How Do You Know

I have been asked a lot of questions during the adoption process. Questions are both fun and challenging. One question that I have always had a difficult time articulating is: How did you know you should adopt?

There are a lot of ways to answer this question. First, there are 30 million orphans in the world. That should be reason enough to adopt and/or sponsor an orphan. However, just because there is need, does not mean I always respond (take for example dieting, cleaning house, exercise, and other world needs, ect). Second, adoption had been a lifelong goal. Even before Christopher and I were married I told him about my deep desire to adopt. But, this adoption process is much more than a “want” or “personal goal.” Not to mention, just because I want something does not mean I should pursue it. (I am a girl with many wants.)

I find this hard to articulate with words, this is more of a feeling deep in my soul. I recognize in others when a desire has penetrated their heart or not. Sometimes I see in others and in myself the tendency to talk about hopes and dreams, but never do anything to make it happen. For example – I hear all the time how people want to travel. Well, stop talking about it and start saving $25 a week. In less than one year you will have well over $1,000. If you watch for deals, $1,000 can get you a plane ticket and hotel for five nights almost anywhere in the US. With all due respect, don’t use the excuse you don’t have the money to travel. If you really want to travel you will start saving. If you won’t save $25 a week, then, you don’t REALLY want to travel. Part of traveling is the pre-travel process of saving and learning that allows you to reach the goal. This simple example overlaps with my adoption experience thus far. I have a point to this blog entry, I promise.

You see, we have done a ton of work to reach the goal. Taking the cat and dog to the vet, 8 letters of reference, FBI checks, Oregon State checks, fingerprinting (2x), local background checks, 10 hours of on-line education, 200+ page educational workbook, financial profiling, bank statements, employer statements, just to mention a few. My point is not to brag about all the hard work ... It is to write that the process itself has answered the question “How do I know?”

One situation in particular really solidified this. I had to drive out to the far side of Hillsboro (that’s over an hour from our home), pay a notary $35 for five minutes of his time, hire a babysitter to watch Lillian because 2.5 hours in the car is brutal for any 17 month old, and watch my employer sign a paper saying I work two hours a week. Not exactly cost effective or the way I would like to spend my time. Everything about this would normally give me reason to complain. But, I was so excited about the goal, that the unpractical use of time and money really did not faze me. I was actually eager and thankful. This is a big indicator … this coming from a person like me who usually researches the best use of money down to the penny and plans the use of my time weeks in advance (Type A, I know). But, when someone is truly passionate about something there is very little that can stop them besides themselves. This is what I have experienced as we have worked through the paperwork process. This is how I know we are doing the right thing, God willing.


The most important thing that has penetrated my heart is desiring someone to be a part of my family. Thinking, wondering, dreaming, imagining and praying for our next child. Thinking about their joyful expressions and tears of sadness. Wondering what they like to eat and what makes them laugh. Dreaming about Lillian playing with her little brother or sister. Imagining what this child will teach me. Praying this child will know how much I love them.

I believe that God wonders the same things about us. He desperately wants to be in communion with us … for us to be a part of His eternal family. The process for God to make a way for me to be adopted into his eternal family was The Ultimate Sacrifice, Jesus Christ. How would we know the love of God if he did nothing to show us? Likewise, how can I talk about the goal and dream of adoption and not pursue it?

Friends, it is in the process of trying that I can confidently answer your “How do you know” question. I know when I rejoice in the hard things and find joy in each step of the process. This is only possible because I have grown deeper in my understanding of my own adoption story through Jesus Christ.

This is how I know.

41 down 22 to go

Good news! We have completed all the paperwork for the home study. Yeah! That is a checklist of 41 documents. Wow! Our social worker contacted us yesterday and we have set up an appointment for the first week in January. Our next task is to complete all the paperwork for the dossier, another 22 documents. We are thrilled!

Because of Jesus.

In the words of Chris ...

I have typed a ton of my opinions and feeling about adoption on this blog. Everything I have written Chris has also read and has agreed with. But, I thought I would share some of his words from his personal profile. This profile is a 51 page packets with over 150 questions about our marriage, mental health, parenting, support systems, preparedness, and much more. We have each completed a profile and I did not read Chris’ words until last night. I was so encouraged and inspired by the man I have married that I wanted to share it with you. What an awesome man of God and father! These are his exact words:

In the last ten years, how have you changed when dealing with life situations?
“I have learned that life is FILLED with unique situations and have found that God has led me through EVERY adversity I’ve ever been faced with. A maturity I didn’t have 10 years ago.”

What are your partner’s strengths and weaknesses?
“She is extremely passionate about The Lord, is very loving, encouraging and an excellent communicator. Weaknesses … I can’t think of any. She is perfect.”

What are you and your spouse’s similarities and differences? How do you resolve or accept these differences?
“We both respect one another’s needs and differences. We are unbelievably different and 100% opposites in nearly everything, but it has become the absolute perfect combination and we balance each other well.”

Describe your marriage in terms of emotional satisfaction.
“I feel a strong sense of compassion and love both from her and towards her, she completes every part of me and we balance each other out very well. We are very connected with one another’s needs."

If you and your spouse have ever separated or contemplated separation, please describe the circumstances, and how you resolved the difficulties.
“Never thought of it …. Ever.”

Please describe what you want your child(ren) to remember most when they look back from adulthood.
“That their father was ALWAYS available and was someone they could trust.”

Please describe what values and /or principals you plan to impart to your child(ren).
“Hard work. Dedication to whatever it is they want to do. Being friendly and loving and Christ-like to those around them. Forgiveness, probably my #1 virtue.”

How do you show your children that you love them?
“LOTS and LOTS of hugs and kisses. Words of encouragement.”

When and why did you decide to adopt?
“It has been my wife’s life long goal. She has always had a heart for adoption and I love children, whether they are my own or not, my heart goes out to all of them. I felt the Lord lead us toward adoption many years ago."

What is your ideal relationship with birth parents/biological family members?
“Family is extremely important to me so if there is any chance of an on-going relationship I would try to take full advantage of that. Even to the point of traveling back to the country to meet the parents.”

Please describe the characteristics of a child you feel would be suitable for your family to adopt (age, appearance, physical condition, background factors, ect.)
“Well, saying “suitable” insinuates that I have a rigid criteria in which that child must meet before I will accept them … this is simply not the case and I don’t agree with the question. I trust that God will provide the child that is in His plans for me to love and openly accept.”

What challenges and rewards do you anticipate as a minority family?
“Challenges – I am sure there will be some segregation at times, I think it’s important to respond in a humble manor and always be courteous. Rewards – the excitement about learning a new culture and the differences and incorporating them into our family dynamics.”

There are many other questions I wanted to share, but this gives you a flavor of the character of Chris. If it was possible I would post his entire profile for the world to read and be encouraged by. I am often the person in the spot light, but nothing I do would be possible without Chris’ behind-the-scenes support and dedication to our family.

I love my husband and the father of Lillian and our next child.
He is the reason this adoption is possible.

Big Sister

I just wanted to share two adorable pictures of Lillian. She loves her baby dolls! Not to mention she was the cutest "Lilly Bug" for Halloween!

Sometimes it seems crazy to think about being a Mommy for two kids. Honestly, I often feel overwhelmed with only one munchkin ... yet, their is something that feels so complete when I imagine meeting our next child. I know it will be challenging, but I am ready for it! When Lillian kisses and care for her baby dolls I am reminded what a wonderful big sister she will be someday.

Exciting News!

Wow. This was such an amazing sermon. It is well worth the time! If I could strap you to a chair, lock the door, mute your cell phone, and make you listen for 50 minutes then I would do it. No hesitation (and remember this is coming from the person who never uses force). Seriously, it is worth your time! Just listen to it. You won’t be disappointed. I would love to learn together. Just cut and paste the link below.

http://www.willamettechurch.com/mission-hope-part-7-a-hope-that

Generosity seems to be the theme of the week. I have exciting news to share … We have been fully funded, God willing, for stage two. Yes! Fully funded. Maybe some of you had read the blog from Sept 23rd where we shared some of our needs? Well, prayers answered!!! We are overwhelmed with joy and simply humbled by the generosity of these very special people. It is hard to explain in words what it feels like to accept money from others. In the same instant you want to scream “Thank-you so much!” while shouting “You shouldn’t have! I can’t take this much from you!” It is bizarrely humbling to feel so thankful and yet so resistant. I understand that this money could be used for a million other things (cars, remodeling, vacation, savings, other charitable giving, Christmas, and on and on) but, it was purposefully chosen for our adoption.

This reality leaves me with only one thing to write … Thank-you! We promise to do our best with God’s resources by making decisions that are honoring to Him. We are learning what this looks like from people like you.

Thank-you Dad and Mom. I love you.

Changing From The Inside Out

This is a long one. Grab a cup of tea and pull up a chair. I hope you find it worthy of 10 minutes of your time.

God is teaching me so many lessons. I feel as though a lens has been lifted from my eyes and I am one small step closer to understanding how God sees His world. This process has been humbling, challenging, embarrassing, and completely transforming. I have felt so unworthy to put in words what has been etched into my heart. The truth is … I am a selfish, proud, judgmental, and unworthy sinner. Really, I am the least ‘qualified’ person to be sharing. Hence, the long delay in writing on this blog. But, enough is enough! My motive is selfish. So, with humility, I will do my best to share what is in my heart.

The privileges I have been blessed with in this country have solidified my corrupt human nature. (Please don’t get me wrong, I am truly thankful to have been born in this beautiful country.) But, at the end of the day, I have chosen to insulate myself with the comforts, prestige, freedoms, and lies of this country. It is a tremendous blessing to live in a place where a one-stop shopping experience is three blocks from home (aka: Fred Meyer), I have four faucets with clean water in my home, I have access to health care, I have a pantry and refrigerator stocked with food, and I have money in the bank. This is also a curse, because it is nearly impossible to not take food, water, heath care, and money for granted.

Over the past few weeks I have made a proactive decision to educate myself on what is happening in the world. We have all heard the statistics before, right? I could fill the pages with horror stories, gut-retching statistics, and real life struggles that are happening the very same moment I type this blog from the comforts of my warm, safe, and clean home. According to my best guess, you have been reading this blog entry for 45 seconds. Sadly, as you have been reading 12 precious children have died from a preventable illness. It is incomprehensible!!! But, even the most appalling stories of the brokenness in our world have not penetrated through the ‘world of comfort’ that I have built around myself. Quite frankly, I feel deeply when I hear the horrors in our world, but by the next day I am focused on something else.

So where does this leave me? …. Slowly, as I grow in confidence in Jesus Christ … I am being changed from the inside out. Here are just a few of the simple things that have left an impression on me over the last two weeks.

1. Taking the “Rice and Bean” challenge. In other words, eating what half the world eats everyday (if they are lucky). Only rice, beans and water for 1, 3, or 5 days. This was really hard for me.

2. Real Life exhibit. Just check it out, you won’t be disappointed. www.medicalteams.org/sf/real_life_exhibit

3. Studding the book of James. Listen to the sermons on: www.willamettewomen.com

4. Attending an India Partners banquet and listening to the testimonies of human trafficking. Check it out: www.indiapartners.org

5. The series Mission Hope that our church has been teaching on and God’s heart for His poor and oppressed children. www.willamettechurch.com

6. Recognizing that adopting a child from Ethiopia is not enough. In fact, it is only the beginning.

7. Writing out a Max Luccado prayer on a note card and placing it beside this computer. The prayer is typed on the bottom of this blog entry.

8. Above all else, the most important thing is discovering a restored sense of HOPE. I am only one person, but I can make a difference. What I choose to do or not do will make a difference. All the strength I need can be found in Christ. My change of heart begins and ends with Him.

My goal is not to organize this blog into a check-off list. That defeats the point. I just want to share with you a few specific ways that God is changing me during this adoption process and providing a new hope that the world cannot offer. In a time of confusion, frustration, and confession, a wise women gave me this link to a short passage from Max Luccado in his book Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference. It left an impression on me and I would encourage you to spend some time reading it too.

When We Love Them,
We Love Him
by Max Lucado

Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.
—Matthew 25:40 (MSG)

There are many reasons to help people in need.
“Benevolence is good for the world.”
“We all float on the same ocean. When the tide rises, it benefits everyone.”
“To deliver someone from poverty is to unleash that person’s potential as a researcher, educator, or doctor.”
“As we reduce poverty and disease, we reduce war and atrocities. Healthy, happy people don’t hurt each other.”

Compassion has a dozen advocates.

But for the Christian, none is higher than this: when we love those in need, we are loving Jesus. It is a mystery beyond science, a truth beyond statistics. But it is a message that Jesus made crystal clear: when we love them, we love him. This is the theme of his final sermon. The message he saved until last. He must want this point imprinted on our conscience. He depicted the final judgment scene. The last day, the great Day of Judgment. On that day Jesus will issue an irresistible command. All will come. From sunken ships and forgotten cemeteries, they will come. From royal tombs and grassy battlefields, they will come. From Abel, the first to die, to the person being buried at the moment Jesus calls, every human in history will be present.

All the angels will be present. The whole heavenly universe will witness the event. A staggering denouement. Jesus at some point will “separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats” (Matt. 25:32). Shepherds do this. They walk among the flock and, one by one, with the use of a staff direct goats in one direction and sheep in the other. Graphic, this thought of the Good Shepherd stepping through the flock of humanity. You. Me. Our parents and kids. “Max, go this way.” “Ronaldo, over there.” “Maria, this side.”

How can one envision this moment without the sudden appearance of this urgent question: What determines his choice? How does Jesus separate the people? Jesus gives the answer. Those on the right, the sheep, will be those who fed him when he was hungry, brought him water when he was thirsty, gave him lodging when he was lonely, clothing when he was naked, and comfort when he was sick or imprisoned. The sign of the saved is their concern for those in need. Compassion does not save them—or us. Salvation is the work of Christ. Compassion is the consequence of salvation. The sheep will react with a sincere question: when? When did we feed, visit, clothe, or comfort you (vv. 34–39)?

Jesus will recount, one by one, all the acts of kindness. Every deed done to improve the lot of another person. Even the small ones. In fact, they all seem small. Giving water. Offering food. Sharing clothing. The works of mercy are simple deeds. And yet, in these simple deeds we serve Jesus. Astounding this truth: we serve Christ by serving needy people.

Some of them live in your neighborhood; others live in jungles you can’t find and have names you can’t pronounce. Some of them play in cardboard slums or sell sex on a busy street. Some of them walk three hours for water or wait all day for a shot of penicillin. Some of them brought their woes on themselves, and others inherited the mess from their parents.

None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus. Who would want to miss a chance to do that? Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.”
(Matthew 25:34–36 NLT)

O Lord, where did I see you yesterday . . . and didn’t recognize you? Where will I encounter you today . . . and fail to identify you properly? O my Father, give me eyes to see, a heart to respond, and hands and feet to serve you wherever you encounter me! Transform me, Lord, by your Spirit into a servant of Christ, who delights to meet the needs of those around me. Make me a billboard of your grace, a living advertisement for the riches of your compassion. I long to hear you say to me one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And I pray that today I would be that faithful servant who does well at doing good. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

From Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2010) Max Lucado

Adoption Planning

We have received our home study packet, adoption planner, and With Eyes Wide Open Workbook. Our first conference call is next week with our social worker and we are delighted to learn more. Life has been so busy it is tough to find time to write on the blog.

God has completely captured my heart with the Women's Bible Study of the book of James. Our church is also doing a series called Mission Hope which is emphasizing the needs in the world and God's heart for the poor and oppressed. There are so many thoughts, challenges, and lessons I have been learning over the past few weeks. It is hard to describe in words the ways in which God is revealing Himself to me.

Stay tuned ... more to come.
Thank-you for your prayers during this exciting time.

Stage Two

We are thrilled to be moving forward in the adoption process. We originally completed and notarized our application in early May, but didn’t have the first $8,790 to move forward. But, with the generosity of our friends and family, we now have enough to move forward. Our target is Oct 15th to reapply and move into the second stage.

The next step is exciting and terrifying! Over the next six months we will be completing over 100 pages of paperwork, learning in education classes, meeting with our case manager at home study visits, and much more. The paperwork is time sensitive so we have six months to complete everything and raise another $5,600.
To be frank. Chris and I have been saving between $400 and $500 a month toward the adoption. At this rate we will only have half of the $5,600 needed in six months. We are short another $2,000 - $3,000.

If you are anything like me, you make every decision being fully prepared. Responsibility right? Absolutely, we are doing our best to be wise with the resource God has loaned to us, educated about the financial decisions, and generous towards the needs in our church, community, and world. I believe this wholeheartedly.

It is tough to live life with an open hand, right? The world says we earned our title, salary, power, and social status and deserve to have “it.” So, why tithe to the church? Why support a child clear across the world? Why donate at a local hospital or school? Why share resources and supplies with neighbors? We could certainly ask these question all day long and discuss all the scenarios of why supporting, donating, and sharing is so difficult.

But the answer is simple … “It” was not ours to begin with.

“It” never was and never will be. Everything is a gift from God. We have the choice to use “it” for His glory or to hide “it” away for ourselves. “It” (the very thing you think you need) is perhaps, the biggest distraction from God himself. Do you know your “it”? I certainly know mine. Control.

Control over my time, energy, money, friendship, marriage, education, ect. I could go on and one. But, very few things speak louder than money. Look at your own checkbook if you do not believe me? When is the last time you have joyfully given to support God’s work? Plain and simple, money is a huge indicator of our spiritual maturity.

You are probably wondering what my point is. Certainly not to make anyone feel bad. Perhaps, all this writing is how I process areas in my own life that are in need of attention. Clearly, I am desperate for God’s grace and forgiveness when it comes to my own illusions of control. Please don’t mistake my words. I am not writing this blog from a pedestal with a pointed finger, I am writing this with humility and requesting your help. You see, this adoption process has destroyed my illusion of control. I simply cannot make this adoption process happen or change the undeniable passion He has planted in my heart. I have lost control and cannot do this alone.

Truly, this loss of control is beautiful. I wholeheartedly recommend you celebrate the times when you find yourself here.

I have been required to surrender this adoption to God and confidently trust that He knows and cares for all our needs. After all, the same principal as above applies here. This adoption … this precious child I will call daughter or son, is not mine … but His.

My humble request is this:
1. Pray for the second stage in our adoption.
2. Help me to work on my illusion of control through accountability and encouragement.
3. Consider making a donation to help cover the expenses in our second stage or helping with a fundraiser.

Thank-you.

Held in God's open hands,

Erin

Goal met !!!!

To the anonymous person who dropped a blank envelope in our mailbox:
Your kind words were such a surprise and encouragement. Your generosity is unbelievable!! I love how God has a plan for all things. Your trust in Him is an answered prayer for us. We were a little over $500 short, after our garage sale, from reaching our goal to begin the home study. Your money arrived before we even knew our need. Truly, it was an answered prayer. Thank-you friend! We are hoping to move forward with the home study at the end of the month!!!!

The garage sale was a huge success. We had wonderful conversations with “shoppers” about adoption and shared information about the needs for orphans all over the world. It was so charming to watch people find treasures. We laughed and shared crazy stories all day. We made close to $1300!!!! WOW …. Selling our friends and family’s stuff. Truly, very few things at the garage sale were from our home. It was so encouraging and humbling to see God’s work over the weekend. We are just thrilled!

My Mom took tons of pictures. I will upload soon! It was really a huge sale. 17 directional signs all over Oregon City, contributions from over 13 different families, adoption T-shirts, 150 hot dogs, and signs sharing statistics about orphans in our world.

Thank-you!
Praise Jesus.

3 Days Till The Sale

Yipee!!! We have collected TONS of donations from friends and family and are thrilled for this weekend. We have couches, a washer and dryer, a bed, a hide a bed, tons of kitchen things, clothes, books, and still more mystery treasures in boxes. We have the BEST problem ever ... our garage is so full we can't dig out. Govey (our black lab) sleeps outside now and Kirby (the cat) does not set foot in the garage. Needless to say, we will have a busy Friday trying to sort and price everything.

Everyone should stop by to see the amount of stuff people donated, it will make you day! You can also grab a hot dog or two. We bought over 200 dogs at Costco and are going to be putting on quite a roast! All proceeds will benefit our adoption.

Check out some of the signs I made. They covered the couch! No need to get lost ... just look for the red signs :) Haha!

Thank-you to everyone who made donations. We are so excited for this weekend!

Garage Sale

New fundraiser opportunity!!! We are having a garage sale at the end of August and looking for friends and family to help make donations. We have been encouraged by the stories of our friends who had a garage sale and raised $3,000 in one weekend! That is so amazing!!! If you have anything collecting dust or tucked in the back of your closets we would appreciate your donations.

Thank-you for your support!!!

Extended Family

There is something so incredible about the adoption support group. Every time I meet a family with a heart for adoption we share a connection that is indescribable. The celebration of their journey is instantaneous and genuine.

One specific family, Nate and Kerri Dawson, has been a huge source of encouragement. God has blessed us with this family to share in our adoption journeys. While reading the Dawson’s blog I was moved by their excitement for other families adopting. Real joy is simply contagious. I copied a video from the Dawsons's blog of a family being united with their son Isaac. The story of Isaac is a source of hope for both our families. Every time I watch the video I am brought to tears.

If you don't understand our passion for adoption or want to hear more stories please take some time to explore the links below. I think you will find it worthwhile.

The link to the Dawson's blog:
http://heartethiopia.blogspot.com/

The link to a posting that touched my heart about Isaac:
http://www.babeofmyheart.com/wow-wow-wow/

Ten minute video you won't regret watching:


Sharing, learning and celebrating together,
Erin

The Wall is Growing

We have almost filled another six foot ribbon with prayer pledges and financial gifts. Thank-you!!!! We are almost half way to the first deposit. Then we are able to start the home study process! Yeah!

Thanks for all your support.

Life's Check List

There was a time in my life when I thought I was doing good. My life’s checklist was moving along smoothly: Graduate college, get married, buy a home, get a dog, lead High School ministry and so forth. I lived life as if I had acquired all the wisdom I would need … at the ripe old age of 23. Shamefully, some of my most self-centered moments were found in leading Bible study. I knew the fill -in-the-blank answers, memorized my scriptures and thoroughly studied the leader’s notes. Prepared for life right?
This adoption process has transformed that old Erin. There are too many experiences to share each in detail. But, one specific encounter with a dear friend summarizes my recent lessons from God. This young lady, who was once a part of the High School Bible study I lead several years ago, stopped by for a visit. But the dynamic was changed. I was no longer the person mentoring and guiding. Rather she was sharing words of encouragement and support for me. She heard about our dream of adoption by reading this blog and responded generously. Yes, that is the second poor college student, without a job, sacrificing to support our adoption. It destroyed the image I had of myself.
My first reaction is to resist the generosity of this young lady and others. However, God is humbling my heart. Asking for help is hard. Accepting help is even more challenging. But, God is working on replacing my self-centered tendencies with humility. He is crushing my pride and transforming it into compassion. He has changed my life checklist mentality to His divine purpose for my life.

My new life check list: More of God and less of me. Look at the perfect example of Jesus and not my inner voice.

Thank-you friends for your generosity that is truly life changing!

Only by the blood of Jesus,

All Things Are Possible

Today I went to the bank to deposit all the generous checks my friends and family have donated. Visiting the bank has been a regular occurrence since we mailed out the letter. (YEAH, BIG thank-you). I excitedly told the cashier that we are bringing our donations to the designated savings account for our adoption fund. Immediately the cashiers eyes teared up and she said that said has been adopted. She also has an adopted little brother from Korea. She continued to say that she could not imagine her life without the love of her adopted Mother, Father and brother. In the future she also has dreams of adoption, but has some fears for making it happen. The financial sacrifice is the primary deter.

Friends, I am here to say that that anyone can make it happen!!! Yes, it is possible!

We have raised $2,979 so far. That is incredible! This journey is not about us making “good decisions” or “being wise with our money.” It is all about allowing God to finish what He has started. By Him alone this process is possible. Friends, this means we need to humble ourselves and ask for help. Then trust that His plans are perfect. If adoption is something you want to pursue I would love to chat more!

With a hope filled spirit and heart of gratitude,
Erin

My Wall Of Blessings

When I was pregnant with Lillian I decided to paint blocks that spelled out her name. I love painting and the process helped me to prepare for the new adventure of mommy hood. A few weeks ago I was feeling discouraged about the adoption process and decided that painting blocks might be uplifting again. Like many of my other art projects, painting blocks for our adoption took on a deeper meaning. I now have a “wall of blessings” in our kitchen. Every time I look at it (which is almost all day long) I am filled with a thankful heart and overwhelmed by God’s provision. All of your prayers and financial pledges are on my “wall of blessings.” I am absolutely amazed by the generosity of our friends and family. There are not enough words to express my thankfulness. Your support is the greatest gift you could give our family!!!

Thank-you to a family at our church who literally receives every fundraising request for the events in the church and still gives! You are incredibly generous.
Thank-you to a special aunt who words of encouragement came at just the right time. You have always been someone I admire and appreciate your prayers and financial support.
Thank you to a poor college student who gave more than most people with established jobs. Your generosity speaks volumes! I am thankful for you in my life.
Thank-you to some high school friends who have always been loving and thoughtful. Your support over the years has helped give us confidence to move forward in this process. Thank-you for your generosity.
Thank-you to a kind woman in my yoga class. I am amazed by the range of people who donate to our cause. Your support was a surprise and blessed my day. Thank-you.
Thank-you to everyone! You know who you are! I am deeply humbled by your support! I am going to pick up another ribbon today … we have filled six feet of ribbon with kind words, prayer pledges and financial support.
Thank-you!

On the inside ....

I have a million thoughts, praises, and fears swarming around in my head. The last thing I want to do is share them with the world. But a dear friend encouraged me to post it on the blog. I suppose facing your fears is one way to begin processing them. My fear, is of course, that people will not approve of our adoption journey. Maybe not blatantly disagree with adoption, but the details. Like international versus local adoption debate. Or maybe they disagree with the amount of money we will invest into the process. A quite valid argument. Or disagree with raising a black child in a white home. Or the million other negative aspects people could focus on. The worse for me is saying nothing at all. Honestly, the silence is heart retching. Did you or did you not receive a bright orange envelope with our story? In the end, I could respond to each of these concerns. In fact, I could spend my whole life responding to the concerns/opinions/thoughts of others. I have done a pretty good job of that so far in my life. So what is my point?
Exactly this: The only person I am responsible to answer to is God. His opinion is the only one that really matters. So, precious friends and family, thank-you for your concerns. Thank-you for allowing me to search within myself and make sure this adoption journey is not about me. It has brought me to my knees with humility and forced me to search my soul. You have forced me to find the source of my hope and purpose will come from. In other words, I can’t stay in a people-pleasing role forever. Not only is it impossible, but it is fake.
I am choosing to make my faith in Jesus Christ the life, not you, my deeply loved friends and family. I whole heartedly welcome your feedback. But at the end of the day, please know that I will ONLY listen and follow where God leads me.
If this is something you would like to support please return your orange envelope with a prayer or financial pledge. Chris and I deeply appreciate your support.
Words cannot thank a friend who has given in her time of need (You know who you are). When you are scratching the bottom of your own piggy bank and unsure how your own needs will be met, you gave to us. Thank-you.
Thank-you also to the ones who started this whole process off. Before even receiving a letter in the mail, you saw a need and generously responded. You are the only people I know with the God-inspired gift of generosity. We might say “I would give you the shirt off my back if you needed it.” But, these two people live out this slogan. Not just talk, but action. Thank-you. I can only hope to be that generous in my own life someday.
Thank-you to all the other precious friends and family who have shared words of encouragement. They help keep me fueled. Without your support I don’t know where we would be.
With a thankful and unwavering heart,
Erin

Welcome ....

Hi friends,
If you are reading this then you have received our letter in the mail. Yeah! Thanks for following up and checking our blog. I have never been great at the face book, twitter, and my space thing … However, I will do my best to keep our adoption journey updated on this blog. We are excited about the adoption adventure and want to have as many people involved as possible.
We appreciate your support and are so grateful for our wonderful friends and family.
Using the village to raise our kids,
Erin Lynn

This is a copy of the letter we mailed out ....


Dear friends and family,
We hope this letter finds you with joyful spirits. This year has been an exciting and busy adventure. Lillian will be celebrating her first birthday at the end of June and is quite busy pulling all the tupperware out of drawers, tasting anything on the floors, and reading books. Chris will be entering his second year as joint-owner of Durus Construction and loves the job. Erin stays busy playing with sweet Lillian everyday and is still taking one class each semester at George Fox University to complete her Masters in Family and Marriage Counseling. Indeed, the past year has been rich with blessings.
We are excited to share with you our hopes and dreams of expanding our family. As of May 1st, we were accepted into the Ethiopian adoption program through an organization called All God’s Children International. AGCI is a non-profit organization that was established in 1991 and has united more than 2,200 children with their forever families.
Many people ask, “Why Ethiopia?” That is a valid question. With over 147 million orphans in the world it is hard to know where to begin. The need is tremendous in our own communities, state, country and across the globe. We have spent countless hours in prayer and in doing research to make this big decision. To put it simply, we believe that God has called us to serve in this country. From the very beginning our hearts have been burdened over the orphans in Ethiopia. We know that international adoption will present us with challenges in the future. However, we desire to remain faithful to His calling, despite the obstacles that may seem impossible from our current perspective.
We believe adoption is more than raising a child. Our desire is to learn, share, and celebrate the beauty of Ethiopia. God willing we would love to partner with Hannah’s Hope Orphanage and possibly be a part of building another desperately needed facility in the Addis Ababa area. Parenting a child is only one of the many ways we hope to meet the needs of this country. As many people have heard before, one out of five children contract AIDS by the age of five. One in two people do not get enough to eat, which is 38 million hungry people in Ethiopia TODAY. Undoubtedly, there is a desperate need for basic necessities, education, and hope.
The cost of adoption is an overwhelming $30,000. This includes the home studies, orphan care fees, and travel expenses. We have always found it more comfortable to be on the giving end rather than the receiving end. However, this is not a journey we can do on our own. We are both humbled and encouraged in writing this letter to you. First, we are asking our friends and family to consider praying for our adoption process. If you are unable to pray or have been blessed with more than you need, we are asking if you would be willing to financially contribute. We are always surprised by the statistic that if your household has an annual income of 40K, you are in the top 1% richest in the world.
Our goal is to reach 600 people with our story. If all 600 people would be willing to contribute $50.00 it would pay for the entire adoption. Would you please consider praying for us, sharing our story with others, or being 1 of 600 to make this adoption possible?
Words cannot express our gratitude. Thank-you.
Changing the world together,
Chris, Erin & Lillian Bailey