U.S. Approval

Yes! We received the approval to the I-600a form! This tells the U.S. our intent to adopt from the DRC and they have approved us to do so. It's exciting to have some type of movement when we are just waiting to hear something from the courts in the DRC. We still have at least a month until we hear something. It could be up to two months. Hopefully not!!
We are getting ready to send the boys their first care package.

We had a wonderful relaxing Christmas. We pray that each of you keep our boys in your prayers and that you have a Wonderful 2013!

We are here to answer any questions about adoption too!

-contessa

Birthday Boy

What do you say, how are you supposed to feel and act when you know across the world the boy you hold in your heart is having a birthday...that he doesn't even know about. 

Happy Birthday A.  Your Mommy and Daddy can't wait to meet you and begin our journey with you. 

N's birthday is in June, oh how I wish so badly that we won't have to miss another. 

I'm a wee bit bummed because I was told our dossier would be sent out yesterday afternoon.  It wasn't.  Probably won't be until Friday.  I know it's all in God's hands, but everyday feels like a month when something doesn't move. 

I've got a lot of these disappointments coming my way, so I had better chin up and carry on. 

On a positive note, there are a bunch of people from our agency that will travel in January.  That means there will be space at just about the right time for the boys to move in to the transition home.  They try and keep the # around 30. 

Thank you for keeping our family in your prayers, please pray that we can rest in His plans and timing in the upcoming months. 

-Contessa

Gracias

Ha, not sure why I'm speaking spanish on such a Freezing Cold day! 

I have been thinking about how grateful we are to those that have given, encouraged, and prayed.  Some gave so sacrificially it about brought us to our knees.  Thank You isn't enough but hopefully knowing you followed the spirits calling and seeing the boys faces one day will be enough!

I was able to speak with our coordinator today.  I tried to ask all the questions that have been building up.  I need to start writing them down when I think of it! 

My first question was what is next?  Our dossier should head out to the DRC early next week (hopefully).  At that point we will start out first waiting period.  She said it could be around 4-6 weeks to get a verbal approval from the courts about adopting the boys.  Although, I have heard of some cases taking 2-4 months.  Father be with us!  At that point once it is in written form they will technically be Wolverton's!!  Hearing from other DRC mama's sometimes you don't even know you have a court date, all of a sudden you get word that they are your's!  Let's pray it's sooner rather than later. 

After that is another form to fill out, and waiting for Visas etc. 

We can now start sending the boys care packages.  We are beyond thrilled to be at this stage!  We can send them clothes, books, and a family album.  They will see our faces! We can do this once a month I believe.  There are about 20 children in the house in the Mbuji Mayi region right now, so we can include a small sucker etc. for the other children that might not be matched yet.  How exciting is that!?

I would love it if they could come home at the beginning of summer rather than the end.  We need to transition those poor boys to this climate!!  Please be in prayer with us that the rest of the process would go as smoothly and quickly as it has so far. 

-contessa

P.S.  Oh, and I looked at their birth certificates today.  A was right at 6 lbs at birth, and N was 6.5.  I don't know why but it just about brought me to tears.  Just imagining their mother, father and family life.  They need to come home.

Zip, Zero, Nada

Yep, we have made our goal. A check will be mailed to our agency tomorrow.

I'm pretty much stunned. You know when you hear other people's stories and they seem so glamorous. You think wow that would be awesome!

But you can't ever imagine yourself in that position? Well, that was Contessa a couple months ago. I mean I heard The Lord speaking to my heart, telling me that things would be taken care of, but you just can't fathom how it will all come together!

Some if you reading this need to step out of that boat and believe!

Would you partner in praying that these next steps would go very quickly? We are concerned with the recent rebel attacks.

-contessa





















That was Contessa a couple months ago.

Delighted

 

Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.  Mathew 15:28

 

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. " Matthew 17:20

 

Now I'm not trying to say I have perfect or even great faith.  Though I did feel complete faith in the beginning of this journey that it would all come together.  I'll admit though, I was thinking "God your going to get us this far and not provide the last $1,800?"  Of course he likes to see if my faith will waver. 

 

I had two very exciting phone calls today.  Those calls bring us down to needing only...$670.00!! 

Great is His faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see.

 

 

 

My heart though is troubled still because of the war that is brewing again in the DRC.  M23 rebels have taken over an eastern city of Goma, and they are threatening to walk all the way to Kinshasa on the west side of DRC.  Though I hear this would take approximately a year.  They are gaining many as they go.  I don't understand it all, it dates way back.  I know it's not good.  Children and women were heavily preyed upon in the past.  Rape and child abductions were rampant.  Children should never have to be forced to murder there own family.  I know God is in control, and we live in a fallen world.  We will never understand in this life. 

Prayer is powerful.  Imagine if it was your family your children, these are real people.  Pray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                        Redwood Forest in California...



Another thing that is larger than life, and unimaginable!  Just like this adoption looked in the beginning.  It's a little foggy up ahead, and the road is as long as those trees are tall.  He provides just enough clearing in the fog to see enough for today.

-contessa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A gift for Jesus

Many people have begun to realize our need for LESS and the need to GIVE more.  Awesome!

And with Christmas being Jesus' birthday in a couple weeks don't you think we should be fretting more about the gift we give Him than others?

Does this mean we don't buy gifts for our loved one's... no I don't think so.  For a long time though the stockings have been full and the Christmas tree bulging for our children and family that already have everything they need.  When there are people who are living, but dying inside.  Dying for a drink of clean water, dying for 1 meal, dying for a mosquito net to keep them safe one more night.  Or possibly they are dying for a friend, dying to have a bit of encouragement passed along, maybe they are living in a country, at the risk of dying, all for His Glory. 

What will you give Jesus for His birthday this year?

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/gift_catalog/?pc=13831

http://www.compassion.com/catalog.htm

I'm only going to link to those, there are MANY to choose from. 

And PLEASE click here for something really exciting...not happy that shopping at some of your favorite stores supports organizations you would rather not support?  A portion of your Internet and local shopping will now be able to make an impact where YOU choose! 

Check it out!

http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2012/11/01/before-you-spend-another-penny


And now for the final thought for today...oh wait, never mind!  I did receive an email that said our dossier will be translated by Friday.  Yay!  Then it will be sent to the DRCongo once we turn in the money needed to accept the boys referral.  We are still $1,800 short, so if you would like to give a gift to Jesus by helping the least of these and give these boys a home you can do that too!  If you would like your donation tax deductible make a check out to College Heights Baptist Church, and get it to me or the church.  If not, there is a pay pal link on the sidebar.  Thanks!

Now for the final thought...I've always wanted to celebrate Christmas more than just on Christmas morning.  I did not grow up with advent or such.  I have found some pretty cool ideas floating around out there in Internet land.  You might want to check them out.  Gather that family of yours up each night by a cozy candle or fire and read a short verse or story leading up to Christ' birth.  What better way to spend December. 
Some of the ideas are simple and some more complex, doesn't matter...choose one!

http://simplemom.net/christmas-traditions/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+simplemom+%28Simple+Mom%29

-contessa

So close, I can taste it!

Yep, that's right folks! We are so close to meeting our goal.

Drumroll please...drdrdrdrdrdrddddrdrdr yah that's my drumroll in type haha!

We only need.........$1,800 more!!!

Can you believe it!?

Here's what happened this past week.

-$1620.00 in blessings from church family
-sold some more craft items and T-shirts
-money deposited from watching kiddos during bible study on Thursdays.
-Deposited $1,800 from us not having a house payment and overtime.

Now that might make you think hey, they only needed 4,000 last week and that adds up to pretty close that amount.

I have this problem with counting my eggs before they hatch. So last week I was counting in our house payment and another donation that I knew was coming.

Anyhow, can we just get a big AMEN?

I thought we would be down to the wire needing a huge amount but we aren't. God's totally got this (he always has, it's just really really hard to believe it!).

Now my thought are turning towards being anxious. I just want to get the money sent in and start working on bringing my boys home!

The dossier is most likely going to get translated Monday, at that point it is ready to be sent to the DRC for approval.

Coming up on Thanksgiving, we are truly humbled and Thankful for each and every donation and heart behind it. It is such a blessing to know that we have friends and family that want to support us in this way. Also that share our heart for the orphan. Some have given sacrificially, and even though it humbles us we are so excited to see their obedience. It makes me excited for the future, to be able to support others in the same way.
Thank You


Something I'm thinking about.
It has said to me that the boys will latch on to the first thing that we give them. It will probably be the first thing that has been just theirs. I want this item to be special. I'm thinking a blanket or stuffed animal for the plane ride. Let me know if you see anything that you think would be a contender!

Well, we have just under two weeks left to meet our deadline. I wonder if we can bust through this thing and turn it in early!?

-contessa

The Difference A Week Makes

Last Sunday we were in need of 14,000 to officially accept the boys. Now, we have officially done this in our hearts, but we have to put our money where our hearts are!

I want to share with you what has happened this last week.
-3,100 taken in from Church love offering.
-I sold many of our craft items
-refinanced our house to a 15yr loan for just a little less than $100 increase to our monthly payment!! From this we will receive a check for around $850, and our December payment can go towards the adoption!
-found out that our home study is $1,000 more than we realized, but we can make smaller payments. Allowing us to use most of the money we had saved for the referral.
-$500 donation
- great news from our agency that a little over $1,000 isn't needed because of the region the boys are from.

So once I get all those checks etc. in the bank it looks like we are down to needing right at $4,000!!!!

Can you believe it? Yes, that is still a sizable amount but I just know this is going to happen people!

It is sooo hard to fully rely on God. Over and over He has told me to not to devise mans schemes for this money. It is so easy to come up with ways to earn it or make it appear.

William and I were able to talk about it and I shared again that I thought God was confirming this in my heart. We prayed that He would make it clear. Did you know God works through Facebook? ;). Lo and behold this quote was posted on a "hospital" in Haiti's page...

Why do I not call on His name? Why do I run to this neighbor and that when God is so near and will hear my faintest call? Why do I sit down and devise schemes and invent plans? Why not at once roll myself and my burden upon The Lord?
Devotion -Streams in the dessert

I have had that same phrase "devise men's schemes"on my mind for awhile now, and it's not something you run into very often ;).

There is so much more I want to say that is on my heart. So much I am learning and so much that He is doing but it's time for bed!

Couple quick facts really fast though
-the boys do not and will not know any English. Maybe 1-2 words.
They pick it up so fast I hear though! We are going to learn some handy phrases before travel.
-N will be Congolese potty trained ;) meaning they kind of pee wherever. So we'll work towards getting it in the toilet. I told one of the agency coordinators that I'm glad I don't have house plants! She got a huge kick out of that, surprised she hadn't heard that before! ;)
-we will be able to send care packages and a family album but not until certain steps have been covered with the adoption.

Goodnight!

Craft Fair Items

I am going to list the leftover items I have from the craft fair today. It went ok, not sure how people do at those things. We made $260 :)

I will post the asking price I had at the fair, but everything is OBO!

First we have lovely wooden growth charts $45

We also have some canvas art prints. There are plain ones to add your own 5x7, some with a picture. $20

I also have 1 nativity scene left and 1 Shepard scene. $45

Then we have vegetable dip mixes, 1-$2.00 or 3-$5. Yum! Not a traditional ranch dip.

And a dry rub 2-$7
Double yum! Ask my family!

Next up is garland/swag thingies haha! The sky is the limit as to how you could use one. Hang on the fireplace, use in an archway, decorate Christmas tree, hang vertically and clip Christmas cards. All different seasons represented. $20

And last would be our T-shirts!

Please Call or TEXT to purchase. 260-3170, 398-8293

Thanks!

We're Expecting!!

That's right folks, we're expecting brothers from the DRC!  "A" will be 5 in December, and "N" is 2 1/2.  They have the sweetest little faces, and if you see one of us personally we will be more than happy to let you see them.  Unfortunately, we cannot share there pictures across the world wide web. 

As most of you know we have been awaiting this email from our agency for over a week now!  We spoke on the phone about the boys but couldn't share anything until we received our written referral.  Now the count is on.  We have 30 days to turn in our dossier (which is complete, just needs to be scanned and sent in) and come up with $14,000!  He hee hmmmm...you know what though, I am not at all scared or unsure that this need will be met.  We had a wonderful revival at our church this past week, and Sunday's sermon was about miracles.  People, God is still in the miracle business! 
I'll admit at times I have to give it over, but more and more especially this last week I have had a peace. 

I've spoken to a couple people about my thoughts and feelings about getting attached to these children.  Reading many adoption blogs, I've found that when people would speak about the children and talk so intently that they were theirs etc, it made me kind of roll my eyes.  You see anything can happen.  They could travel home next summer and be ours forever, or in a couple months one could pass away from the sub-standard living conditions, or from not having enough food to eat.  Possibly even the government could stop or halt the adoption process.  Anything can happen, but I have realized that just as much the child that is carried in the womb that has been lost and taken to heaven was that women's child, these are the children that God has placed in our hearts and we will do everything to bring them home.  And in the unfortunate event they are never placed to live with us they will have a place within our hearts. 

How could we work for over a year towards bringing them home without getting attached?  Am I supposed to stay guarded and then when everything works out the way we think, I am supposed to all of a sudden love them?  No, we love them now and it will continue to grow as we work towards making them Wolverton's. 

I don't say that because I think anyone reading has those thoughts that I have had.  Just a way for me to think through these crazy thoughts rolling around in my brain.  :)

More about the boys, "A" has the most beautiful skin and the most kissable lips!  He, being almost 5, looks to be unsure about his surroundings and this new life and more aware.  What loss and pain. You can see, in his giant eyes, he carries the burdens of a Bigger Brother at all too young an age, and we know God has a plan to bring him and his small Brother out of their current world.  -William takes credit for the last sentence. 

They have been in the orphanage since last spring.  "N" has THE cutest little smile, and tiny little teeth.  His eyes are so big and brown, and a cute button nose. His genuine happy expression is so innocent and pure that it would be humanly impossible not to instantly fall in love with him!  -William wrote that last sentence.  :)

More information to come later.  We'll get you updated on the next steps after turning in the dossier and money.  If everything goes as it has been going we should be travelling next summer.

I have a bunch of crafts and stuff to sell at the What Women Want Craft show tomorrow, so stop on by.  SoHi 10-5. 


-The Wolvertons

T-shirts!

The t-shirts have arrived! They turned out really well. Don't forget to tell family and friends. They will also make great presents!

The sizes are:
(They are said to be pre-shrunk)

Adult (regular men's cut)- M,L,XL

Women's- M,L,XL

Youth- XS(2-4), S(6-8), M(10-12), L(14-16)

Adult-$22
Youth-$15

I have limited selection in each size, I can always order more (I have 79 toal so I should have enough!)

Please include $2.00 for shipping, if I will be mailing it to you.

You may PayPal by using the donate button in the side bar.

Or you may write a check made out to William or I.

Actual Womens and Youth Color Below

Actual Mens Color Below

Questions, Please Call!

-Contessa

Full Steam Ahead

Looks like we are about less than two weeks away from sending our dossier in to our agency! 

Some of you heard about the Sequoia having a malfunction in our driveway...

We can all imagine what could have happened if I had been on the highway.  The lower ball joint totally broke.  God is so merciful to us, and let us land not quite halfway in the driveway.  And to top it off a friend told us we should check to see if it had a recall.  Lo, and behold it did!  What are the chances?  So Toyota took the brunt of the repairs.  I did have to make two trips to Anchorage to have the body work done.  We did have the upper ball joints replaced because it's almost time anyhow, and the mechanic had it all tore apart and that cost was on Toyota. 

The day before we went to go pick up the car, my computer got a virus that wiped it out completely!  Ack!  William was able to restore it back to a couple days prior, but there were some things missing.  More importantly, pictures!  My amazing brother in law was able to find the hidden files.  Thank you God! 

We are feeling the fire.  God is absolutely winning this battle though! 

It looks as though since we are open to adopting an older child (above 3), we should not have to wait for a referral.  Pretty much as soon as we turn in the dossier, there are some boys who are available. 
Would you please pray that God will give us discernment?  It's not an easy thing choosing a child!  We ask that God would make it very clear whom he wants to be a Wolverton. 

Also, the daunting feeling of needing around $8,000 for a single child and $18,000 for a sibling set.  That will be due when we accept our referral which could happen as soon as 2 weeks!

 People have been so gracious and answered the call to give selflessly!  We cannot thank you enough. 

We do not know where or how the money needed will show up.  What we do know is that God will provide. 

Please continue to pray that this next step goes smoothly, that all of our paperwork looks acceptable, and that we could fully trust in Him. 

 

~Our T-shirts should be available soon!  Very exciting.  We have many sizes available, and a men's and women's cut.  Your welcome, your very welcome ladies.  ;) 

                                                     (They will not have the paper background)

As always, I love to hear what your thinking!  :)

Knee Deep

In paperwork!

Really it's a good thing though, because it means we are one step closer to bringing a sweet child(ren) into our home!  We have 13 documents to work on, and 1 we have to file with the U.S. Government.  Some are simple are some require a bit more effort and brain power.  :) 

I should be speaking with our agency tomorrow, hopefully we will have some news.

We are working towards finishing the dossier by the end of October.  At that point we will be ready to accept a referral.  If we ask to be on the sibling list, it could be up to 6 months.  We are also open to looking at some waiting children.  Once we accept the referral we would be looking at 6-9 months before we would travel! 

Would you pray with us that we can compile all of the documents, and we would have clarity of mind to do it correctly? 

I ordered the T-shirts, so those should be ready in less than two weeks. 

-Contessa

Baby Baby!

This post won't be exactly adoption themed, although all the money from donations I make will go straight towards the adoption!  I couldn't resist capturing some sweet pictures of baby A.  So precious and tiny! 

It will be missed, that time of newborn smell and touch when we finally get to meet our new one.  On the other hand, I do pray that his/her mother did get to cherish that time while she could...

On to the pictures!

Prayer

We would apreciate your prayers as we make some important decisions in the next couple days. 

Thank You All

-Contessa

Contract

Well...yesterday was the big day.  I sent our signed and notarized contract into our agency.  Whew, what a relief!  I cannot say thank you enough to those who gave so unconditionally (thank you notes are on the way, I'm getting names from the church soon)! 

I am simply amazed at the faithfulness of God.  He provided for our needs. 

Pray for us as we make decisions, as there are a couple waiting children in the orphanage. 

We will start on the dossier in the next couple days!

Speechless

Well, we found out that there will be another $1,700 coming in!!!!  WOW! 
Along with some other donations, we will likely be down to $1,000 short of the money needed.  We can grab that from dividends.  We were thinking we would need to use that whole amount for this installment of money. 

You better believe I was praising MY God today... and thinking of the streams coming down my face, this song comes to mind.

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

And because I know there will be hard days ahead, the next verse

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

We plan on signing on with the DRC contract with Love Beyond Borders on Monday.  Wouldn't it be so awesome if God provided that $1,000 we will need? 

Faithful

Psalm 115:1 1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

Psalm 89:1 1 I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

Psalm 33:4 (#1 of 15 Bible Verses about God's Faithfulness) 4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

Psalm 36:5
5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.

Yesterday was rough.  Satan really got in and attacked from all sides.  William and I had to look each other in the eyes and answer the same questions that we've answered time and time again in this last year.

Do we feel like God has called us to adopt?

Are we both in this?

We just had to realize that we are not the author of this book.  If God has called you to it, He will bring you through it!  (I've heard that somewhere)

All we can do is take it one day at a time.  We cannot think about the money that will be due in 3-4 months.  That will be taken care of "tomorrow".  Right now we need to put together the $11,175 to sign on to the DRC contract.  Frankly, we need it now so that we can keep moving forward.  It's important with expiration dates on homestudy's, fingerprints, and paperwork. 

I had not checked in with the Church to see if any donations had come in from our letter we sent out.  Pastor Greg though had informed me that he thought something had come in the mail a couple days ago.  I talked with someone in charge of that, and she said yes around $300 had come in!  I didn't know that!

I informed her that there might be another donation that had just come in, and was she aware of that.  She said no, but would check.  Well, I went to check the mail and when I returned she informed me that indeed there was a check for $1,200!!!  I'm not sure where it came from, but apparently some type of grant?  WOW!!

This living on the edge thing is going to be tough...but someones got to do it. 

**On a side note I have a pay pal donate button now.  Please don't feel that I am begging for money.  It's just easier for some people to donate this way if they feel led.

Also, I am thinking of making T-shirts for the adoption.  I wanted to make a cool poll to post on the blog but it wouldn't ever work! 
My questions are:
Should I design it for both genders or just female?

Should I make it Wolverton adoption specific?  Meaning, instead of making it about orphans or adopting in general I would include a map of Alaska, Africa, our name etc. ?

If you would please leave a comment on here or facebook.  Thanks!

-Contessa

Movement!

We're finally getting somewhere!

We're about to have the second portion of our home study completed.  Literally in like 10 mins.  Yay!  If you've ever wanted to be challenged to be a better parent, have someone conduct a home study on your family, haha.  No, really, wondering how your children will answer some of the questions is nerve wracking.  Every family has it's challenges, and it's ups and downs.  Will she tell them I spend too much time on the computer?  Will she talk about how I get frustrated? Will they tell about how we apologize when we speak out of that frustration?  How sometimes, we all just have to take a breather, and regroup later to talk it out calmly?  I sure hope the latter is what is forefront on their minds, not only for the home study, but because that is what family is about.  And no family is perfect, sometimes we forget to make that apology.  Really makes you think about what kind of legacy you are leaving behind. 

Moving on...like I said we are getting the home study out of the way.  It feels like a huge weight is being lifted off of my shoulders as it's one of the main portions to complete in an adoption. 

What's next?  Well, money to be blunt.  I hate bringing it up because it feels like this world is always about money.  I wish I could need something else right now other than prayer more than money.  We currently have $4,600 in our adoption fund.  We were able to put $600 into that fund just this last paycheck (William had a ton of overtime that had built up, and working turnaround).  I only say that because I want you to know while we are asking for donations, we are also working very hard also.  I am currently watching the children on Thursdays at church during Bible Study, and quilting group, and will continue that throughout the year.  I'm also working on some craft projects to hopefully sell at the craft bazaar's this winter.

We've received a few donations, and thank you for that!!!  God is in control! 

After we put together enough money we can sign on with our agency for the DRC contract.  We have been accepted by our agency, just need the money now, to really get started.  Then we can start compiling our dossier.

We sent out an informational letter recently.  If you did not receive it, but would like to just give me a shout.  :)

-Contessa

New Path

Sorry the blog has been quiet lately!  In all honesty that is probably how it will be, exciting spurts of info followed by a lull.  Just too many things to keep up with. 

This new path we are taking will lead us to the Democratic Republic of Congo!  Like I posted before, Haiti is starting to make many changes concerning it's Hague status.  They are currently closed to accepting new dossiers.  They were supposed to open on August 1st.  That did not happen and they do not know when they will open, September they are thinking.  Scary!  Just too many unknowns at this time to proceed with that country.  There will always be uncertainty with adoption, but we aren't looking forward to starting the process with any known problems. 

If you have read previous posts, you know that God was leading us to Haiti.  I am not sure why things have changed, or why he lead us there in the beginning.  I have been led to many wonderful blogs and have learned about awesome programs and orphanages in Haiti.  I hope in the future we can be part of the work there. 

Also you might remember my concern adopting from the DRC.  After reading many blogs (from people either living in or very closely connected to) about adopting from the DRC I feel at ease and fully prepared to ask the right questions to make an ethical decision. 


What's next?
We have our home study scheduled for September 6-7.  Please be in prayer for our time with the social worker. 

We will be starting to compile our dossier in a few days (along with many other forms).  This process could take 3-6 months.  We will then wait for our referral, which could take an estimated 1-4 months.  Then we should be able to travel once and pick up our child/children 6-9 months after referral.  Of course there will probably be bumps along the road! 

This time frame should be much faster than Haiti.  Which is exciting and scary at the same time, because that means we will have to have our money in place much quicker. 

Thank you so much for following along with us on this journey!

Uncle! Uncle!

OK, OK, I give up!  I give in!  

Oh the turmoil of surrendering it all to God.  This is what's happening...we're all ready to hit submit with our application and getting started on other adoption paperwork, and BAM the blog world explodes with news from Haiti our chosen country.  

"On June 11th, 2012, Haiti ratified the Hague Convention on Inter country Adoption. At this time we do not know the date that Haiti will deposit the instrument of ratification to the Hague Permanent Bureau and we do not know whether the Hague Permanent Bureau will accept the ratification. Ninety days after the instrument is delivered, if the Hague Permanent Bureau accepts their packet, Haiti will become a Hague country. We have been advised that it is possible that Haiti may hold off for a considerable period of time in depositing their ratification. There are still many unknowns at this point and a clear timeline of how this will unfold is impossible to foretell. 

       At this time the future effects of these changes for U.S. Citizens adopting from Haiti are unclear. An ABI representative has been told that Haiti is in favor of continuing international adoptions and has no intention of closing the adoption program. The current administration of IBESR looks forward to creating a better regulated system, with improved protections in place for Haitian biological families and children being placed for adoption. IBESR made the decision to temporarily stop accepting new adoption dossiers until August 1, 2012, making clear their intention to clear out their backlog of cases and to allow IBESR administration the time to implement new policies that would strengthen their system.
       It is also unknown how the U.S. Department of State might react to Haiti’s ratification. Historically, even if the Department of State determines that a new Hague nation is not following the convention and therefore closes adoptions from that nation to U.S. Citizens, families in process – those who had filed a form I600-A – were allowed to complete their adoptions.
       The Hague Permanent Bureau in their published Guidebook to Good Practices advocates gradual implementation and outlines recommended steps for this process that developing countries should take to strengthen international adoption practice but not prohibit the opportunity that inter country adoption affords to many children in need. Many countries have prematurely deposited their articles of ratification and/or implemented the Hague Treaty tenets in such a way that what was intended for child protection becomes a weapon against them. We certainly hold out great hope that Haiti may hold off on depositing their ratification until sufficient law changes have been passed in Haiti and until their social welfare system has developed the resources to accommodate a system of protection that is actually reasonable, practical and able to be implemented.
        We believe this presents a unique opportunity for the poorest country in the western hemisphere to serve as a valuable model for the best way to implement Hague. We ask that all pray continuously for the Haitian leadership involved to have wisdom and discernment as they move forward.
        At this time, Haitian adoptions remain open and a legal option for U.S. Citizens. ABI advises all families considering a Haitian adoption to proceed with caution as we continue to investigate Haiti’s accession to the Hague Convention and what it might mean for future adoptions from Haiti for U.S. Citizens. Families must be accepting of the risks of pursuing an adoption from Haiti. We further advise families to check the Department of State's adoption notices for current information on adoption from Haiti and any publications of Joint Council on International Children's Services regarding Haiti."

Basically, this means that the country will probably  try and become a Hague country sometime in the near future (In adoption world, “Hague Country” means a country that has signed, ratified, and implemented the Hague Convention Standards for Inter country Adoption. Each step - signing, ratification and implementation- is separate and can take years.  The same thing that Tim and Jill Bruno have had to endure).  Most likely we will deal with it during our adoption.  As if I want to complicate an already delicate process.  But, I don't really get a choice do I?  

This is my problem, wanting, and needing control!  So, I've been throwing a little tantrum the past week or so.  Talking with family about the decision to stick with Haiti (which seems illogical to me at this point!), and all the while little Avlynne shaking her head and rolling those huge eyes at me.  As if I have to listen to a 10yr old!  Hmph!  

I've had a feeling that I would have a lot to learn from this whole process when Stephanie the Haiti director from our agency told me that "it's not the men that usually have a hard time with the attachment, it's the mothers!"  And to think, I was worrying about how William would connect with a boy.  

As I was reading an update about the new information to William last night, first thing he said was "we're still going with Haiti".  And that's when I stomped my feet on the ground and shook my fists at God.  I told William that this was my idea, I had to encourage the family to get on board and now it's just all out of my control, and God is using THEM to confirm what I'm not sure I want to hear?!  Not fair, because by the worlds standards choosing to adopt from Haiti right now while we haven't really even started the process doesn't seem like a smart move.  And sometimes I just want to make a decision on my own, one that sounds good to me.  And by now, my arms are folded and I just want to cry but I'm not very good at that.  

And so this morning I talk with a sweet, sweet lady that is Stephanie's mother.  She is filling in while Stephanie is in the DRC .  A country that would be fairly easy to adopt from right now, but my heart is at unrest with.  And by the end of the conversation I am in tears, because I hear myself.  I hear my stingy, dirty heart.  I hear myself wanting to be in control, to call the shots.  She tells me that there is no rush, it's not a race.  But that's exactly how I feel.  Not that I want to be at the end of it already, but I do want to win the race.  Because not only do I feel called to adopt, I WANT to adopt.  So by winning, I mean I want the race to end with a child in my arms.  I feel like if we choose Haiti, there's a chance I'll lose...

I know I'm being silly.  Please don't make too much fun of me.  I'll probably be like a 2 yr old that is still taking deep hiccuped breaths 20 minutes after the meltdown, one little wrong move and we'll start all over again.  ;)  

-Contessa

Garage Sale Update

I apologize this post has taken me awhile to write.  Yesterday I finally had the chance to deposit the cash and change from the garage sale.  I was able to deposit $2,0070.00!!  Wow, what a garage sale!  We were absolutely blessed  by the donations that came in from family friends, church members, and teachers from the girls school.  We only had a small percentage of stuff left compared to what was donated.  A little I have kept for an upcoming sale with friends, and the rest I have donated to The Tribe which helps local needy and homeless teens. 

THANK YOU... is not enough

God was also so very faithful to bring adoptee's that were willing to share parts of their stories with me.  I'm not sure if there are that many adoptive grown children in the area, but they sure made it out to the sale!  I was even able to talk to a young women about hair care, and the chance to talk with her in the future about international adoption (she was adopted). 

He also brought a young girl going into 6th grade to the sale.  She asked to sit down because she had a headache.  I asked her a few seconds later if she was feeling okay.  She replied that there had been some disruption in the home the day before when her mother came home drunk, and I believe she mentioned something about the police.  I REALLY struggle with what to do in these situations.  I just cannot simply turn away, close my ears, and tell myself I can't or shouldn't do anything.  I gave her my # on a tiny slip of paper.  Is that going to change her situation?  No.  It breaks my heart, and reminds me why I had wanted to adopt from the U.S. in the very beginning. 

Thanks to my Sunday School class for letting me share that on Sunday through a pile of tears and emotion. 

I also had the chance to defend our situation to an older woman, who thought we should be adopting from the U.S.  I've had those same thoughts, so I could understand where she was coming from.  Of course I went into great detail about why it wasn't right for us at this time.  She very matter of factly informed me that I did not need to do that, that a simple "it doesn't work at the time" would suffice.  And you know what, she's right. 

I am prepared for bumps along this road, and the truth is I simply do not have the time nor the relationship to explain all the answers to everyone.  God is the Judge. 

If you are wondering though why we chose International Adoption rather than through the U.S. here's the basic answer.

We knew we were not looking into domestic newborn adoption since we have had the privilege of bringing home 3 teenie ones already.  There are plenty of mom's and dad's that are specifically looking for that experience.  That left us with the option of adopting through the foster care system.  Once I had spoken with a handful of agencies and they all recommended that we not disrupt our own birth order (that would mean we needed to adopt someone younger than Sable) we realized that aside from very severe needs children there weren't many who were under Sable's age.  In fact the majority of children in the foster care are 6 and up.  We were not comfortable with bringing in an older child from the U.S. at this time.  Internationally, we would allow it since the reason these children are in orphanages is very different (for the large percentage) from the reason children in the U.S. are in the states custody. 

William says let's just get through this adoption, but I could see U.S. adoption an option once our children are older.  :) 



So, where does this leave us?  We currently have $3700.00 in the adoption fund.  I expect to need $5,000 - $6,000 to get started.  That would be
-$250.00 for the Love Beyond Borders application
-$2,250.00 due to LBB when we sign our agreement
-$100.00+ for background and fingerprinting
-$2,250+ - for home study, travel costs, and per diem.
And all the things that I'm not even aware of yet. 

We are so close, and hopefully with the sale of the van and truck we will be there! 

Thank you friends for following us on this journey. 

Not A Happy Day For All Mothers

       As I peruse adoption blogs and writings, my heart has been transformed by the words.  I'll admit, that even a short 6 months ago I didn't think about the mother that would die or someday be in the position to give up her child because of circumstances.  I only thought of the orphan.  For the most part, orphans in countries such as Africa and Haiti are not full to the brim because the family did not want them.  No, they are at max capacity because of the overwhelming poverty and conditions of that country. 

        I have been thinking a lot lately about the mother that will someday become a part of my life, intertwined so deeply.  We really don't give much thought about that mother or the father who lost his wife, who feels they simply cannot care for their child enough to keep them.  My heart has begun to ache for them.  For the siblings that are old enough to remember saying good-bye, wondering why it wasn't them. I wonder why, why was I put in the here and now.  I don't even want to call it blessed anymore really.  Has that mother in Haiti not been blessed because of something she did?  Have I been blessed because of something I HAVE done?  My mind cannot grasp why God chose me for this life and her for that one. 

James 1:27

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. 

Psalm 82:3

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

I want to link you to some INCREDIBLE  people, doing some incredible things in the lives of orphans and widows. 

First off

Child Sponsorships
  http://www.compassion.com/default.htm. 
  http://www.sixtyfeet.org/
http://www.worldvision.org/

http://kitumaini.blogspot.com/  This is a family who spent yrs in the Dominican Republic of Congo.  They adopted twins and have set up a charity that runs like compassion. 

http://www.internationalvoiceoftheorphan.com/  This is a wonderful family who resides in the US, they have adopted many children from all over the world.  Dwight the husband leads trips to Uganda, and also diciples and trains pastors in Uganda.  This is such an awesome family, and I love to keep up with their personal blog as well.  http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/

http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/ You've got to check out this inspired woman serving the people of Uganda.  Changing lives one at a time.  And here is the direct link to the sponsorship program http://www.amazima.org/sponsor.html

------->If you only choose to click on one link, please choose this one.  Here is an organization that is like a hospital.  They take in children and some adults, nurse them back to health and send them back to their families.  The link that I am going to post is graphic.  This is what malnutrition looks like.  I can't seem to shake these images out of my head...http://www.realhopeforhaiti.org/?cat=4  For some reason it's not letting me link it, but just copy and paste.  Go to their homepage for info on how you can donate.  They are sending a container full of supplies etc to Haiti soon and they are in need of money for the shipping costs. 

Let's get serious. 

Hopefully I will have more answers about our own adoption within this next week. We are at that scary stage of putting it in writing and handing over money.  Will you pray with us this week that we will hear clearly from God.  There are so many unknowns, and that first step can be a hard one to take. 

Sincerely, Contessa

Info!!!

Dear Contessa,

I have just returned from Haiti, where I spoke with the Director of IBESR at length. It would appear that she is choosing to follow Haitian law precisely, and your family WOULD qualify. Please give me a call, and we can discuss.

Diana Boni
Haiti and Africa Programs Coordinator
All Blessings International

I forgot to mention to people that if your one to get all riled up over grammar, you better leave now... ;)

Oh, and if you are starting here read the post below titled "Faith" first.


       Emry is my people lover, she takes after me.  She loves children, outcasts, and always remembers to shut doors and turn off the lights!  Avlynne, not so much.  What I am learning about Avlynne is that I better listen up when she speaks.  Because likely she is speaking truth right into my life...


       To back this story up a bit I need to start back last fall I guess.  William and I had been discussing adoption.  I have always wanted to adopt.  To be honest, I have talked him into this crazy adventure.  Nowadays, he's on board with trying to give a home to at least 1 out of the Millions of orphans there are in the world.  I've seen the way he was with my nieces before our own children were born, I've seen the way he has treated babies and little girls that he knows are living with family members because there mothers are unfit/unable to care for them at this time.  I've seen the way these children love him back...   I simply cannot wait to watch him when God brings our child into our home.

       OK, sorry back to the story!  So I spent the next couple months really studying and trying to learn about this challenge that we wanted to pursue.  Let me tell you, we haven't even technically started and it's already a challenge!  Just trying to research good agencies, which country, what age of child, etc.  is enough to make my head spin.  You see, every country has it's own rules and regulations.  Who can adopt, how long you have to be married, your age, how many children you can have.  Just when I think I have found a good agency they don't work with the countries that we qualify for.  And just when I find an agency that has good reviews and they have the country that we might want to work with they are no longer taking clients for that country!  Ahhhhh.

       So, we had narrowed it down to Haiti, Africa, or Bulgaria.  China is taking up to 5-6 yrs for a healthy referral, and while you can request a special needs child faster, my heart just wasn't being led in that direction.  Russia, is I think the most expensive coming in at 40,000-50,000 for an adoption and a possible 3 trips to the country.  Most of the Central American countries do not have a flourishing adoption system, and most require 1 trip of 6 or more weeks of in country stay when you pick up your child.

       I had contacted an agency about there Haiti program and was advised by the orphanage director in Haiti that both parents must be 35 to adopt from that country.  We were a bit bummed, but kept looking at the other options.  It was about that time that Avlynne and I had read the book Heaven Is For Real (awesome book by the way!).  William was gone one night to the Caribou Hills.  We layed in my bed together and had such a sweet conversation.  It was like nothing I had ever experienced with her.  We didn't talk quickly, but let each word and thought meander out slowly and allowed time to digest the thoughts.  She explained how in the book the little boy talked about Jesus loving the children so much.  She said to me "I just keep thinking that if Jesus loves the children so much, then we should too."  I said, "yes Avlynne, we should and that is exactly why we are trying to adopt."  She went on to say that she really felt like we were supposed to adopt from Haiti, she didn't know why but strongly felt like God was telling her that.  I explained to her that at this time we could not, but if God wanted us to then he would make a way...

       Fast forward to this last week.  We still hadn't found an agency or country.  I was on to some leads, but nothing concrete.  A good option for us is the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Africa.  We meet all the qualifications. Although, there is a lot of talk in the adoption world that there are some bad things happening in the Congo.  Exploitation of children, bribes, and orphanages not making sure that parents know exactly what they are doing, etc etc.  It's these same problems that have taken Ethiopia from 50 cases down to just 5 cases per day starting in March 2011.  There is a possibility that we could still adopt from Congo, but we will be going in VERY cautious and keeping our eye out for these things.

       Meanwhile, for over a week I had been trying to get in contact with the same agency that I had planned on using for Haiti.  I felt instantly connected to them back in Jan.  I wanted to talk to her about her El Salvador program.  William was very excited about that country, as was I.  When we finally got to chat a couple days ago, she warned me that it is a very tough process and would only encourage us to pursue that country if we felt like God was laying it on our hearts and telling us that He would open the doors.  We also talked about there Congo program and some things she is wanting to change and implement.  While we were speaking I told her that we had tried to do the Haiti program but I wasn't old enough.  After a couple minutes she said wait, is your husband over 35?  I said yes, but we were told in Jan. that both had to be 35.  She went on to say that something had just been cleared up within the laws in Haiti, and that it is no longer an issue!  She had just talked with the Haiti director the day before and she had clearly spelled it out.  Whoa!  Do you hear that door creaking open???

        I have not been in contact with the Haiti director yet (apparently she is one of the best and very well known).  So hopefully early next week we will have a chance to talk and see if this is a good fit for us.  When I picked the girls up from school that day after talking with the agency, I asked them where they thought we should adopt from.  Of course, Avlynne said Haiti right away!  I let her know about the situation, and she kind of chuckles and says "I knew we were supposed to adopt from Haiti!"

I find it very coincidental that Willow was in the hospital on Wednesday and Thursday I talked with the agency.  Maybe I needed a shot of faith and answered prayer.

Open your eyes, you never know who God will have speak truth and blessing into your lives.

Faith

Where do I start?

          Before I update you with what is happening with the adoption plans I have to start with what happened Wednesday night.  My niece Willow who is 7, fell on the slide last Wednesday evening.  She was suffering from a concussion and was in the E.R. when my sister called about 6:30.  She informed me that Willow could not remember her numbers, letters, shapes, and family.  When asked to spell CAT, she spelled it MXK, and when asked to draw a square she drew a circle etc.  The weird thing was, she was consistently wrong.  After an hour my sister showed her MXK, and asked her what it spelled and she said CAT!  It was so weird and VERY scary.  When we talked with the doctor about it he said very bluntly that it was somewhat normal with the severity of her head trauma, and that there was a possibility though slim, that she could never regain full memory.

        There was also a very odd conversation that I still can't figure out.  She had asked who else was coming to see her.  My sister asked who else she wanted to come.  Willow said "that man".  We asked, what man?  She said "up there", and pointed to the ceiling.  Shanda and I looked at each other with puzzled looks.  I can't remember exactly how the whole thing went, but she went on to talk about a man with a beard and then two men.  And the fact that you had to take a crystal road to get there.  She also talked about River's (her sister) friend, talking about Roxanne an elderly lady who passed away years ago.  I'm not saying she had a near death experience, I truly don't know what to think.  I haven't had a chance to talk with her since to see if she has anything to say about it.
     
      Of course, I had been praying while driving to the hospital and silently while I was there.  There was a point about 7:45 that my sister and niece went to get Willow some food.  While they were gone, I asked Willow if I could pray for her, she said "yes".  When I was finished she said "thank you".  She then talked about being hungry again, and I asked her what she wanted.  She said Subway.  She could tell me what she wanted on the sandwich, but when describing the pepperoni she said you know the square kind.

      About that time Shanda came back into the room.  Within a couple minutes, Willow had said something that actually made a little sense, so we questioned her more.  From that point on she pretty much had full memory, and within 5 more minutes the doctor came back in and she could tell him what 12 + 12 and 24 + 24 was!  She knew her age, and who everyone was.

      I haven't done a ton of research on concussions, though what I have read makes it seem like that speedy of recovery is not usual, though I am not 100% sure of that.  What I do know is that  I am completely sure that God healed Willow right then and there.  He answered my prayer about making everything "connect" right in her head.

      That is where my faith comes into play, and I'm not talking about the abundance of it.  I will have to continue that story in another post but this is what Avlynne had to say about it, "mom I think God did that so you would have more faith."

Found

Listening to the radio this morning I heard about a girl that had been swept away when the 2004 Tsunami hit Indonesia.  7yrs later, in the last couple weeks or days she has arrived back in her home town, and started looking for her family.  Someone recognized the name of her Grandpa, one of the few names she could remember.  She was confirmed by the family as the daughter they believed gone forever, by a scar and birthmark on her face! 

I love connecting modern day life with God, and His work.  It's just how my brain functions.  I couldn't help but think this morning about how we too sometimes get swept away by this world.  Perhaps a moment when we choose the wide path instead of the narrow.  Only to return later after the world has spit us out.  Yet, as Christ followers we are still known when we return!!  How glorious!  If we knew the Father before left He will still recognize us upon our return.  We have been sealed, a mark put on us by the blood of the Lamb.  Jesus bears those scars for us.  He paid the ultimate price, and those scars are still present today on Him.  Scars that made him recognizable on that road some 2000 yrs ago.  No matter how far, how long this world has held you captive know that you are still known.  That there is a loving Father who recognizes you when you find your way home. 

I hope to revive this Blog, and keep everyone up to date on our daily life, and the process of our adoption.  Look for more posts soon! 

-Contessa