Saturday, May 22, 2010

Impacting the future

I've hesitated posting this because I know not all are going to agree with me. In fact, many may be offended when it is not my intention to offend. Instead, it is my intention to enlighten you to the needs of adoption. Not just our needs, but many around us. There are hundreds, if not thousands of people in this world who would love to adopt, but one thing stops them

Money

It sucks, but it is the reality. Adoption should not cost as much as it does, but unfortunately it does. I can't stop that and right now, I'm guessing neither can you. However, you can help other ways. You can help in prayer and financially. What's that? You don't have any money to give? I disagree. *Gulp* Again, remember I'm not trying to cause conflict here. But if you can afford to go to Burger King or get your daily cup of coffee at Starbucks, you can give $5 to a family in need. I can't even begin to tell you how many times $5, $10, $15 has been exactly what we needed when we needed it and blessed us in more ways than a bigger amount would have. However, many don't give because they fear $5 isn't enough. After all they say to themselves, "What is my $5 going to do when they need to raise $20,000?". I'll tell you what your $5 is going to do. It's going to give hope to a family who has none. It's going to get the ball rolling when before it was stationary. It's going to impact the life of a child who otherwise never would have been impacted if not for your measly $5. And if everyone of our friends gave $5, $10, $15, we would have enough to pay for our adoption in no time.

What a small sacrifice with a long-lasting reward. Unfortunately, we have found and my friend Courtney has found that people don't see it like that. We are more than willing to give to our churches, our schools, the local scout troop. But to give to adoption- there is too much of a stigma, too much of a risk. How sad that we are willingly throwing away the life of a child out of fear. For isn't that what it is? We have all heard the stories of the Jones family who adopted a child and that child caused them hell. I mean even the Smiths had a child adopted a birth that ended up wild. Why would I be willing to take that risk now. I'll tell you why. Because without you, the Jones family would have never adopted, the Smiths wouldn't have had their baby who ended up wild and we-Chris & Vanessa, wouldn't have the child who God so layed heavily on our hearts. We would have never been able to follow God's will, His plan and purpose, if not for friends, family, and yes complete strangers who have so lovingly believed in God's plan in our life. That our child will be raised in Him and that his/her future will never be the same. Either will yours if you will only take the risk. After all what is $5?

Big breath

Everyone ok? Still here? Still reading? Good. If you felt offended by what I said, I encourage you to search your heart as to why. Normally when I have felt offended by something or someone it is because what was said has truth. And sometimes, the truth just plain ole' hurts. But it's good for us too, thus why I posted. I didn't post this to guilt you into giving to our adoption. No, God is greater than that. He already has it all taken care of whether you give your $5 or not. Instead, I wanted to open your eyes and if I succeeded in doing that, I would encourage you to go here



and give your $5 or whatever amount you feel lead to give. 26 couples who are all adopting will get the money and one couple will get $5,000. Just in case you are wondering, we are not one of those couples as we didn't even know about this during the entry period. Instead, we just have a passion for adoption and want to see as many people as possible not be held back by the money.

For after all you aren't just changing that couples' life, but you are also changing that child's, and yours.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Today I'm Ok

I thought you would have been here by now but you're not. Today I'm ok with that, tomorrow, I probably won't be. My emotions are like that. I just had dreamed of you celebrating with the girls on their birthday. Of course, you would have probably slept through it in my arms, but at least you would have been here. Snuggled in close, surrounded with those who loved you before you were even home. Since you haven't met us yet, let me tell you a little bit about your family.

Your dad: He is one of the hardest working men I've ever met. I'm so proud of him, yet I don't tell him enough. He goes underappreciated far too often, and I'm constantly working on that. He is extremely handsome. :) If you turn out to be a little girl, you are going to have a crush on him just as your sisters do. If you are a boy, you will respect and look up to him. Whatever you are, I look forward to seeing you rest in your daddy's arms.

Your biggest sister Zoelle: She is three now. All spirit and spunk. She has had a really hard time not being the only child anymore. She often will cry to just be held, or act out just to get a little extra attention. Meridian loves her though and asks for her first thing in the morning. Z is super smart and funny. She often makes us laugh through our frustrations. You are going to love her!

The little big sister Meridian: Mer is one today. She is pretty much the opposite of Z. Quiet and content. Sweet and calm. But, watch out because she has a bit of a temper to her and definitely is exerting her will as she gets older. Mer Mer will be an awesome big sister though and will probably shower you with kisses daily, if not hourly!

And then there is me, your mom: I've dreamed about you since I was 13. I got a Bitty Baby American Doll at that age who had dark skin and God laid it on my heart at that moment that one day, I would have a child who looked like that. I can't wait. Each day, I wake up and wonder if today will be the day.

Hope you enjoyed getting to know us a bit more. I love you little one and look forward to the day someone places you in my arms. We'll be waiting.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy (Birth) Mother's Day

Mother's Day. The day that I think most about our birthmom. Is she pregnant with a little one right now? Is she a teen? A mom already? Is she scared? Sad, but knows she has no other choice?

My heart goes out to her today, on Mother's Day. I can't begin to imagine what she must feel. To know that the little one she carries so tightly in her belly must belong to another. To know that the child she will so lovingly gaze at will be placed in another mom's arms. To be cherished and loved by two moms.

What a blessed mama she is to give the ultimate sacrifice and show the ultimate love for her child through adoption. I am blessed to know her. My husband is blessed to know her. My girls are blessed to know her. And our child will be blessed to have known her. Whether it only be in the womb, or a short glimpse into her tear-stained eyes at birth, our child will know her love.

Happy Mother's Day to our birthmom wherever you may be. We love you and are blessed to call you a part of our family. Thank you for choosing life.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

A little insight into adoption...

I rejoice and exult in hope; I'm steadfast & patient in suffering & tribulation; constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

We received the above verse along with a check in the mail this past week. It was anonymous. Oh how I love "you" anonymous. It's through "you" that God works in my life. He speaks to me through each note, check, or question that one asks me. Thank you for being God in our life (and I hope you all know I don't mean that in a blasphemous way). When we needed it most, "you" followed His prompting and sent it along with the beautiful verse above that reminded me that God is still working in my life, and hopefully in yours.

We were presented with another situation yesterday.  I was visiting with someone today who asked me what exactly it means to get presented with a situation. Good question! :) Basically, it means that our social worker either calls or e-mails us and tells us the basics (info about birthmom, baby, state, price, etc.) then most of the time, we literally have hours to decide if we want to be presented or not. That is a BIG decision to make in hours. Seriously, how does one begin to make such a life changing decision like that in mere hours? The only way is through constant prayer. If we don't have peace, we don't present. As hard as it seems sometimes, we trust and pray that God will give us peace with the "right" situation. Please continue to pray for us as we are presented with these situations.