We are SO Close!

Just got word that 2 weeks ago our agency matched a family with a child that turned in their paperwork May 2nd. We turned in our paper work on May 6th. That means we are SO CLOSE! I've decided not to clean my kid's bedrooms until we get our referral (since there will be lots of switching and reorganizing depending on if new baby is a boy or girl anyway) - so my whole family agrees - time for the referral! Their rooms are a MESS! ;)

April Update

Hello Family & Friends,                                                                                                          4/8/13

As of April 6th, we have been on the waitlist for 23 months! If my numbers and process of elimination serves me correct, we are about #3-4 on the waitlist as of today. We were also emailed an update from our agency today stating that they got lots (I can’t really give the specific number) of children released to them recently. I am certainly hoping and praying that our next child is within that group. I am hoping that we will receive our referral within the next month. I am thinking that I am being realistic with hope.

That’s all the good news I have for you though. I do have some not-so-good news. Recently, Ethiopia changed their court procedures. It is meant to make the process more transparent and prevent any unethical activity, so I get it, but it’s still not easy to hear. It used to be that, once you received your referral, you would travel to Ethiopia for the 1^st time just 3-4 weeks later and go to court. Now, there are a number of steps that need to be completed before your court date and so that process is now estimated to take 3-4 MONTHS. ;( So, if we get our referral in late April/early May, we would probably make our first trip to meet our child in July or August and then bring him/her home in Sept. or October. Ugh. One step forward and two steps back. The thing that makes me the most sad about this is not another few months before we get baby home, but rather another few months that our baby will be living in an orphanage. But, God’s mighty hand is on this, and for that, I really can’t let it get me too down.

As far as finances, I am totally BLOWN AWAY by people supporting us in this process. We have recently received a few donations to our Lifesong for Orphans account that have put us much further ahead in terms of finances. We are so grateful and have spent lots of time lately talking about (and crying about) what a blessing that is to us on this journey. 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. 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 that are on-going…

FUNDRAISERS

Ordinary Hero: This is a non-profit organization that does mission trips and promotes orphan awareness. They have some awesome products for sale and we receive 40% of items purchased online. Check them out! They have lots of products for both men and women (some adoption-themed, some not).

Just Love Coffee: $5.00 to us for each bag of coffee sold www.justlovecoffee.com/TheThomas. 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!

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.

-          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). Stay tuned for details!!! It should be available for purchase in MAY!!! Yayyyy Jaden! I gotta say, I’ve gotten a sneak preview and – my husband rocks – for real!! ;)

Thank you all so much! We are very blessed by each of you!

The Thomas Family

Step	Cost	Date Paid	Due Date
Application Fee – LSS	$420.00	10/25/10
Application Fee – Holt	$300.00	10/27/10
Home Study Fee – LSS	$2,780.00	1/14/11
USCIS	$890.00	2/2/11
Program Fee – LSS	$1750.00	5/20/11
Dossier Fee – Holt	$3,000.00	5/6/11
Dossier Update Fee – Holt	$255.00	6/28/12
Program Fee – Holt	$9,890.00	Ready	Upon Referral (have $6,000 in Show Hope Grant for this).
Post Placement Fee – LSS	$1,300.00	Ready	Upon Referral
Trip 1 to Ethiopia	$7,000.00 (estimated)	NEED	Upon Scheduled Travel Date Have $3920.00 saved for this.
Trip 2 to Ethiopia	$7,000.00 (estimated)	NEED	Upon Scheduled Travel Date

Babysitting and Bawling

Yes, I'm babysitting, but that has nothing to do with that post - just a catchy title to get your attention -- and it worked!

But I am bawling right now. I just requested an update from Lifesong for Orphans - an organization we have an account with that accepts tax-deductible donations to our adoption account on our behalf. Someone that we hardly know donated a very large amount of money to our account.

This person, clearly did this because of their love for orphans. They do not know us much - so it's not because they did it because they know us and love us deeply, but clearly, they want to see an orphan be adopted and brought in to a loving family. They know this costs a lot of money and so they want to help.

Not everyone is called to adopt a child, but everyone is called to help the orphans and widows - or the least of these.

I'm blown away and completely humbled and blessed by this large donation, and when I look at the total amount that has been donated to Lifesong on our behalf - both the big and small financial contributions - I am even more amazed. Thank you to each of you who has purchased something from our fundraisers, had a Pampered Chef Show, donated to us or to Lifesong for us, prayed for us or for our next child - for everything. We are SO incredibly grateful.

Thank you.

March Update

As of March 6th, we will be on the wait list for 22 months (in process for 28 months)! The rumor is that we should anticipate a referral within the next few months! We are so excited. Hopefully, by the end of summer, our newest addition to the family will be home adding to the excitement of life in the Thomas house!

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. 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 that are on-going and one NEW one…

FUNDRAISERS

Ordinary Hero: This is a non-profit organization that does mission trips and promotes orphan awareness. They have some awesome products for sale and we receive 40% of items purchased online. Check them out! They have lots of products for both men and women (some adoption-themed, some not). Shop here: http://www.ordinaryhero.org/Ordinary_Hero/Store/Store.html. Just make sure you click on  'Thomas, Jennifer' as the fundraising affiliate from the drop-down during checkout.

Just Love Coffee: $5.00 to us for each bag of coffee sold www.justlovecoffee.com/TheThomas. 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!

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 is putting the finishing touches on the CD – 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

I am a Whiner.

The other day, I was listening to my kids and I couldn't help but think, 'Wow, I'm raising a pair of whiners.' Their talking was kinda like this, "Mom, can I have some candy? No? I want chocolate milk. What? We're out of chocolate syrup? But I don't like white milk. Can we go somewhere fun tonight? What about a movie night with popcorn? But mom, I just got home from school, you're supposed to be nice to me..." And on and on it went. Meanwhile I was cleaning the kitchen and making dinner. Wanna know what the voice in my head was saying (no, you don't)... 'Ugh, maybe I could get the kids to do some chores around here and help me keep this house clean. CHOCOLATE. I have high cholesterol (why me, God?) but I still need a daily fix of chocolate! I wish my hubby got home earlier to wait on the kids while I cook and clean in quiet. I don't want to take the kids to swimming lessons tonight, I'd rather take a bubble bath in TOTAL QUIET...' Get it? Yep, I've rubbed off on them. I AM A TOTAL WHINER. ;(

It dawned on me that, in the birth country of my future child, THIS is what they live like...

Shoeless - and yet look at those smiles!!

Traveling miles for water and carrying it on their backs - yet I can have bubbles in my hot bath whenever I want -- or at least after the kids are sleeping.

And three of us whining over a lack of chocolate when many people in Ethiopia live on one meal per day.

I just don't want to live like this. Don't get me wrong - I still intend to whine a bit (after all it's only natural, right?) but I am hoping to, in the next few weeks, limit the whining that is spoken in MY head and aloud in this house. I don't want to take for granted these gifts (chocolate, shoes, education, water, money) God has given my family, our community, this country. I want to spend less time complaining and whining and more time devoted to prayer for the least of these - or those with less than me.

I know my whole world is about to be shaken up when I get to go to Ethiopia twice in the (hopefully very near) near future. I can feel myself and my family being prepared in little bits for this - and I guess I'm starting with admitting that I am a whiner - working on whining less. ;)

20 Months

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

Baby #3

Today, something rare happened... My 5 year old was watching a movie quietly downstairs and my little 3 year old fell asleep in my arms. I had a half hour of total quiet. I used the time to focus on praying for my children. I prayed for both of my current children and then it hit me - in a way it never has before - my third child could, more than likely, already be born... I don't know what he/she is experiencing during these early days/months of his/her life.

Here I was-  holding my little girl in my arms praying thankfulness that my little miracle baby survived her first few days of life before we even knew that she was terribly sick or just how sick she was. I was praying for her current days - thanking God for her strong will (yes, this is something I am (sometimes) thankful for), her smarts, and her encouraging nature. And also praying for her future - her heart, her health, her marriage... All the while I am rubbing her back and looking at her scar and my mind immediately goes to baby 3. Where are you? Who is loving you? Where do you sleep? Who holds you? Who comes to you when you cry out at night? What scars are you coming to us with? Oh baby, I can't wait to be your mommy and to give you so much love.

Being a parent is such a gift --- sooo much work -- but such an awesome gift. Baby #3 will be such a HUGE gift to me, but it saddens my heart so to know that it is tearing another mommy's heart apart. And it saddens my heart to think of babies and older children who are parentless - who seriously have no one to rub their back, rock them in the middle of the night (these days 4 times a night), pray for them endlessly... I can't wait to bring baby #3 home. I will come to you, baby mine. Soon.

John 14:18 "No, I will not abandon you as orphans--I will come to you."