Happy New Year!!
As of January 6th, we will be on the waitlist for 20 months (in
process for 26 months). The rumor is that we should anticipate a referral within
the next month or two. Yep – MONTH OR TWO!!! That means we would be traveling
for the first time in February or March (hopefully) and bringing baby home in
maybe May or June! That’s not long! We are so excited. Our friends are
currently in transit to Ethiopia for their second trip and to bring their son
home!!
As far as finances, now we are just saving up for our travel expenses.
The estimated total travel expenses (according to our adoption agency) is
$5000-$8000 per trip. So, we are needing to get that money together pretty
soon! Plus, when we think about a crib, pack n play, bottles, etc. it’s just
totally overwhelming – in a FANTASTIC way!! ;) I can’t lie – at times, it
causes me to panic thinking ‘what will we
do if we get the call and don’t have the money?’ But if there is one thing
I’ve learned over and over again during this process it is that God is in
control and His timing is perfect and He didn’t call us to adopt because we
were ready financially. He called us to adopt because our hearts were ready and
willing. HE will provide! Lots of
friends and family have been asking how they can help recently, as everyone is
aware we are getting closer!! We do have a few fundraisers going on…
FUNDRAISERS
Just Love Coffee:
$5.00 to us for each bag of coffee sold www.justlovecoffee.com/TheThomas.
This
fundraiser is on-going until we travel to Ethiopia to bring our child home –
And the coffee is DELICIOUS!!
Adoption Bug T-Shirt Fundraiser:
You can order t-shirts from this site: www.adoptionbug.com/thomasadoption.
You can order and pay on-line and the t-shirt(s) will be shipped directly to
you. We make anywhere from $5-$10 (depending on the t-shirt) per shirt sold
toward our adoption. Check it out! They have some cool, high-quality shirts for
sale! This fundraiser will be on-going until we bring our child home.
TAX DEDUCTABLE GIVING:
Lifesong for Orphans: Make a tax deductable donation. They will accept donations in our name up
until we travel to bring home our child. Make checks payable to ‘Lifesong for
Orphans’. In memo section: ‘THOMAS #1855 ADOPTION’. Send to Lifesong for
Orphans PO Box 40 Gridley, IL
61744.
PRAYER REQUESTS
-
First and foremost for our future baby – who is
probably born by now. For his or her health and development in these first few
months of life (see page 2 of this letter).
-
For our future baby’s biological parent(s). In
some way and for some reason, this baby will have to be relinquished for
adoption. That has got to be THE most difficult and selfless decision someone
can make. We ask for prayers for their hearts.
-
Finances to continue to come through and
successful fundraisers.
-
Patience and faith for both of us in this
process.
-
Jaden working on recording his first album (all
proceeds earned to go toward the adoption). He is working hard. He has begun
the recording process but it is taking longer than anticipated – so that he can
press on and finish up with God’s perfect timing.
Thank you all so much! We are
very blessed by each of you!
The Thomas Family
