New Family Adoption Journey

Goodbye 2011

2012-01-01T12:12:00.000-05:00

Wow I'm a blog slacker...

So when I last wrote, we were in Kigali, picking up Evangeline! Let's start from there....

After 2 weeks in Rwanda, we were cleared to travel to Kenya to complete the adoption process. Leaving Rwanda was bittersweet. Our process in Rwanda went smoothly for the most part. We made some life long friends in the families we traveled with and our POA, Peter among others.

We were all dreading the process in Kenya, but it couldn't have gone any easier. We were done in a record 2 days! It took us 2 more days to get a flight out. In the meantime, I had to get David to the hospital due to eating some bad food. He remained sick for almost 2 weeks after we got home.

The trip home was long, but knowing we would be in the arms of our family soon, got us through! I think it was the happiest moment of my life when our whole family was together at last! On October 7, 2011 we arrived back home, and officially became a family of 4!

Our adoption announcement: Evangeline Shakila Zale New is officially our daughter! For those wondering about her name. Evangeline was chosen because we love it! Shakila was her birth mother's name, and also the name her birth mother gave to her. We want her to always have a piece of her birth mother with her. Zale is my mother's middle name, which I've always loved because it is unique and I wanted to honor her!

Since we've been home, Evie has experienced many firsts. She's a tiny thing! At 6 months old she only weighed 10 lbs, at 7 months she was up to 12 lbs. Tomorrow is her 9 month appointment, so we'll see where she's at! She went from being unable to hold her head up when we first met her, to being able to sit up on her own, putting weight on her legs, and starting to "talk". It's amazing what the love of a family can do!

2011 has been a year of many challenges, but also great rewards. We're so happy that our daughter is finally home! We can't wait to see what 2012 brings us!

Peace

2011-09-21T10:27:00.000-04:00

As we flew into Kigali on Sunday, my mind was running a million miles an hour. We were finally here, what was it going to be like? Would our daughter come to us easily, or would she cry? How were we going to make it through the next 3 weeks?

Today is Day 4 here and it is hard to describe the sights, sounds, and emotions. Kigali is a large, bustling city. However, it is unlike any city in America. One minute you can be driving on a nice paved road, and the next you are turning onto a packed dirt road with ruts in it over 2 feet deep. You can see well dressed women and men in suits going to work, then you can turn the corner and see people in rags. We drive past beautiful buildings, nice, clean and modern. Then we turn onto our next street and we pass houses made of rusted metal and sticks. We see children dressed in crisp, clean school uniforms that are walking home for lunch, then trailing behind them we see the street children with hardly any clothing and no home to go to.

Rwanda is full of contradictions, but please don't read this as complaints. It is beautiful, it is jarring, it is heartbreaking, but so joyful. It is the birth place of my daughter and a country that has forever changed me. This whole journey has changed me, but I am forever thankful.

I imagined this trip being hard, stressful and overwhelming. While we have had this at times, overall I have had an amazing sense of peace. I know God is with us every single step we take. We have made amazing towards our adoption. In just 3 days we have been able to accomplish legally adopting our daughter. While there are still steps and hurdles along the way, I have no fear. God has placed Evangeline in our family, and he is caring for each of us.

Every day we walk the long hill to the Home of Hope Orphanage. We knock on the door and are greeted by the groundskeeper or another helper. The sisters send word to the baby room and one of them dresses our daughter and brings her to us. We are free to walk around the grounds - which is only a small courtyard, or to sit in a small room with a table and 4 chairs. When visiting hours are over, we must return Evangeline to the nuns, and they take her back to her crib.

For David and I, this is the hardest part. Holding and playing with her, seeing her sweet smile, hearing the occasional coo, then after a few short hours, having to give her back. She receives absolutely excellent care at Home of Hope. We could not ask for a better place for her to be at, but it still is not home with us.

Today I thought about all of this from Evangeline's perspective. While we are tortured at the thought of so little time with her, it really has been best for her. She is able to spend time with us, she now recognizes us when we come to get her! But she is then able to go back to the safety and security of her crib. She has never appeared to be scared of us, in fact the first moment we saw her, she smiled, almost as if to say "Oh there you are! I knew you were coming!" But I know that this is not easy for her, and it will get harder once she leaves the orphanage for good. We gain a daughter, she loses everything she has ever known, but she gains a family, and that is what is most important. There may be hard days to come, days here in Africa that try us and hard days for Evangeline, but I feel peace. Peace in knowing God is with us, that he is carrying us through this, and that we are now a family, forever.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

WWLand of a Thousand Hills

2011-09-19T07:52:00.000-04:00

We have safely made it to Rwanda. The journey was long and hard, but worth every second of it. Our longest frlight, from Washington D.C. to Addis Ababa Ethiopia, was not nearly as bad as I was afraid of. As he descended into Rwanda, the anticipation was almost too much. Viewing the hills and countryside and knowing that we were about to meet our daughter, was amazing.

Peter, our POA, and our driver picked us up at the airport. We drove straight to our hotel - Step Town. The grounds are lovely, the internet leaves much to be desired. We are within walking distance from Home of Hope Orphanage, which is excellent.

After checking in and freshening up a bit, we walked to the orphanage. Waiting at the top of the walkway for the nuns to bring her out, I was full of butterflies. When the sister rounded the corner, all I could see was a little lump in a blanket. She was brought to us and I began talking to her and she immediately looked at me and smiled. That moment made every worry, every tear, every second of the wait worth it. I cannot begin to describe how beautiful she is; big brown eyes, a head full of hair, and a tiny little peanut. She is definitely going to have a personality. The expressions she makes are so funny. It's almost as if she is talking to you.

I expected to cry - I'm a crier...but I was so full of love and joy that I could not stop smiling. Even though I have barely met her, I love her with a mother's love. She has been growing in my heart these long years, and it feels so good to have finally "give birth" to her.

We were able to spend two hours with her yesterday, then we had to leave. Dinner was at Bourbon coffee and was excellent. We were exhausted from traveling 25 hours straight with no sleep the night before so we were able to get to bed early. This morning we were up at 5:30 to go to the ministry and the sector to sign the act of adoption We hope to go to court tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest, then it will be official and we can post pictures.

We just got back from lunch at Karibou - excellent African food. I highly recommend it. After a short nap we will go back to Home of Hope for visiting hours to love on our sweet girl. Soon we will be able to take her from the orphanage out with us. I am very much looking forward to that. Praising God for the many blessings he has given us!

We're leaving on a jet plane...to RWANDA!

2011-09-16T22:00:00.000-04:00

The last 24 hours have been a complete whirlwind. We received word that our referral has been signed. Our wonderful Power of Attorney, Peter, has given us the ok to travel. We've booked flights, hotels, and sort of started packing our bags...

At 6:00am on Saturday morning we will fly out to begin our very long journey. This journey has been 2 years in the making, and I cannot believe the ways God has shown himself to me and how much he has grown me in that time.

Tonight, I stared at the first picture of my daughter's face. As I looked into her beautiful brown eyes, I saw her future and ours as a family. God is so good. On Sunday, I will hold her in my arms. The dream, this calling, it is finally here.

Please pray for us as we travel - especially me during the travel days. I hate flying...I have serious panic attacks. Pray that God can calm my spirit.

I will update here and on facebook as I can. Thank you all for your love and suppor the last two years, we would never have made it this far without you!

Evangeline Zale New - we are coming baby girl! Get ready for a LOT of love and a lifetime of of joy in your new family.

A Positive Change

2011-06-15T11:02:00.001-04:00

My heart has been burdened for a long time for orphans who are waiting for families that are HIV positive. The need in Africa is so great. Without life saving medicine that is freely available in the US, most of these children will suffer and die needlessly.

That leads us to our big decision. After MUCH prayer, discussion, and talking with other families that have been down this road before, we have decided to request a baby girl from Rwanda that is HIV positive.

For several months now I've been reading blogs, hearing information, and seeing sign after sign that this is the direction we should be heading in. From seeing Josie Love come home from Uganda (the Maynerick Family), to hearing about Linny and Dwight's Journey at "A Place Called Simplicity" it kept coming up over and over. Even when I was checking cnn.com for news, there was a video about HIV treatment. Finally, I got serious and began looking at resources in our area. It all clicked when I found out the Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist in our town is named Dr. Daniel New (the same last name as us), which is NOT a common name! David's heart was not as sure as mine, so I asked him to pray about it and we both watched videos and read things together. Yesterday, he came to me and told me he had made a decision.

Before anyone freaks out, HIV is SO much different than it was in the 80s/90s. It's not a death sentence anymore. People are living well into their 70s and beyond. In fact, once we get her home, and the right medication protocol is started, the HIV will drop to levels not even detectable in a blood test.

There have been ZERO cases of people that have contracted HIV from normal family living situations. In fact most of the families that we've been in touch with forget their child even has HIV, it's such a non-issue. Just a few extra doctors appointments.

In Africa, HIV is a death sentence. 90% of children who are born positive (from infected mothers) die before their 5th birthday. 50% of those dying before their 2nd birthday. The need is so great. The Lord has been speaking to us. I have prayed for God to use my life, and this is what he is asking of us. We are going forward in faith and love, and we cannot wait to meet this precious one that God has trusted us with!

I invite you to watch this video from Project Hopeful, these kids are amazing!

One Year

2011-06-07T10:52:00.000-04:00

Today marks one year since our dossier arrived in Rwanda. Well technically it arrived in Rwanda on 6/4/10, but our POA got it too late in the day to take it to MIGEPROF, so it was delivered on Monday, 6/7/10, so that's the day I count!

It's been a year of rollercoaster emotions. Waiting has been much harder than I thought it would be, although at times it was easy to forget when we became wrapped up in life. Now that we've received our approval and are waiting for our referral, the wait has become magnified and even more difficult. It was easier to push it aside before, to think that maybe our daughter wasn't even born yet. Now we know she is in Rwanda somewhere and she needs us.

Waiting has taught me a lot though, and I think that is part of what God intended this journey to be. To teach my spirit to be less anxious, to trust him more, to relinquish my need for control. Tough lessons...still learning them.

As we wait, life goes on. We get up, go about our days, come home, go to bed and do it all again. But we never stop thinking, dreaming, or praying for the little girl that is about to join our family.

I had tended to view waiting as mere passivity. When I looked it up in my dictionary however, I found that the words passive and passion come from the same Latin root, pati, which means "to endure." Waiting is thus both passive and passionate. It's a vibrant, contemplative work. It means descending into self, into God, into the deeper labyrinths of prayer. It involves listening to disinherited voices within, facing the wounded holes in the soul, the denied and undiscovered, the places one lives falsely. It means struggling with the vision of who we really are in God and molding the courage to live that vision.

SUE MONK KIDD, When the Heart Waits

Summer is here!

2011-05-26T14:44:00.000-04:00

Jackson finished his last day of school yesterday and was officially promoted to 1st grade! He got all E's on his report card (for excellent) in reading and math. So proud of him!

His passport arrived in the mail

We got our travel shots today also (no pics from that). Now besides me copying and gathering a ton of paperwork, we are ready to go to Rwanda! We just need that one little thing...a referral :)

This afternoon Jackson and I sat down to make a "wish list" up for summer. We wanted to put on paper the things that he wants to do this summer. So far, this is what is on the list...he gets his good taste from me :)

If we can accomplish all this, it should be a GREAT summer!

· Go to a Bounce House

· Go out to eat

· Go buy a toy

· Go to the movies

· Go to the Playground

· Go to the Pool

· Go play at a splash pad

· Ride my bike

· Go to Dollywood

· Go to the Sunsphere

· Watch a movie at home with popcorn and pink lemonade

· Go get ice cream

· Go to Chuck E Cheese

· Go play mini golf

· Go to the zoo

· Go to an aquarium

· Go on a hike to see a waterfall (Smoky Mountains)

· Go to Johnson City and visit Grandma and spend the night

· Go to the Hands On Museum

· Go to Ohio and see Aunt Christa and cousin Michael’s lego batmobile (no mention of actually wanting to see Cousin Michael and his wonderful wife Mary...just the batmobile...sorry guys...WE want to see you :)

· Spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa New

· Go to camp and spend the night (church camp)

· Go to Rwanda to get baby sister

· Get a cupcake at the cupcake shop

· Eat at the Melting Pot

Evangeline's Nursery

2011-05-19T16:16:00.000-04:00

I'm SO behind in posting! This time of year has been so busy. Jackson turned 6 on May 1st. He finishes Kindergarten in just 3 days! Wow! No news on a referral yet. We received our approval just over a month ago. We are still hoping and planning on traveling this summer. We've made the official decision that Jackson is coming with us to Rwanda! He's very excited. We just ordered an expedited passport for him, and all three of us are going to get our travel shots next week.

Now that we are moved and settled, I've been able to put Evangeline's nursery together. It's been so nice to get everything I've been collecting for the last two years and put it all together!

Since I love looking at other people's nursery's, here are some pictures for your enjoyment :)

The room

Changing Table area - all the furniture is hand me downs from Jackson. SO glad I saved it!

One more angle of the room

Close up of the decal above the crib - I'm in love!

A little shelf I found at Ross - works out perfect for headbands!

A sign I bought back in 2009 when we first decided to adopt. I'm so glad to see it hanging in her room now! It's hard to describe everything this sign means to me, it's always been one of those reminders that she WILL be here someday!

Picture frame ready and waiting for her referral pictures. The saying is sweet - but not 100% accurate! We love her so much, even though we haven't seen her yet!

Her "Africa Wall", I'm hoping to buy somet type of wall hanging while we're in Rwanda to add to it.

And finally, her "loveys". Jackson picked out the pink elephant and purple cat. I had the doll made for her by another adoptive mama who was doing some fundraising.

So there you have it. Complete, except for the most important part! Our daughter!

Thirty-One Adoption Fundraiser!

2011-05-02T20:12:00.000-04:00

Do you love thirty-one products? Do you love us? :)

A local thirty-one consultant has generously offered to do an adoption fundraiser for us. Our catalog party will be open until May 26, and she is donating 100% of her commission to us for our adoption expenses!

The website is: http://www.mythirtyone.com/AnneLittle/
Look on the right hand side and click "My Events"
Then look for New Family Fundraiser and click "Shop Now" to see the catalog.

If you need a paper catalog, just let me know! Please share with your friends and family - we will ship nationwide!

So treat yourself! Get a cute new bag or other accessory and help us bring Evangeline home!

And it's begun...

2011-04-25T21:02:00.000-04:00

The shopping that is!

Now that we have our official approval, its like I've been let loose! I am trying to restrain myself when it comes to clothes, since we have no idea what size she will be. But I have shopped for gear this week. I thought I'd share our picks with you.

First up - High Chair:

Fisher Price Space Saver - I really wish this had been around when Jackson was a baby. I love that I can use all my dining room chairs (not have to store one somewhere awkward during the high chair phase), and that it converts to a table booster as well. With a 20% off coupon, I scored this for less than $50!

Next up is the car seat. For those of you who know me in real life, you know that I am a car seat fanatic! If any of you other adoptive mom's want to talk car seats, feel free to email me! After MUCH research and agonizing, and talking to car seat techs, I finally decided on the Radian XTSL. This bad boy will hold your child rear facing to 45 lbs. and Forward Facing to 80 lbs. Remember that the AAP's new recommendation is to rear-face for a minimum of 2 years, but longer if possible! I'm hoping we get to 3 or 4 with this seat. Then she will be turned around and in a 5 point harness until she hits the height/weight limits. Jackson just moved into a booster seat about 3 months ago, and he will be 6 next week. It is so important to keep our kids as safe as possible on the roads!

So here's our new seat - isn't it pretty! I also managed to save $100 on it with sales and coupons combined!

Finally, we have the stroller. I found this at a local consignment sale, in brand new condition for only $50. Thrilled with that purchase! I'm sure we won't be using it for awhile as I plan on wearing her in a mei-tai carrier to promote attachment, but I know as she gets older, that it will come in really handy!

So three big items checked off our list! I definitely didn't plan to get everything in pink and brown either, it just happened to work out that way. It's so much fun shopping for a little girl! Can't wait to see her using them.

Approval!

2011-04-18T09:19:00.000-04:00

My heart is overflowing with joy this morning!

I eagerly checked my email (as I do every morning these days), and there it was! In the spam box, a long name and a subject line "In response to your request."

With trembling hands I managed to get the email open, and then open the attachment, and suddenly there it was! On official letterhead from MIGEPROF:

"I have the pleasure to inform you that after examining your documents, I have no objection to your request, and thus, you may now go ahead with the adoption procedures."

Of course the letter said much more than that, but that sentence, that one single sentence, means that all we have been hoping, longing, and praying for these past 10 months, is actually going to happen!

She's coming home! Our daughter is coming home!

Our next step is to wait some more, but this wait, seems so much easier! This wait should only be two to three months. Then we will receive our referral with a picture of our sweet daughter. Then very shortly after that, we will be traveling to bring her home!

I think Jackson is going to have the best "What I did on my summer vacation" story EVER!

Praise God!

10 Month Update, a Name is Chosen, and a New Fundraiser!

2011-04-16T23:54:00.001-04:00

Wow life has been busy! I forgot again to post our monthly update. April 7th marked 10 months since our dossier was logged in. Lots of movement lately and several families have traveled and just got home with their sweet kiddos! Praise God!

As for us, we are still waiting (patiently on most days!). Our homestudy update is scheduled for next week and then we will request to be re-fingerprinted by USCIS. Our fingerprints expire in July and we want to make sure we are on top of everything!

We have started a new fundraiser and have a few others in the work, so keep an eye out.

First of all, I guess we should announce that we have finally chosen a name. We've been pretty certain about it for the last 10 months, but we officially, finally decided. We will most definitely be keeping a part of her Rwandan name, but her first name will be Evangeline.

Evangeline means "Bearer of Good News" and comes from the word Evangelize. We love the Biblical connotations, and we also know what good news she brings to our family! Evangeline is also a French name, and French is the second language used in Rwanda (after Kinyarwandan), so we love that too! Her nickname will be Evie (eh-vee - not eee-vee).

So all of that leads me to our fundraising project - Evangeline's Puzzle

We are asking friends and family members to sponsor a puzzle piece for just $1.00. Your name will be written on the back of a piece in our puzzle. Once completed, it will be framed in a two-sided frame so we will be able to see the names of all of those who helped bring our daughter home!

Please visit our website for this fundraiser at http://www.evangelinespuzzle.weebly.com/

Please share with your family and friends if you are so led! Thanks for your support!

9 Months

2011-03-07T07:35:00.000-05:00

Nine Months...This time during my pregnancy with Jackson (who was almost 2 weeks OVERDUE!), I was tired, achy, and impatient. This adoption is no different. Today marks 9 months since our dossier was logged in. With a pregnancy, you know at some point the doctor is going to say, we have to get this baby out! Adoption is different. There is no end in sight. No set date or deadline that we will have our daughter by. Just hope and rumors. That was one of the hardest things for me to accept on this journey. Dates and timelines mean nothing. All is left in God's hands as we travel down this path.

Life has been busy lately! I even missed our 8 month post. We have seen quite a bit of movement in Rwanda lately, which lifts our hearts and encourages us.

Jackson is doing wonderfully in Kindergarten. I can't believe the year is almost over for him. Just a few more months! He is reading, and loving math. He sure didn't get that math thing from his Mommy! We are starting to explore summer camp options. He is so excited that our church camp will let him spend one night there this summer since he will be a first grader.

David and I are staying busy as well. David is enjoying his job and just celebrated his 31st birthday yesterday. I'm also working hard!

Our local newspaper wrote a column featuring our adoption last week. Unfortunately it didn't make it to the online edition, so I can't share it here. It was very nice though!

9 months down...not sure how many to go, but we wait with joy and anticipation just as we waited for Jackson to make his arrival. This wait is a bit harder, with so many unknowns, but it is no less exciting. We can't wait to meet you baby girl!

7 Months

2011-01-09T12:34:00.000-05:00

A few days late...I missed our monthly post because we were in Columbia, SC for David's best friend's wedding. It was a wonderful weekend of celebration! David was the best man and Jackson was the ring bearer.

It has now been 7 months since our dossier was logged in to Rwanda. Now that the holidays are passed, I am feeling more at peace with the wait again. It also helps that there has been some approvals and movement from Rwanda lately!

We've been keeping busy with Christmas, the flu, and the wedding. I've also started watching my friend's little girl who is 2 months old. She just went back to work. Her story is amazing - they were called by a friend to tell them that a woman was giving birth, and did they want to adopt the baby? So with just a few hours notice they became parents! Amazing how God works! I have been loving watching their story unfold, not to mention holding and cuddling a newborn! I'm looking forward to slowing down a bit now that the New year is here.

I'll leave you with a few pictures of my handsome boys!

6 Months

2010-12-07T09:18:00.000-05:00

Today marks 6 months since our dossier arrived in Rwanda. I have no more news or idea of a time frame than I did 6 months ago. Waiting is HARD.

I've always tried to keep this blog positive...not sharing my true feelings. But this Christmas season has done me in.

Last week, as I was going through the storage boxes of Christmas decorations making sure I didn't leave anything out that I wanted, I found a bag with some new ornaments I had bought after Christmas last year. That's when I saw it and broke down crying. I had purchased an ornament of a gorgeous little black baby, smiling and laughing and holding a star in its hand.

Last year I was full of hope...I just knew that our daughter would be home to spend this Christmas with us. We would be busy dressing her up in gorgeous little girl dresses, getting her picture made, taking her to see the lights and Santa Claus. Shopping for Christmas gifts like dolls and other girly things and just hugging and loving her and knowing that she has a forever family. Most of all we would be on our knees thanking the Father that he chose us to be her family and blessed us with this child.

This year, there is none of that hope. She isn't here. I'm not shopping with her and for her. Instead I'm left wondering where she is, if she is ok, if she is even born yet. I am left longing and wondering when she will come home, when dossiers in Rwanda will begin to move again, when these precious children will all come home to their families. I am trying to enjoy the season with my beautiful child that I DO have in my arms. But it is hard...really, really hard.

I did hang the ornament on the tree. It will hang there every year until she is home, and every year after as a reminder of the love we have for her and the wait we had to bring her home.

I'll leave you this month with my favorite Christmas song. "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant. The lyrics really resonate with me this season...."Breath of Heaven, hold me together"

5 Months

2010-11-07T17:32:00.000-05:00

Today marks 5 months since our dossier was logged in to Rwanda. I've had several people ask me this week how our adoption was going. It's really hard to know what to say, so I simply tell them "we're waiting." There has been no movement lately, but we are all on pins and needles as we wait for referrals for the family's that did get their approvals! I cannot wait to see who their children are as we continue to dream about ours.

Please pray for us and for all the families who are waiting. It is a hard time...harder than I ever imagined, but we all know it will be more than worth it in the end!

"Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience."

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T23:13:00.000-04:00

This is also posted on my other blog - http://www.thenewdealdaily.com/ so my apologies if you are reading this twice!

I just realized that our Halloween post last year was one of my first posts. I optimistically hoped that our daughter would be in time to dress up for Halloween this year, but that's not the case. We'll keep the hope alive that she will be here for Halloween 2011!

Jackson had a blast this Halloween! After a last second costume change (thanks to Grandma and the clearance rack at Old Navy), I present....Batman!

He's had several costume-wearing experiences in the past few weeks: A Halloween party, Costume dance at his school, Trunk or Treat at our local college, Halloween activities at the fossil site, and finally tonight - two Trunk or Treats, one at our church and the other at the church he plays Upward Soccer at. Whew....

Ever wonder what to do with all the Halloween candy? Well I decided to pull the old switcheroo on him this year. I let him keep 25 pieces of candy (he got to eat 5 tonight). Then I told him if he left the rest in his pumpkin, that the Trick or Treat Fairy would visit and take his candy and leave a toy in it's place. He is totally psyched about this..you would have thought it was Christmas Eve when he went to bed! Luckily we had some small lego sets that were bought on clearance a few months ago. I've just been waiting on the right occasion to give them to him.

Hope you and yours had a safe and fun Halloween!

Ugandan Magazine Bead Necklaces - 11 left!

2010-10-29T20:34:00.000-04:00

For those of you visiting from A Place Called Simplicity - welcome and thanks for stopping by!

We are currently fundraising to bring home our daughter from Rwanda. We need around $5,000 more to finish bringing her home, and we are chipping away at that number slowly but surely by fundraising and pinching pennies at home. We are still waiting for our approval and referral, but we want to be ready when that comes!

Part of the fundraising we have done has been with 147 Million Orphans by selling their gorgeous Ugandan Magazine Bead Necklaces.

We have 11 of these awesome necklaces left and I would LOVE to have them gone before the Holidays. They would make perfect Christmas gifts for the women in your lives!

The necklaces sell for $20 each, and I am offering a special deal right now. If you purchase 2, they will be Buy 1 Get 1 half off, so 2 of these beautiful necklaces for only $30!

Shipping is $2 for 1 necklace or $3 for 2.

You can email me directly at jennifernew81@hotmail.com if you are interested in buying a necklace from us and supporting our adoption!

Not only will you be supporting us, but your money also goes back to the Amazima Ministries feeding program, and directly to the women who handcrafted these necklaces! What sweeter gift could there be?

I only have 11 left, so hurry!

Thanks for your support!

4 Months

2010-10-07T11:03:00.000-04:00

Today marks 4 months since our dossier arrived in Rwanda. In the last few days we have started to see movement with approvals! I've seen rumors saying 2 families have gotten approvals all the way up to 6 families. I don't know for sure what the real number is, but what it does mean is that we are moving in the right direction!

We are continuing to be patient, and working on fundraising for our final travel expenses when they come. We have made the decision that barring some horribly expensive airfare, Jackson will be traveling with us to Rwanda when we go to pick up our daughter. We are all very excited about that! Next on our to do list is to get a passport for him.

Patience with others is Love, Patience with self is Hope, Patience with God is Faith.

Adel Bestavros

Win a beautiful adoption ornament!

2010-10-03T22:16:00.000-04:00

I have a great adoption related giveaway on my other blog right now.

You can win a gorgeous "Born In Our Heart" Ornament from http://www.borninourheart.com/

Don't you want one? Visit http://www.thenewdealdaily.com/2010/10/born-in-our-heart-adoption-ornament.html to enter!

This will look great on your tree this Christmas!

3 Months

2010-09-07T12:35:00.000-04:00

Today marks 3 months since our dossier arrived in Rwanda. With all the changes lately, we have no idea how much longer the wait will be. There is no estimated time frame. What we do know is that we will continue to wait, we will not give up hope. We know that our daughter is in Rwanda, and that she will come home to us!

I found this quote on another blog today and it spoke to me. I immediately thought of the many families that were not finished with their dossiers, and now cannot proceed with Rwanda until it reopens.

“God never forgets anything He promises. That’s right…never. God’s agenda continues to unfold right on schedule, even when there is not a shred of evidence that He remembers. Even when the most extreme events transpire and “life just doesn’t seem fair,” God is there, carrying out His providential plan exactly as He pre-arranged it. He keeps His word.” Chuck Swindoll

Even with the changes and heartache and uncertainty that many of us are going through, never forget that God is with us and he is holding our children in His arms, wherever they may be, until we can hold them in ours.

Swept Away...

2010-09-04T21:55:00.000-04:00

Heard this song today by Geoff Moore....wow...I just sat and cried. I can't wait to hold you baby girl. You are so loved already!

"Swept Away" by Geoff Moore

We would say your name

A hundred times a day

Like speaking words in faith

And with a mixture of

Hope and fear and trust

We prayed for the strength to wait

And dreamed of how we’d feel the day

You’d be in our arms and …

Swept away

Caught up in our love

Home to stay

You’ll never be alone

You’ll be amazed

As how much you are loved

Your life will never be the same

Once you’re swept away

What once was just a dream

Is now reaching up to me

And I hold her in my arms

Father thank You for the way

You held her all the days

That we had to spend apart

And now I see the impossible dream

Is holding me and I’m …

Swept away

Caught up in our love

Home to stay

You’ll never be alone

You’ll be amazed

At how much you are loved

Your life will never be the same

Once you’re swept away

You can hear it HERE

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-04T09:42:00.000-04:00

These pictures have been waiting to be posted for two weeks, but life has been so busy! Jackson started Kindergarten on August 17th. So far he loves it! I'm not thrilled with the homework he has EVERY night...but other than that, we're doing well. I still haven't seen his classroom...so I'm looking forward to Open House on Tuesday night.

My baby really has grown up....sigh.

Rwanda Adoptions Suspended

2010-08-27T11:36:00.000-04:00

Most other families adopting from Rwanda have already heard this, but I wanted to share for friends and family that read this blog.

From MIGEPROF - the governing body of adoptions in Rwanda

" As a new signatory country of The Hague Convention on protection of children and cooperation in respect of inter-country adoption, concluded on 29 May 1993. Rwanda is in the process of putting in place the structures, mechanisms, tools and implementation plan.

For the reason of continuing protecting the Rwandan child’s best interests in adoption and at the same time combating possible abduction, sale and trafficking in children, the Government of Rwanda is temporally suspending all new applications for inter-country adoption as from 31August 2010. Applications from prospective adoption parents already received and those that could reach the Ministry or ANY RWANDAN EMBASSY before the above mentioned date will be taken care of as usual. "

So, what does this mean for us? Our dossier is already logged in at the Ministry. It has been there since June 7th. So for us, we continue to pray that it will be processed and that we will bring our daughter home! I very much admire what Rwanda is doing in ratifying the Hague convention. But I grieve so much for the families that were not as far along in the process as we are, and for the children that are still waiting.

Please continue to keep us and the other families adopting from Rwanda in your prayers as we wait.

Elections from a different perspective

2010-08-11T09:05:00.000-04:00

I found this blog, posted by a Mama living in Rwanda. It gives her perspective on the Rwanda Elections as someone that is living there, instead of a foreign news organization. Very interesting read!

http://rwandamomma.blogspot.com/2010/08/makes-me-mad.html

2 Months

2010-08-07T19:02:00.000-04:00

We've been DTR for 2 months now. I won't say the 2nd month has gone as easily as the first. It is so easy to let doubt and worry to creep in during this wait. Especially with the rumors and rumblings of increased wait times.

I am putting my trust in God. He knows who and where our daughter is. Perhaps she is not even born yet, so we are waiting for her to make her grand entrance into this world. Or perhaps she waits at Home of Hope. We don't know, but what we are SURE of is that our daughter IS in Rwanda. We will wait as long as necessary to get her. She is ours and we are hers.

So 2 months down, and we're not sure how many more to go, but we are coming baby girl!

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 1:11

New blog...and a giveaway!

2010-07-30T11:49:00.000-04:00

So at the urging of one of my friends, and to occupy my mind while we wait, I've started a deal/review blog. You can find it at www.newdealdaily.blogspot.com

I love to find deals for family and friends - especially for kids stuff! So the blog will mainly be a place for you to find great deals. I'll also be doing some product reviews and giveaways.

This leads me to my first ever giveaway for a Ugandan Magazine Necklace! Check it out at http://newdealdaily.blogspot.com/2010/07/ugandan-magazine-necklace-giveaway.html

I hope some of you will join me over there!

Small Update

2010-07-21T15:20:00.000-04:00

We received a little bit of news from Rwanda today...

We have heard that things should start moving very soon in Rwanda and that there are over 50 files ahead of ours. We know that they are working very hard to get as many files approved ASAP to get caught up on the back log that is there.

This is very encouraging news for families that have been waiting much longer than us! We know that we still have quite a wait in front of us since our dossier was just logged in on June 7th.

Praising him for his perfect timing!

"Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead!"
Peter 1:6

Allergy Testing Day

2010-07-16T15:21:00.000-04:00

Wednesday was Jackson's visit with the allergist. We've always known our little fellow had issues. It started with reflux shortly after birth, progressed to dozens of ear infections and horrible eczema. From there we hit full on food allergies and asthma. He's had some rough times in his 5 years.

We did our first round of allergy testing at 2 years old. We were overdue for a new test. The actual testing part wasn't as bad as I imagined. Jackson was a trooper. If you've never had allergy testing, imagine laying on your stomach, back exposed, while a nurse lightly scratches your skin and puts about 100 drops of possible allergens on it. Then you have to lay there quietly for 15 minutes, not touching your back, as huge welts and hives raise up in a reaction to the allergens...not fun for an adult, but definitely not fun for a 5 year old! He made it about halfway through before the crying started. He wanted to scratch so badly. I felt horrible for him! His back was just a mess of hives. We made it through by holding hands and reading the Lego Star Wars Dictionary (gotta love him!).

At least I wasn't surprised when the doctor came in to read the test and said we have a "highly allergic" child...

At 2 years old Jackson tested positive for Dust Mites and Peanut Allergies.

At 5 years old he now tests positive for almost every type of tree, grass, and mold. However, he has outgrown the dust mite allergy! On the food side, in addition to the peanuts he now has an allergy to cantaloupe, navy beans, cherries, corn, and watermelon. The allergy scale goes from 0-4, and he scores 3's and 4's on almost all of the environmental allergies and a 4 on peanuts. The rest are 2's.

So a new plan of action...we received our first epi pen. He'll need to have it with him at all times in case he is exposed to peanuts. We also are working to get his asthma better under control with some new medicine. Finally, once we have a better handle on that, he will begin allergy shots. It will be a 5 year process, but the end result should be that he is much more comfortable outside!

I hate that my little guy has to deal with all this, but I am so thankful we have a wonderful doctor to guide us through!

One down

2010-07-05T10:31:00.000-04:00

Our dossier has officially been in Rwanda for one month today! This first month of waiting has gone quickly, but I know that will not always be the case. We have been busy with summer. Jackson has had camp at his school Monday through Friday and went to Bible camp last Saturday. He's started Tae Kwon Do and spent a whole week with his grandparents. David and I have stayed busy too, with work, a new job for David, and trying to spend time with each other. So here's to one month down! We're that much closer to our baby girl!

Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalms 27:14

Nursery Wall Art

2010-06-26T12:51:00.001-04:00

Now that we are DTR, I feel like I can start working on the nursery a little bit. We're not doing a theme, per se. Just coordinating colors and cute stuff!

I found two pieces of wall art today on Etsy that I had to buy.

First up... "A Heart for Africa" We want our daughter to always be aware of where she is from, her roots, and her culture. I love the bright colors of this print.

The other print is a canvas wall hanging trimmed with ribbon. Its title is "Ethiopian Princess", but I think it's very fitting for our Rwandan Princess too!

Yard Sale Fundraiser - Success!

2010-06-22T20:58:00.000-04:00

I took lots of pictures to show you our HUGE yard sale...unfortunately something bad happened to my memory card, and I no longer have them. So you'll just have to imagine...

We were able to rent an empty storefront on a busy highway for 1 week for a low, low price. Set up began on Tuesday with my mom, husband, and two sweet ladies from our church (thanks Peggy and Ellen!) hauling all the donations from my mom's house to the store.

After 3 long days (and nights!) of setting up we were open for business on Friday morning. We had 2500 sq. feet of stuff! Furniture, tons of baby and kids stuff, household items, books, clothes, just about anything you would want. We had made some cute signs for our adoption and also set up a donation jar. Lots of people had questions about our adoption and were very encouraging!

In the end, all the hard work was worth it! We raised a total of $1300!

A HUGE thank you to:
-Our church for letting us borrow tables and a clothing rack
-Our sweet friends Peggy and Ellen for your time, vehicles, and enthusiasm!
-My Mom - without her it would not have been possible. She put a LOT of work and sweat into this sale and I so appreciate her. I love you more than you know, Mom!
-All our friends who donated items to the sale. Without you we wouldn't have been nearly as successful!

My favorite moments from the sale:

1. The sweet lady who bought a songbook from us. I asked her for $.50, she said "oh no that is not enough!" and gave us $3. She then said that she was praying for us and every time she would sing the songs from the book she would think of our daughter.

2. The woman who told her kids to pick out whatever they wanted from the kids area. Her daughter picked a package of bendaroos. The Mom looked at them in disgust and said "The ONLY reason you are getting those messy things is to help this baby come home, I hope you realize that!" I laughed so much listening to her talk to her kids.

3. My husband who was working hard all day stopping by to bring us Slushies from Sonic...Route 44 size Slushies...wow did we appreciate those!

4. Jackson being the little salesman. Every time someone pulled up outside he would run in and tell us "Company is here!" Then he would proceed to "sell" them things and quote prices. "A coffee mug? That will be 87millionthousandfiftythreedozen. It's for my baby sister!"

There were lots more than that...but my brain and body are still running on empty!

Up next... we were interviewed today by our hometown newspaper about our adoption. I'll share the article when it is published. The reporter actually stopped by our sale to shop and wanted to do an article on us! Excited to see what doors are opened by it!

I couldn't resist...

2010-06-11T10:06:00.000-04:00

Huge sale at Gymboree...I couldn't resist picking these up. I think I'm obsessed with matching hairbows... I'm trying to rationalize that at least their sizes are generous (6-12 months) so it should fit her, right?

Officially DTR!

2010-06-07T15:12:00.000-04:00

I just received an email from our POA in Rwanda. Our dossier has been delivered to the ministry! I can now officially say that we are DTR!!!

Now we pray for patience and for our daughter as we wait!

KISSES IN THE WIND

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

© Pamela Durkota, written for Josh

The Dossier Has Landed!

2010-06-04T14:10:00.000-04:00

Our dossier has officially arrived in Kigali, Rwanda and was signed for by our POA! Hooray! I'm guessing it won't make it to MIGEPROF's office until Monday. The time was 5:20pm when it was signed for. I'm not counting us as DTR until we get word that it is officially logged in. However, my heart can rest easy this weekend, knowing that it is safe and sound!

Fun Expedition Benefit!

2010-06-04T09:11:00.002-04:00

Anyone that is local, please join us tomorrow at Fun Expedition in Johnson City! You can print off the flyer, or mention "New Family Adoption" at the door. Hope to see you there!

Annie!

2010-06-03T13:55:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we took Jackson to see Annie at Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA. It was a wonderful performance!

Jackson really enjoyed all the songs in the show. He walked out singing "Tomorrow." He definitely made the connection that Annie lived in the orphanage and that his baby sister does too!

Of course he talked me into a souvenir...a stuffed Sandy on a leash.

We were some of the last ones out of the theater, and it paid off! We were able to meet the real Sandy as his trainer was taking him to her car. She let us pet and love on him. He was SO adorable!

Finally we had to head for home. It was a great day. I think Jackson is falling in love with the theater. He already asked when we were coming back for the next play!

What a day...the misadventures of our dossier

2010-06-01T21:53:00.000-04:00

Lets start with the good news. Our dossier is officially on its way to Rwanda! It should arrive sometime on Friday, June 4th. It is a tremendous feeling knowing that we have done everything we can, and now we wait!

I knew our documents would be arriving from DC today, so I kept checking FedEx to see if they had been delivered. They finally were around 3:00, so I left work early and went to get them. When I got out of my car I noticed a hissing noise coming out of one of my tires. I couldn't find the source, and it drove to FedEx/Kinkos just fine, so I didn't pay anymore attention to it.

When I arrived at FedEx, thankfully it wasn't busy. I was able to snag a nice woman to help me with the copiers. I don't do well with copy machines...never have really. So I begged her to stay with me until it was done and promised her a nice tip. We began the long process of making copies of each page of the dossier - all while trying to be careful with the authentications!

About an hour later we were still at it and I realized I needed to pick Jackson up from preschool. I gathered everything up and promised my helper I'd be back in 20 minutes. I went outside, got in the car and started to drive away when I heard that dreaded sound...."thump, thump, thump." You guessed it....my tire was flat!

Now the panic set in...my husband was working up in Virgina over an hour away, my mom was working and she can't leave her job, and my son needed to be picked up within 10 minutes! Luckily I was able to call my friend Christi, who still happened to be at work. She was able to grab one of the spare booster seats we have and go pick up Jackson and bring him to me. In the meantime I called AAA to come change my tire.

I decided to finish up the dossier while I waited. My helper and I got back to work and the AAA truck pulled up. It took him over an hour to get the spare tire off my van! Not sure what was going on with that...

By this time, Christi and Jackson had arrived and were able to finish helping me with the dossier. I had to bribe Jackson with skittles...but I'm not ashamed!

It was finally put together with a spare copy for our Power of Attorney (POA). I rushed it over to the FedEx, who had just shut down for the day...yes you read that correctly. Thankfully, since I had a FedEx account number we were able to process it that way, so it still made it on the truck today!

By this time I was completely stressed out, and I still had to deal with my tire! I got it to Walmart just in time for them to put a new one on. Jackson and I enjoyed ourselves at the little Italian place next door while it was being fixed...thank goodness for cheesecake!

We finally made it back home and all is well! The important part is that our dossier is finished and it's on its way! Next step....officially DTR (Dossier to Rwanda for you non-adoption folks).

Blog Makeover!

2010-06-01T13:59:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to my friend Sydney for the new header and background. I just love it!

Sydney runs her own business, Sidderbug Creations

So check her out if you need any kind of blog work, photo announcements/invitiations/etc. She is a hard working mama and does a great job!

Thanks Syd!

Finished at the Embassy!

2010-05-28T15:21:00.000-04:00

I just received word from Carol at Dependable Adoption Courier Service that our dossier is finished at the Embassy of Rwanda and that she is sending it back to us via Fed-Ex overnight. This is great news, especially since we thought it may have been another week before it was ready!

If anyone is in need of a courier service in DC, I cannot say enough good things about Carol. She has been very quick and professional and updates you via email every step of the way. Her rates are very reasonable, and I highly recommend her to anyone!

This week has just been full of wonderful news. We received word about a job opportunity for David that is fantastic, some hopeful adoption news, and now our dossier being ready to go is just icing on the cake! God is really moving on our behalf this week, and I can do nothing but praise him and be in awe of our Lord and Savior.

Cafe Press store for Rwanda families!

2010-05-27T20:09:00.001-04:00

I was searching for some Rwanda adoption shirts to wear to our upcoming fundraisers but I couldn't find any! So, I decided to create a storefront on Cafe Press with designs for families adopting from Rwanda. I hope you enjoy them! Please let me know if there is a saying for design that you want, and I can make a custom one for you.

The link to the store is: http://www.cafepress.com/AdoptRwanda
Once you are on the link click "Adopt Rwanda" and all the designs should show up.

P.S. and full disclosure: I will receive a percentage of the price of every item purchased. All money earned will go directly to our adoption fund!

Dossier Update: At the Embassy!

2010-05-21T22:22:00.000-04:00

We got an update from Carol at Dependable Adoption Courier. Our documents have been authenticated at the State Department and have safely arrived at the Embassy of Rwanda! The Embassy estimates it will be 1 to 2 weeks before the dossier is ready to pick up. Obviously we're hoping for 1 week!

They're Back!

2010-05-18T19:53:00.000-04:00

We received our authenticated documents from Nashville today! They are all correctly authenticated! We are praising God since we had been specifically praying for this after our County Clerk told us we could have a problem with the way two of them were notarized.

Tomorrow they head off to Washington D.C. via Carol at Dependable Adoption Courier. Carol has been really great to work with so far, and I'm looking forward to using her service!

A question for anyone out there...our state uses legal sized paper to put the authentications on, which means the pretty binder I was going to send them to Rwanda in is no longer an option. Does anyone have a solution to that problem? I'll be brainstorming while we wait to get our documents back from DC!

Our family picture!

2010-05-15T15:49:00.000-04:00

We went to Portrait Innovations last night to get a family picture made for our dossier. We were also able to get Jackson's 5 year pictures done. I think they turned out great! In dossier news, our documents have made it to Nashville. Hopefully they will come back next week so they can head on to DC!

It's off to Nashville!

2010-05-11T13:41:00.000-04:00

Our dossier is on its way to Nashville via FedEx as we speak! I briefly contemplated making the 5+ hour trip myself to do it in person, but we are slammed at work right now, and I just can't take the time off.

Please pray with us that all our documents come back authenticated. Our county clerk seemed to think that we may have an issue with two of our documents because the notary used a raised seal and not a stamp. The law changed about 6 years ago saying that notaries must use a stamp instead of the seal...apparently the woman at our doctor's office didn't get the memo! The clerk suggested we go ahead and submit them anyway, because Nashville may just pass them through since her signature is valid. So we are praying for that and no delays!

APPROVED!!! Our I-171H is here!

2010-05-08T12:48:00.001-04:00

An ordinary Saturday...the day before Mother's day. Jackson had a soccer game, we went to breakfast with his grandparents, did a little grocery shopping. Finally got home and I thought I would check the mail. A magazine, bills, and suddenly there it was!! The envelope with the return address I wanted to see. Jackson was questioning my sanity as I started laughing and crying in the same moment. I tore the envelope open right there in the driveway. There were the words:

"Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition"

This is it! We are approved! Our I-171H has arrived!

My very first mother's day was so special. Jackson was a week old, and as a brand new mother I was living on little sleep, still sore and healing from the birth. But I basked in the joy of the little life I was finally holding outside my body.

This mother's day, I feel no less joy. This piece of paper, this promise has arrived...saying that I WILL be a mother again. Somewhere in Rwanda, there is a little girl that needs a Mommy. I am ready for her. I long for her, pray for her, and this Mother's day I will thank God for his promise, his love, and for the plan he has for both of us.

The Big 5!

2010-05-07T10:24:00.000-04:00

On May 1st, Jackson turned 5! We celebrated with a long weekend in Pigeon Forge. The whole family had a blast at a waterpark hotel, driving go-karts, eating cake, and just having fun! I cannot believe it has been 5 years since I was holding this in my arms...

Five is such a huge milestone number. In five short years this helpless little newborn has grown into a person with hopes and dreams, a huge vocabulary, a contagious laugh, a heart full of love, and an immeasurable imagination.

He doesn't need me to feed him, change his diapers, or get him dressed anymore. But thankfully he still needs me to kiss his boo boos, chase away the monsters, praise him for his accomplishments and help him move on from his mistakes.

I have watched him grow from a baby to a child. Yes, there are times I miss holding him and smelling that new baby smell. I'm still able to see that little baby in him, especially when he is tired and just wants to settle down with his best friend "cow". I love the little person he has become, and I love catching glimpses of the man he is going to be.

Jackson Coy New, you have brought so much love and joy to our lives. Your Daddy and I thank God for you every day. Keep growing and learning. Always stay close to God and to your family. I hope you remember yourself as this little boy as you grow up. Keep some of him with you always. Dream big, tell the truth, and be kind to everyone.

Just like the song in our favorite book goes...I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

Our Biometrics Adventure

2010-04-28T21:08:00.000-04:00

Today finally arrived! THE date on THE notice from the USCIS office that meant we could make the trek to Charlotte, NC to have our biometrics (aka fingerprints) taken. Charlotte is about 3.5 hours from our house, and our appointment was at 9:00am, so the day started bright and early.

That's 5:41am on the car clock, the time we pulled out of our driveway. Not sure why the radio says Temple? But I don't think that really matters! We were already running late when we hit the curvy mountain roads leading into North Carolina. Of course it was inevitable that we also hit a traffic jam due to construction. We ended up pulling into the USCIS office parking lot at 9:30...just 30 minutes late and a whole lot stressed! Luckily, it turned out that the appointment time didn't really matter. We only had to wait about 45 minutes for our turn, then our official business in Charlotte was done!

We were able to snap this shot outside the building...see the "Application Support Center" sign in the background? No cameras or cell phones were allowed in the building.

By the time we were done with the Biometrics David and I were both hungry! Luckily we were able to find a Cheesecake Factory to eat at. A rare treat since we don't have one nearby!

And the reason to go to a Cheesecake Factory...White Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Nut Cheesecake, with a blondie crust!

Next stop...Ikea! Another store we don't have.

We picked up a few household things and I couldn't resist buying a toy for baby girl. A wooden ring stacking toy to go into the pile waiting for her!

We decided it was time to head for home. Another 3.5 hour ride back along the curvy mountain roads and I was feeling pretty carsick by the time we hit straight roads again. It was definitely a long day, but we managed to have a little fun too! The best part is that the Biometrics are done and we are now officially waiting for our I171-H (aka our approval to adopt from the US government). I'll be obsessively checking the mailbox until we get it!

Ugandan Magazine Necklaces

2010-04-15T13:06:00.001-04:00

I wanted to let everyone know about a fundraiser for our adoption, we are selling Ugandan magazine necklaces. Ugandan women of the Karmajong tribe are taught to make the necklaces. They are then able to sell them to an organization called 147 Million Orphans http://www.147millionorphans.com (Check them out, they have awesome t-shirts too!)

They are paid fair wages for them and are able to use the money to buy food and other necessary things for their families. 147 million orphans then sells the necklaces to families doing adoption fundraising. So not only does your purchase benefit these woman and children living in poverty but also our adoption! So cool!!!

They are very brightly colored and will match a lot of different stuff. If you like a certain color I can try to pick one out with more of that color (lots of reds, purples, blues, pinks, yellows, and greens). The necklaces are $20 each plus actual shipping to you, if I ship it. They are made long so you can double wrap them around your neck. Just let me know if you are interested by leaving a comment or emailing me at jennifernew81@hotmail.com and thanks for supporting us!

Fingerprints!

2010-04-13T20:48:00.000-04:00

We got the official letter from USCIS today for our fingerprint appointments! In 2 short weeks we'll be making the 3 hour drive to Charlotte, NC to the USCIS office and having our biometrics taken. That also means I need to kick it into high gear to finish the rest of our dossier. I only have 2 more notary signatures to verify (TN requires that the notary's signature be verified by the county clerk before it can move on to the state level), a copy of our passports to be made, and our photo pages to finish up. So we're almost there! Every day is one day closer...

A First

2010-04-06T19:17:00.000-04:00

Today, for the first time, I wrote our daughter's name on an official form.

I had to fill out an application to place her on the waiting list at Jackson's current daycare/preschool. She won't be attending there until several months after we bring her home, but the director advised me to go ahead and get her on the waiting list now. That way when we do need a spot, we'll have one.

More importantly, this means we've chosen a name...we think...of course it will depend on what her given name is, and we have no idea on middle names yet. So all is subject to change, but for now she is named. I can speak her name when I pray for her, and in family conversations. I remember this time when Jackson was in my womb, and it was so special using "his" name and anxiously waiting for his arrival. Now we can do the same for our daughter. It makes her arrival seem much closer and more real! Unfortunately, the rest of you will have to wait to learn it!

False Alarm

2010-04-05T20:42:00.000-04:00

When I got home from work today, I was excited to see an envelope from Homeland Security in our mailbox. I got inside and hurried to open it up. I was thinking and hoping that it was our biometrics appointment notice. Unfortunately I was disappointed! It was simply a notice that USCIS had received our I-600a application and had opened a case for it. The next notice we receive should be for our biometrics appointment, but it wasn't meant to be today.

I hope everyone had a better Easter than our family. David and Jackson were both sick and unable to go to church. I left them alone for the morning after getting them settled. We had a wonderful service, so I'm sorry they missed it! We have a "rule" in our family that the Easter bunny visits while you are at church, since Jesus is the reason for Easter and we need to focus our attention on him first, before any gifts or eggs. Jackson was very upset on Easter morning, since he was feeling sick and couldn't go to church, he thought that meant that the Easter bunny wouldn't come. Luckily the Easter bunny understood and brought his basket anyway. No matter the illness, it was wonderful to celebrate our Risen Lord and all the things he has done for us. I hope your family had a chance to do the same!

"The joyful news that He is risen does not change the contemporary world. Still before us lie work, discipline, sacrifice. But the fact of Easter gives us the spiritual power to do the work, accept the discipline, and make the sacrifice."
-- Henry Knox Sherrill

Crazy Love for Adoption - A Place Called Simplicity

2010-03-26T17:55:00.004-04:00

This is a very humbling post to write. Over the past several months I have been following Linny over at A Place Called Simplicity. Yesterday, she posted this post http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2010/03/crazy-love.html It really spoke to my heart. Linny is encouraging those who have needs to make them known, and those who are able, to give to those needs.

So here I am, posting our need. We are in the process of adopting a daughter from Rwanda. My husband and I have stepped out in faith with no "adoption fund" in our bank accounts. We are trusting the Lord to provide for what he favors. We attend Grandview Christian Church and are trying to be faithful tithers to our church and other missions that help the poor and orphaned. Are we perfect? No...but God is growing our heart in this way and we have learned so much from his teachings and others he has put in our path (like Linny!).

God has been preparing my heart for adoption since I was a young girl and heard about babies being left on the street in China. I knew from that time that I would adopt. As part of God's wonderful plan, he moved mountains to allow my husband David and I to meet and fall in love (another story for another time...a Memorial Box Monday perhaps?). As I had hoped and God knew all along, David also had a heart for adoption. We were blessed with the birth of our son Jackson in our first year of marriage - something doctors told me would never happen! After a few years of struggling with infertility and desiring to add to our family, God showed his that his timing would perfect and now was the time to adopt! These days, I view our infertility as a blessing, yes I said a blessing! Did I always feel that way? Absolutely not! But God has been with us every step of this journey, and I have no doubt that he is the one that led me to read Linny's post yesterday and really consider it.

We are currently praying for a specific amount of money to get our dossier to Rwanda. Perhaps Linny's post is the answer to this prayer? Normally I would never write this openly and boldly to ask for support for our adoption, it is very much outside my comfort zone. But perhaps it was meant for someone special out there to read.

There is a little girl in Rwanda waiting for us. We don't know her name, or her sweet face yet. We don't know when she is sick or when she cries. We don't know where she is hungry or when she just wants someone to hold her. What we do know is that God is doing HUGE things in her life and in ours to bring us together. God has a plan for her, and it is for her to know a family and to know love and to be an orphan no longer. Maybe you are part of that plan too?

You can email me with any questions at jennifernew81@hotmail.com God Bless!

It's in the mail!

2010-03-23T10:32:00.000-04:00

Our I-600a that is!

For you non-adoption folks, this is the form we file with US Immigration that will allow us to bring an orphan into the country. They have to review our homestudy and the form we file with them to determine if we are eligible to support and care for an orphan. We will also have to have our fingerprints taken for a second time for them. Once we receive approval, we will be able to send our dossier to Rwanda. While we wait, we are working on finishing the other documents for our dossier. One step closer...

I'm holding in my hands...

2010-03-17T15:10:00.000-04:00

The completed copy of our homestudy! Woohoo! This has been a long time coming since we began planning this adoption back in August of last year. Everything looks great and our social worker "recommends us without hesitation." We will be filing our I-600a on Friday, and we're one step closer to our daughter! Now if only I could finish the rest of the paperchase... not dwelling on that today though, praising God for guiding our steps and leading us forward!

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5: 16-18)”

First Purchases

2010-03-02T21:29:00.000-05:00

Our homestudy is almost complete, and we're really moving along with the dossier! I've been a few places in the past week and I couldn't resist buying a couple things for baby girl. I'm trying not to get too far ahead of myself but I keep telling myself that a few things here and there won't hurt!

First, I spent the weekend in Gatlinburg, TN with my 5 roommates from senior year in college. It was a much needed break and we had the best time! While we were there I wandered into the P. Graham Dunn store (wonderful store if you haven't been to one - ). They had the most adorable sign for baby girl's room and I had to buy it!

In case you can't read it, the sign says "For This Child We Prayed, and the child grew and became strong; she was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon her. Luke 2:40"

I absolutely love this verse, and it is so perfect for our daughter. We pray for her daily and this is a wonderful reminder of what we pray for her.

My other purchase has been our first outfit for her! I couldn't resist the 80% off rack at Kohl's. We are guessing she will be coming home next winter, so she'll need warm clothes. We had to guess on sizing, but if for some reason she can't wear it, we'll give it to someone who can. I am in love with the bear ears on the hood!

A milestone today....

2010-02-16T21:19:00.000-05:00

The day has come...my baby is growing up. Today, at 4 years, 9 months, and 16 days, Jackson lost his first tooth! I can't help but be a little sad about it. It's such a big kid thing to me!

In typical Jackson style, he didn't bother to tell us about it until much later. My mom picked him up from preschool and he announced in the car, "Grandma, I lost my tooth!" She assumed it happened at school and asked him where it was. He replied "Oh I lost it this morning in my bed." Did he bother to tell me or David about it this morning? Nope. Once I heard about it, I assumed it had happened overnight and he had swallowed it, but he kept insisting it was in his bed. We got home this evening and went straight to his bed to look for it. Sure enough, a little tiny tooth was on top of his sheet. He was so happy we found it!

A few pics to share

The tooth among the covers

Showing off the gap - look on the bottom

Getting the tooth fairy pillow ready

Hanging on the edge of his bed, ready for tooth fairy action!

Homestudy visit #2 and Jackson's first play!

2010-02-14T08:58:00.001-05:00

We had our second (and final) homestudy visit on Thursday, February 11th. It was a very busy day for us! David had to go get his TB test read that morning, and then to the Post Office for his passport appointment. He lost his passport sometime after our honeymoon, so he had to get a new one.

Our homestudy appointment was at 11:00 and David got home about 10 minutes before she arrived. We were able to turn in the rest of our paperwork - medical forms, financial forms, pictures, etc. We talked for a little bit and went over a few things, and we were done! Our worker made plans to bring the final copy of our homestudy over on March 1st, so that will be one huge thing checked off the list!

After our visit we were off to Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA to take Jackson to his first play, "Alice in Wonderland". Through her work, my Mom was able to get deeply discounted tickets. We had a great time! There was a lot of audience participation and it was very funny. It was just over 2 hours long, and Jackson did great through the whole thing! After it was over he pronounced it "Awesome!". We will be going back in the summer to see "Annie", and hopefully he will like that just as much.

I'll leave you with some pictures...

Cast of Alice - they did a wonderful job!

Jackson going through the door to Wonderland

Jackson at the frozen fountain outside - he thought this was so cool!

Mommy and Jackson - he was too busy looking at the playing card he got when they showered down from the ceiling.

Oh and I have to show off the graphic my friend made for me! I just love it!

First Homestudy Visit

2010-01-26T22:12:00.000-05:00

We had our first homestudy visit tonight. Overall I think it went very well! The social worker we are using is someone I have worked with in the past and we have a great rapport. It felt more like a visit with a friend than something to be nervous over!

We had a lot of our paperwork done ahead of time (including the dreaded autobiographies!), so she didn't have too much to go over with us in that respect. She was able to squeeze in 3 of our 4 required visits tonight. The initial visit and then the individual interviews. We were able to go to separate rooms to complete that part of it. That means we only have one visit left and we're done! We've scheduled that for February 11th. Our worker thinks she can have our study finished by mid-late February, so that is great news!

I know some of you are wondering how Jackson fared during the process. He did absolutely wonderful! He was able to go out to the playroom and play independently while we talked. He stayed out there until we asked him to help give our worker a tour of the house. He proudly showed her his bedroom, baby sister's room, mommy and daddy's room, and several other pieces of furniture that he felt were important to point out (this is the cedar chest where Mommy keeps her old stuff). Our worker commented several times how well behaved and bright he was, and what a great job we have done with him so far. So hooray Jackson! Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you! I think he was most excited after she left - he was able to get his beloved Geotrax back out to play. They kind of take over the house so he had to put them up before the visit.

So overall we're very pleased with how everything went tonight. We just have a few more things to finish up and the homestudy part of this process will be complete! Then we'll be one step closer to bringing home our baby girl!

Please Pray For These Orpahans Today

2010-01-20T09:50:00.000-05:00

This is very heavy on my heart today. Please join me in praying for the safety of these orphans today as they are evacuated out of Haiti. My heart breaks thinking of what these babies and their caregivers will have to endure.

Press Release

(Port-au-Prince, Haiti) On January 20, 2010, 133 orphans from the Maison des Enfants de Dieu (Children of the House of God) orphanage will begin the difficult process outlined by the U.S. Department of State for humanitarian parole and onward transportation to the United States. In accordance with instructions received from the State Department, as relayed by the Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS) at 8 p.m. today, orphans along with orphanage staff members have been instructed to arrive at the U.S. Embassy as early as possible on Wednesday morning. JCICS warned that no food, water or facilities would be available for the children while processing at the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince.

JCICS further relayed that orphanage requests to the U.S. Embassy for security and transportation for the children have been denied by the State Department. The U.S. ministry associated with this orphanage, For His Glory Adoption Outreach (FHG), was also asked to stop requesting security, transportation or even water at the orphanage location. Following discussions with staff and board members in Port-au-Prince, the difficult decision was made that all 133 children, including approximately 60 children under the age of 3, will begin early in the morning of January 20th to walk the over 2 kilometers to the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince. This decision was made due to the limited staff available and the increasingly dangerous security situation at the orphanage in Port-au-Prince. The staff will carry as much water, food and baby formula as possible with them for the orphans while processing at the U.S. Embassy. JCICS relayed that once processing is completed, the orphans will travel to the United States on "cargo jets to locations that are not often known until an hour or so before the flight leaves."

Kim Harmon, President of FHG, acknowledged that "this arrangement is far from ideal for the safety and well-being of the children. We are calling to all who care about these precious children to pray earnestly for their safety tomorrow."

Help Haiti

2010-01-13T18:57:00.001-05:00

By now I'm sure all of you have heard of the massive earthquake that hit Haiti on Tuesday. Through this big community of adoption I have met several families adopting from Haiti. I am praying with them today as they wait for news of their children. It is hard to imagine a disaster of this magnitude in any country, but especially in Haiti. One of the poorest countries in the world. The people there struggle daily for clean water, food, housing, medical care, things we all take for granted.

If you are looking for ways to help, I recommend donating through World Vision. They have been working in Haiti for over 30 years and are already well established there. Currently World Vision has over 370 workers in Haiti. They are working on a disaster relief plan which includes distributing food, bottled water, blankets, tents, soap, and clothes as quickly as possible to those in need. CLICK HERE if you'd like to donate and help the citizens of Haiti during this crisis.

Even if you cannot afford to donate at this time, please be praying for the men, women, and children affected by this crisis. Each one is a life, a real person, not just a statistic from a news story. Please pray for the orphans of Haiti as well. They are going through this alone, without a mommy and daddy to comfort them when they are scared. Pray that our heavenly Father will hold them tight and give them peace.

Snow!

2009-12-20T14:24:00.000-05:00

It's rare for us to get a big snowstorm here in Tennessee. The last big one I can remember was in 1998. Our latest one started on Friday afternoon. Jackson's daycare closed early at 3:30 so I left work to pick him up. We arrived home safely before the real storm began.

David was working up in Virginia, about an hour and a half from our house. He began the drive home, but quickly ended up in a ditch after spinning a full 360 degrees on the icy interstate! We are praising God that he was not hit by any other cars or injured at all! It took about 2 hours before AAA showed up to get him out of the ditch. In the meantime, he had been sitting in a cold truck. His battery died not long after he ended up in the ditch! He tried to continue down the road, but once again fishtailed, and decided it was best to pull over for the night. I was able to find him a hotel room at the exit he was at, so he carefully made his way there to spend the night. This has been a rough week for him! First a speeding ticket, then an injury at work which required 7 stitches in his arm, and finally this.

In the morning he was able to drive back to Tennessee. Unfortunately, he had to report in to work and continued working until Saturday evening. Back at our house, the power went out around 10:00am on Saturday morning. I was able to run to Walmart to grab Jackson some snow boots (we were not prepared for this!). He had a blast playing in the snow! Luckily my Mom's house still had power so we were able to go spend the rest of the day over there. We put Jackson to bed at her house last night, and David and I were able to get home around 9:00. The power had just come back on and it was a balmy 53 degrees inside the house! It quickly warmed back up. Today things are mostly back to normal. We have a lot of snow still on the ground, but the roads are mostly clear. I hear several people in the area are still without power, so we are praying that they can stay warm and safe, and that it will be restored quickly.

Here are some pictures of Jackson enjoying the snow!

Bundled up and ready to go!

Our front yard

Looking sweet on the porch

About 2 seconds after this picture, he pulled on the branch and all the snow ended up in his face!

Snow Angel!

The "Perfect" Snowball...according to Jackson.

The Paper Chase Begins

2009-12-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to post this for several days now...but life keeps getting in the way!

It is official! We have begun our paper chase! I've mailed out requests for our birth and marriage certificates, and David will have a passport appointment soon (he lost his after our honeymoon). I'm also working on gathering tons of documents for our homestudy; insurance policies, tax returns, pet vaccination records, etc...

I'm a person that loves lists, so I've started 2 separate spreadsheets to keep track of our dossier items and our homestudy items. I've purchased a file box and hanging folders to keep all of the papers organized as I gather them. David and I will be tracking down a notary public next week to start getting some of our documents notarized. It's all starting to happen!

This will be the busy time in our adoption process. Right now everything is up to us and the time table is dependent on how quickly we can gather all the necessary documents to put our dossier together. I'm trying to enjoy the busy-ness right now. I know that once the dossier is out of our hands, the hard part begins, which is the waiting.

New Blog Feature - Email Subscription

2009-12-10T13:47:00.002-05:00

You asked for it - we got it!

Several of our friends and family members have asked if they can be emailed every time I post something new on this blog. Well now you can! Check out the "email subscription" box on the right hand side, about halfway down the page. Simply enter your email address, and confirm that you want the subscription by following the instructions. You'll then begin to receive an email each time a new post is published. An easy way for you to keep up with us!

Thanks for supporting us on this journey!

Change the World

2009-12-09T18:45:00.000-05:00

I read an article today written by Steven Curtis Chapman, who as most of you know, adopted 3 daughters from China. The whole article can be found HERE and I encourage you to read it. One part in particular really stood out for me.

If only 7 percent of the 2 billion Christians in the world would care for a single orphan in distress, there would effectively be no more orphans. If everybody would be willing to simply do something to care for one of these precious treasures, I think we would be amazed by just how much we could change the world.

We can each do something, whether it is donating, adopting, fostering, mentoring, visiting orphans or supporting families that have taken in orphans. You can change the world for an orphan

7 Percent! What a small number for such a HUGE change. God calls us to care for "the least of these", but too often we don't answer the call.

I've talked to many friends and coworkers since starting this process, and many ask why are you doing this? Why Africa? Why Rwanda? I've answered to each of them that we are truly being called to this life. Called to adopt. Called to care for orphans in their distress. Will we change the whole world by adopting two orphans? No...but we will change THEIR world and hopefully the worlds of other orphans as we continue to answer God's call.

What are you doing to change the world?

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-11-25T18:23:00.000-05:00

I celebrated my 28th yesterday and had the most wonderful day with my family! I am a lucky woman indeed!

I wanted to share my favorite gift from my wonderful husband

Made from the lovely seller JUNKPOSSE on etsy.com Check out her shop HERE She has a lot of great jewelery for adopting parents.

I love that I have a tangible reminder to wear every day while we wait for our little ones. Once they come home it will be a beautiful reminder of their birth country that has blessed us so much!

New Flooring!

2009-11-04T12:22:00.000-05:00

We've finally finished one of the big home improvement projects we had to do before we start our homestudy. In our home, we're lucky enough to have a room to use as a playroom. When we moved into the house 2.5 years ago, it was nothing more than concrete and sheetrock. We were able to finish off the room and put carpet in.

We're also blessed to have 4 lovely cats... Their litter boxes are kept in a bathroom just off the playroom. Unfortunately one of our cats decided it was a good idea to start using the bathroom outside the door to the bathroom, on the carpet. One of the others followed suit, and before we knew it it was totally unmanageable and the carpeting was absolutely disgusting!

I won't show you any before pictures...gross! But I'm happy to show you the "after's." We went with a vinyl "Flex-Floor", and we are so happy with it! Once we got the nasty carpet out, it broke the cat's habit as well. The good news is that if they decide to start using it again, this flooring will be easy to mop up quickly and won't leave a stain.

We are soooo close to starting our homestudy. We have a small debt that we need to repay to a family member, and once that is taken care of - we'll be ready to go!

Without further ado....the floor!

Halloween Fun!

2009-11-04T12:13:00.000-05:00

I know, I'm a few days behind! Every other blog I've seen has their Halloween pics up already...but what can I say, we've been a bit busy!

Jackson was able to participate in several Halloween events this year, Boo at the Zoo (his favorite), a Trunk or Treat, Trick or Treating at the mall, and regular Trick or Treating. Whew!

After much deliberation, he chose to be a T-rex this year. Dinosaurs are his current "thing". So it was only fitting. It was so much fun to watch him this year, I think it was the first year he really "got" it.

I'll leave you with some pictures of the occasion... I can't wait til our babies are home and able to have Halloween fun with us too!

Rarrrrr!

Boo at the Zoo!

Riding a camel at the zoo.

I think this picture is hilarious! Eating the cat...

Coffee anyone?

2009-10-26T10:57:00.001-04:00

We've been given a wonderful fundraising opportunity from Just Love Coffee. This is a company started by a man named Rob Webb. Rob has adopted from Ethiopia (the birthplace of coffee!), and from that experience, he has started Just Love Coffee to help orphans in Ethiopia and families adopting children all over the world. The coffeee's are all fair trade and they have some delicious flavors - including a Rwandan coffee!

When you purchase Just Love Coffee through our link, you will be helping to build a school for older children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and helping to bring our children home! We receive $5 from every bag of coffee purchased. 100% of the money we receive from this fundraiser will go directly towards our adoption expenses.

FYI - Shipping for 1 bag or 2 bags cost the same!

Coffee makes great Christmas gifts :)

Thanks for your support!!

http://justlovecoffee.com/thenews

Jackson and the big, bad, boo-boo

2009-09-26T15:19:00.004-04:00

Yesterday started off just fine. It was a typical day at work. David was able to get off early and we decided to spend some much need quality time as a family. We decided to pick Jackson up from school and head to the movies. Jackson had been begging us to see "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" for the past couple weeks.

We pulled into the movie theater parking lot and David dropped me off at the front to buy tickets. He and Jackson parked the car and started to get out. Jackson's shoe somehow got caught and he slipped and fell on his way out. There is a metal piece that juts out from the door that latches it when it's closed, and he hit his face on that on the way down.

I turned away from the ticket window and I hear David yelling, "Jenn, we need you over here!" I started walking towards the car when he yells again, "Jenn, NOW." Then I hear the screaming...that is a sound you never want to hear from your child. It's the sound of horrible pain and fear. I ran as fast as I could over to the van, and then I saw the blood. It was everywhere. It took me a second to find out where the actual injury was because of the blood. They say that facial wounds bleed worse than anything else...and after yesterday, I believe it! The cut was actually in his eyebrow.

I happened to have some kleenex in my purse, so we pressed those on the cut to slow down the bleeding. A kind woman in the parking lot (a teacher!), came over to bring us some clean paper towels. Once we got the bleeding slowed enough, we decided it was bad enough to take him to the ER to get it checked out.

I jumped in the back so I could continue to put pressure on the wound, and David started pulling out of the parking lot. Suddenly Jackson pipes up in a teary voice, "isn't anybody gonna buckle me up?" In our rush we had forgotten! Thank goodness he said something!

We arrived at the ER and while we waited to be taken back, I snapped a picture. This was our first trip to the ER for an injury! We made it over 4 years...

Once they took us back, the doctor cleaned out and was trying to decide what to do. She said she could do stitches, but it would only take about 2, and she didn't feel that the trauma it would be to Jackson, would be worth it. Next, she tried dermabond, the glue stuff. Unfortunately, since it was a triangle shaped wound, it wouldn't hold it together. So the last option was just to put steri-strips on it and let it heal on its own.

The whole time we were there, Jackson insisted to every nurse and doctor that he saw, "I'm just here to get a band-aid. I only need a band-aid" It was cute and sad at the same time! So when it was all over, they gave him a Daffy Duck band-aid to cover the steri-strips.

This is his brave face...

After it was all over, we had to go see Grandma (who is a nurse in the same hospital), and get an ice cream cone. The steri-strips will stay on for 5-7 days and should fall off on their own. The doctor said we can expect for it to look bad for up to a year, but his eyebrow hair will grow and thicken to cover it, and the scar will fade. Scars I can deal with, I'm just praising God that it missed his eye!

Today it looks like this... Unfortunately we can't clean off the dried blood until the steri-strips fall off, so he will definiely look like a tough guy for the next week!

So that was our adventure yesterday...Hope all of you had a better day than we did!

Cleaning and Consignment Sales

2009-09-19T09:40:00.004-04:00

We've been on the run the past few weeks, so no time to update!

David and I spent Labor Day Weekend cleaning out what we call "the back bedroom". This is the room that will be the nursery. This was definitely a full weekend event. Not only did this room have some furniture in it, but this was our catch-all room. Basically, if we didn't have a place for something, it just got tossed into this room. Needless to say, it was a MESS! There was no way I was letting a social worker in the house to do our homestudy with it looking like that!

By the end of the weekend the room was emptied out and ready for furniture. Luckily we saved Jackson's crib and dresser, so we were able to bring those over from my Mom's house where we stored them. I know we won't need them for awhile, but I think it will be nice to have the room already set up for the pictures we need to send to Rwanda in our dossier. It also clears out some much needed storage space for my Mom!

So what did we do with all of the stuff in that room? Well when we really looked at it, most of it we just don't need anymore! We are saving it for a huge garage sale in the spring, and for our friends and family reading this - we're going to be hitting you up for garage sale items too! So keep us in mind when you are cleaning out your closets this year!

We've also been busy checking out the fall consignment sales in the area. It seems like there are some going on every weekend! Yesterday I found a couple of great baby items. I got a changing table pad that will fit on the top of the dresser we have. It is pretty much brand new, and was only $10, vs. the $20 or so I'd pay at Babies R' Us. I also bought a crib bedding set for only $15. It's cute...but I'm not sure I'm in love with it. It's probably something we'll sell again at our garage sale. In he meantime I will probably use it for our dossier pictures, so the furniture doesn't look so bare.

I wanted to take before pictures of the room...but David wouldn't let me. I'll definitely post after pictures when it gets put together a little more! Next up, the den flooring is being replaced the first week of October. After that, we'll be ready for our homestudy!

Life's a Beach

2009-08-31T07:43:00.003-04:00

We just got back from a wonderful long weekend at Myrtle Beach. It was exactly what we needed! Stress free, relaxing...and just fun! I thought I would share a few pictures from our trip.

Ahh...vacation is good! Relaxing on the balcony of the condo.

A few beach pictures. This was technically the second time that Jackson had been to the ocean. The first time we stopped in St. Augustine for about 15 minutes on our way back from Disney World. This time he actually got a chance to play and get in the water. He started off really cautiously (like he does with most things), but as he warmed up he became a total daredevil!

Mini-Golf, we played two different courses, and Jackson could have easily played more. He loved the golf.

A family pic

In adoption news...not much to report, but I think we have decided on an agency to do our homestudy. They have never done a study for Rwanda (not surprising!), but so far they have been very helpful and eager to do this for us. I do know them professionaly from work, and the agency has a good reputation. I think it will be a good fit for us. We found out that we only have to pay a small fee up front, and then the rest will be due when the homestudy is completed (about 4-8 weeks), so we are planning to get started in October!

The Beginning

2009-08-21T15:02:00.001-04:00

So now that we've decided to adopt, where are we in the process?

We have decided to pursue an Independent Adoption in Rwanda. An Independent Adoption is where we do all the legwork ourselves (and with lots of help from those who have gone before us!). This process is considerably less expensive than an agency adoption, but a lot more work! In a nutshell, we will have a homestudy done, gather a LOT of paperwork, have all the paperwork authenticated by local, state, federal, and rwandan authorities, then the paperwork (called a dossier) will go to Rwanda and we wait for the approvral for our adoption. After approval is given, a child will then be identified for us, medical testing, etc.. will be done, a court date will be held, and then we will travel to Rwanda to pick our child up and bring them home! Whew... We are estimating the whole process to take about a year or so to complete. Our goal is that the newest member of our family will be home by Christmas 2010.

The first step in all this is to get a homestudy done. We hope to have the finances to begin this step by October or November at the latest. In the meantime, we are doing some small home improvement projects around our house to prepare for the homestudy. In addition to our projects, we are doing a lot of prayer. Praying that God will provide the finances for this adoption, and that he will watch over and care for our child (born or unborn) since we cannot right now.

We are looking forward to getting everything started. That will make the decision we have made in our hearts all the more real!

Who are we?

2009-08-21T14:37:00.000-04:00

I suppose I should open up this blog with a little bit about our family.

My name is Jennifer, my friends call me Jenn. I am 27 years old. I am a wife, mother, and social worker. I currently work for the Department of Children's Services in the state of Tennessee.

I have been married for five wonderful years to my husband David. David is 29 years old and is working for the local cable company installing and repairing cable, internet, and telephone service.

Together we have Jackson, our 4 year old son. Jackson is a real treasure...always up to something and incredibly bright and funny (yes, I sound like a biased mama there, but it's true - I swear!). He definitely keeps us on our toes.

We have wanted to add to our family for a few years now, but have been unable to due to infertility. Jackson was our miracle baby, and we are blessed beyond measure to have him. We are from Tennessee, we live in a medium sized town called Johnson City that is in the far eastern corner of the state - about 20 minutes to either Virginia or North Carolina.

Even before our infertility problems, I knew we would adopt at some point. God has lead me on the path towards adoption since I was in elementary school, when I first read about the abandoned girls in China. I knew that one day, I would adopt a child. Luckily, David agreed with this plan. We discussed adoption even before we were married, and it has been in our plans all along.

We had originally discussed adopting from foster care. Since I work with children in the system every day, it seemed like a logical choice. But once we began investigating the process further, I discovered that it is pretty much impossible to do so while I am employed with the state, due to "conflict of interest".

That is when God began laying International Adoption on our hearts. We've looked into many countries and agencies, but nothing felt "right" to us until we began learning more about Rwanda. We both believe that God is leading us to this beautiful country to bring our child home!

Welcome

2009-08-21T14:35:00.000-04:00

Thanks for stopping by. My husband David and I have recently made a life-changing decision. We have decided to build our family through International Adoption. The country we have chosen is Rwanda (more on that later). This blog will chronicle the ups and downs of the adoption process and our life in between.