tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64120373175981954032024-02-21T07:25:55.479-05:00Our Journey to AfricaFor you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, " Abba, Father!"
Romans 8:15Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-1362897273611022342012-10-25T09:35:00.001-04:002012-10-25T09:35:25.358-04:00Blogging is hard...when I'm not even sure of what exactly is going on in life or in my own head with adoption. I haven't blogged since I had a dream about being pregnant, because well, I am pregnant. It's so bitter sweet to write <i>those</i> words on <i>this</i> blog. Because, as my little tracker says above, we decided to adopt a sweet little boy 2 years, 6 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days ago......<br />
<br />
and here we are.<br />
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I would like to be transparent, but we (I) didn't want to tell the general public this time that we were pregnant because I didn't want to answer the questions of what about our adoption, and then, even with the explanation that we were still adopting, people would judge or say "yeah, right" in their own heads. <br />
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It's awful to realize how important the approval of man is.<br />
<br />
It's one of the lies I believe on the regular basis...that that approval is important...a priority even.<br />
<br />
I know with my head that my audience is of One, I know that He is sufficient, I know that we are told the world will hate me at times because the world first hated Him.<br />
<br />
But my heart, well, it's nice to have approval, isn't it?<br />
<br />
I'm a work in progress...<br />
<br />
On to adoption stuff....we have heard from the attorney one or two times about birth moms that were right on the cusp of our family needs, but it hasn't been <i>our</i> child.<br />
<br />
We've told the attorneys that we are pregnant, so that they can disclose that to birth moms. I have no idea if a birth mom would pick us in this season of life, but I would love to have makeshift "twins."<br />
<br />
There it is, the update....there is so much more going on in my head, what God is whispering to my heart and orchestrating in my family, but it's all too raw and uncertain to write for public eyes. <br />
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If you think of us, please pray for direction and guidance.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S. We are all ecstatic about this new baby due in February...it's <i>another</i> girl! ;-)</span><br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-68823686220021215182012-06-03T07:03:00.000-04:002012-06-03T07:03:32.134-04:00A strange dreamLast week I had a really strange dream and I had really wanted to write about it before I forgot all of it, but alas, the kids have swim practice every day, so it's been a little crazy around here.<br />
<br />
Anyway...the dream...I was pregnant, young, high school, maybe college, but the main thing was this, I was alone and I wanted to give up my baby for adoption.
The main two themes I don't want to forget about my dream is this:<br />
<br />
First, I was afraid, scared of the whole thing, having a baby, giving the baby away, I was seriously afraid.
<br />
<br />
Second, it was hard. I'm not talking about actually giving the baby away (I didn't get that far in my dream), I'm talking about finding the adoption office. I was looking and looking and it seemed everywhere I went, someone would tell me I had the wrong place and then give me new directions.
It's so interesting to me that these were the main themes in my dream.<br />
<br />
Fear and obstacles...are these the things that grip birth mothers hearts as they make this decision?<br />
<br />
Fear of giving birth, fear of making the wrong or right decision, fear of the unknown. I wholeheartedly believe that a birth mom should not be pushed into the decision, but I can see where it might be the best thing for baby AND mom to choose adoption. I also love that this is an option in polar opposition to abortion, the rampant "fix the problem" solution of our country and this generation.<br />
<br />
I had someone say that birth mothers choosing to give their baby up was really a selfish decision. Yes, I can see how that might be the perception, BUT, in light of what the world sees as the easy fix, adoption is hard, and in my eyes, not a selfish decision at all for a birth mom. It's a hard choice to make. Hard work to follow through.
Picture the birth mom who has to think of all the pieces of the puzzle and come to this decision. Maybe she truly can't take care of herself, let alone a baby. Maybe the birth father pushes her towards abortion, but she pushes back. Then later in the pregnancy, her mother finds out and pushes her to keep the baby...<br />
<br />
fear, obstacles.<br />
<br />
Then she actually has made her decision and she's faced with choosing a family based on a letter and some pictures. These are the people that will be raising the child growing inside of her. What if they turn out to be mean, terrible people? What if they make terrible parenting choices she has no way of predicting looking at their picture While she's sitting in an attorney's office?<br />
<br />
Fear...obstacles...
Obstacles...fear...<br />
<br />
So, this week, I have been praying and thinking about birth mothers, not just ours, but all of them, all over the country, right now that are trying to make a decision. I cannot even imagine what it must be like for this to be the final option...but in the end...
it could have been many of us.
It could have been me.<br />
<br />
Had my sweet husband been not so sweet 11 years ago, what would I have done? Would I have tried to raise a baby on my own? Or would I have looked up adoption agencies in the yellow pages?<br />
<br />
God had plans for my family, what have turned out to be wonderful and beautiful plans, I am so thankful that I don't know personally what it's like to entrust my child to someone else to raise.<br />
<br />
But I am also thankful for the courage of the mothers that choose that as the best option for their child. I am thankful they choose life over death, I am thankful that the enemy loses every time that choice is made. Trust me, he'd like a different outcome.<br />
<br />
Make no mistake, he comes to steal, kill, and destroy....even if it's the smallest person.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-82385925773688222112012-05-10T22:15:00.001-04:002012-05-11T10:57:48.248-04:00Yes, we are still adopting...and no, we have not heard anything....I want a shirt that says that. I do love that people care enough to ask....<br />
<br />
But...<br />
<br />
It's like the last month of pregnancy when everyone is so anxious for you to have the baby...but trust me, no one is more anxious than you.<br />
<br />
That's where I am with it. I haven't felt like blogging, because there's nothing to write. Honestly, I barely can read half of anyone else's adoption blog before I humph and close the window and open up a book or Facebook. Blah, it's sad that I'd rather read Facebook than an adoption blog, I dislike Facebook more and more, not because it's bad, but because it's a huge time waster. At least if I'm wasting time on an adoption blog, I'm learning more on attachment, orphans or just cheering on another family, but Facebook! Total waste, and most of the time, I've learned nothing other than so and so's off on a vacation that I am now envying....waste of time and it makes me feel like crap...<br />
<br />
Okay, sorry for the rant, not sure where that came from.
Back to adoption, we are just waiting, waiting for an undisclosed amount of time until the perfect birthmother thinks we are the perfect family and picks us...no pressure....<br />
<br />
So if you see me, and you think you'd like to ask how is the adoption going...stop and ask yourself if you see a sweet little boy in my arms. If not, nothing has probably changed, and it depresses me... If not, instead, just let me know you are thinking of our adoption and praying for us that it will all be in God's perfect time....and that I won't lose my mind while I wait ;-)<br />
<br />
In the mean time, I keep deciding to tell Kelly to take down the extra crib in the baby's room, and then I chicken out, cause you know...we might get called tomorrow.<br />
<br />
We've also been hard at normal life, like homeschooling and trying to finish strong (we are not fooling anyone, we are getting just as much done as your public school kids did their last two weeks of school). Planet Earth anyone?<br />
<br />
Baby Sis and I can't decide if she needs one nap or two. We just about decide on one nap and she is so cranky that she clearly needed two, then I decide we are sticking with two naps for a while longer and she refuses to take one of two naps, never sticking to the same nap that she wants to skip. There is nothing quite like a cranky, I should have taken another nap-toddler crying at your legs, pulling/pushing you away from the kitchen counter as you are (trying)to cook dinner and the big sisters don't think she as cute as she was this morning so they are so over entertaining her.<br />
<br />
Fun times!<br />
<br />
No really, she is still the easiest one we have had so far. I'm just about convinced it has to do with me being more relaxed and having the attitude of "hey, I know what I'm doing this time around!" But who knows? She is still so stinkin cute, we don't know what to do with her, unfortunately that means she has the potential to get away with a ton, you know, cause she's the baby AND she's cute!<br />
<br />
So we are waiting and doing normal life, and waiting :-)Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-34261601583075640112012-02-27T18:55:00.000-05:002012-02-27T18:55:58.787-05:00Some thoughtsI have wondered what people are thinking since I put on here our changes. Since NO ONE has said ANYTHING, my flesh worries that everyone is judging.<br />
<br />
That's fine.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the mean time, I have had some thoughts going around in my head and we have even asked some of these questions of ourselves. I stumbled on this old post of another blog, so I wanted to share her thoughts as they are almost exactly what is in my head.<br />
<br />
See what Suzanne said <a href="http://joiningthejourney.blogspot.com/2010/10/domestic-adoptionorphan-or-not.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I had a similar conversation some months ago with a friend.<br />
<br />
Who are we to decide which orphan has the greater need?<br />
<br />
Is it the one in Ethiopia who might die at the age of 3 of a treatable disease?<br />
<br />
Is it the down syndrome child in Eastern Europe that will go to a mental institution at the age of five to suffer unimaginable abuse and probably die shortly after the move?<br />
<br />
Is it the child in Ch*na that thanks to a c*mmunist country they will be fed and cared for in a foster care family or an orphanage, but will probably NEVER know who Jesus Christ is?<br />
<br />
Is it the foster care child in the US that will be bounced from home to home, KNOWING that no one wants them?<br />
<br />
Is it the newborn African American born to a single mother who can't rub 2 pennies together, let alone raise a baby all by herself?<br />
<br />
Why do we think we know what the greatest need is? Shame on us....Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-61158549937741579232012-02-17T21:33:00.000-05:002012-02-17T21:33:15.456-05:00Changes that have been a long time coming...To say that we have been on the adoption roller coaster is an understatement. We started this wonderful process 2 years ago. We looked at the international options and came up with Ethiopia. <br />
<br />
And I fell in love.<br />
<br />
with the country,<br />
with the people,<br />
with the children.<br />
<br />
Then we got pregnant with Alyssa. I won't lie, I cried huge, sobbing tears when I found out I was pregnant. Huge sad ears because I knew it would be that much longer till I had my adopted son, huge happy tears, because God had given me what my heart had desired, another baby to carry in my womb.<br />
<br />
I just knew we had messed up God's plan for our adoption, yet, my head knew that God is sovereign and He was in control over this pregnancy. <br />
<br />
We settled in for the long wait for the adoption and we got ready for our new tiny bundle...another girl...big surprise....he, he, he!<br />
(wouldn't change her for the world!)<br />
<br />
Then, we got the exciting news that we could come back to the program earlier than expected. I was so excited and had high hopes that since we had much of the leg work, our paper chasing wouldn't take that long.<br />
<br />
Normal time for a paper chase....4-6 months<br />
<br />
Time since we re-entered the program....9 months.....<br />
<br />
Does anyone else see a problem with that??!!<br />
<br />
Now, some of this has been us dragging our feet, but not all.<br />
<br />
Some of it has just been road block.....<br />
<br />
after road block.....<br />
<br />
after road block....<br />
<br />
Now, through us dragging our feet and our involuntary pauses, we have had some stirrings.<br />
<br />
I mean.... confusing, I don't know what we are supposed to be doing stirrings. <br />
<br />
I had questioned so many things, where we should adopt from, who we should adopt, what age, what special needs, I have questioned and questioned.<br />
<br />
One thing I have never questioned though, and that is the decision to adopt. <br />
<br />
We are still adopting. At least, if that's God's will. And I beg Him often that it is still His will.<br />
<br />
So, what are these changes, you ask???<br />
<br />
Well, after much praying, seeking God, and discussion with Kelly, we are actively seeking to adopt domestically. We didn't become aware of the huge need for domestic adoption of African American and bi-racial babies until after we started the process with Ethiopia. We are looking into this for several reasons, but most importantly, because we feel God has laid this on our hearts and this seems to be the path He keeps putting in front of us. We have seen first hand how some of these children could end up living if they were to stay with their birth parents. We know for a fact, that many of these children, if not for willing adoptive families could have been aborted.<br />
<br />
We love Ethiopia, and the children of Ethiopia, but right now we are giving Ethiopia to God and trusting that He knows best. We are praying that He swing doors wide that He'd like us to walk thru and slam doors that we should stay away from. <br />
<br />
The two biggest changes in this decision are time and money.<br />
<br />
We could still wait awhile for our baby, BUT, when we do get him, we could have only a few days or weeks notice.<br />
<br />
As for the money, we will be paying significantly less than Ethiopia, but again, the time we need the money in could be very short. Thankfully we have just had the Trot (more info on final amounts to come soon) and our taxes just came in and went straight to the savings. We are not sure if we will have another fundraiser or not, so please be praying with us that God will provide what we need it in just the right time.<br />
<br />
We have decided to go the word of mouth method and have our profile on with 2 different adoption attorneys that place babies all year long. So, if you hear anything...about a baby up for adoption, a birth mother needing a family, let us know, give us a call, keep us in mind.<br />
<br />
----------------------------------------<br />
<br />
A couple weeks ago, I took a break from all adoption talk/work to do some nesting. I really wanted to not only make the nursery suitable for both boy and girl, but I really wanted to make Baby Sis her very own space. She inherited the craft room/play room and it still had left over stuff that had no other home. So, I'll have pictures to come, I can't wait to show you, it's SO cute!<br />
<br />
Anyways, that's it for now...my longing for my little boy is strong, but I am trying to enjoy my girls! <br />
<br />
Please pray that God's hand will guide us through this new part of adoption of lawyers and birth mothers.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-84467353009405337242012-02-01T13:17:00.000-05:002012-02-01T13:17:03.782-05:00Holding me TogetherTurn off the music at the bottom! :-)<br />
<iframe width="400" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fEzas-F_aKA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<br />
Royal Tailor - Hold Me Together<br />
<br />
Can you hold me together<br />
Can your love reach down this far<br />
Can you hold me together<br />
Cause without You holding my heart<br />
I'm falling apart<br />
Falling apartJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-4632187842067568632012-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:002012-01-25T07:00:07.551-05:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aZOZlwSOXrb0LlQ9IL_FEeu00B45r8QkCKu3OkqrL8qHYCR92qWwvt_7wSRlYqR_gAmJtySV5MQaAQzC6zHY_GEkSPScKZHTYTEcDoF_df9GlOIOY_Fxcq7EIPua56p44gY04XqNTe8/s1600/IMG_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aZOZlwSOXrb0LlQ9IL_FEeu00B45r8QkCKu3OkqrL8qHYCR92qWwvt_7wSRlYqR_gAmJtySV5MQaAQzC6zHY_GEkSPScKZHTYTEcDoF_df9GlOIOY_Fxcq7EIPua56p44gY04XqNTe8/s400/IMG_0786.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-53612552415734989782012-01-24T07:00:00.001-05:002012-01-26T08:47:46.061-05:00In case you missed it the first time around!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Our big girls have a little message for you...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>enjoy!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You need to turn off the music at the bottom of this page FIRST! :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw9aizHTwKJYLRXbiz46EbEJ0jwHSVYKkvVxVB0-Z0D67euYCvwDzv1SnBzjMqTbnBK-1-GSAekMuF8Zmr2nw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Click on the donate button to the right to sponsor Big Sis or Little Sis. You can leave a comment with your Paypal payment or leave a comment here. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thanks so much!!!</b></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-19324048985711395962012-01-23T07:00:00.001-05:002012-01-23T07:00:03.598-05:00Have you asked people to sponsor your run?<div style="text-align: center;">Don't forget, if you are running or walking for the Trot on Saturday to ask people to sponsor you. Every single dollar helps, so no amount is too small. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje86t6d8RrGdnrUA8OUqwjqCqp0DKh8YUfGIasyg23oi-cueSMFXHCnJtZUPrzs4062ZqzKU2408sgdnNz1j-wId2JA_zpMHrRk8xfixidxC-zvxVxhATXyFNrIa14Ef4QM5xlyPfz7pk/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje86t6d8RrGdnrUA8OUqwjqCqp0DKh8YUfGIasyg23oi-cueSMFXHCnJtZUPrzs4062ZqzKU2408sgdnNz1j-wId2JA_zpMHrRk8xfixidxC-zvxVxhATXyFNrIa14Ef4QM5xlyPfz7pk/s200/images.jpeg" width="139" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Who can you ask?</div><div style="text-align: center;">your mom</div><div style="text-align: center;">your grandma</div><div style="text-align: center;">your neighbor</div><div style="text-align: center;">your brother</div><div style="text-align: center;">your aunt</div><div style="text-align: center;">your great uncle</div><div style="text-align: center;">people at work</div><div style="text-align: center;">people at church</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You get the idea! Now go get some sponsors!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can download your sponsor form <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yLiMs4L4l4S85n1_kZAyPYlyXFr5VsW7LM-rnywUvDo/edit?pli=1" target="_blank">here</a>, and attach an envelope to keep everything together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember to bring your sponsor money Saturday morning.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We will have<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://our-journey-to-africa.blogspot.com/2012/01/trot-prizes.html" target="_blank">PRIZES</a></b></span></span> for the top fundraisers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you haven't registered yet, it's not too late, click <a href="http://trottoadoptaugusta.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-14892981562369504172012-01-22T11:30:00.001-05:002012-01-22T11:30:01.047-05:00The Weather Looks Great!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you registered yet??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCZUVvkD5dNXUl3Di6hrVWp-IpVrf8Z2tFOPfRx9ZbfQkcjvm7UMePQTAYtMvrfO7M8LO8ZBt1ytnVL-Xy3lR84r1CM8Y-NW1HpT_tAsepfGaXy5gt2sXdbaddZ6r_f1vNA1g92oCb3I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-21+at+2.58.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCZUVvkD5dNXUl3Di6hrVWp-IpVrf8Z2tFOPfRx9ZbfQkcjvm7UMePQTAYtMvrfO7M8LO8ZBt1ytnVL-Xy3lR84r1CM8Y-NW1HpT_tAsepfGaXy5gt2sXdbaddZ6r_f1vNA1g92oCb3I/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-01-21+at+2.58.32+PM.png" width="250" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.trottoadoptaugusta.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Trot to Adopt</a></span></b></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-90583457996166098812012-01-19T07:00:00.002-05:002012-01-19T07:00:08.296-05:00Today is the Day!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_9Siu4prCvLdlhgb_JgKPnrsCqk6GMixoKBMoaWHdj9MrfTxXLmSwnu6ytNFv-bpW51AvakEtr1uryZ5D9j34N4_uhvtAeAINKNftkzsQnh2avDOpEVPzKYSA0Y1jxPzQG5LIW76wOw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-06+at+10.19.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_9Siu4prCvLdlhgb_JgKPnrsCqk6GMixoKBMoaWHdj9MrfTxXLmSwnu6ytNFv-bpW51AvakEtr1uryZ5D9j34N4_uhvtAeAINKNftkzsQnh2avDOpEVPzKYSA0Y1jxPzQG5LIW76wOw/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-01-06+at+10.19.01+AM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="294" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Today is the day! The</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.trottoadoptaugusta.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #c65827; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Trot-to-Adopt</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">is 9 days away! You need to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.trottoadoptaugusta.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #c65827; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"> register</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">by noon tomorrow in order to guarantee you’ll get one on race day,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.trottoadoptaugusta.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #c65827; font-size: 14px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">January 28th</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">If you don’t live in the Augusta area but would still like to participate, you can register for the race online, raise sponsors right where you are, and we’ll mail you your shirt! Please help us spread the word and if you’re already registered, start asking all your friends, family, and neighbors to sponsor you as you run for a precious little boy in Ethiopia! </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">The top fundraisers will win great </span><a href="http://our-journey-to-africa.blogspot.com/2012/01/trot-prizes.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">prizes</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">! </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">We are praying that God would use this race to spread awareness about adoption and help us raise the rest of the money we need to bring our sweet baby Caleb home.</span></span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-74640695932764310362012-01-16T07:00:00.002-05:002012-01-16T07:00:00.836-05:00Reminder, Trot to Adopt Prizes<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1st place prize</span></b> for the runner or walker that raises the most sponsor money </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkYMe8FZAHhXnIp-X6WNp_-awPoWn93HDt0uYjxcfXlgllJ3Vph28z0_teZM_Wr-vv8cETzwrQW1xKJJ0zUARD4bZwXnG2UkU_FvmT6Kcllky6Zw0kI9FFi1c6CVLK1pk6ByoCBK5XrA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-06+at+10.10.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkYMe8FZAHhXnIp-X6WNp_-awPoWn93HDt0uYjxcfXlgllJ3Vph28z0_teZM_Wr-vv8cETzwrQW1xKJJ0zUARD4bZwXnG2UkU_FvmT6Kcllky6Zw0kI9FFi1c6CVLK1pk6ByoCBK5XrA/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-01-06+at+10.10.38+AM.png" width="243" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">iPad 2</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2nd place</span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVp_LqjNzxVBbtFuo0aJPtbclsH_oinfYowUKqMCaK-mGchroNAJDmCJM5DsTb1JGoCf37ZTMajnZwZm09QFWElE_ySzOUNs-PWziYtGvpfzGCHRb_QSdQpLHiKqrcB3-oQshLXhoaZc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-06+at+10.16.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVp_LqjNzxVBbtFuo0aJPtbclsH_oinfYowUKqMCaK-mGchroNAJDmCJM5DsTb1JGoCf37ZTMajnZwZm09QFWElE_ySzOUNs-PWziYtGvpfzGCHRb_QSdQpLHiKqrcB3-oQshLXhoaZc/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-01-06+at+10.16.01+AM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">iPod Nano</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Print your sponsor form <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yLiMs4L4l4S85n1_kZAyPYlyXFr5VsW7LM-rnywUvDo/mobilebasic?pli=1">here</a> and get started today!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Don't forget, bring your form and all money collected to the race on Jan. 28th, rain or shine.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you haven't registered yet, head over to the Trot <a href="http://trottoadoptaugusta.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> to register as a runner or for the Family Fun Run.</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-9670441107145374092012-01-12T19:59:00.001-05:002012-01-12T20:01:00.608-05:00Remembering 2 YearsOn the anniversary of the Haiti earthquake, I thought I'd repost my thought from last year. <br />
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This is the post<br />
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<b>The Event that Changed it All.</b><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So, I have been thinking about the people in Haiti recently, not just because of the anniversary of their earthquake, but because of the significance that earthquake has had on my family.</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">First off let me say that I am praying for peace and stability for that country.....just the other day I read an news article about the rampant rape crimes that are happening because of poor lighting and poor security in the communities that many people have lived in since the earthquake. It's sad to know that this is happening and that even when a woman is brave enough to come forward, nothing is done about it.</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The story said that children as young as 2 were at risk.....</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have no words for that.....</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have to give it to the Lord and hug my girls a little tighter.</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So what changed for our family with the earthquake you ask?</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Well, you may know that a year ago, I desperately wanted to be pregnant. My dear sweet hubby and I had traveled all the way to Texas to have a vasectomy reversal in November. The doctor was very encouraged and I just <i>knew</i> that I would be pregnant in no time. But, as it was, in January, I was not pregnant and I was very anxious about whether or not the surgery was successful. Kelly saw that stress, he saw my tears over wanting a baby, knowing that we were supposed to be a bigger family and wondering if that would ever happen.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And then this tragic earthquake happened.....</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">people all over where killed, families separated or completely left alone, children orphaned.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">God used this tragedy to soften his heart, to open his eyes. You see, every time I would even mention adoption, the answer was always no...No, my husband felt like he could not love a child that did not come from him.....No, we didn't have enough money to adopt a child....No</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But, with the combined sadness that Kelly saw in me that January and thousands upon thousands more orphans that were created in the blink of an eye, Kelly could suddenly see the need, he could suddenly see that he <i>could</i> love a child not of his body, he suddenly saw that this could be something that our family could do.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The change did not happen the day or even the week of the earthquake. But within the month following it, as we watched the news unfold, as we heard about the plane full of orphans who had already had adoptions completed came home to the US,</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">my husband changed.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What a difference a year has made. We do not have our referral and we actually feel like we are just sitting on our hands as far as our adoption goes. That's okay, God has His timing, I don't understand it, as I have said before, I don't always <i>like</i> it, but I am going with it!</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So here we are, a year later, because of an earthquake in a tiny country called Haiti, we are praying and longing for a little boy, somewhere in Ethiopia, maybe born, maybe still growing in his birthmother's womb, who one day will join our family, one day he will be spoiled rotten by his big sisters, who one day...we will call Caleb, our mighty warrior, our child born not of our bodies, but in our hearts.</div></div><br />
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<b><i>We still wait and pray for you Caleb. We still talk about you often and wonder how old you are, or will be when you get to us.</i></b>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-54407381860165747532012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-10T08:00:01.119-05:00We are approved!Ha! Who knew?! Just kidding... I wasn't worried about any problems with our FBI fingerprints, but we are glad that part is behind us. As I mentioned before, the actual process was quite painless, the price ($) not so painless... I just have to remind myself it's all part of the ransom for my child, a child I have never laid eyes on, but one that I pray for and think of. The one I plan for (yes, the hubby wanted to know what I had bought so many Christmas place mats...you know...for the future!), and the one I long for.<br />
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I wonder, will his face be long and slender, or chubby and round? Will his skin be dark chocolate or a light coffee color? I wish he was with us as we celebrate family this week, even with all the sickness and go, go, go of the holiday, I wish he was with us. I wish the matching cribs were set up in the baby room.<br />
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But, he's not. It makes me sad, but I am clinging to the truth that God has a better handle on the details, the timing, and all the things in-between than I do.<br />
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So, we have a 1-171H<br />
<span id="goog_1511566197"></span><span id="goog_1511566198"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvzzbuM9jzQnB8Bvt86rIYM9BiaGPLSJlLuinECFx_8XCGQY1HJTWPxo4UuDKiAd3FYxlp-4WIZgGfDHeNcM569rUb3jrIXyrsSPOE8K4f2raQm-0hAuK1QV3b8rmMbuA_rYwXs_JMXw/s1600/IMG_9965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvzzbuM9jzQnB8Bvt86rIYM9BiaGPLSJlLuinECFx_8XCGQY1HJTWPxo4UuDKiAd3FYxlp-4WIZgGfDHeNcM569rUb3jrIXyrsSPOE8K4f2raQm-0hAuK1QV3b8rmMbuA_rYwXs_JMXw/s320/IMG_9965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Now we just need all the money that goes with the dossier.....<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I am claiming this and praying it over our adoption.</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>Jer. 29:11 </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></i></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-15726831655229685322012-01-07T08:00:00.003-05:002012-01-07T08:00:02.656-05:00Will you sponsor us?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Our big girls have a little message for you...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>enjoy!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You need to turn off the music at the bottom of this page FIRST! :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx1TWwQyBDlNs6A4s0IBJCWP7B2AFElTWYdjFhfTwTTGXQa9aXnizvIR8AL6VnejsS0BSqvCx0odWIwT2R_cw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Click on the donate button to the right to sponsor Big Sis or Little Sis. You can leave a comment with your Paypal payment or leave a comment here. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thanks so much!!!</b></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-43676635981372389862012-01-06T21:24:00.000-05:002012-01-06T21:24:36.238-05:00We need to submit our dossier!Can you help?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><iframe frameborder="1" height="400px" scrolling="no" src="http://www.indiegogo.com/project/widget/57172?a=356980" width="210px"></iframe><br />
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Please pass this on!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-2856432283279781132012-01-06T10:18:00.000-05:002012-01-06T10:18:42.635-05:00Trot Prizes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.trottoadoptaugusta.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYSz05a9kVk0n5NkodLxWAtF778wkfbGcnxn8rNo8NSYVfqb5qLY26LXCY4fldpo_hwr8lGIs8Pfdvmuy1KsdaoDNkhxaRwLsLzWkIs9yL7KyCWMnipdnPplCHxER_pCIOr39fzFR0fA/s320/t2a-log0-sm.png" width="320" /></a></div>Who wants to win some prizes??!!<br />
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Fundraising really isn't that hard. Just register to run or walk on Jan. 28th, then ask a couple people if they'd like to sponsor you.<br />
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How much money in sponsorships do you think you can raise?<br />
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$75 Easy<br />
$100 Just $10 from 10 people<br />
$200 Come on, the girl scouts can do it!<br />
$300 I want to win an iPad 2!!!!!<br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go to the Trot to Adopt Blog and register under the Cote Family too to guarantee a t-shirt. (Sneak peak coming soon!)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1st place prize</span></b> for the runner or walker that raises the most sponsor money </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkYMe8FZAHhXnIp-X6WNp_-awPoWn93HDt0uYjxcfXlgllJ3Vph28z0_teZM_Wr-vv8cETzwrQW1xKJJ0zUARD4bZwXnG2UkU_FvmT6Kcllky6Zw0kI9FFi1c6CVLK1pk6ByoCBK5XrA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-06+at+10.10.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkYMe8FZAHhXnIp-X6WNp_-awPoWn93HDt0uYjxcfXlgllJ3Vph28z0_teZM_Wr-vv8cETzwrQW1xKJJ0zUARD4bZwXnG2UkU_FvmT6Kcllky6Zw0kI9FFi1c6CVLK1pk6ByoCBK5XrA/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-01-06+at+10.10.38+AM.png" width="243" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2nd place</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVp_LqjNzxVBbtFuo0aJPtbclsH_oinfYowUKqMCaK-mGchroNAJDmCJM5DsTb1JGoCf37ZTMajnZwZm09QFWElE_ySzOUNs-PWziYtGvpfzGCHRb_QSdQpLHiKqrcB3-oQshLXhoaZc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-06+at+10.16.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVp_LqjNzxVBbtFuo0aJPtbclsH_oinfYowUKqMCaK-mGchroNAJDmCJM5DsTb1JGoCf37ZTMajnZwZm09QFWElE_ySzOUNs-PWziYtGvpfzGCHRb_QSdQpLHiKqrcB3-oQshLXhoaZc/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-01-06+at+10.16.01+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Print your sponsor form <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yLiMs4L4l4S85n1_kZAyPYlyXFr5VsW7LM-rnywUvDo/mobilebasic?pli=1">here</a> and get started today!<br />
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Don't forget, bring your form and all money collected to the race on Jan. 28th, rain or shine.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-20906127235069927142011-12-30T07:00:00.001-05:002011-12-30T07:00:00.602-05:00FingerprintsSo, after a 2 and a half month wait for our fingerprint appointment, we finally got the go ahead! Go figure, it was scheduled for the busiest month of the year and the busiest week of this month. We took all three girls with us and left bright and early on Monday morning. Our appointment was for the office in Charleston, so I thought it would be fun for us all to go and then to do something fun while we were there. I really wanted to go see some historical sites since it goes right along with our history this year, but the weather was cold and rainy, yuk!<br />
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So, we made it to the USCIS at right about 11:30am, we were barely there for 15 minutes, in and out and fingerprinted. The girls were very well behaived, but they were a little disappointed that they couldn't actually watch us be fingerprinted. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2dEo2VDf9yQuXBDv-jBJ9afDgGaL_emj4gytJ31kQhA5cogp0N_VBHT0vMCv1jf-2xmrJ2naE__Dz5pwivyqwu5lxwII-jpxb8_iZo0c14J4kqZEZPci51ZY9_Ww_WnPHzV_IMeWrUY/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2dEo2VDf9yQuXBDv-jBJ9afDgGaL_emj4gytJ31kQhA5cogp0N_VBHT0vMCv1jf-2xmrJ2naE__Dz5pwivyqwu5lxwII-jpxb8_iZo0c14J4kqZEZPci51ZY9_Ww_WnPHzV_IMeWrUY/s320/photo.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>No cameras allowed inside, but we snagged a picture in the regular building area.<br />
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So after a long car ride where mom made them do school work, we headed to the SC Aquarium for an afternoon of fun. We got to see a sea turtle (the highlight for mom!)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> And the kids got to see Scuba Clause, so cool! Later, he even had some elf helpers join him....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3KUyt5nx8LT5FwopzLQMO2UDGoqaygH0rC_MOKqnm16rZeqlbEtEP5Q41ESEyEBjkmUTjl0bDr2VB9c524xf7NNecQXNBqN0tkwl2Y_KvLExPhaYmWJXq9_9F6h6pKvgpCK_XvBTY3A/s1600/IMG_9619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3KUyt5nx8LT5FwopzLQMO2UDGoqaygH0rC_MOKqnm16rZeqlbEtEP5Q41ESEyEBjkmUTjl0bDr2VB9c524xf7NNecQXNBqN0tkwl2Y_KvLExPhaYmWJXq9_9F6h6pKvgpCK_XvBTY3A/s320/IMG_9619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-15492081070547023272011-12-25T13:25:00.002-05:002011-12-25T13:26:38.985-05:00Merry Christmas<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">From the Cote Family! We are so blessed and thankful to our Saviour today for humbling Himself, leaving His throne and joining us her on earth as a baby, of all things! </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<a href="http://animoto.com/play/lGp1K0c69XyxoiN0FXDM2g">Christmas Card 2011</a><br />
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Click above to see our Christmas video!</div><br />
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</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-63427381944557208452011-11-13T07:00:00.002-05:002011-11-13T07:00:06.023-05:00Okay, let's get it out in the open, I'm a terrible blogger. Haven't been here to actually write in forever. Several reasons for that...one, let's face it, I have a crawling eight month old (she's been doing that for two months) and two older ones in need of an education...that in itself is enough reason to not see me on here too much. The second reason, back in August, I attending a Encounter weekend at my church. We were supposed to fast for several days leading up to the weekend, but I being the breastfeeding mom and all could not safely fast from food decided to fast from computer. I stepped back from everything Facebook, blogs and emails for the week and it was very eye opening. I realized that too much of my time was being sucked in. Some of it was even good stuff, not just mindless Facebook. I read a couple blogs of really wonderful Christian women, but I realized that week that it was too much time on the computer and not enough in my Bible and not enough time with my kids. Even good thinks like Christian adoption blogs can become idols...ahem. So there you have it. A few reasons you might not see me around as much.<br />
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One more small reason, okay, so it's not so small....I'm feeling a little raw when it comes to all things adoption. I feel like we are dragging our feet, but not really meaning to do so. We keep trying to move forward and can't seem to. I know, vague...<br />
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Here's a solid example I can give you, I sent in our I-600a (fancy numbers for our application to be fingerprinted by the FBI) back at the end of September, we still don't have a fingerprint appointment...what is up with that?!!<br />
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Need another?....my sweet hubby had a great idea to have a golf tournament as a fundraiser....yeah, not so much. We had a wonderful couple at church help us get prizes, we tried to advertise, we had very little response and then we had to change venues at the last minute. Now we are thinking it would be best to wait till after Christmas and when it warms up towards sping. To say we are disappointed is an understatement. <br />
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My best friend said the other day that she was starting to really think that both of our adoptions weren't just about the adoptions, but about the journey. I think she's dead on. It's about the journey Kelly is on, the journey I'm on...sheesh, literally as I am writing this, it dawns on me...my blog, that I named in a giddy new adopting mom state is called Our <b>Journey</b> to Africa! Even a year and seven months ago, God already knew that it wasn't about bringing a baby home, but so much <i>more</i>. It is the journey that we are on in the process. <br />
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It's been painful, it's been scary, it's been overwhelming, it's been joyfull, it's been awe-inspiring, it's been humbling, <br />
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and it has taken a lot longer that I thought or planned.<br />
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Honestly, some days I wish I could go back to being blind. Blind to the things beyond my narrow, middle class, church-going, homeschooled little world. I wish I could go back to drinking coffee or eating chocolate without the knowledge that I now have of the injustice that goes on just so we can enjoy these seemingly simple things. I wish I could nurse my baby in peace without anguishing over what the babies in "the bottom" of my own town are eating.<br />
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Pruning hurts.<br />
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But if I want fruit in my life, I have to let Him prune. <br />
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Honestly, most days, I'd rather not. <br />
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What am I learning in all this? <br />
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Specifically tonight, I'm learning that His promises are true, He will not change his mind. He will give my dreams wings and I shouldn't have to force open the doors to get there. I am learning surrender and not be afraid. To say your will Lord.<br />
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"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."<br />
1 Chr. 28:20Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-67788751786408130412011-11-05T22:49:00.001-04:002011-11-14T21:27:58.192-05:00Trot to Adopt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://trottoadoptaugusta.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmH1jTmBXTPlfslx-98wEQTXcXzlhUUfpKWJZssYwZE7CI9KvIWrlN8w5V7nnLD1PM4R8qagwaBxALpY8G3hjrVyN0UPZAh4eEpN3E2zNegf4H2DonJUE9gymewPPfHC4-8TLmF76who/s400/t2a-log0-sm.png" width="400" /></a></div>Register now for our <a href="http://trottoadoptaugusta.blogspot.com/">5K Run/1M Family Walk </a>and spread the word. PLEASE choose our family when you register to run/walk. Thanks so much!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-46034350527545406572011-10-03T07:00:00.001-04:002011-10-03T07:00:13.072-04:00Save the Dates!So, more info to come, but wanted to let you know of two events we are involved with.<br />
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First, we will be hosting the <a href="http://cotegolf.blogspot.com/">Cote Family Scramble, Driving Caleb Home</a> (our very own golf tournament!) That will be held on November 19th at the Gordon Lakes Golf Club.<br />
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Second, January 28th will be the second ever <a href="http://trottoadoptaugusta.blogspot.com/">Trot to Adopt</a>. A 5K run and family 1 mile walk. We are participating along with 3 other families, each of us signing up runners/walkers to raise money to bring our babies home! <br />
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Please mark these on your <b>calendars</b> and PLEASE walk/run for <i>our</i> family in January!!! ;-)Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-49152795532088150972011-09-27T11:15:00.000-04:002011-09-27T11:15:14.685-04:00A Great Couple of Days!No time for real blogging, but the last three days have been great ones!<br />
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Sunday, my oldest sweet girl was baptized! Both girls told me several months ago that they had asked Jesus into their hearts, what a blessed momma I am. Big Sis has been talking about being baptized and this Sunday we finally went with it. She is the one I struggle with the most, I can't wait to watch God work <i>amazing</i> things in her life. Her heart is as big as they come.<br />
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Monday, in my hands, fresh from the mail....THE FINISHED HOMESTUDY!!!!!!<br />
I went into overdrive adoption paperwork mode last night, so much I can now finish up with this wonderful piece of the puzzle finished! Little boy, your momma wishes you were here NOW, but I'm comin' as fast as I can.<br />
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Today, Tuesday Sept. 27th, my sweet niece was born. Just three hours ago. We have prayed for this little life for years and then for very different reasons we have prayed for her over the past months and weeks. She comes into this very broken world, with her life, very different than it should be. But, today and in a week (physically), I will be praying over her for God to do a miracle in her mother's life and then in her life. In Jesus's name I claim this sweet girl for His Kingdom. What God has planned, the enemy is trying to snatch away and turn into evil. I will not stand by and idly watch, no I will not. I am an aunt for the first time for real! Not that I don't have a special place for all my by-law nieces and nephews, I do love them. But, it's so exciting that my baby brother is a daddy, I pray he does it well.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-32130116847573205922011-09-11T15:21:00.000-04:002011-09-11T15:21:46.476-04:006 Months and Adoption DayWhen Baby Sis was born, you can bet a few short days later, I looked at a calendar to see what our "adoption day" would be, you know, the magic age when our agency would let us come back. It felt odd that it was 9-11, but somehow fitting. That was the day our country will always remember those lost, but now it was a day of hope and a life added to our family. <br />
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Now we are so excited, that we did NOT have to wait the whole six months to get back in the saddle with our adoption, but I still sort of think as today as adoption day :-)<br />
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What's happening with the adoption you say? Well, we are <i>finished</i> with the homestudy!!! <i>Again</i> ;-) We should have a hard copy that we can send off to get our fingerprints appointment this week!!!<br />
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So, happy six month birthday to my sweet baby girl, wow, where is the time going?!<br />
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And happy adoption day to my sweet boy. Has he been born, is his birth mother still pregnant, or is he only a sweet child in the Father's hands still being formed by his Creator? Whichever it is, I am thinking of him today.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6412037317598195403.post-7455759294598128272011-09-11T15:04:00.000-04:002011-09-11T15:04:16.467-04:00What were you doing?Ten years ago, I was strolling along with my hubby downtown in Chania, Greece. I was pregnant with our first child, we had a special night ahead with a sunset cruise (that was canceled because of high winds) and dinner for two. We stopped in some shops and then sat down at a cafe for a milkshake. That was when we noticed the TV, the sound was off and the subtitles were in Greek, but we could see the pictures and the headlines....<br />
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and we knew....<br />
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something was wrong back home.<br />
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We went on with our evening and when we got home I turned on the TV....and I was glued to it for the next week. <br />
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Our lives along with our country were changed forever.<br />
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We will never forget.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05976334646791234332noreply@blogger.com0