"We will not build orphanages. We will empty orphanages. We will help without hurting. We will not just give children things. We will give them ourselves. We will do what we can to unite children to a life-long family. We will not measure success anymore by dollars given. We will measure success by how many children have been placed in a permanent family"
-Kay Warren
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
The Plan
On Friday afternoon when I left school, Tyler and I had a scheduled phone orientation with our adoption agency. I think it was information overload to Ty, but for me it was WONDERFUL! I've been looking over ALL the paperwork and e-mails and feeling super overwhelmed (which I have probably mentioned in almost every blog post, haha). But when we sat down on speaker phone with our agency rep and he walked us through every single thing that we need to do, it made me feel SO much better. Although there is a LOT to do throughout the course of this adoption, I feel so much more at ease knowing how and when to do it all. I don't so much mind the paperwork (my profession has prepared me for that, haha!) but I was stressing about knowing how to go about it all. Also, not only am I a planner, but I am a nerdy notetaker (always have been, since middle school). These are all the notes that took in about an hour of talking with our agency:
So, I wanted to give a little overview for those of you that are curious about our process. This is the plan that we have right now, but this is specific to Uganda and to our agency. Also, with any plan..especially in adoption, things can change. But for now, here is what we are looking at in the order that we will complete each step:
As always, thank you for all the love and support you continue to show us!
So, I wanted to give a little overview for those of you that are curious about our process. This is the plan that we have right now, but this is specific to Uganda and to our agency. Also, with any plan..especially in adoption, things can change. But for now, here is what we are looking at in the order that we will complete each step:
- Home Study: Right now, we are working on our home study. Since our agency is out of state, we had to choose a local NC agency to complete this step. During this step, we have to gather lots of documents like birth/marriage certificates, background checks, insurance stuff, etc. We will also meet with a social worker who will talk with us about the adoption, visit our house, and help educate us in parenting an adoptive child.
- Government Approval: Once our home study is complete, we will apply with the U.S. government for approval to adopt a child from Uganda.
- Dossier: While waiting for approval from the government, we will begin compiling all the documents that are needed for our dossier. The dossier is a big pack of paperwork that includes our home study, U.S. approval, certificates, more background checks, pictures, etc. This is the document that will be sent to the Ugandan courts. When they receive this document, they will review it and then put on on the waiting list to be matched with a child.
- Referral: This is what we will receive when Uganda matches us with a child. We will receive pictures, medical info, etc. for our child. Once accepting the referral, our agency's lawyer in Uganda will set up a court date and we will get ready to travel to meet our child!
- Travel to Uganda: Once in Uganda, we will meet our child!!!! We will then attend our first court date and request guardianship of the child. We then wait for an answer from the judge which could take a few weeks. While in Uganda we will bond with our child, sight see, and make lots of memories. We will also take the child for medical visits and do other "legal" stuff. After receiving guardianship from the judge, we will go to the U.S. consulate to receive passports, etc for our child.
- Back Home: When we come home, we will finalize the adoption and obtain U.S. citizenship for our baby! Also, we will have visits from our social worker to help us through the process of adjusting and bonding.
As always, thank you for all the love and support you continue to show us!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Blown Away
Wow! What a day! We began our yard sale around 6:30am with coffee, early morning shoppers, and family. Throughout the day the store was filled with people shopping, friends and family laughing, and kids running around and having fun! So many people came out and supported us today by purchasing t-shirts, jewelry, and lots of donated yard sale items! THANK YOU to everyone who donated items, shopped, and gave encouraging words and hugs! What a wonderful day! Let's just say you guys ROCKED it....we had an amazing monetary total for the end of the day! We were totally blown away by your generosity and God's provision! In addition to that, I was reminded today how awesome it is to be a part of the body of Christ. Friends and strangers came together for the common cause "to look after orphans and widows in their distress",and not just any orphan, but one that they will one day get to hold and play with and watch transform from lost to found. How encouraging to know that we are so loved and cared for by our community. All honor and glory goes to our Great God for all His many blessings!
The lovely models in our NEW ADOPTION SHIRTS! We have plenty still in stock for $15 each! Please let us know if you would like one, or stop by Perfect Blend to purchase.
Our little nephew Davis with a stuffed dolphin he found at the sale...and our little niece Sophie (about to fall asleep from all the excitement today!)
The lovely models in our NEW ADOPTION SHIRTS! We have plenty still in stock for $15 each! Please let us know if you would like one, or stop by Perfect Blend to purchase.
Our little nephew Davis with a stuffed dolphin he found at the sale...and our little niece Sophie (about to fall asleep from all the excitement today!)
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Great God
I just wanted to take a moment to share a few thoughts....
As we go through this difficult but joyous process, we feel a roller coaster of emotions. Sometimes, we are overwhelmed with happiness and joy as we think about the sweet sweet baby that we will one day hold in our arms. Sometimes we feel stressed and worried about how we will get everything done and everything paid for (we are working on this and on building our faith, but I'm trying to be honest here!). Other times we think about the fact that the sweet baby we will soon be holding is half way around the world right now. In order for them to end up in an orphanage, they must have been or are going through some very dire circumstances. Its hard to explain how this makes us feel. Although we are not "technically" parents right now, our child is growing in our hearts and our love for this child grows everyday. It is really difficult sometimes to feel totally powerless to help our child right now. Its in times like these that we have to totally trust in our Heavenly Father who not only loves and cares for us but for all the lonely children around the world. Though we feel so far away from our baby, God is right there holding their hand and giving them strength just like he is doing for us. We heard this song a couple of weeks ago, and it really put into words how wonderful our Great God is and how is holding the hurting ones around the world in His hands.
Part of the song says,
From the farthest corners of the earth
Still His mercy reaches
Even to the pain we cannot see
And even through the darkness
There's a promise that will keep us
There is One who came to set us free
Great God
Wrap Your arms around this world tonight
Around the world tonight
And when You hear our cries
Sing through the night
So we can join in Your song
And sing along
We'll sing along
Passion 2012, Sing Along
As we go through this difficult but joyous process, we feel a roller coaster of emotions. Sometimes, we are overwhelmed with happiness and joy as we think about the sweet sweet baby that we will one day hold in our arms. Sometimes we feel stressed and worried about how we will get everything done and everything paid for (we are working on this and on building our faith, but I'm trying to be honest here!). Other times we think about the fact that the sweet baby we will soon be holding is half way around the world right now. In order for them to end up in an orphanage, they must have been or are going through some very dire circumstances. Its hard to explain how this makes us feel. Although we are not "technically" parents right now, our child is growing in our hearts and our love for this child grows everyday. It is really difficult sometimes to feel totally powerless to help our child right now. Its in times like these that we have to totally trust in our Heavenly Father who not only loves and cares for us but for all the lonely children around the world. Though we feel so far away from our baby, God is right there holding their hand and giving them strength just like he is doing for us. We heard this song a couple of weeks ago, and it really put into words how wonderful our Great God is and how is holding the hurting ones around the world in His hands.
Part of the song says,
From the farthest corners of the earth
Still His mercy reaches
Even to the pain we cannot see
And even through the darkness
There's a promise that will keep us
There is One who came to set us free
Great God
Wrap Your arms around this world tonight
Around the world tonight
And when You hear our cries
Sing through the night
So we can join in Your song
And sing along
We'll sing along
Passion 2012, Sing Along
This song brings comfort to us as we are reminded that our great God is so much bigger than we can ever imagine, and yet he loves each and EVERY person on this earth so dearly. He is the true Father to the fatherless who offers comfort and peace. He will hold our baby in His arms and comfort them while they are without a family, but he will continue to hold them and comfort them for the rest of their lives, even after they are with us...their forever family.
On a lighter note...we are still planning on having our yard sale/sidewalk sale at Perfect Blend Coffee Shop on Saturday, April 28th. Check out the event on Facebook here, and PLEASE share the event on your page to help spread the word! Also, if you have any items you would like to donate, you can e-mail me at mprevatte113@gmail.com
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Yard Sale!
Just wanted to give everyone an update. We are currently working through the paperwork for our home study. We are moving through pretty well. To help with the cost of the home study, we will be have a big yard sale just in time for spring cleaning! If you or anyone you know would like to donate items, please email me at mprevatte113@gmail.com
We have a trailer and are able to pick up items. The yard sale/side walk sale will be on Saturday, April 28th at Perfect Blend Coffee Shop (1 North Main St Lexington) We will have lots of great stuff and yummy baked goods!
On another note, I just want to say that I am so grateful for the people that God continues to place in our path through this journey. We are continuing to be uplifted and encouraged by others who share our passion for orphans and for following Christ. We are also strengthened anew everyday by Gods love emanating from family and friends.
We have a trailer and are able to pick up items. The yard sale/side walk sale will be on Saturday, April 28th at Perfect Blend Coffee Shop (1 North Main St Lexington) We will have lots of great stuff and yummy baked goods!
On another note, I just want to say that I am so grateful for the people that God continues to place in our path through this journey. We are continuing to be uplifted and encouraged by others who share our passion for orphans and for following Christ. We are also strengthened anew everyday by Gods love emanating from family and friends.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Home Study Time!
We have received approval from the agency that will be doing our home study last weekend and have since received our packet from them to begin working on. Wow...exciting but a LOT of stuff to do! And I, being a planner, and so overwhelmed! I'm planning on sitting down today and making lists and plans for how and when to complete it all. But I know that if we take it one step at a time, we will get it done. Anyone who has adopted or know someone that has adopted has heard about "The Paper Chase"...well, that's what we are about to begin!
Along with our packet, we received the invoice for our home study. The money side of things can definitely be stressful and scary. As Tyler and I were discussing it last night, we were both kind of stressing about it. But you know, as we were talking I was reminded again...God doesn't call us to something and then say, "Okay, now figure out how to do it, plan it, prepare for it, and make it happen." He simply calls us to be obedient to His Word, and then He asks us to trust Him. How beautiful and peaceful life can be if we just trust Him instead of trying to figure it all out on our own.
I once read a devotion that has stuck with me for many years since reading it. The lady who wrote the book was describing her time on a retreat to a lake. Their large group decided to take a boat ride in which they all had to row the boat out into the open water. It was tiring, hard, sweaty work. But just when they thought they couldn't row anymore, their guide explained that is was time to put up the sail. To all of their surprise, the boat they were own was actually a sailboat. They put up the sail, sat back, and enjoyed the beautiful view and the warm breeze. She explained that our life in Christ should be like a sailboat, but many times we try to row and work our way along. It is our own fault if we keep rowing and rowing and trying to make it using our own pitiful strength. It is our own fault if we don't put up the sail and let God carry us through it all. I want that for my life.
On another note, we had our book fair at school this week. How does that relate to the adoption? Well, one of my kids bought the most precious book and I had to get one for myself! It's called Little Pink Pup. Its a sweet little story of a piglet that was adopted into a family of dachshunds. The book is dedicated to all the children that may look different from their families and says "Your families love you just the way you are." So sweet! Click on here to check it out.
So, as we continue to this wonderful journey, we are filled with joy for what God is teaching us and how He is growing us up in Him.
Along with our packet, we received the invoice for our home study. The money side of things can definitely be stressful and scary. As Tyler and I were discussing it last night, we were both kind of stressing about it. But you know, as we were talking I was reminded again...God doesn't call us to something and then say, "Okay, now figure out how to do it, plan it, prepare for it, and make it happen." He simply calls us to be obedient to His Word, and then He asks us to trust Him. How beautiful and peaceful life can be if we just trust Him instead of trying to figure it all out on our own.
I once read a devotion that has stuck with me for many years since reading it. The lady who wrote the book was describing her time on a retreat to a lake. Their large group decided to take a boat ride in which they all had to row the boat out into the open water. It was tiring, hard, sweaty work. But just when they thought they couldn't row anymore, their guide explained that is was time to put up the sail. To all of their surprise, the boat they were own was actually a sailboat. They put up the sail, sat back, and enjoyed the beautiful view and the warm breeze. She explained that our life in Christ should be like a sailboat, but many times we try to row and work our way along. It is our own fault if we keep rowing and rowing and trying to make it using our own pitiful strength. It is our own fault if we don't put up the sail and let God carry us through it all. I want that for my life.
On another note, we had our book fair at school this week. How does that relate to the adoption? Well, one of my kids bought the most precious book and I had to get one for myself! It's called Little Pink Pup. Its a sweet little story of a piglet that was adopted into a family of dachshunds. The book is dedicated to all the children that may look different from their families and says "Your families love you just the way you are." So sweet! Click on here to check it out.So, as we continue to this wonderful journey, we are filled with joy for what God is teaching us and how He is growing us up in Him.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Bracelets Galore!
We are continuing the journey as we have been in contact with our adoption agency as well as the agency that will be completing our home study. We hope to begin the home study and the "paper chase" very soon! We have been so grateful lately for the opportunities that God has given us to share about our journey with those we meet. We continue to be thankful for all the encouragement that God has given us through his people.
So, I continue to toss around different fundraising ideas that I can do. A while back I began making beaded jewelry to sell to help with the cost of our adoption. I've come up with some cute designs, but I've been wanting to come up with a more signature piece that I can make a lot of. While perusing Pinterest (haha, that's where all my "creative" ideas come from!) I stumbled across a DIY wrap bracelet and I thought, "Hey, I could make that and its really cute!". So, my dad ordered me some supplies through his shop Missions Pottery, and I have made my first few bracelets. I really love the style of the bracelet. I make them with leather and bamboo cords in cheery colors. I have posted some example pictures below. I have light and dark variations of the leather cord, as well as multiple bamboo cord colors like purple, green, orange, pink and blue. They will be sold at Perfect Blend Coffee Shop and Missions Pottery and More. Also, you can contact me via e-mail at mprevatte113@gmail.com. The price will be $6 for the single band and $8 for the double band. They are also really cute stacked so grab up a few different colors!
So, I continue to toss around different fundraising ideas that I can do. A while back I began making beaded jewelry to sell to help with the cost of our adoption. I've come up with some cute designs, but I've been wanting to come up with a more signature piece that I can make a lot of. While perusing Pinterest (haha, that's where all my "creative" ideas come from!) I stumbled across a DIY wrap bracelet and I thought, "Hey, I could make that and its really cute!". So, my dad ordered me some supplies through his shop Missions Pottery, and I have made my first few bracelets. I really love the style of the bracelet. I make them with leather and bamboo cords in cheery colors. I have posted some example pictures below. I have light and dark variations of the leather cord, as well as multiple bamboo cord colors like purple, green, orange, pink and blue. They will be sold at Perfect Blend Coffee Shop and Missions Pottery and More. Also, you can contact me via e-mail at mprevatte113@gmail.com. The price will be $6 for the single band and $8 for the double band. They are also really cute stacked so grab up a few different colors!
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