We are writing this bog entry to inform those who have supported and are continuing to support our efforts toward adopting a child.  We have changed our country of origin from Ethiopia to China.  We have been praying about this issue for a while. This decision did not come easy but we feel that it is what God desires for us and our family. In fact is has been one of the hardest decisions to make.  Many factors are involved in guiding this decision and many of those factors have come from the way the program is being run out of Ethiopia. Our agency has kept us updated on other families ahead of us in the process and the issues they are facing with the program. Many of the issues involve inconsistent/unpredictable communication out of Ethiopia.  As an example, some families are still waiting from September of last year to return for their second trip to bring home their child.  This wait between trip one and two was rarely no more then 6 weeks.  It saddens our hearts to know that the children involved with international adoption have no say with how or when they can be brought home.  This has raised many red flags with agencies around the country.  We pray that the situation improves and becomes what it once was prior to our envolement.  Along with the change to China, we have also requested a special needs child.  We feel as though  we are equipped and ready to love and raise a child who has a minor condition(s) that is also waiting for a family to accept them for who God made them to be.  

I wanted to update everyone on our adoption.  With Christmas, a funeral, school, etc. its been hard to work on our dossier but we are almost there.  We plan to mail it off on Monday.  Its going to take a few weeks for our agency get it transcribed and then and then send it to Ethiopia.  We should know then about how long were looking at until or little angel is referred to us.  I can honestly say God is teaching me to be patient and wait for Him.  As we started our dossier I thought we wouldn't be able to raise the $7000 with it being Christmas time. We didn't have any fundraisers planned at the time.  I really don't know why I had slight moment of doubt.  God has provided us with what we need every step of the way. Since we have started the dossier, a friend of mine organized a toy swap which gave us $1,000. One of Brad's client/ close friend is organizing two music videos for Brad to shoot and giving us the full amount.  This will bring us to our exact amount we need for our dossier.  God is Great!!! Thank thank for your love and prayers. More updates to come!!
                         I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18.

I am so blessed to be a teacher at Judson Baptist! My husband and I are overwhelmed by the support we've received from my school.  It's such a great feeling to see everyone in the hall wearing our shirts!  My supportive boss, Diane, has loaded up my car so many times in the past two weeks and I can't thank her enough.  Everyone that I work with have very rigorous schedules and balance a full load from work and as mothers at home but they always take the time to ask about our journey and how they can help.  Not only have they been supportive by purchasing our shirts and donating items for our sales, they most importantly they have bound together in faithful prayer.  We know that the road home for our child is not always going to be paved and bump free, however; we also know that our only defense against those unknowns is prayer warriors like the staff at Judson Baptist.               

So, we finally finished our last home study visit this week and it went really well.  It wasn't as long as I anticipated.  Our next step is working on the I600A form.  I've looked over the forms for the dossier and thank the Lord we have already completed most of it when completing the home study.  After our I600A is sent in we should expect a couple of months before we get the form back from the government.  And yes, our dossier will be already to GO when it does come back.  Waiting is so hard but the reward is so worth it!  
P.S.

Don't forget about our yard sale fundraiser!  We are in need of item donations... we will pick them up.  Call Erin at 615-513-0047 to schedule the pickup.   

Doing any fall cleaning around the house and have items you could part ways with? We are having a yard sale to raise money for our adoption agency fees and need your items.  Don't be worried about getting those items to us... we will pick them up.  The event is on October 1st.  Don't hesitate to call us and schedule a pick up.  Anything you can give will help us get closer to bringing our child home.  Feel free to use the .pdf file on this link to post or show others you know.  Link to Flyer   
Thanks for your continued support.    

We are so excited to present our t-shirt that we have designed to sell as a fundraising tool.  Check out our blog to learn more.  We are currently taking pre-orders.  Please allow 30 days for us to collect orders.  
FREE SHIPPING!!  
http://perfectlywoven.weebly.com/

Check out my new necklace from etsy!  Its a letter tile from the game Scrabble.  Bradford told me that it was "beautiful mommy."  He is so excited to be a big brother. We were in the social security office for some paperwork yesterday and our conversation goes something like this- "what are we waiting for mommy?" Me: we have to wait our turn just like all these other people.  " All these people getting them babies too?" Me: No, I don't think so.  

Erin and I have decided to adopt a child from Ethiopia!  We have prayed about this and we know that our next major step in live involves us going to Africa and picking up the child that God has intended for us to love as our own.  We are very excited but have a long journey to take.  We are close to choosing an agency and filling out the lengthy application.  Bradford is so excited to have a sibling and is already telling us that he will be dreaming about him or her at night.   Please begin to pray for our child and that we build the strength, endurance, and wisdom needed to jump through the "red tape" that our governments have put into place for adoption.  Stay tuned to our new blog for continued updates and photos.