when I checked flight prices 3 months ago and then compared them to flight prices now....they've doubled.....but they'll go back down again in the fall. So depending on when we have to travel, will depend on our total over all expense.
There are also some weird fees and expenses in country that can't ever be accounted for.
So it's hard to say, "this is absolutely what the entire adoption will cost". We do know that we're close though....but we're not definitely there yet. But we have to say, "God is GOOD." We have been blessed over and over and over again by so many people. We say THANK YOU so very much.
So here's where we're at with fundraising: We're not done yet. We still have some more that we KNOW we have to raise. The grey area is what we can't account for.
We want to be completely transparent with money and finances. We're not out to MAKE money on our adoption. So this is our plan. We're going to continue our fundraising for now. If for some reason we complete our adoption and there is any money left over (at the present time that wouldn't happen), we will be donating any excess to Bring Love In.
You might remember that the Benkert's from Bring Love In, were scheduled to stop in Warren last summer when they were in America on leave. They run this awesome program inside Ethiopia. They match orphans with widows and make new FOREVER families. They're fixing the orphan problem INSIDE of Ethiopia. Adoption isn't always the answer. There are other options. We believe highly in what they're doing. So if there is anything left at the end, we want to bless them for what they're doing.
Quick recap:
1. We're not there yet, but we're getting close.
2. We're nearing this grey area of not knowing final cost.
3. If for some reason there is any excess at the end of our adoption we will be donating it to Bring Love In.
Steps for You:
-As always we covet your continued prayer. Pray not just for adoption, but for our family as we deal with the stress that comes from the adoption process. Pray for patience and peace.
-Check out BRING LOVE IN and see why we're choosing to partner with them toward the end of our adoption process.
-We're still fundraising. We're going to drop the price of T-shirts this week. Remember we give you Permission to think outside the box in helping us out or talking about what we're doing.
Monday, May 20, 2013
The Desert
Personally I feel that this is the hardest part of the process. We are in a wasteland. Parched. Wanting refreshing and hope.
We have nothing we can do. No more paperwork. No more running around getting things signed or notarized.
But we also don't have anything to hold onto. We have no picture. We have no smile or eyes to look at. We have no hope that someday THIS child will be in our arms...even if it's painful to wait for that day to come. We are in no-man's land.
Yesterday Marjorie wore one of our shirts (this isn't a plug, but you can still buy them, we have plenty)...and I was reminded of the verse we picked out. This chunk of Isaiah 43 (check our the entire thing and some thoughts...it's crazy amazing)
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise.
I've been forgetting that he's making a spring for us in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. He didn't bring us to the dessert to leave us here. He brought us here to bring newness to us.
There is a lot of heart ache in adoption. When you're on your 3rd adoption, there are some feelings and hurts that become familiar. You remember what it felt like before to LONG for that little one. To be impatient. To cry. But vs. 18 says DO NOT DWELL ON THE PAST.
God give us the drink that you promise. Remind us of the cool waters and the newness you have for us. I'm sorry for not seeing you in this time. Help me to rest in your peace.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Morning Blessings
So after I told you that you should sign up because there were going to be lots of updates....there hasn't been much. We're in a holding pattern. We're just waiting. Any time now we get a referral. Any time now. Any time now.
BUT I didn't want to share some morning blessings with you. This has still been a good week. It seems that each morning this week little things have happened, that have been super encouraging.
Either Monday or Tuesday I got a text from a buddy near Pittsburgh. His youth group has been raising money for us. They have intentionally gone out of their way not to raise money for a fun trip, but for our adoption. They pray for us at youth group. How cool is that?
The next day I got a message from another friend who lives far away. He does some private contract type work on the side. He said he felt lead to give us a percentage of his private contact work money for our adoption.
Yesterday we had an e-mail asking about a big bill that needed paid. We had the money. I got an e-mail this morning that the bill was paid. BOOM.
None of these things are as cool as getting a picture of a little boy or girl who will be part of our forever family.....but they were all super encouraging. God continues to work and move and bless.
YOUR ACTION:
1. Where have you seen God moving in your life this week? Are you looking? or is that hard?
2. Please continue to pray with us for our child...whoever he/she might be. This is a really hard time in the waiting...the unknown...everything is out of our hands, yet we don't have a picture or any info to hold onto.
Thanks friends!
BUT I didn't want to share some morning blessings with you. This has still been a good week. It seems that each morning this week little things have happened, that have been super encouraging.
Either Monday or Tuesday I got a text from a buddy near Pittsburgh. His youth group has been raising money for us. They have intentionally gone out of their way not to raise money for a fun trip, but for our adoption. They pray for us at youth group. How cool is that?
The next day I got a message from another friend who lives far away. He does some private contract type work on the side. He said he felt lead to give us a percentage of his private contact work money for our adoption.
Yesterday we had an e-mail asking about a big bill that needed paid. We had the money. I got an e-mail this morning that the bill was paid. BOOM.
None of these things are as cool as getting a picture of a little boy or girl who will be part of our forever family.....but they were all super encouraging. God continues to work and move and bless.
YOUR ACTION:
1. Where have you seen God moving in your life this week? Are you looking? or is that hard?
2. Please continue to pray with us for our child...whoever he/she might be. This is a really hard time in the waiting...the unknown...everything is out of our hands, yet we don't have a picture or any info to hold onto.
Thanks friends!
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Morning Frustration
This post is not sanctioned by my wife, our agency or the new Pope (though some of those might agree anyway)...it's just Aaron.
I'm ready. I'm ready to know. I'm ready for a picture. I'm ready to see the eyes of our next child. I'm ready to cry when I get that picture. I'm ready to stare for hours at that picture and pour over every detail of their face. I'm ready to speculate about how we're going to do their hair. I'm ready to wonder what their daily routine is and how that's going to fit into our schedule. I'm ready.
Paperwork is officially done.
Nothing is holding us back from knowing.....except time. This is a hard wait. This isn't the "your child is growing up on the other side of the world" wait. With that one, at least I know who it is. If I had to, I could get on a plane and get to them. This one is, "who is it"...."when will we know".....and for Marjorie it's "when can I start decorating for them".
I'm ready. Any time now.
I'm ready. I'm ready to know. I'm ready for a picture. I'm ready to see the eyes of our next child. I'm ready to cry when I get that picture. I'm ready to stare for hours at that picture and pour over every detail of their face. I'm ready to speculate about how we're going to do their hair. I'm ready to wonder what their daily routine is and how that's going to fit into our schedule. I'm ready.
Paperwork is officially done.
Nothing is holding us back from knowing.....except time. This is a hard wait. This isn't the "your child is growing up on the other side of the world" wait. With that one, at least I know who it is. If I had to, I could get on a plane and get to them. This one is, "who is it"...."when will we know".....and for Marjorie it's "when can I start decorating for them".
I'm ready. Any time now.
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