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,