Brakefield Adoption Journey

Apples

2010-09-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

Yoni and I had a great day today! He woke up around 8:30 and we had breakfast. I pointed out and named some objects for him. Yoni can say mirror now! It sounds like meer but hey, he's only 16 mo's! He scribbled over a coloring page with pictures of things that are red, the main one was an apple! We read and I pointed out everything that was red throughout the day. We went to Iron's fruit farm and were going to pick apples, but apparently they only do that on the weekends. So, we looked at all the animals, pet some goats, and picked up some apples, apple donuts, and some pumpkin butter for daddy. We ate our donut under the tree, then we came home and took a nap. We made jello together and did our first attempt at finger painting. Yoni wasn't sure what to do w/the paint on his hand and the painting was more an attempt to get the paint off! We also dipped some apples in the paint and rolled them around in a box and made a pretty picture! We took a nice walk, had some lunch and then fiddled and played around the house, read a little while we sat in a laundry basket and watched a little veggie tales...took another nap...we tried the finger painting thing again when daddy got home, but he really didn't like it so much this time! He played in his little pool for awhile....We had a great day! I love that little guy soooo much. I can't imagine life without him even though he has only been w/us for such a short time.

Operation fatten Yoni has begun!

2010-08-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Yoni had an appt w/his pediatrician yesterday and this child has still not gained any weight or gotten any taller! The only thing that is growing is his head! The Doc. wants me to start adding fat and cals to his food, such as, using cream instead of milk for mac n cheese or putting butter on his spaghetti, etc. So, I looked a bunch of stuff up on the internet and operation fatten Yoni has begun!! For breakfast I made him an egg made w/2 TB heavy whipping cream, 1 TB butter, and 2 TB of cheese...I don't think there was much egg left after that!! This is what his diet will be like for the next few months...I will probably end up fattening myself up more instead of him!!

3 months home

2010-08-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

It's hard to beleive that we have been home for 3 months now w/Yoni and also that it has only been 3 months with Yoni. It feels as if he has always been here! A lot has happened in these past 3 months. We met Yoni for the first time on 5/10 and got to take him with us on 5/11. We all came home on 5/15. Yoni is thriving and is such an amazing little guy. I love him so much and can't imagine life without him. He has adjusted amazingly well and is usually very easy going. He is also very, very smart! Not that I'm bragging here! Yoni can now say about 20 words, stack 3-4 blocks, kick and throw a ball, feed himself (messily!) point to things and communicate what he wants/needs very well. He has had several dr's appts and has been to an orthopedic Dr. at children's for his club foot. He has had 3 casts, a heel cord surgery w/cast for 3 weeks and now has to wear braces on his feet w/a bar between them, 23 hrs a day for 3 mo's and eventually will only have to wear them at night. Yoni is really not digging the braces as he can't walk in them but he gets so happy and giggly when he gets to take them off for his hour of freedom. It is so funny! I have started back to work, which I do not like at all! Yoni isn't a fan either. Yoni also has 6 teeth now with more right behind. He was sleeping well but the day he got his braces on he started screaming every time we put him in his crib and would wake up screaming almost every hour or so. He would scream for over an hour if we let him and was so stressful to all of us, so Tim and I have started letting him sleep in bed with us...this creates other problems but at least we are all sleeping better. We have our 3 mo post placement visit this week along w/an appt to Yoni's pediatrician, so I will be talking w/the social worker and dr. about this If you have any ideas please let me know. I think it may be a result of me going back to work more than anything... but who knows. We have had a great summer playing and going to the zoo, etc. and now that Yoni's cast is off, he can play in the pool. Tim's step mom had a meet the Brakefield family get together so everyone could meet Yoni, Yoni and I went to visit Nana and Poppa in GA while Tim was on a mission trip with his youth group, we have met w/our local Ethiopia group and Yoni has played w/other children from ET. Yoni has had his 1st haircut w/daddy.....it goes on and on...here are some pics since we have been home.

My kid is so stinkin Cute!!

2010-06-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

Since we weren't able to have a birthday cake for Yonas for his birthday while we were in ET, I decided to make a little one for him here so that I could have some birthday cake pics!!

Freckles

2010-05-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Yonas will take his index finger and put it on a crumb and then put it in his mouth. Today Yonas had his first Doctor's appt in the US. We were in the exam room and I was holding Yonas and he put his finger to one of my freckles and then put his finger in his mouth! He was trying to eat mommy's freckles!! Anyway, I just thought that was hilarious and had to share!

Some pics of Ethiopia

2010-05-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

Home Sweet Home

2010-05-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

Sun.

We got back from Ethiopia w/Yonas Sat. evening. We have been busy adjusting, trying to catch up on sleep, and Tim and I have been trying to get over what our doctor calls "Montezuma's revenge"! I am going to try to post some pics from our trip and a little about our experience. It may take me a few days to catch up, so please be patient!

We arrived in ET about 11ish Sun. eve. We were picked up by T and David, both are great guys! We exchanged our $ at the airport, there was no line while we were there so thought it would be easiest. We didn't have any major issues, the visa processing went w/o any probs. The trip was long and tiring but pretty uneventful. We had more trouble figuring out where we needed to go in the airport at Dulles then in Ethiopia. When we arrived at the Guest house, we unpacked a little, took showers and went to bed. Our room was on the 4th floor and by the end of our trip I really hated those steps! The room was very nice w/a living room area, kitchenette, and 2 bedrooms w/baths. We did not have to share a room. I don't know how we swung this b/c all the other families did.

Mon.

We met the other families at breakfast then went with T to the Hilton to do our paperwork and have lunch. We met Duni there and got packets with information about our children's routines, medical information, vaccinations, etc. We then went to the Transition Home to meet our children. All up us were very nervous and excited. We were the first family and we moved up to the front of the line to get our son and they then said that Yonas was at the dr's and would be back soon. We were disappointed and began to move back while the Farris family moved to the front. A nanny brought out a little boy that looked like Yonas w/o hair. Both our families stopped and looked around b/c he looked like our son but they were telling us it wasn't him and they thought that it didn't look like their son, but they were telling them it was! Finally the nanny said that it was Yonas. Yonas was very upset. He has been at the TH since he was 4 mo's old and is very attached to his nanny's and his surroundings there. Tim and I tried everything to comfort him but he would not stop crying. We finally ended up taking Yonas back to his room and staying in their w/him. Yonas calmed down immediately and fell asleep in my arms. We spent the whole afternoon there w/him. It was great! We also met w/the TH doctor. After that the women went to the spa for some pampering and then we went all went out for a traditional Ethiopian meal w/singing and dancing. They had great food and entertainment.

We are coming Yonas!!

2010-05-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

We just got the call this morning, totally unexpectedly. We were cleared by the embassy to travel to ET and pick up Yonas!! We will be leaving Sat. morning!! Talk about crazy! I just can't wait to hold my baby boy!!

All Thumbs!

2010-04-22T16:13:00.001-07:00

My Poor Baby! Yonas was playing with a friend the other day and accidentally got his hand slammed in a door. The poor little guy had his first trip to the ER! Yonas got stitches in his thumb! They took this picture when he got back to the TH (transition home). They also took an X-ray to make sure he doesn't have any broken bones. I wish I was there and could kiss his little thumb and make it all better :( This being thousands of miles a part just isn't working for me anymore.....

Nesting

2010-04-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

I think that I am nesting...yesterday I made a hearty crock pot meal, Ethiopian honey bread (it's now a house necessity!), home made granola, and I started washing all my cloth diapers for the baby! Hopefully, this means we will travel soon! Yonas, we are ready to bring you home, we are just waiting for the word go!! We love you, you precious baby boy. Eh wed eh hallo, ye ney leej!! I know that is not how you spell it and I'm sure I didn't get the sentence structure right but it is supposed to say I love you, my son, in Amharic!

Ethiopian Honey Bread

2010-04-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

I made this bread the other day and it was amazing! Our friends, A & S, say that the typical Ethiopian Honey Bread is a little denser, has more spices, and no milk or eggs. However, they said it was very close and tasted even better than what they have made or had before. So, I am gonna stick with my recipe!

Ethiopian Honey Bread
Ingredients
1 Tbsp active dry yeast -1 packet
1/4 C warm water
3Tbsp egg white
1/3 C honey ( I used whipped honey b/c it is what I had on hand and it was so good I will keep using it!)
1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp sea salt
1 C warm milk ( I used 1%)
6 Tbsp melted light margarine
5 C white whole wheat flour (I just used regular all purpose flour)

Directions
In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water. Let stand 3 min. then stir to dissolve.

Set in a warm place 5 min, should double in volume. If it doesn't, repeat procedure (mine sat for about 10 min).

Combine egg whites, honey, coriander, cinnamon, cloves and salt in a deep bowl, mixing until smooth.

Add yeast mixture, milk, and 5 Tbsp melted margarine. Beat until well blended (I just mixed w/a spoon). Stir in 4 -4 1/2 c flour (1/2 c at a time), until it is too stiff to stir. (You may not need all of the flour- I didn't).

On a lightly floured surface, knead daugh. Add remaining flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Knead about 5 min.

Place in a large, greased bowl. Cover w/a damp cloth and let sit in warm place for 90 min.

Grease baking sheet w/ 1 Tbsp margerine (I used shortening).

Punch down dough and knead again for 3 min.

Shape into a round (I braided mine), and place on baking sheet.

Preheat oven to 325.

Let dough rise 10 min while oven preheats.

Bake 1 hour until top is crusty and light golden brown.

New Pics!

2010-04-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you Connelly Family for delivering our care package and loving on our little man!

2010-04-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

We witness a miracle every time a child enters into life.
But those who make their journey home across time and miles,
growing within the hearts of those who wait to love them,
are carried on the wings of destiny and place among us
by God's very own hands.
---Kristi Larson

My Montage 3/25/10 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-03-25T11:30:00.001-07:00

We got the long awaited call this morning that we passed court and Yonas is officially ours. It will still be a little while before we can go to pick him up but what's a little more wait!! Here is a beginning stages collage of our little guy!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Court Date!

2010-03-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

We finally have a court date!!! Yeah!!! We are so excited. Our court date is 3/25/10. Please, pray that we pass court the first time w/o any problems so we can travel as quickly as possible to finally pick up our son!

News

2010-02-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

Well, since we last posted, Asher had gotten sick with pneumonia, as well as many of the other children at the TH. He was treated with an antibiotic and is now done with his meds and is over the pneumonia and reportedly doing well. We also just received word today that all of our paperwork has now been signed off on, which reportedly is a miracle in and of itself. More information to come on that topic another time. We are being told that it will probably be about 2-3 more weeks before we get a court date, however. Our agency will petition the courts for an expedited court date for us as we have been waiting so long. So, please keep us in your prayers and hopefully we will have a court date for mid-late March and pass the first time. Please also pray for our friends the Heddleson’s as they have been waiting even longer and going through many of the same issues to bring their son home. We just found out that they did not pass court today due to a paperwork issue and they are very, very frustrated and heartbroken. Our agency is trying to get them another court date tomorrow.

January Update!

2010-01-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

Well, we received our January update of Asher. He is almost 9 mo's, weighs 15 lbs and can crawl and pull himself up to stand. He is eating cereal/pastini, and mashed fruits and vegetables in addition to formula. He is becoming such a big boy! and he is so incredibly gorgeous! I just can't wait to hug him and kiss him and love on him. I don't think I will be able to put him down for at least a year!! I think me and Tim will be fighting over who gets to hold him! I can't wait until we can post pics of him and show you his gorgeous little face! Please keep us in your prayers as the wait is really beginning to seem unbearable.

Dream

2010-01-21T04:55:00.000-08:00

I dreamt of Asher last night!! I think about him constantly but this morning I dreamt of him for the first time! It was so wonderful I didn't want to wake up. Tim and I were bathing him, cuddling with him, and caring for him. It was perfect. I just can't wait to hold him in my arms and kiss him all over! My mom also had a dream of Asher last week and said that he is coming home soon. Hopefully, she is right and that all this waiting will end and we can have him home with us.

update

2010-01-15T04:24:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone, sorry that I have not posted anything in a long time. We are still waiting to get a court date and pick up our son. Basically, there was an investigation in the part of Ethiopia that our son is from in November. (no concerns w/our case or agency) Since then, they have resolved this issue, however, movement in the area has been a bit slow and they are still working on things. So, at this time we are still waiting for things to be taken care of and for a court date. We don’t know when this will happen, but rest assured that we will let everyone know when it does. At first, both Tim and I were heartbroken by the additional wait and unknown’s. However, we both knew that all kinds of things can happen and come up in adoption, especially international adoptions. It was very hard for us to even think about this, much less write or talk about it. However, we both have faith that God has a plan for us and our son and that He will see this to completion. That faith has never waivered and will not. We know that this is true. We have been trying to keep busy and pray and during this time. Our son is almost 9 mo’s old and at the last update weighed 15 lbs and is doing well. We know that the Transition Home for our agency is taking very good care of him and we are all ready to go, whenever all the issues are taken care of and we pass court. We can’t wait to hold our son and kiss him all over. Please continue to pray for us and our son. We will try to update more often.

UGGHHH!

2009-10-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, can I just say....I'M LOSING MY PATIENCE!! Ok, I feel a little bit better! I know that we are coming up for getting a court date. It looks like we are about #2 on the list for a court date so hopefully we will hear something tomorrow.....I hope....Anyway just wanted to complain for a minute...thanks for listening!

Court is Open!!

2009-10-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

Court is finally open and working today!! Wahoo!! Our program director said that they are now working on getting court dates for all families that have received referrals. She is hopeful that w/in the next mo. or sooner (hopefully sooner) all families will have a court date. So, please continue to keep us in your prayers.

September update

2009-10-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well, we just received our monthly update for September from our agency. Our little guy is so gorgeous, I can't wait until we pass court so I can show all of you his cute little face! He looks like he is doing really well, which makes my heart not hurt as badly. I just can't wait until we are able to go and pick him up. Please, pray for Asher, for him to continue to be healthy, well nourished, well loved and cared for. Please also pray for this for all the children at the transition home that are waiting for their forever families to come and pick them up and for all the nannies and AWAA staff caring for our children and working towards bringing us all together.

AWAA Ohio

2009-10-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today we met w/several families from our agency adoption or have already adopted from Ethiopia. It was really great to put some faces w/names and wonderful to see everyone's kiddos. We hung out for a little while at the park then went to the Abysinia Cafe for some great Ethiopian food. We had a really good time. There is one family that we met that received their referral about a month before us, so we are hoping that we get to travel together. The above pic. is Ethiopian coffee. It is very strong so they serve it in small cups, about the size of an espresso cup.

Tim's Dinner He had the Doro Watt wich is the chicken leg...very spicy

My dinner, injera, lentils, carots n cabbage, beef tibs, and cheese and collard greens

Micah, Moshe, & Matty

Court opening delayed

2009-10-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

We have been expecting the courts to open this week, however, today we recieved this email from our program director:

Dear Timothy & Shanon,
I know you are anxiously awaiting news on court after the long weeks of the closure. The court confirmed today that they will not be reopening until Oct. 12th. Once they begin work it will like take a week or more for them to issue new court dates.
I know this time of waiting can be so hard as you long to be united with your child. I am sorry that we will have to wait more time for any new news. I am hopeful that new court dates will be given for early November but we will not receive any confirmation from the court until they begin work again.
We will continue to pray for your family and will contact you as soon as we have any new information
God Bless,
Anna M. Graham
Director of Programs

This really stinks....in a huge way...we are so anxious to pick up Asher, we are missing so much. However, I know that God will unite us in His timing and it will all work out eventually, however, this is soo hard on my "mommy heart".... Please pray for us and all the families that had court dates scheduled for the time that the courts have extended their closure, as they have been waiting even longer to be united with their children and all will have to be rescheduled, so essentially, they are back to the same stage we are, waiting for a court date. Please also pray for Tim and I as we wait and wait....

Care Package #2

2009-09-23T17:51:00.001-07:00

We are sending another care package to Asher tomorrow. The family taking it are the Hamilton's. The family will be heading to Ethiopia to pick up their child on 10/4. The family that took our 1st care package is back and we received some new pics of our little guy and news that he is doing well. He is getting so big, it was so great to get updated pics of him and to see how he is growing, it is also very hard as we are missing so much and can't hold or kiss him. Please pray that Asher will stay healthy, protected, and well nourished. Please also pray that we receive a court date asap, that we pass court the first time and are able to travel right away. On another note, My mom is having a baby shower for us this weekend and I am getting really excited!

Culture Camp

2009-09-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Tim and I went to an Ethiopia Culture Camp that the group we meet with in Mason arranged. It was great! We met a lot of great people at the camp. There is actually a small Ethiopian community here in Cincinnati. They meet for fellowship every week and keep their culture intact. They are all very nice and helpful and will be a great resource for us and our child. It is so awsome that we can continue to learn about the culture and to incorporate it into our everyday lives so that our child will not loose these roots and connections to Ethiopia. We also want to learn Amharic, and were shown some good resources to get us started with this. We are also hoping that someone from the Ethiopian community will help us learn, as well. We shall see how that works as Amharic is a bit intimidating. We attended a coffee ceremony at the camp and it was great. The coffee was really good, nothing like our puny coffee!! I want to get a coffee set while we are in Ethiopia and learn how to do the coffee ceremony. Once I learn I want to do the ceremony every week and invite friends and family to come. I am also thinking that I want to learn how to cook Ethiopian food to serve at least once a week, as well. We will see how that turns out!! We also had dinner with Ethiopian food and some music at the camp. It was really neat and everyone from the Ethiopian community dressed in traditional Ethiopian clothing, many of the children and parents also wore traditional Ethiopian clothing. We also met a woman and her daughter who are part of the Ethiopian community and live right down the street from us. We really enjoyed speaking with them and hope we become friends, so I can rope them into teaching us some things!! It was a great time.

Care Package

2009-09-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

Today I sent the care package for our little guy by UPS. They said that it should get to the family taking it for us by this Sat. and I think that they are leaving next Tues. I hope that it gets there w/no probs, especially as it is a holiday weekend. I can't wait for the time that we are picking up Asher and delivering some other family's care pkg for their child. I am constantly looking at Asher's beautiful, little face. Gosh, I can't wait! The Cornetts are the family that is taking the care package over to Asher for us. You can check out their blog at http://ourstoryforhisglory.blogspot.com. Please pray that they have a safe, healthy, and awsome trip to pick up their child.

Acceptance

2009-09-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today, Tim and I sent in our acceptance letter of our referral. We also put together a little care package for another family to take to our baby when they go to pick up their child. We are sending a little blanket, 2 toys, an outfit and onsie, and a baby photo book w/pics of us. The family that takes the package for us will also be able to love on our son a little bit for us and take some pics and hopefully some video for us, as well. Since we can't be there to hold him and care for him, we are sending the next best thing.

It's A Boy!!

2009-09-01T17:33:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Tim and I received a referral for the most gorgeous baby boy in the whole wide world!! Yeah! Yipee! Woohoo! Yessss!! Fantastic! Wow! Yeeeaaahhh!! And any other happy word you can think of! Unfortunately, at this time we are not at liberty to share any additional information about our child or referral until we pass court and he is officially our child. It is very hard because I just want to shout from the roof tops and show everyone his beautiful little face!! We might be being a little cautious about the information that we can post but we do not want to take any chances in jeapordizing our adoption, so in our minds better safe than sorry and rest assured that we will share more information as soon as we can. We received the call around 3:50pm yesterday. However, about 20 minutes prior to this, I almost told off a poor Time Warner Salesman! About 3:20pm I received a phone call and when I looked at the number it had a 760 area code and I knew that our adoption agency's area code began with a 7, so my heart stopped and I got all anxious and tentatively answered the phone and when he told me that he was from Time Warner and did we want cable television, I almost blew a gasket!! However, I did not and politely declined any further services and hung up the phone all dejected and sad. Then about 20 minutes later we got "THE call"!! Our family coordinator contacted Tim by phone first and then they called me at work on 3way. It was probably the most amazing moment of my life so far, next to my wedding day. Our coordinator told us that this is "THE Call" and told us about our little boy. My heart stopped and dropped right out of my body when I heard her voice, I could barely even come up with coherent responses during the call. Terra told us that she was emailing our son's medical information and pictures to us to view, etc. We then hung up and I called Tim right back. Tim was crying and got me started crying, as well. I think we were both still a little in shock at this point. Since I was due to get off of work, Tim and I decided to wait until I got home to look at the information and have our first look at our son together. As soon as we opened the email at home we both knew that this indeed was our child and we both started sobbing again! He is so absolutely beautiful. God definately knew what He was doing! Leslie, I think the wishbone definately helped move things along!! Anyway, Tim and I are still on a "baby high"!! I spoke w/a Dr. who specializes in international adoptions and she reviewed our son's health information. Tim and I also got some of the recommended immunizations for travel today. Tim definately wasn't thrilled about this part of the process, but I told him to suck it up!! He is still whining about it!! Little Asher, see how much your daddy already loves you, he voluntarily got 3 shots today, just so he can come and pick you up and bring you home. Oh yeah, we are planning on naming the baby Asher....We can say that as it is not his original name and it will not identify him in anyway. Also, Tim says that he did not cry. He is a man and is strong, GGGRRR!!

Six Months DTE

2009-08-27T04:41:00.001-07:00

We are now 6 months DTE. We are definately moving closer and closer, although some days it feels like a snails pace! We received our official "On Deck" email yesterday from AWAA. Basically, it says that we could receive our referral within 1-3 months. I don't think it will be 3 months until we receive our referral, but who knows, it is all in His timing and we know that it will happen when it is supposed to. We are trying very hard not to focus entirely on our referral or the phone ringing, sometimes it is very hard!! I feel like a kid at the dinner table banging his silverwear on the table, yelling "I want my dinner"! Except I am yelling "I want my baby!!" We received a calendar from AWAA at the beginning of the year and there are bible verses on it for each month. It has been very helpful during our adoption process and the verse for August is so very fitting, I look at it several times a day. It is from Ecclesiastes 3:11 "God makes everything happen at the right time. Yet none of us can ever fully understand all he has done." I keep saying this to myself and it helps me through the day...maybe it will help you through yours, too..

Five months waiting

2009-07-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our 5th month waiting for our baby since DTE. There has been a lot going on this past month. We had our walk-a-thon and raised over $1,000 from it. Thank you to all who participated and donated, we could not do it without you and we love you very much. We also had our 1st yard sale of the year last Friday and made over $300. We are planning on holding another yard sale next weekend if you have anything you would like to donate or if you want to stop by. We are also trying to plan a spaghetti dinner for September. If you have any ideas of where to hold it at, please let us know or if you have any other fundraising ideas that would be great, too. We had our waiting families conference call today with our adoption agency. They have reduced the wait times for boys to 5-8 mo's, so we are right w/in that range now and think we are somewhere in the top 5 waiting for a boy. The wait for a girl is the same at 9-11 mo's and we are somewhere in the top 20 for a girl. Needless to say, we think we are going to have a baby, Asher!! For some reason Tim seems to think we are going to get our referral on August 7th. So, we will just have to see, maybe we should start a poll?!! We also found out that it is very likely that the courts will only close for about 6 weeks this year instead of the usual 3 mo's. We think that the dates the courts will be closed will be starting on 8/22-9/30. This is good news, although not as good as if they didn't close at all!! But we are very thankful and won't push our luck and we'll take what we can get! Also, please pray for our friend, Ronnie Wallace. He got hurt pretty badly at work and is currently in the hospital. They are hopefull that he will get to go home on Friday and start the long recuperating process. Also, please pray for his entire family as they all struggle through this.

Legacy Of An Adopted Child

2009-07-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

Legacy of an Adopted Child

Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not remember; the other you call mother.

Two different lives, shaped to make your one.
One became your guiding star; the other became your sun.
The first gave you life; the second taught you how to live in it.

The first gave you a need for love; the second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed of talent; the other gave you an aim.
One gave you emotions; the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile; the other dried your tears.

One gave you up-it was all that she could do.
The other prayed for a child, and God let her straight to you.
--Anonymous

Eternal Family Program

2009-06-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

On another note, we have been accepted into the Eternal Family Program through AWAA our adoption agency. So, now if anyone contributes towards our adoption, their dontation can be tax deductable. If you are interested in making a tax deductable donation to our adoption, please email us at brakefieldadoption@yahoo.com so that I can email you the form that you will need to complete with your donation.

Four Months and Counting

2009-06-30T16:18:00.001-07:00

Well, we have now been on the waiting list for 4 months. We are unofficially around 26th on the waiting list to receive a referral for a child. We are hoping that we will receive a referral sometime in the fall, however, we know that it is all in His timing and we are trying very hard to have no expectations. We have been very busy working on the baby's room, getting the house ready, etc. We are gearing up getting ready for our walk a thon and also working on gathering things for our yard sale. So, if any of you have anything that you would like to get rid of and would like to donate for our yard sale, please let us know. Last year we were able to raise all the money that we needed for our homestudy from our 3 yard sales. Baby Brakefield we are one month closer to holding you in our arms and can't wait to meet you, hug you, and kiss you!!

My Life Is Not My Own

2009-06-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

As I was stalking blogs from some families adopting children from Ethiopia, I came across this post from Heidi Weimer at http://blessingsfromethiopia.blogspot.com. It really touched me and hit home and I wanted to share it with you. Heidi and her husband currently have 6 children, 3 biological, 3 adopted and they will be traveling soon to pick up 3 more adopted children from Ethiopia for a whopping total of 9. They have definately embraced the fact that their lives are not their own and have put aside many of their wants to follow the lord, but have received many blessings, too, namely 9 beautiful children.

"I wish I could tell you...
that the sacrificial life of following after Jesus and being His actual hands and feet on this Planet Earth would bring rewards on this planet. But I can't. Because it probably won't.

I wish I could tell you that if you take in an orphan and love that child as your own flesh and blood, that you will be blessed in this life in more ways than just spiritual. But I can't. Because you might not be.

I wish I could tell you that it's easy to adopt. That it's effortless and glamorous and always beautiful. But I can't. Because it isn't.

I wish I could tell you that it's easy after you adopt. But I can't. Because it's tougher than tough some days.

I wish I could tell you that this life of sacrifice is painless and prosperous. But I can't. Because it's often painful and rarely prosperous in the earthly.

I wish I could tell you all of those warm and comforting platitudes, but I can't. Because they're not true.

What I CAN tell you, though, is that this life is not your own. So none of the above matter anyway.

When I stepped off of the cliff in full recognition of that reality, I have had no control over my life since. Yes, I have choices. I realize that I chose this road. I said yes to this calling. I agreed to take in 6 kids that I did not have to call my own. But once I said yes the first time, I could never say no after. Once I took Jesus seriously, Jesus took me seriously. I was wrecked for Him and for this life and could never tell Him no. Never again. If I say no to a child who needs me, I'm saying no to the Child Jesus. If I say no to an abandoned baby who needs me, I'm saying no to Baby Jesus. If I say no to a sibling group who needs a family, I'm saying no to Jesus and his brothers and sisters. Think I'm exaggerating?

Matthew 25:44-46 (The Message)
44"Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?'

45"He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.'

46"Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward."

I mean, it doesn't get more blatant than that. But alas there it is for us so-called Jesus followers.

And, here's a little warning: Once you utter that initial walking-off-the-cliff YES to Him, it doesn't get any easier. In fact, it gets more painful and far more difficult. Saying YES the first time was the easy part for us, even though that certainly was not easy. Because--the fact is--every single day I see the reality of my choice to say YES to Jesus in need. I see the white picket fences, the new cars, the private schools, the suburban "dream," the picture perfect families. I see that. I know what I'm saying no to. I am fully aware that I had a choice to embrace "that" life, but that I chose to embrace His instead.

It's often painful. Usually not easy. Typically lonely. Generally overwhelming. But I know that this life is not my own. The reward for me is most likely not on this planet. In fact, it most certainly isn't. Most probably I will never live in a fat house (by American standards) and drive a fancy car and have any spare cash to sit on. I realize that. I know that. And I also know that I could have sought those things for myself and could have had them. I absolutely know that that life is within my reach. Every time I encounter someone who has embraced fulfillment in the temporary, I am reminded like a big banner (or a slap in the face) that I chose this road instead. And every time I am reminded, I hear God asking me (practically audibly sometimes), "So, you still want to follow the narrow road?" [YES, Lord. Here am I. Send me.]

Loving the fatherless. Loving the abandoned. Loving the seemingly hopeless. The narrow road requires sacrifice.The narrow road. It's lonely. It's long. It's difficult. It's full of suffering and struggle and sacrifice. But isn't that what following our Jesus is all about? If you're following a Jesus that doesn't demand sacrifice of all earthly endeavors, than I don't know what Jesus you're following. Didn't Jesus, after all, sacrifice all earthly endeavors for us? What did He sacrifice so that He could love YOU? How much more, then, should we sacrifice in order to love Him? And if loving HIM means loving the unlovely and the unloved, then what does it mean if we live in comfort while the unloved go on unloved? While the orphaned stay orphaned? While the street kids still roam the streets?

I don't know how we can really claim to love Jesus if we don't love Jesus the Street Child. If we don't love Jesus the Orphan. Jesus the Prostitute. Jesus the Abandoned.

But what does it mean to LOVE Jesus the Orphan? What does it mean to love Jesus the Abandoned? It means that you do for Jesus the Orphan what you would want done to your own child.

Matthew 7:12 (New International Version)
12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

In a world that seems so complicated and chaotic, it really is as simple as that. It's what led me to see my own children in the faces of Ethiopia's orphans in the first place. It's what led me to say yes to children who simply needed a family. Who needed me. Who needed someone to see Jesus the Orphan in them.

Matthew 16:23-25 (The Message)
23But Jesus didn't swerve. "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works."

24-26Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Matthew 16:23-25 (New International Version)

23Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Where is your cross? What is your suffering? Go seek out Jesus the Orphan. You'll find your cross and suffering there. And there you will finally find Jesus. The One you did not see before and the One you did not know to love.

And then and only then, Great Will Be Your Reward. I can't count on much, but I can count on that.

Luke 6:34-36 (New International Version)
34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons and daughters of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:34-36 (The Message)
31-34"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

35-36"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

I know my family is not the so-called American Dream. I know that having 9 kids is certainly not the goal for most sane and ordinary people. I know that having a multi-racial family can really mar some people's plans for a supposedly picture-perfect family. But so what? This life is not your own. Don't live a lie believing that it is. Whose plans are those, anyway, for the picture-perfect home? the picture-perfect family? the American dream? I don't remember Jesus standing on the mountainside preaching in favor of any of those, so whatever you do, make sure your plans aren't just that...YOUR plans.

My life is not my own. And if you claim to follow Jesus, your life is not yours, either.

Galatians 2:20 (New International Version)
20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Go. Leave behind the life you planned. SEEK OUT the orphan. Don't ask God one more time if He wants you to adopt. Because...HE'S been asking YOU, who WILL?"

1/15

2009-06-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I wrote up this great post and lost it at the end. I got so mad, I had to go to bed, so today, I am attempting to rewrite it. Interestingly enough, it was about perserverance! Anyway, last week I was driving to a clients home and saw a sign outside a church. It said that "Faith is not a one time event". For some reason this really stuck in my head and I felt the truth of that simple statement. Then I went to church on Sunday and what do you think our pastor was talking about? Our scripture was James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perservarance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything". And what do you know one of the first things Pastor Tim said was "Faith is not a one time event"! He spoke about how God uses trials in our lives because He loves us so much that He wants to bring us to where we need to be in our faith. He wants us to have a faith of character, authenticity, and integrity and everytime we face a trial in our lives we grow and mature and develop a closer relationship with God. God is always with us along these trials and these trials allow perserverance to do its job. I know that I am probably not sayint all this correctly, however, I think you probably get the point. Anyway, I was thinking about all of this and especially about our adoption journey and what a journey of faith it is. Tim and I have grown as individuals, as a couple, and in our faith and relationship with God. One of the things that we are learning to do better is to rely on God for everything and give it all up to Him. We trust that God has it all under control and has a plan to bring our child home in His timing. We have been able to (at least most of the time!) give all our worries to Him and allow Him to take care of them. The biggest area of worry is about being able to pay for the adoption, as it is so expensive. However, everytime we start to think about this and worry, we have been able to step back and give it to God and He has brought us peace. So, much so that my mom worries about this more than I do! We know that God is great and He can do anything and He will help us to complete this adoption journey. Tim is leaving at 4am this morning to take a group of Sr. High kids to a conference in Orange Beach, Al. Please pray for them to have a safe journey and to grow in their relationship with our Lord. Also, on another note, this marks the one year anniversary of the begining of our adoption journey. When Tim came home from the same conference last year, God placed adoption on his heart and here we are!

Red Thread Walk-A-Thon

2009-06-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

Everyone get out those walking shoes. Tim and I are having a Red Thread Walk-A-Thon.

An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break.
- Chinese proverb

The red thread is a tradition that all the people of consequence in your life have an invisible red thread that connects them to you. It is a clear symbolic image for relationships that cannot be denied ... husbands and wives, friends and soulmates, and of course, parents to children. Even though we are adopting from Africa this proverb has real meaning to us as even now we are connected to a child that we have never seen but love nonetheless. Please help us raise the needed funds to bring our child home.

We are having a walk-a-thon on July 11, 2009 starting at 10 am at the bike trail at the Countryside YMCA in Lebanon and are walking 3 miles. The address for the Y is 1699 Deerfield Rd, Lebanon, OH 45036. You can help us by volunteering to walk and raising money from your circle of friends, family, and co-workers. All moneys raised from the walk-a-thon are strictly used towards our adoption related expenses. If you are not able or do not want to walk you can still help us raise funds. Walking is great exercise and this is for a wonderful cause, so please help. Email us for more information at brakefieldadoption@yahoo.com.

We are also planning a birthday extravaganza after the walk for my 30th b-day. Be there or be square!!

Pics from the skate party

2009-06-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from our skating party last Sat. We had a great time. Thanks to all who came and fell along with us!! Or at least fell along with me!

To all families in the adoption process

2009-06-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

One of the families that adopted a child through our agency is creating a coffee fundraiser to help families with the expense of adoption. If you are in the process of adopting, consider signing up with this fundraiser. Here is a copy of an email he sent regarding this:

My name is Rob Webb. My wife and I adopted two girls 10 & 4 about a
month ago (The April 25-May 2 travel group). While I realize that many
of you in this group are pretty far along in your adoption process I
wanted to let you know about a company that I am starting. It is called
One Love Coffee Roasters and its primary focus is fund raising for
adopting families and helping the AWAA transition home in Addis Ababa
through the sale of Fair Trade coffees. While I will not be open until
September 2009 (facility is being constructed, website is being
designed, coffees are being cupped, etc.) I wanted to let you guys know
what I was doing. You can go to the temporary website while the actual
website is being built at http://www.onelovecoffees.com to find out more
about what I am trying to do. It is a turnkey fundraiser program. Each
family will have their own dedicated page in the store (i.e.
www.onelovecoffees. com/jonesfamily) to sell their coffees. There is NO
product to be purchased by the adopting family. All that is required of
the family is to sign up and get the word out about their coffee. We
handle the product, inventory, order processing, shipping, etc and at
the end of the month we send you your proceeds ($5 per bag). That's all
there is to it. I've tried to make it as easy and risk free for the
families as possible. If you or a family that you know of can make use
of this please visit the site and fill out the pre-application so that I
can get you started as soon as we're up and running. Thanks so much and
I will continue to keep all of you and your children in my prayers.

Rob Webb

So, please take a look at the website and sign up. This is a great opportunity for some fundraising help.

New info from the Dept. of State

2009-06-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Adoption Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's Issues

May 26, 2009

Adoptions of Abandoned Children Halted by Ethiopian Court

On May 4, 2009 the Ethiopian First Instance Court temporarily stopped accepting cases involving abandoned children referred by orphanages in Addis Ababa, citing a substantial increase in the number of children being brought for adoption. The number of abandoned children from orphanages in Addis Ababa has grown dramatically in recent months and Ethiopian authorities have become aware of possible cases of unethical practices associated with some of them.

Neither the Ministry of Women's Affairs (MOWA) nor the First Instance Court had been accepting abandonment cases from any orphanage in Addis Ababa pending an inquiry. However, on May 23 the Court confirmed that while the investigation into cases of abandoned children continues, it has begun accepting cases of abandoned children referred from Addis Ababa government orphanages. These include the following orphanages:

Kebebe Tsehay Orphanage
Ketchene Orphanage
Kolfe Youth Center

This is good news. Hopefully, the investigation will be completed soon and they will open up adoptions for abandoned children again.

Skating Party

2009-05-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder that our skating party is this Saturday, 5/30 from 4:30 - 6:30 at the Orbit Fun Center in Lebanon.

3 Months

2009-05-28T04:01:00.001-07:00

Well, we have now been DTE for 3 months. I am feeling kind of down today and really having some trouble with not having my baby home with me. I seem to be continuously stopping myself from crying today:( which as many of you who know me, doesn't happen very often. (I am not really the crying kind of girl!) So, needless to say, I am having a hard one and am trying to work and do everything else that needs done. I have a calandar that our agency sent us with pictures of families and children who have adopted hanging on my desk. It also has different scripture verses on it. I looked over at it a little while ago and it made me feel a little better. The scripture is Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you." It helps to know that God has it all under control, that he has a plan, and that when the timing is right, under his guidance we will be united with our child. I am trying really hard to have patience and grace, however, some days it is very, very difficult. It is also very hard to describe some of the feelings that go along with this process. All I know is that God has it and I must continue to pray faithfully and give it all up to Him.

On another note, one of the family's who is over in Ethiopia now, picking up their child, wrote this comment about the head of our adoption agency making a trip to Ethiopia to try to straighten out and help Ethiopia w/the investigation, etc. that is currently occurring. "I spoke with Brian Luwis (head of our adoption agency)today here in Ethiopia about the situation. He obviously could not give me details, but what I am very pleased with is his desire to get it straightened out quickly. He spent time at the embassy today in meetings with officials and presented a plan to them to create a more stable process for Ethiopian adoptions. He and Duni came to the Guest House and they both were very kind to each of the families and took genuine interest in each of our adoption stories.
This may not be helpful to those waiting, but know that AWAA is working hard on the situation here in Addis. He is leaving here tomorrow to go to several other African countries to develop the adoption process there as well." I also wanted to invite you to participate in a day of fasting and prayer with our yahoo group on Friday. Let's lift up the US & Ethiopian AWAA staff, the MOWA/ET court system/staff, the orphanage directors/workers, and of course our precious ET kiddos & waiting families. Please join us in prayer and help us bring our children home.

5/14

2009-05-14T16:08:00.001-07:00

Sorry that it's been so long since my last post...so busy!! I want to give a late shout out to all the mothers and mothers-to-be! Happy late mother's day! I didn't forget, I just didn't have time to post!! Tim was so sweet. He got me a very nice mothers day card, telling me what a great mom I am going to make and that he is so thankful for me. I almost cried reading it, then he gave me a necklace that I have been wanting for forever!! It is a pendent of Africa with a heart cut out where Ethiopia is. There is a really neat lady who sells them and donates part of the profit to families who are adopting(more on this later). You can find them at www.etsy.com. Anyway, Tim put it in a sock and gave it to our dog, Kettle to give to me. It was soo cute. The only problem was, Kettle didn't want to give up the sock!! It so totally made my day. I couldn't beleive that Tim remembered the necklace, as I mentioned it several months ago when I ran across them. I think he's a keeper!!

I was just catching up on reading posts from our Yahoo Group and I ran across some really disheartening information. Here is a post from the state department's website. May 13, 2009

Adoptions of Abandoned Children Halted by Ethiopian Court:
The Ethiopian First Instance Court has temporarily stopped accepting cases involving abandoned children from orphanages in Addis Ababa, citing concern over a recent increase in the number of abandoned children being brought for adoption. The number of abandoned children from orphanages in Addis Ababa has grown dramatically in recent months and Ethiopian authorities have become aware of possible cases of unethical practices associated with some of them.

Currently neither MOWA nor the First Instance Court are accepting any abandonment case from any orphanages in Addis Ababa pending an inquiry.

On one hand I am really heartsick and sad about this, but on the other, I am really glad that Ethiopia is so commited to ensuring that the children that are placed for adoption are orphans and that the program is free from corruption. Please pray that they are able to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. It is my understanding that none of the orphanages that our agency, AWAA, works with have had this issue and are not under investigation. I feel very confident that our agency works very hard to ensure that the children adopted through them are true orphans and that they work with honesty and integrity and do everything in their power to prevent any kind of corruption in any of their programs. When I learn more information,I will be sure to pass it on.

Two Months Since DTE

2009-04-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

Well, have now been on the waiting list for two months. So, that means we have an estimated 7-9 months more to go before we will get a referral for our baby. Tim and I are trying to be patient, but at times it is very difficult! We have been pretty busy around here with work, gathering baby items, getting the baby's room ready, planning wedding showers, yard work, family time, etc. It helps to pass the time constructively:)

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

2009-04-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

I should have posted something at the beginning of the month, but better late than never!!

Ten Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse

Be a nurturing parent.
Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.

Help a friend, neighbor or relative.
Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand take care of the children,
so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.

Help yourself.
When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point
you feel overwhelmed and out of control - take time out.
Don’t take it out on your kid.

If your baby cries…It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby
won’t stop crying.
Never shake a baby - shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.

Get involved.
Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services
to meet the needs of healthy children and families.

Help to develop parenting resources at your local library.

Promote programs in school.
Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.

Monitor your child’s television and video viewing.
Watching violent films and TV programs can harm young children.

Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program.

Report suspected abuse or neglect.

Getting Ready!

2009-04-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Tim and I went to a few yard sales to try to find some things for the baby. We thought we would take advantage of yard sale season to help get some of the things we need at bargain prices. At the first yard sale we went to we met a great family. We were telling them that we were adopting. They told us that they also adopted and shared a little about it w/us. They were very excited for us and it turns out that they are friends with one of the family's from our Ethiopia group that we meet with once a month! What a small world! They were so nice and even gave us two adoption books to read to our child and a book to help our child sleep through the night. It really is amazing how God connects us with one another. We have met so many amazing people and families through this awsome journey. It is so neat! Well, yesterday I was a "baby shopping momma" as my mother called me!! We found a lot of great stuff and are almost ready for the baby. We found a swing, floor gym, bouncy seat, crib/mattress, a travel system w/two bases, some toys, books and a bunch of clothes. I spent the rest of yesterday washing baby clothes, putting the crib together, and cleaning the stroller, etc!! Baby Brakefield we are ready to bring you home and cannot WAIT to meet you and hold you in our arms. I am feeling a little sad today as I look at all the baby stuff and have no baby to put to sleep in the crib, soothe in the swing, or cuddle and love on. But I know the day is coming that I will be holding our baby in my arms. I am praying for patience to help me get to that day and I am trying to have no expectations about when it might be. God will give us our referral and bring us together at the perfect moment. Tim dreamed the other night that we were going to have a baby girl. I wonder.......

One Month down 8-10 left

2009-03-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

Well, we are one month DTE today. This month has just flown by. Hopefully, the rest will go just as fast because we just can't wait to hold our baby in our arms. I had a really hard night yesterday, missing my child and not being able to hold him/her. I felt almost lost, like a piece of my heart was missing. I check our yahoo group everyday checking to see if any new referrals for other waiting family's have come in. Every referral brings us one step closer to our child. I think that AWAA has met it's goal for the month. I beleive that they have had over 10 referrals, so please pray that the referrals will keep coming and pray that Tim and I remain patient and faithful as we wait for God's perfect timing.

We are on the waiting list!

2009-03-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Sorry it has been awhile, things have been pretty busy around here. Our Dossier was processed and sent to Ethiopia on 2/27/09. That is the official date that we were placed on the waiting list, it is also called DTE which means date to Ethiopia. Our Dossier was delivered in Ethiopia on 3/4/09. So, We are officially "paper pregnant"!! Yeah!! We are so excited to finally be on the wait list. There are roughly around 60 families ahead of us on the list. Our agency estimates 9-11 mo's before we receive a referral, however, we know that it is all in God's perfect timing and could be longer or shorter. We are trying not to have any expectations as we are well aware that anything can happen. We met w/our local Ethiopia group this past Saturday, and had a great time talking w/all the families and seeing the children. One family that just got back from picking their child up about a month ago was very helpful and advised us to start getting items needed for our packing list as something to do while we are waiting. I started looking at some of the people's packing lists who have gone before us and I am grateful for this advice, as the lists are huge!! There are so many things that you need to take w/you, tons of outfits, blankets, supplies for the baby, meds for the baby and us, yada yada!! So, I am going to slowly gather stuff on a monthly basis that way when we receive our referral, I won't have to do it all at once. Well, I hope everything is going well for all of you and hopefully it won't be so long until our next post.

2/19

2009-02-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. We have been pretty busy around here. The first Sat. of February we were finally able to meet w/the local group who have either adopted from Ethiopia or are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia. It was really nice to meet w/everyone and see their kiddos running around having fun. I was able to hold a 5mo old baby girl that just came home to her forever family in December. She was so gorgeous, I didn't want to let her go!! It was really great to be w/the children from Ethiopia but it also pulled at my heartstrings a little too, as I wasn't able to have or hold my child. It was really great being able to ask the families that have gone before us questions, etc. We were also invited to an Ethiopian restaurant w/one of the family's. This was our first experience w/Ethiopian food. We had a great time w/the family, their beautiful child, Rose, and the whole Ethiopian food experience. We will definately be doing it again. We also have some very exciting news on the adoption front. Tim and I were able to send our completed dossier to our case worker at AWAA yesterday! It should be to her by Friday and then they will process it, make sure everything is there, etc. and send it to Ethiopia. Once it is sent to Ethiopia, also called DTE or date to Ethiopia, we will officially be on the waiting list for a child. It was such a releif to have all of that completed and sent, although, Tim and I were so tired after that we came home and took a nap!! It was so strange to finally send it in after we have been working on it for so long. We had the lady at Fedex take a pic of us holding the package. She thought we were very weird, but I was like, hey this is basically the past 4 mo's of our lives and is going to help us bring home our child, so Yes, we are taking a pic of it!! Any way we are very excited about this. Please pray that everything that is needed was included and completed correctly. Please pray that it is processed quickly and w/o any problems and makes it to Ethiopia w/o any issues, etc. Please also pray for the wait for our child to go quickly and for Tim and I to have the patience to wait for God's perfect timing and the ability to take any unexpected hurdles that may come our way with grace, patience, and thankfulness. Thank you for all your suport and prayers as we have jumped over another hurdle/landmark in our adoption journey.

1/28

2009-01-28T16:56:00.000-08:00

Well, we got a bunch of snow and ice yest. and today. It made the roads a mess but was very pretty. we just hunkered down today and had a snow day! It's been awhile since we have had one, it was nice. Hope all of you are snuggled at home safe and sound.

1/24

2009-01-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. We received our 171H form in the mail yesterday. Which means we are almost ready to send in our dossier. Hopefully, we will have everything in a week or so. I also wanted to post some of my favorite pics from the year.
Tim and I in Hilton Head, SC

Tim w/his baby cousin-won't he make a great dad!

Who is this?!

Pictures taken is Savanah, GA

Hilton Head, SC

My mom and dad.

Kettle after his stomach surgery

1/19

2009-01-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

Well, there still isn't much going on on the adoption front. Our homestudy has been approved and has been recevied at the USCIS office, so hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will receive our 171H form. This is a form that says we are able to adopt internationally from the immigration office. In the mean time, we hope to gather the rest of the documents that we need for the home study. Sat. Tim and I found a crib set that was 1/2 off that we love. It is a jungle theme and as soon as I locate our camera, I will take a picture of it and post it. Love you all!

1/9

2009-01-09T16:01:00.000-08:00

Well, it's a new year!! There has not been a whole lot going on on the adoption front. We are waiting for our case worker to approve our homestudy and then we can start to apply for grants, etc. This week 10 family's have received referrals for children. This is very exciting as for the past couple of months there have not been that many. We are hoping to have our dossier sent to the agency by the end of Jan or Feb.

12/27

2008-12-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and was able to spend time with family. Tim's friend Jimmy was able to be home with his family, he just finished with training for the army reserves and was almost sent to Iraq. However, he has to have knee surgery, so was not sent. We are thankful that at least for now he does not have to go oversees. I'm sure his family is very happy about that as well, as they have not gotten to see him much for the past several months. I just received word that my best friend, Joey, is going to be getting married this summer. I think our summer is going to be very busy, I guess that may be good because it will help us not think about waiting for our baby as much, Maybe. So it appears that I am going to be a bridesmaid for my friend Julie on 6/6 and a bridesmaid for Joey on 6/13. I guess I am starting my own 27 Dresses!! I also think we may have another wedding before the year is out. My goodness!! Is there something in the air!! I am getting excited because my parents and brother are coming home for an after Christmas celebration, so I will be able to see everyone. My brother Chris, is going to be here for about 2 weeks and Tim and I are planning on going to my parents new home in WV for a couple days next week. Tim is getting nervous, he has to do his first sermon at our church on Sunday. Please pray for him:)

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T07:06:00.001-08:00

To All, Merry Christmas. We hope that you all have a wonderful day full of family and joy. We love you all and please be safe.

CHRISTmas

2008-12-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

"The spirit of Christmas needs to be superseded by the Spirit of Christ.

The spirit of Christmas is annual; the Spirit of Christ is eternal.

The spirit of Christmas is sentimental; the Spirit of Christ is supernatural.

The spirit of Christmas is a human product; the Spirit of Christ is a Divine Person.

That makes all the difference in the world."

- Stuart Briscoe in Meet Him at the Manger

I just thought with all the hustle and bustle, we (I) needed to remember what Christmas is really about. It's not about shopping, getting gifts, or hanging lights. It is about the miracle of Christ's birth.

Lord, thank you for everything that you do for us. Please help us to remember what Christmas really means and please help us to never take You for granted. Please keep us safe as we travel to spend time with family and help us to truly treasure You.

2008-12-17T11:02:00.001-08:00

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” — John 14:1

12/16

2008-12-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

I found this youtube video on another blog and I almost cried. It talks about the people in Africa and that despite all the trials that they go through that they are joyful and thankful for what they do have, even if it is not much. This really encompasses the strength and character of the African people and helps me to be thankful for what I have. It also encourages me to step outside myself and help others and stop the "I want, I want" mindframe that we get in sometimes. I amazed at the love and grace of the African people and am so very proud to be adopting a child from this amazing country. I hope that I can teach my child about Ethiopia and instil in him/her a sense of pride, but also the love, grace, and strength of Africa. If you double click on the video, it will take you to Youtube and you will be better able to see all the words.

12/15

2008-12-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

I can't beleive how quickly time is going. We just had our last meeting w/Therese, our social worker who is completing the homestudy for us. It was nice, we talked about culture and some other issues that may come up w/our child or the adoption. Our anniversary was 12/13. I can't beleive that we have been married for 5 years. It doesn't seem like its been that long. We really didn't do much for our anniversary this year as I wasn't feeling that well and we also received news that my best friends grandmother passed away that morning. I spent most of the afternoon w/Joey and her family. Please keep the Wallace/Cherryholmes family in your prayers as they grieve.

I feel a lesson on Ethiopia comming on!!

2008-12-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've posted any information about Ethiopia and its culture, so I wanted to share a little more with you.

MUSIC

Out in the community, musical instruments play a social and entertaining role. The single-stringed masenko is played by minstrels who sing of life around them and invent, calypso-like, topical verses on the spot. The krar is a lyre-like plucked instrument with 5 or 6 strings while the begenna is the portable harp.

Up in the hills can be found boys looking after cattle and sheep and playing on the washint, a simple reed flute played with one hand.

Ethiopian people know and love their folk songs. Singing is high pitched and shrill Sand frequently accompanied by excited ululation, especially at weddings and other joyful occasions.

No joyous occasion ever passes without the Ethiopians indulging in their unique form of dancing. There are many styles according to the part of the country, but they frequently focus on the shoulders which seductively gyrate and undulate in a frenzied display of almost competitive energy. As one dancer runs out of steam, so another enters the fray with renewed vigour

Many reggae musicians declare their importance to having some connection to Ethiopian musical origins although the Ethiopian musicians will tell you their music has more in common with Jazz.
Musical Instruments

Stringed instruments like the begena or the krar are harps while another more fiddle-like instrument is known as masenko.

Kebaro Very common in popular and religious music is the kabaro or kebero. When the women and men dance in their beautiful white robes they dance on the rhythm of the drums. I found this on youtube. It is an example of Ethiopian music. I have no idea what he is singing about but I really liked seeing the Ethiopian people that are in the video. It also shows the people dancing. I have never posted anything from youtube before, so I hope that this works.

12/10

2008-12-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Hope you are all doing well. Well our home study is almost completed. Our social worker completed a rough draft and it looks good. We have completed our online training, we have our last appt w/our social worker on 12/15, and we have an appt on 12/18 to do our fingerprints for the USCIS office. We are also waiting on one reference letter. So, to our precious baby, we are on our way and look forward to holding you in our arms. I am going to focus on getting all the dossier paperwork now, hopefully we will have everything turned in sometime at the beginning of the year.

12/2

2008-12-02T18:22:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. We just found out today that some of the dossier guidlines are changing, I haven't looked through it all yet, so I don't know if it's more complicated. I will keep you posted. It's a little frustrating, however, we knew that there are a lot of unexpected changes and things that happen during adoption. Hopefully, this is the worst issue we have!! Please pray for us!!

Holy Cow it's December!!

2008-12-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I finally have our T-shirts on our blog. If you want to order 1 you can do it by using paypal or emailing us at brakefieldadoption@yahoo.com. The price is $25 and includes shipping and taxes. We now have all our paperwork for the home study done. We just need to finish our training, get the rest of our references in and are waiting on our finger print results. We also need to have our final meeting w/our social worker. We hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We went to my friend's home for lunch Thanksgiving day and then went to Tim's mom's for lunch and out w/Tim's dad's for dinner on Friday. It was really nice to see everyone and we had a great time. We stopped at the outlet mall on the way there on Friday and found a couple cute things on sale at Old Navy. We love the HairWolf romper!!

11/22

2008-11-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I feel like we have gotten a lot done in the past couple of days. Tim finished his autobiography and got his employer letter and I got several documents approved for the dossier, Proof of insurance, Doctor’s letter, Shanon’s employment letter, Tim’s Letter of employment, Proof of medical insurance( insurance card, Shanon’s physical exam, Tim’s physical exam, Copies of passports. On the employer letters and medical items, I have to get a county seal before they are completely ready. I also started working on our application letter for the dossier. Hopefully, I can get some more stuff done this weekend. Tim got free tickets to a fundraiser at the Underground and Mercy Me played. We had a lot of fun. Here are a couple pics. Bebo Norman also played, he is the 1st pic, but his didn't turn out well.

11/20

2008-11-20T15:16:00.000-08:00

I was on our Ethiopia adoption yahoo group today and I read a post about the costs of adoption that got me thinking and I wanted to share it with you.
She "compared the cost (financial & emotional) of the adoption, to the
price Jesus paid for our lives. That while we didn't have to put ourselves on a cross and shed blood, that the price we were paying to save a life was similar
in that God requires much from us. She said that adoption was a test,
and for most people, money is the thing we cling to for stability.
So, she said that the money, the tears, the emotional rollercoaster,
was the price we would pay to save a life. Like Jesus, there are
times when we cry out, "Lord, let this cup pass from me!" but then we
must say, "Never the less, not my will but Yours be done."
We need to reach that place of complete surrender and say, "Whatever
you require, Lord, I will do it!" Sure, there are times when other things get in the way, where Satan tries to set up blocks and bring us down emotionally. But that is
when we cling to God even more and continue to pray, "Lord, your will
be done!" Nothing will get in the way of His will as long as we continue to
walk in it. I have to assume that as long as my heart and mind are
focused on Him, that these trials are part of His plan to test my
faith and help me grow. Just like my salvation came at a price, so my
daughter's life and future must come at a price....And God says to
me, "This is what you asked for, now how much are you willing to
give? Your plans, your money, your future?"
I have to say, "God help me to give whatever you ask, and to do it
with a happy heart (which is the hardest part of all)."
Tim said,It's like the credit card commercials; a baby bed $500, the cost of the adoption $25,000, the price to finally see your new baby and save their life, PRICELESS!!

11/19

2008-11-19T17:40:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Hope you all are doing well. Today, we just mailed in our I-600A form, probably should have sent it in before now but we had to wait to get Tim's birth cert. as we had a little mishap w/it!! We are really starting to move on the home study front. I think all we need is Tim's employer letter, tim's autobiography, guardianship letter, the rest of our reference letters, finger prints for the I-600, to finish our online training, and 1 more meeting w/our social worker. We have some of the stuff for our dossier together also and now that we're almost done with the home study paperwork I will be kicking the dossier stuff up a notch!!

11/12

2008-11-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to write a new post. We have been very busy. We have completed our two home interviews, have started our online training, completed our safety audit and fire inspection and today we just did our BCI and FBI finger prints. We have also almost finished with the baby's room and all we need to do in there is decorate and get the furniture, etc. My dad flew in on Sunday and we were able to spend a little time with him and then on Tues, he and my mom drove back to Maryland. Now they are going to start packing again, as my dad recently accepted a job in W. Virginia and they have to be there on 12/1. My dad seems to be happy about this but my mom has reservations, as she really likes it in Maryland. I am a little happier about this, as they tell me it is only a 3 hour drive from here. Much better than the 10 to Maryland and we may be able to spend Christmas together. So far, everything seems to be going relatively smoothly and I think our home visits went well. Hopefully everything continues to go well and w/o problems. Hope you all are doing well!

10/15

2008-10-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

I sent a packet of paperwork for our home study today. I am working on my autobiography and financial statement tonight. Hopefully, I can get those out by the beginning of next week and Tim's autobiography by the end of the week. Tim hasn't been very cooperative with this though. He hasn't even started and I am almost finished. I'm gonna have to light a fire under his petutie!!

10/14

2008-10-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

This week we just received information that the orphanage that our agency gets most of it's referrals from is dangerously low on formula. Many families in our Ethiopia adoption yahoo group(yg) have pulled together and are donating money to help. One of the families held a fundraiser just a couple days ago and raised $40,000 to help. Isn't this amazing. Praise God.
On a sad note, one of the families in our group, just lost their child. She was 4 months old and had gotten very sick with pnemonia, etc. and just passed away on Saturday. This family was getting ready to travel to Ethiopia to pick her up. Please Pray for this family as they grieve. One of the YG members posted this blog site http://aholyexperience.com/ that is written by Ann Vosskamp. I checked out this blog and almost cried. This woman really has extrordinary faith and is an exellent writer. Please check it out. I haven't had a chance to read anything but the first entry that appears on her blog but it really touched me and I plan to check the rest out.

10/11 Addis Ababa-

2008-10-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I didn't break out in a rash around my injection site, so I am going to assume that I don't have TB. Whew! What a relief. I asked the nurse what the TB skin test would show if I had TB and right after I asked her I thought, "I don't want to know"!! I got my shiny, new passport today! How exciting. It only took about a week, too. I was expecting about 3. Hopefully, the rest of the paperwork goes this quickly! Tim will probably get his passport on Mon or Tues since he applied a day after I did.

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa (sometimes spelled Addis Abeba, the spelling used by the official Ethiopian Mapping Authority; Amharic, Adis Abäba "new flower," IPA: [adːiːs aβəβa]) is the capital city of Ethiopia and the African Union and its predecessor, the OAU. It is also the largest city in Ethiopia. With a population of 3,627,934 as of 2007, Addis Ababa is the world's largest city in a landlocked country. As a chartered city (ras gez astedader), Addis Ababa has the status of both a city and a state. It is often called the capital of Africa or the "African Capital" due to its historical, diplomatic and political significance for the continent.[1] The city is populated by people from different regions of Ethiopia. The country has as many as 80 nationalities speaking 80 languages and religious communities including Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. Addis Ababa is a grassland biome. The city is located at 9°02′N 38°44′E9.03, 38.74.[2] From its lowest point, around Bole International Airport, at 2,326 metres (7,630 ft) above sea level in the southern periphery, the city rises to over 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) in the Entoto Mountains to the north.
The site was chosen by Empress Taytu Betul and the city was founded in 1886 by her husband, Emperor Menelik II, and now has a population of around four million, and an eight per cent annual growth rate.
The city lies at the foot of Mount Entoto, and is home to Addis Ababa University.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

10/10 Home study orientation

2008-10-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hope you like the pick....feeling very Halloweenie today!! We just got back from our home study orientation a little while ago. We met w/our social worker, Therese, in Lima, OH, about 2 hrs away. It went really well and she was very nice. We have our next meeting the last week of Oct. and she will be coming to us to see our home and do the safety audit, etc. I am really glad that I got started on the paperwork though, because I had a lot of questions that I asked and was able to get answers on the spot. I think that I can get most of the pprwk whipped out pretty quickly. Tim and I got our local police checks completed today. They spelled my name wrong though, so I have to see if this will be an issue. Stinkin mom, only putting one "n" in the middle!!! Tim and I also got our physicals today. We have to go back Mon. morning however, b/c we had to have a TB test done and have to go back to have it read. We will also have to go back once the bloodwork is in so that they can add the results to the medical statement. We are well on our way...... On a less than positive note, our adoption agency raised the fees for the Ethiopia program. It appears that the new cost will be about $3,500 more. The extra cost is going towards making improvements in the program and taking better care of the children. .

2008-10-09T17:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who left us comments!! Patti, it was great to hear from you! We love you and hope you are doing well! Oh, and Happy birthday!!

10/9 Ethiopia Lesson 2

2008-10-09T17:22:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone. Hope you are all doing well. Tomorrow we have our Dr's appt for our physicals and we have our orientation with our home study social worker. I am really excited about this. I also have already done quite a few things for the home study and dossier. I ordered a couple more of the books we are supposed to read from amazon.com today. I ordered 2 of them in audio form so that it would be easier and we could listen to them while traveling, etc. This will make it a lot easier for Tim as he doesn't have that "love for reading" that I do!! Tim was able to get a ticket to an Obama rally this morning. He was really excited and got some pretty good pics!

RELIGION

Religion is a secure and accepted element of everyday life in Ethiopia and the language is full of references to God. Yet there is not the ever-present feel that one can experience in a totally Muslim country for example.
On the central plateau, the Ethiopian Orthodox church holds sway, again an individual and fascinating feature of this unusual country. Priests and deacons abound in their often colourful robes, carrying their staffs and ornate crosses that people frequently kiss as they pass.

Christianity came to Ethiopia in ancient times and became the official Ethiopian religion in the 4th century. The Orthodox church has many connections with ancient Judaism. Fasting and detailed food restrictions, the specific ways of slaughtering animals, circumcision and the layout of the churches, all these things make for a very particular religious culture.

Islam is also very strong in many parts of Ethiopia, frequently existing peaceably alongside Christianity. The city of Harar, in the east of the country, is officially the fourth most holy Muslim site in the world.

Ethiopia has communities of 'falashas', Ethiopian Jews, especially in the Gondar region in the north. Many of these however have now departed to live in Israel, having been airlifted out of the country with Operation Solomon and Operation Moses in the latter part of the 20th century.

In the lowland areas, animistic and pagan religions are still commonly found among tribal peoples who live in simple and primitive communities

Lesson 1:People of Ethiopia

2008-10-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd give everyone a little information on the people of Ethiopia. I will try to post information about Ethiopia throughout the blog.

PEOPLE

The Amhara
are the politically and culturally dominant ethnic group of Ethiopia. They are located primarily in the central highland plateau of Ethiopia and comprise the major population element in the provinces of Begemder and Gojjam and in parts of Shoa and Wallo. In terms of the total Ethiopian population, however, the Amhara are a numerical minority. The national population has usually been placed at between 14 and 22 million.

It is generally estimated that the Amhara, together with the closely related Tigre, constitute about one-third of this total population. One of the most recent estimates gives the number of native speakers of Amharic, the language of the Amhara, as approximately 7,800,000. (cf. Bender 1971:217)

their national clothes are basically white, whether the shawls and light blankets worn over the shoulders by the men or the white dresses and wraps worn by the ladies

In comparison, there seems to be general agreement that the Oromo peoples form the largest ethnic component in the country, comprising around 40 percent of the population. They are a pastoral and agricultural people who live mainly in central and southwestern Ethiopia, constitute about 40 percent of the population.

The Shankella, a people in the western part of the country from the border of Eritrea to Lake Turkana, constitute about 6 percent of the population.

10/4

2008-10-04T16:10:00.001-07:00

I can't beleive that it's already October!! Anyway, Tim and I attempted to meet with a group of people who have or are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia, but it didn't work out. They meet in Mason, which is pretty close to us. I guess most of the people in that group have gone through a church organization to adopt and aren't going through our adoption agency. We will try again next month. So instead, Tim and I went down to a secluded spot at the park by our house and started reading some of our homestudy stuff and one of the books we need to read for the homestudy, Raising adopted children. It was nice laying on the blanket in the shade, reading. It was a beautiful day today and I really enjoyed just relaxing with my hubby. We also tried to take a family pick in the leaves with the dogs. It didn't work out very well!! But we had fun doing it!! Tim ordered his passport yesterday. I wrote letters to send to Columbus requesting a check of the child abuse/neglect registry to clear us. I wish I could just do this at work, but they want it through the main office in Columbus. Oh well! We also need to get a local police check, so hopefully we can do that on Monday.

10/2

2008-10-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

I can't beleive that it's already October!! Where is the time going? We heard from the social worker doing our homestudy today. She sent us a bunch of stuff to read over and the stuff we have to do for the homestudy. It is a little overwhelming! Oh well, I thrive on planning and getting stuff taken care of. This homestudy and dossier will be done before you know it!! Today I applied for my passport and I voted. Yeah!! Now I won't have to stand in any long lines on 11/4. I think I forgot my brain when I went to apply for the passport. I went there and thought I had everything. The first thing the lady at the desk said was "do you have your birth certificate?" Whoops!! I had to drive all the way home and all the way back. Then I left my pics in the car and had to go back out. When I went in the office the 3rd time, I told them that if I forgot anything else I was going home for the rest of the day!! I hope this isn't indicative of how the rest of the paperwork will go!!

9/30

2008-09-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Please pray for my family and especially my dad as my Uncle passed away today. My parents are trying to take care of things long distance, as all of you know that can be very difficult, so please also pray that the arrangements and finances for this are easily taken care of and with no major issues for my parents. On to adoption news. I am hoping to apply for our passports this week and contact people to complete reference letters for us.

Adoption Expenses

2008-09-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

Adoption expenses
I know that many of you are wondering how much the adoption costs and why. Here is a break down of expenses.

APPLICATION & PAPERCHASE
APPLICATION FEE- $250
1ST INSTALLMENT OF PROGRAM FEE- $1,500 ($1125 FOR US AS WE WERE ELIGABLE FOR A DISCOUNT, DUE TO TIM BEING A YOUTH PASTOR)
HOME STUDY- $1,800
ADDITIONAL HOME STUDY DOCUMENTATION PREP. FEE- $0 - $150
HOME STUDY VISIT TRAVEL FEES(COULD INCLUDE MILEAGE, HOTEL, AND FOOD COSTS)- $160
ADOPTIVE PARENT TRAINING (2 ADULTS)- $175
DOCUMENTS/BACKGROUND CHECKS/PASSPORTS- $100 - $500
USCIS FEE & UPDATE FEE + FINGERPRINTING- $830
NOTARIZATION, CERTIFICATION & AUTHENTICATION- $400
COURIER SERVICE- $150
DOSSIER SUBMISSION & WAITING
2ND INSTALLMENT OF PROGRAM FEE- $1,500
POST-ADOPTION REPORT DEPOSIT(FULLY REFUNDABLE IF ALL POST-ADOPTION REPORTS ARE RETURNED ON TIME)- $1,000
DOSSIER SERVICE & TRANSLATION- $600
REFERRAL & TRAVEL
INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIST CONSULTATION- $100 - $400
3RD INSTALLMENT OF PROGRAM FEE- $1125
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM FEE (1 CHILD) ••- $7,500 Pd $3,750 when we turned in dossier
AIRFARE (2 ADULTS) •••- $2,400 - $4,000
AIRFARE (1 CHILD) •••- $250 - $1,000
VISAS (2 ADULTS)- $40
VISA/EMBASSY FEE (1 CHILD)- $400
IN-COUNTRY TRAVEL PACKAGE (2 ADULTS) ••••- $2,800 - $3,200
POST-ADOPTION
POST-ADOPTION VISITS•••••-$300 - $1,500
POST-ADOPTION VISIT TRAVEL FEES-$0 - $1,050
RE-ADOPTION- $300 - $1,000
POST-ADOPTION REPORT REFUND(REFUNDED IN INSTALLMENTS AS, AND ONLY IF, EACH REPORT IS RETURNED ON TIME) ($1,000)
OTHER COSTS(INCLUDE DOCTOR VISIT AND RELATED CO-PAYS, SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, PASSPORT COST, POSTAGE, LONG DISTANCE PHONE CALLS)
$100 - $1,000
TOTAL •
$19,895 - $29,445

I know that this is a lot of money, but we feel that this is what God wants us to do and will provide a way for us to accomplish this. Also, just think of all the lessons Tim and I will get the opportunity to learn along the way!! But most of all, our child is worth every tear, sweat, and penny. (The purple is what has been paid for as of 6/30/09. I edit everytime we pay something)

2008-09-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

9/25
Things are going good here. We mailed in our paperwork to start the homestudy. I also scheduled appointments for Tim and I to get physicals. We are supposed to also order an original birth certificate and marriage certificate from the Ohio office of vital statistics. The birth certificate is no problem and can take 3-6 weeks to get back, however, they only have abstracts of the marriage cert. and can take 4-6 mo's to get. I emailed our adoption worker and asked if the abstract is what we need. If so, I think I am going to take a road trip to Columbus to get it. If it's not what we need, we should be able to get a copy from here in Warren County and that is no big deal at all. Tim is on the roof being a "manly man" fixing what our "hurricane in Ohio" damaged last week! I'm a little scared!!! Here is a picture of my hubby hard at work!! Isn't he cute?!

9/24
I wanted to share one of my favorite verses with everyone. I think it is very fitting with all the economy issues and really fits in with some of our adoption worries. Every time I start to worry about money, etc. I read and think of these verses.

Luke 12 22-34
"Therefor I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They don not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you. O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom,and these things will be given to you as well....For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reading this helps me to remember that God is all powerful and knows what we need before we do. He will lead us where he wants us to go and will provide us with what we need. Tim and I know that adopting our child from Ethiopia is what we are supposed to do and God will help us to accomplish this. It will be hard work and a major lesson in patience, but we can do all things with God our Savior. It will be soooo worth every minute and every struggle when we hold our baby in our arms.
I can't wait to meet you little one. We love you so much already and can't wait to bring you home. We are getting everything ready for you and pray for you every day.

Hi everyone, I was just reading a blog from another family adopting from Ethiopia through America world and I read this passage about adoption that I really like and fits how Tim and I feel. "Adoption is a mirror of what Christ has done for us. We were far off, He called us to be His own and now we have all things in Him. This child will be far off, We will claim him/her as our own, and all we have will be theirs". -The Rogers Family Blog. Today was the perfect Indian summer day. It was beautiful out! Tim and I went for a walk along the river and bike trail. It seems like the leaves started changing colors almost overnight. It even smelled like fall today!

9/19
Hi, how are y'all doing!! Tim and his dad were working on the deck today. Hopefully they will get it done tom. and we can check that off our list. Tim and I just realized that we were planning on doing the spag. dinner on Tim's brother's wedding!! I can't beleive we did that, so the dinner will have to be the beginning of Nov. We will keep everyone posted on when. Hope everything is going well for everyone.

9/18
Hi, everyone. Hope all of you are doing well. I heard from the insurance company yest. due to the many homes that have been damaged no one from the ins. co. will be coming out to give us an estimate on the damage. They spoke w/me about what was wrong w/the house and are going to do a written estimate and send a check w/o seeing the home. They said if it didn't cover it or if there was additional damage we didn't see, to call and they would add it and send an additional check. That was much easier than I thought it would be. We found out that my parents also have some damage to their home, but not very much and nothing major. It is just a pain since they are about 10 hrs away and trying to sell their home.

August

2008-09-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

8/28
Hello everyone. Tim and I put down the laminate floor in the baby's room Wed. evening. It looks really good and Tim and I didn't have one "disagreement"! I also finished painting the family room today. It looks really good, too!. We heard from America world yest. Our application was sent to the Ohio office and they sent us out some more information and paperwork that we need to fill out. We already received the packet. That was really quick. I wasn't expecting it until next week. Hopefully, everything else will move so quickly! There is some paperwork that Tim and I need to fill out and submit to Job and Family services for approval to adopt a child in the U.S. and a couple other forms, such as releases of information, etc. Once they get the paperwork they will contact us to schedule an orientation. We need to pay for the homestudy and post placement study on or before the orientation. The homestudy is $1800 plus $160 for travel expenses. We can pay the $160 at the time of the home visit, however. The post placement cost will be $700 or less, they sent me the cost for Kazakhstan, which is more expensive. I already emailed the social worker that will be doing the homestudy to update this and they will get new figures to us. Everything else should stay the same, though. Tim, his dad, and step mom have already gotten most of the yard sale stuff out and have already had people stop by! Please pray that the yard sale goes well. Thank you, to everyone who donated items for are yard sale and helped us with the previous two.

8/25
Today I painted the upper half of half the family room. I wasn't sure if I liked the color or not so I thought I'd do half and let it simmer for a day or so!! I also cleaned out the laundry room. Whew, what a mess!! I found another box of things that I can put in the yard sale this weekend. It's amazing all the junk that we keep! I received some good news today, my dad is getting his severance package from ABX air, so that will help my parents get things together and ease their move. I am not very happy about them moving, however, it is out of my control and I will make the best of it. I am taking off a couple days next week to spend some time with them before they leave. Please pray that the move goes smoothly and w/o any problems for them and that they sell their home asap!I saw this translation of Phil 4:1-7 on another blog and I really loved it and thought it was relevant to everything that is going on right now.
Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this... you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful that the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Jesus!

8/24
I have been working a little on our blog. Hopefully, I will be able to put the t shirts we will be selling on here soon. My Aunt Susie and my younger cousins came down from Cleveland to visit with us. I had so much fun playing games and visiting with them. We don't get to see each other very often. I know that my mom really enjoyed it, as well. Tim and his dad worked on the deck a little yesterday and almost have the frame done. I have been working on painting the family room, this weekend. I am taking my time with it as we have been rushing around everywhere the past couple of weeks. We turned in our initial payment and paperwork to America World on Thursday. Our next step is to complete the homestudy. Please pray that the homestudy goes well. We will be having another garage sale Labor day weekend. Thanks for all your support.

8/18
Thanks to all of you who helped us, prayed for us, and donated items for our yard sale. We have just jumped our second hurdle in our adoption journey! This week, Tim and I will be focusing on finishing painting our house, finishing the baby's room and helping my parents get their home ready to sell. We will be having another yard sale over labor day weekend, so if you have any items that you want to donate, please let Tim or me know. We are also selling T-shirts for $20. If you want one, let us know. I am going to try to figure out a way to put a picture of the shirts and a way to purchase them on this blog, so keep checking!! Yesterday, Tim and I went canoeing w/the church. We had a lot of fun. It took us a while to get the hang of it, we kept going in circles and zig zaging across the river!! We may have to do this more often so we get some practice in!! Love you all, God Bless!!! Please keep us in your prayers.

8/14
“Where there is pain, let us bring grace. Where there is suffering, bring serenity. For those afraid, let us be brave. Where there is misery, let us bring relief. Let us be the remedy.”
~david crowder band

8/12
Hello everyone. Tim and I are having a second yard sale this weekend to help raise money for our adoption. Please stop by and help support us. If you have any items that you would like to donate, you can contact me or Tim. We are also accepting donations, if you feel led to give anything to help us with our adoption journey. We will also be having various goodies available this weekend!! We are having T-shirts made up also, hopefully we will have some done by this weekend! Also, please continue to pray for us, our journey, our future child and our child's birth parents. Thank you and God Bless.

8/10
This weekend Tim and I had a yard sale to help raise money for our adoption expenses. We raised about $300. Yeah!! We had a lot of donations of items to sell from family and some church friends and we had a lot of help getting things together, etc. Thank you to everyone who helped, it was much appreciated! We are having another yard sale next weekend, hopefully we will do well. Thank you for all your support. We are so excited to begin this journey. Please pray for us-for things to go smoothly and without problems.