Orphan Sunday

We had the opportunity to share the need for orphan ministry at our church. November 8, 2009 was a day set aside across our nation and around the world to share this great need.

Here is the video we shared. Grab a tissue!

http://www.orphansunday.org/resources Download 'The Forgotten Ones' PowerPoint.

Take some time to checkout this two great resources to learn more.

http://www.orphansunday.org/
http://www.cryoftheorphan.org/display.asp?Page=Home

Fundraising Efforts

We are in the process of planning fundraising efforts. We are working with a wonderful organization called Lifesong for Orphans (http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/). They will be partnering with us to administer the funds received on our son's behalf. In addition, they have granted us a $5,000 interest-free loan.

We will be sending out fundraising letters to our family and friends that are out-of-state. For our friends locally, mark your calendars for March 20. We will be putting together a concert with local Christian artists and bands.

We are in need of approximately $32,000 to complete the adoption. We have paid $10,000 towards the adoption and are anxious to see how God will provide the rest.

Our registration with Ukraine has processed

We received news that our SDA review is scheduled for April 22, 2010. What this means is that a representative will deliver our dossier documents at the appointment. Ukraine will process and provide a travel date with in 20 days.

Please pray each day for SDA review on April 22, 2010 that those involve will look favor on our family and permit us to adopt a child in need of a loving home.

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18: 19-20

Have a blessed week.

We need your prayers and support

We have started the process of applying for interest-free loans and grants.

Each step in the adoption process when I am worn out and tired, I turn to God's comforting words.

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phillippians 3:13-14

There is still much to do. Please pray that the Lord will provide the financial resources to bring our son home.

"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer." Psalm 17:6

A Heartfelt Prayer

"Dear Heavenly Father, please keep our son safe, fed, and sheltered. Let him know that his family will be there soon."

Jason

If we could pick up baby brother today, what would you say?

"We have a new room for you."
- Alexandra, sister

"Give him a big kiss!."
- Elizabeth, sister

How our adoption journey began

Back in October of 2008, the Lord lay heavy on my heart to grow our family through adoption. I approached my husband, Jason, with the idea. After many nights of prayer, we began researching adoption agencies. We researched the web and requested packets from various agencies.

We choose America World Adoption Agency to lead us through the process of adoption. On October 17, 2008, we submitted our application. We are applying for a son ages 0 - 4 years of age.

January 2009 - Started Home Study
April 2009 - Applied for US Immigration Approval
May 2009 - Started Dossier Documents
July 2009 - Completed Home Study and Prepared a Bedroom
September 2009 - Sent Adoption Registration to Ukraine

What the Lord teaches us through this process is patience. Adoption is a long process with lots of paper work, procedures, and uncertainties. But as we read in Colossians 1:11, "being strenghtened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience"

Rachel