Bringing Home Noelle!

Please Sign Petition

2010-10-12T12:34:00.000-04:00

If you are a US citizen, please sign this petition to Congress, urging them to expedite visas for the remaining families. You can also send an email directly through this site to your local representatives with a further option to send a letter.

Kick Off!!

2010-09-15T15:34:00.001-04:00

September 2010 has now become

ORPHAN’S RANSOM OFFICIAL KICK OFF CAMPAIGN
MONTH!

We are so pleased to announce that Orphan’s Ransom (501c3 nonprofit
organization) is up, running and ready to begin sharing its mission with Christian
fellowships, churches, and organizations. We are praying for ongoing,
monthly sponsorships to be used to award adoption grants that will allow
Christian families to welcome children of God into their families and church
communities, without the costs holding them back.

Unfortunately so many individuals feel that their contributions do not make a difference
because they don’t have a lot to give. Let me be clear in telling you,
that is a lie straight from the enemy! Our family has personally seen how many
people - all giving a little - created a miracle adoption and fully funded our adoption of our little boy from Nepal.
It was this miracle that birthed Orphan's Ransom!

I am writing today with hope that you will prayerfully consider becoming
one of Orphan Ransoms "First 500!" With 500 sponsors all giving a $10 a
week/$40 a month contribution, we can begin giving our first grant/grants in
November 2010. November is National Adoption Awareness Month, and it would be
amazing to award our first grant winners on Adoption Sunday, which is
November 7th this year. If together, we can find 500 Christians willing to hear
God’s heart for the orphan, and willing to be obedient in His call to be part
of this mission beginning Oct. 1, then together, we will bring many
children into their forever families in just one year! YOU, will be
helping these individual children become FREE from the bondage of the ransom
adoption expenses have placed on their lives. YOU will be bringing them into a
loving, Christian home, where they can feel and learn about the love of
God, and the safety of His guidance in their lives.

When you become a monthly supporter in this mission, you will get to see
and hear about real people, real families and real childrens lives you have
changed. All I ask is that you PRAYERFULLY consider what role you may play.
Is God asking you to sponsor these children? Is He asking you to forward
this on to other Christians you know, or actually tell them about it
yourself? If you want more information please visit the website at:
www.OrphansRansom.org or you can also call me any time at 207-825-3511.

Be part of God’s miracles in today’s world. They are going on
all around us, and God uses regular people like you and me to be His hands
and feet if you will only let Him.
Orphan's Ransom board members are not qualified to receive grants.
We want to make that clear. We are just very blessed to be a part of what God has built.
Please join us and watch what God will do.

If you want to become one of our "First 500" email us a message at

info@orphansransom.com and put in the subject line...First 500!

At that point we'll send you a sponsor form and you'll be on our mailing list!

In His love,

Tonya & Mike Davis

Hello again!

2010-08-25T14:45:00.002-04:00

We have some friends of ours who are just starting the process of adopting a little girl from China!!! We decided to open our blog up in case they want to take a peek :) Most of our blogging is going to be done on our other blog....click HERE to visit.

In case you haven't read our other blog I will fill you in real quick. We have been in the process of adopting a little boy and got a surprise referral on Aug. 2!! Now we sit back and wait for TA. Not sure how long it will be. We have been told it could be as fast as a few weeks or as long as eight plus months. Praying we'll have him home for the holidays and his second birthday!

The call of Christ!

2010-02-24T10:21:00.001-05:00

Could there be some movement in Nepal?

2010-02-04T14:14:00.001-05:00

So for some unknown reason I can never find any up to date news about adoptions in Nepal. I do however have a friend who is also adopting from Nepal and she is able to find some! Good to know you Elissa! She had some interesting news to share on her blog today and thought I'd go ahead and copy and paste some of it.

"There are two bits of news coming from official sources today that I may as well report, although I'm still taking them with a grain of salt.

First, Nepal has announced that they will accept the alotted 10 dossiers per agency from April through July of this year.

The timing is interesting in light of what the US Embassy is reporting, that Nepal has told them that they plan to process all 2009 dossiers (that's us) by March of this year. The Embassy adds that they are doubtful that such a large number of matches could be made in such a short period of time, but it proves consistent with the rumors that have been circulating. I'm not sure that makes it any more likely to be true-- an untrue statement that is often repeated is still not true. However, I would be happy if they even started back on the 2009 matches in March and finished them by the following March. So my expectations are rather low, but perhaps more realistic.

I have resisted the temptation to even predict when our referral will arrive, mostly based upon the fact that there is practically zero data on which to base a prediction (unlike China where there were at least monthly referrals that could be counted on). But based on this post from our family blog yesterday, I'd say there's a good chance that we will get a referral this summer and be home with Little Bro in the Fall. But please realize that is based purely on what would be the most ironic timing for me-- not on reality whatsoever, so please don't take it to the bank."

Now see! Wasn't that a nice little glimmer of hope! So we continue to pray the Lord moves mountains and Nepal adoptions will get moving! To read exactly what Elissa posted click here.

Jiang Xiao Hong Has A Family!

2010-01-22T18:28:00.000-05:00

Many of you have been getting the word out about Jiang Xiao Hong and many of you have expressed an interest in adopting her. It is with great relief that we can let you all know that she has found her family! Thanks to all of you that spread the word of her need. She may never know just how many people worked so hard to help her. And thanks to all of you that expressed an interest in adopting her. There are many more children who need homes. Some about to age out and others with special needs. Please keep them in your prayers also.

Dick and Cheryl Graham

URGENT!!! This precious girl NEEDS a family ASAP!!

2010-01-21T11:18:00.001-05:00

Jiang Xiao Hong - Girl - Asia - April 7, 1996 - Healthy PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 00:00

JXH is a beautiful girl with delicate features and a shy smile. She will turn 14 on April 7, and on that day will no longer be eligible to have a mom, and dad of her own. She remembers well what it is like to be loved by a family. Upon the death of her birth parents, she was sent to live at the orphanage since there were no other family members to take her in. This was in 2006, so her memories of those days remain strong. Her adjustment to life in the orphanage has been smooth; she is a very likable girl who makes friends easily and follows directions well. JXH has no health issues. She is polite and kind, and shows respect to others. She is liked by her teachers and is a hard worker. She enjoys cartoons for fun, and loves to jump rope. This is her only chance for a family. A couple who are already DTC would be preferred, but if you are willing to work very, very hard you can make this happen even if you are just beginning the process. You must decide now...she is waiting, and time is quickly slipping away.

Bringing Hope to Children

Bringing Hope to Children is the humanitarian work of IAAP
405 James Blvd. 423-658-1559
Signal Mountain, TN 37377 208-692-8805 (fax)

Three Teens Find Families in ONE Week!

2010-01-19T11:11:00.001-05:00

Irina
Jason & Patty

Alexander
Seldon & Shannon

Kristina
Jon & Linda

I'm so excited about how the Lord is moving in our little church up here in Maine! He's put adoption and the love of caring for orphans on a lot of hearts!

These three precious teens that I posted on my blog and facebook last week all have families pursuing them! All from Calvary Chapel in Bangor (Orrington really)!
I LOVE how the Lord is moving in so many families to answer the call to adopt!

An update with Kristina...Jon and Linda just heard about Kristina a day or two ago. They thought the Lord may be calling them to adopt her, but didn't have the 750.00 needed to apply to USCIS. They needed the money today and put the need out to all their friends and by 10:00 this morning the Lord provided all the money needed! So now they will apply for their I171H and begin the adoption process! Kristina turns 16 tomorrow! One more day would have been too late! Praise you Jesus for moving on hearts!
Money can never be an excuse to not obey the Lords calling to adopt!

Over three years ago when we started our adoption of Noelle from China I began attending the church's adoption and orphan care ministry. I enjoyed going but at that time we were the only family adopting internationally.
Domestic adoption is so important too, but at the time really wanted to connect with others that were adopting over seas. I began to pray that the Lord would begin to call more families to adopt over seas. Now I can think of two who have children home from Ethiopia one family leaving in less than two weeks to adopt from Ethiopia and now three more all this week have made a decision to adopt teens from the Ukraine! What a blessing!

Please pray for Irina, Alexander and Kristina that the Lord will begin to prepare their hearts to meet their new families!

FAMILY URGENTLY NEEDED: TWO WEEKS LEFT FOR HER TO BE ADOPTED!

2010-01-15T10:49:00.001-05:00

See the post below for more information or just click here.

URGENT NEED!!!! REPOST ON YOUR BLOGS PLEASE!!!

2010-01-14T13:24:00.001-05:00

I have been asked again to share about an urgent need for a young lady about to "time/age" out of an orphanage!

I'm going to just copy and paste the information that was given to me. PLEASE PRAY AND PASS ALONG!

I'm forwarding this to you because I wonder if (yet again!) you might share this need. This girl has till next month to find a family or she's a homeless 16 year old, and I know that is not what God wants to see happen. So I think if we can get the word out, and be praying, God can use this as a means to get her connected to her parents!

Sorry to bother you with this question - we have a girl who is turning 16 in February, Kristina.

We are trying to find a family for her. A family who would like to adopt her needs to submit their application to USCIS before Kristina will turn 16. There are just couple weeks left. May I ask you to possibly ask people in your church? May be there is a family who would like to give this girl a hope.

She has been in US on hosting program and any interested family could contact the family who hosted Kristina, they likes her a lot. Here is what they say:

Teal Renzema <tkrenzema@yahoo.com>, one of families hosted her said: Krystyna is a very sweet girl, any family would be blessed to have her (I wish we could :)) . She is affectionate, cheerful, and extremely helpful (she always wants to keep everyone happy). Honestly there did not seem to be anything that we did that she didn't enjoy except maybe being around too many adults that she didn't know. The first night she was here she subtly cuddled up to me. She isn't extremely outgoing, she is almost shy but handles everything with a sweet smile. She told me that she wants to learn different languages and be a translator when she grows up. Most of the time she was here we played video games and "talked" on a translating website. I am so sad to see her second host family does not have funds to adopt her….

Thank you very much.

Larissa Koedyker

Russia Consultant/Ukraine program Coordinator

Adoption Associates Inc.

(616) 667-0921

(616) 667-9730 (fax)

e-mail: lkoedyker@adoptionassociates.net

Praise Report & Two Cuties who need a family!

2010-01-13T16:27:00.003-05:00

Thank you for praying for Irina and Alexander! They both now have families pursuing their adoptions! I just happen to have the privilege of attending church with them!! Thank you Lord for moving on hearts! Please keep both families in your prayers as they answer the Lords call and begin their adoption journeys!

These two cuties are a siblings and are currently waiting for a forever family in Ukraine. If you're interested in learning more about them contact Adoption Associates!

LESYA
DOB: May, 2001

KOLYA

DOB: January, 2000

Kolya sings in the school choir. He also likes to put puzzles together and to make hand-made items.
Kolya is a good-hearted and sincere person, he never offends other children. Kolya is very fond of his younger sister Lesya.

One important difference between Lesya and Kolya and other orphans in Ukraine is that Lesya and Kolya do not live in a regular Ukrainian orphanage and thus does not have any behavioral features that life in an orphanage entails. The private Christian Children Center where Lesya and Kolya live consists of foster families who individually raise children in a family setting. Lesya and Kolya attend regular school, sports and cultural clubs just like an average child would in Ukraine. Lesya and Kolya attend church regularly and takes part in church activities.

Another difference is that a family interested in adopting Lesya and Kolya can come to Ukraine and spend time with Lesya and Kolya openly. Also all sorts of other communication is allowed– exchange of letters, packages, phone calls, skype, etc… so that Lesya and Kolya on one hand and potential adopting family on the other establish emotional contacts prior to commencement of adoption process in Ukraine.

The Story of the Ring!

2010-01-10T14:09:00.000-05:00

“Reckless faith is stunning. It is the stuff stories are told about years later. God is calling us to give to others recklessly because that is his nature. He could have atoned for our sins many other ways, or just kept accepting our livestock on the altar, but he demonstrated the ultimate in reckless giving when he offered his body for us.

The story of Joel is just one among millions of stories about how God responds to someone's cry each day. He is doing more than fetching what we ask; he is orchestrating events that are multipurpose. He is blessing the receiver, the provider, the asker, the observer, the second-hand hearer; he is big and alive and dynamic and involved. He is a God who captivates me. He is wilder than I can contain, and my understanding of him, while growing each day, only allows me to see a fraction of his total existence.” - Beth Guckenberger

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in to read an amazing story that involves many people who want to live a life of reckless faith for their Lord. How the Lord can take something bad that happens in our lives and turn them into good if we allow him.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

What I'm about to share is just one example of how the Lord has provided for our adoption of our boys in Nepal (I will be speaking of boys...plural because that is what we are asking the Lord for). How God moved a Huge mountain! We set out on this adoption journey not having one penny to put towards it. But knew without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord called us to go to Nepal. After much prayer we said , yes Lord, we will begin to take steps of faith in this direction and as you provide we'll move forward at your pace, and in your timing.

There is a whole lot to the story up to this particular point as to how the Lord provided (15,000.00 plus), but for today I want to focus on the last 2000.00 that was needed.

Nepal only allows 10 families per agency to submit dossiers each year. 2009 is the first year Nepal is accepting dossiers after having their doors closed for a number of years. We prayed that the Lord would allow for our paperwork to be submitted this year (2009). On November 16 we finally had our dossier ready for Nepal but still did not have the 9200.00 needed to send it. So there it sat on our counter for weeks. I guess we kinda assumed it wasn't the Lords will to be part of the 2009 quota and tried to deal with it by just not really talking about it. We figured when it was time we'd know.

On December fourth I was at a friends house decorating an adoption float for the Christmas parade being held on December 5. Mike called me that afternoon and said we had gotten an email from our adoption agency saying that all 10 slots had been filled for the year, but a family withdrew their application and wanted to know if we would like that last slot. They said they would have to have the dossier in Nepal by December 20 in order to have it translated and registered with the ministry by the end of the year. The fourth was a Friday the fifth Saturday, sixth Sunday so we were looking at Monday the seventh before we could talk with anyone from the adoption agency. By the time I got home Friday the agency was closed. I did however email them Friday evening to let them know that we would LOVE to have that slot, but we didn't have any of the money, but if they would “hold” it for us we were going to pray and get others to pray with us and see if it would be the Lords will to provide that money. I prayed that evening and asked the Lord what a reasonable “cut off” date would be to collect the money and still be able get our dossier to Nepal in time. I believe he gave me the fifteenth. A neat side note...we were unable to work with a Christian agency this time so this was going to be a neat way for them to witness the Lord at work!

It was Monday, December 7 at 7 AM that I felt lead to email my entire contact list and tell them of the situation that had come up and ask them to pray with us for a miracle and if they wanted to help here's how. Faith is not a feeling it's a choice and we hung onto Matthew 17:20 as a promise from the Lord. “I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there', and IT would move. NOTHING is impossible with God!” $9,200.00 was our mountain and we were praying and trusting He was going to move it!

Fast forward to Monday, December 14. The Lord had miraculously provided $7,200.00 and we only needed $2,000.00 more by 5:00 PM, December 15. At this point I felt worn out and really tired. Each day was filled by prayer and checking emails and the mail box and phone calls to see how the Lord was moving on hearts to step up and help with the rescue of these orphans that just happened to also be our children. It was hard to focus on anything else. I told Mike we need to pray that the Lord finishes this work TODAY! Let's pray and believe that by the end of the day before we lay our heads on our pillows that every penny needed will be provided!

So we prayed!

I decided to post “updates” on my facebook throughout the day of how the Lord was providing. My first post was at 8 AM...
It’s feeding the hungry Serving the poor It’s telling the orphan You’re not forgotten anymore" Take time and listen to this song! I'll post the lyrics in the comment below.

UPDATE****2000.00******* is all that's left.....by TOMORROW!!! Please pray with us that the Lord provides it all today!

Second post...
Someone we don't know just blessed us with 350.00! That takes it from 2000.00 down to 1650.00! Thank you Jesus!

Third post...
OUR NOON UPDATE ******WE NEED 1450.00!!!********
200.00 just came in the mail!
Thank you Jesus! We're getting there!

Fourth post...
*****UPDATE*****
It is so amazing to see brothers and sisters in the Lord from all over the country, most of whom we don't even know, helping to bring these little guys home! With everyone helping any way they can we're getting close! Right now we are down to 1150.00!!!! What will the Lord do tonight??? Who might He use ...to help rescue an orphan???
If you want to help visit our blog and use the Chip In.
Keep praying!

We don't have a regular answering machine so our phone just blinks and beeps when I go to use it to let me know we have a message or messages. I don't check them often because most of the time there for my teenage daughter. Well I was stick of the blinking and beeping so decided to take a minute and listen to the messages. Well we had 10 messages! I began to listen and they were all from the same person wanting to talk to Robin. When I got to the last message it was from this lady and she had called on Sunday wanting to talk to me. So I called her. That turned out to me the beginning of an amazing story that only the Lord could orchestrate!! Remember this quote from the beginning? He is doing more than fetching what we ask; he is orchestrating events that are multipurpose. He is blessing the receiver, the provider, the asker, the observer, the second-hand hearer; he is big and alive and dynamic and involved. This is where it gets good!

This lady asked me how close we were to meeting our goal. I told her 1150.00. I don't remember her exact words, but got the impression that if she had the money she would have given it to us. She said she believed the Holy Spirit had gently whispered in her ear that she could give us her diamond ring to help bring these boys home. She went on to tell me there was a story behind the ring.

Without going to deep into the details she began to tell me how her dad and mom were married but when she was a teenager she came home to find her mom had been committed to a mental institution. Dad was gone. I believe serving in the Navy in another state. A couple years passed and her dad showed up with divorce papers in one hand and another woman on his other hand and she was wearing a ring. He had come home for a divorce and I'm assuming introduce this new soon to be wife to his children.

Through a series of circumstances later when her dad passed away this step mom let her have this ring he had given her. She took it because it was the only thing she had from her dad....a link to him. She shared with me how it was a love/hate relationship with it. She loved it because it was a link to her dad and it was a beautiful ring, but hated it because it represented the destruction of her family.

She shared how many times when looking at the ring she wanted to throw it in the Atlantic Ocean. Because when she looked at it, it brought pain. She felt like the Holy Spirit whispered something to the effect like you can take something that represents pain and turn it into something that can bring joy! And that's exactly what she did!

We had arranged to meet the next morning and I would bring it to a jewelry store that my friend works at and have it cleaned and then I would be on a mission that day to sell it!

This conversation took place while Mike was walking out the door to go to church for band practice. So he knew nothing about what was going on :)

I had posted all my other update so I thought why wouldn't I post this one so here's the update...

Fifth post @ 6:10 PM
*****Update******

Someone is giving us a half carat diamond ring to sell and put towards
the 1150.00!!!!! Sooo if you're looking for a ring and want to make a
donation let me know! I'm going to sell it tomorrow.

It wasn't a couple minutes and another lady contacted me asking me if I could give her more details about the ring. I couldn't because I hadn't seen it. All I knew was it was a half carat. She emailed me again telling me she knew someone who was looking to purchase a ring that night or the next day. He was going to be at her house at eight and wanted to know if I could get the ring by then.

So I call the lady back with the ring and we decide to meet so I would have the ring to show him.

I pick it up, drive back home and call the other lady and let her know I have the ring. She asked I if I would mind bringing it to her house for him to look at. She felt bad asking me to get out again, but I told her it was no problem...it was for the boys and I was on a mission. I believed the Lord had a plan for this ring and I couldn't wait to see what it was!

Are you with me still?

So I show up at her house with the ring and she begins to share a story behind the man looking to purchase a ring. It involved her son.

Her son was married and his wife left him. He later met a young lady and fell in love and was going to propose to her and of course needed a ring. Well because he had gone through this divorce he really didn't have a lot of money for a diamond. Somehow (the Lord) he connected with another young man who also had gone through a divorce. Same thing happened...his wife left him. When she left he got the ring. Apparently it was a beautiful ring that he had custom built for her. Anyhow he knew this other guy wanted a ring and somehow they connected and he saw this diamond ring and loved it and wanted to buy it for his fiancee.

Well when the man with the ring heard he had gone through the same thing he had gone through he didn't want any money for the ring. He wanted to bless this guy with the diamond. He wanted to take something that brought him pain and turn it into something beautiful.

The guy that was looking to buy a ring that night was they guy who had given his diamond to this other man!

I knew listening to all this that the Holy Spirit was telling me don't set a price on this ring and let him have it for whatever he offers. And that's what I was prepared to do. I was not one bit worried about how much he would offer. At this point I was just really excited that he had met a wonderful young woman who he wanted to be his wife and I wanted him to have this ring if it was what he wanted.

At this point it's about eight o clock and he shows up to the house. I'm sitting there with our friend and some of her family (just listening and taking it all in) and she does all the introductions and quickly fills him in on why I'm there.

This guy was beaming when he came in and heard about all this. So he said, “do you have the ring?” I pass him the ring and he looks it over while smiling and says “this is the one”. At this point I jump in and tell him not to feel obligated or pressured. Not to be sucked into all the emotion and stories. I knew that Lord had given me that ring and I was confident it would sell. So NO pressure. He said I don't feel pressure or obligated. He told me he had been praying for a while and that very day had a conversation with the Lord that went something like....how do I pick a ring from so many...would you please bring me the ring. So there he was sitting in this house holding a diamond ring. He said this was the ring and even if it wasn't the style or size or whatever they had maybe planned on getting he knew his fiancee would be blessed by the stories behind the ring.

At this point no amount of money had been mentioned. He told me he had a set amount of money he had allocated for the ring. I told him whatever he wanted to give towards the adoption was fine. He said he had $800.00!!! I was floored! I didn't know what he would offer but I didn't think it would be $800.00. NOW I'm freaking out in a good way! I at this point begin to tell them the story about praying for the last 2000.00 by the end of the day and that we had two strangers tell us they were going to give us money towards the adoption. One for 100.00 the other 200.00.

So if you take 1150.00 and subtract 300.00 that leaves 850.00! So we were only lacking 50.00!!! To me that was as good as if the whole amount came in! When he heard this he tells me his sister had adopted like 4 times and loves adoption and tells me that he had 852.00 in his checking account and he wanted to give me 850.00! I said no, you don't need to give me any more money and he responds with a smile and says I know I don't need too, I want to!

A M A Z I N G!

Before I leave another person that was present during this whole thing walks by me and puts cash in my hand!

I get in the car and have this special time with just me and my Father!!! I'm screaming, crying, laughing....I just couldn't believe what had just happened. And I was going home to Mike that knew none of this. He didn't even know someone had given a ring! So I tried to compose myself so I could tell him the entire story from the beginning to end. With the Lords help I was able (another miracle :)

After I got through the story we decided to count what we had in our hands not count money from strangers that we didn't have. We were at 1843.00....we were only lacking 157.00.

Sixth post on facebook...
*****UPDATE******
COUNTING THE MONEY IN HAND WE ONLY LACKING 157.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It wasn't probably 30 seconds and someone from our church IM me and said they would be honored to give the last 157.00 and they would give it to me first thing in the morning!

My last post...
CAN'T STOP PRAISING GOD!!!! The mountain HAS BEEN MOVED!!!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!

Isn't our Father AMAZING! I am still in awe! God has so far used 33 families most of whom we don't know to help us in our mission to rescue our sons from the bondage of being orphans! What an amazing God we serve!

We needed 9200.00 and 9200.00 came in. No more, no less. And again....right on time!

There is even more to this incredible story, but I think I'll end the story here for now.

Would you join us in praising the Lord for providing this miracle!

At this point we are praying for the Lord to set the right people in place in Nepal to get these adoptions moving! Also praying if it's the Lords will that we would be referred two boys! That the Lord will continue to provide all that's needed to bring them home.

Now we wait for our referral and then we travel to bring them home!

Alexander NEEDS a home!

2010-01-08T18:56:00.001-05:00

Alexander NEEDS a home!

Alexander, born December 1994, lives in a Christian Children's center in Eastern Europe and has lived there since August 2006. He is very kind and sensitive boy. Alexander loves nature, fishing, and camping. He enjoys riding a bicycle and takes... very good care of his bicycle, spends hours repairing it.

Call 616.667.0921 for additional information on Alexander or Adoption Associates, Inc.'s Waiting Children programs.

Irina wants to be adopted!

2010-01-07T21:07:00.001-05:00

Meet Irina, a 15 year old young lady living in a Christian center in Ukraine.

She has been an orphan for three years and wants to be adopted so badly!

In Ukraine once you turn 16 you are no long eligible to be adopted.

Irina loves writing, has taken painting lessons for 3 years, and is learning to ski.

I know the Lord knows where her family is and will be faithful to bring them together.

Please pray for her and spread the word about this young lady!

For more information on Irina contact Adoption Associates and look under the International program.

Larissa is the contact for her. A link to her email in right on their page.

Adoption Associates does have additional photos for any family interested.

She's a doll!

Please help spread the word about her need for a family.

2010-01-01T22:43:00.001-05:00

H A P P Y
N E W
Y E A R !

Merry CHRISTmas & Reckless Faith!

2009-12-29T17:37:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!!!

I pray you all had a blessed Christmas with your families celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus! We had a wonderful, quiet day at home with our girls. After the girls had their gifts Mike and I sat on the couch wondering if next year we'll have two boys home! We may have just had our last Christmas together as a family of four! Wouldn't that be wild!!

Looking back I would say 2009 has been the hardest year ever (financially) for our family. But the Lord has been so faithful to take care of all our needs (bills, food, clothes, adoption expenses to date)! It has been a year of miracles for our family! Thank you Jesus!

We are quickly approaching the one year anniversary of the dream the Lord gave Mike calling us to go to Nepal and bring home at least one, maybe two sons! I remember when we announced what we were going to do we had some of our closest family and friends look at us as though we had lost our minds. I guess I can understand why they felt that way initially considering where we were financially, but after we shared how the Lord had been speaking to both of us through His Word I really thought their hearts would change. I was hoping they would be as excited with us as we were about this God sized adventure we were about to embark on... again! But some were not and even prayed our eyes would be opened and see that this was not the time to be doing this and that doors would close.

Mark 8:33 comes to mind...."You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's" Sometimes God calls us to do things that make no sense to others.... or us for that matter. He calls us to have RECKLESS FAITH...be reckless for Him! He see's the big picture...we only see what's right in front of us. Praise the Lord we listened to Him and PRAISE THE LORD he didn't close doors.... He opened them up wide!!! And He moved financial mountains for us!!!

Do you know that ANYTHING is possible with God? While I was reading this morning in Mark I came across the story about Jesus healing a boy who was possessed by an evil spirit. The man who had the son had brought the boy to the disciples but they were unable to heal him so he then took his son to Jesus. The father said to Jesus "Do something IF you can." "What do you mean if I can?" Jesus asked. "ANYTHING is possible if a person believes." That's what faith is. That is what we have tried to practice all year. It's not easy and I'm glad it's not an emotion that you feel, because I would have been in big trouble! Faith is a choice we make....and will continue to make. You see this adoption story is not over yet! We are only half way there! Another verse in Mark 9...verse 37 "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalfwelcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” Don't you love that verse?! OK one more over in Mark 10 verse 14 &15 "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God."

I do want to say we did have several friends who gathered around us in support, excitement and prayer and that meant so much to us! We love you so much! But we still had those doubters which by the way we love too! My head is still spinning from all the miracles that have taken place this year! Most recently the 9200.00 which I'm sure you all know about by now..but don't forget the TV either! I'm very excited to share the stories of how the Lord provided the 9200.00 but need to check with a couple people before I do :) Maybe that will be my first 2010 post!

As we head into 2010 we face a lot of the same trials we faced in 2009. Work is still very slow for Mike and we continue to pray and ask the Lord to provide all the work needed to pay our bills and provide for the adoption, finish the boys bedroom...you know how the list goes on. Faith and not worrying had been hard for me in the past and sometimes is still hard. They are those things that I need to give to the Lord daily! I will say all that has taken place this year has built my faith immeasurably!
I am reading a book right now called Crazy Love OVERWHELMED BY A RELENTLESS GOD by Francis Chan. He gives the definition for worry...not Webster's but how the Lord looks at worrying.
"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives."
We know this is not true! Our Father who created us loves us more than we can comprehend! Can you imagine loving someone so much that you would sacrifice your only son so others could escape eternal death? I cannot, yet that's what God did for you and me! We know He is BIG enough, POWERFUL enough, and LOVING enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.... He LOVES us!

So we head into 2010 expecting that the Lord has good things in store for you and our family!

Here's what we are praying for and thanking the Lord for ....

Thanking him for bringing the Nelson's and their new daughter home safely!
Continue to pray for them and her as they begin to bond as a family.

Pray for Amy and Brian as they are in China now and have their new son Rhett! Pray for Brian's leg/hip as it's giving him lots of pain. Pray for healing! You can check out their blog here.

My Friend Amy and her hubby as they prepare to travel to ET to bring home their new daughter!

Mike to get lots of work so we can pay these bills and get out of debt!

That the Lord will continue to show Himself strong in this adoption and that He will provide all we need to bring these boys home!

Pray for two boys!

The Lord will move mountains and put into place those that need to be there to get adoptions moving in Nepal!

And safety to those traveling to bring home their children.

More people would have reckless faith and step out and do something radical for the Lord this year! Maybe even adopt!!!

Please take time to watch the video below about Reckless Faith!

I love you!

Have a wonderful New Year! I'll be back Jan 1, 2010 unless Jesus comes to take us/me home! Wouldn't that be sweet if He came for His waiting church!!!

Are you ready?

If not...... GET READY....HE'S COMING SOON!

Come Lord Jesus Come!!!

The book is READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-18T07:02:00.000-05:00

This is from my friend Kim's "The Christmas Miracle" blog....READ & buy a book! We are honored to be one of the adoption stories in the book (Noelle's adoption story)!!!

"I have had one too many cups of tea tonight and I entered my bedroom with the laptop determined to have these stories up and ready to go by morning. It is now 12:58 am and I did it!!! After much prayer and consideration it seems the very best way to approach this for the time being is to use Chip In.

Do you see the little box to the right of this post?

That link will take you to PayPal. Donate $10.00 or more and then send an e-mail to oneheartworld@gmail.com telling us that the donation has been made. We will then send you an e-mail with the electronic book as an attachment. You can either read it from your computer or print it out. Your choice! We will also send you an invitation to a private blog where we will share details of each family as they proceed with their adoptions. You will be able to see how each penny is spent and witness the miracles for yourself. There are many ways to get e-books up and running and we may change the way we do this in the future. For the sake of time and the fact that this is called The Christmas Miracle Project and Christmas is in SEVEN days this seems the fastest way to get these stories to you. Our goal is to fund at least three adoptions. We know that God's vision is so much bigger than ours so we open ourselves up for endless miracles. Lets envision lots and lots of children snuggled safely in their bed with the love a family surrounding them........

No more hunger.

No more loneliness.

No more waiting.

Please help spread the word far and wide!

Be a part of the Miracle!

With Facebook, Twitter, E-Mail and blogs this will be easy. EASY! I love to break a big number down so it doesn't seem scary so here is how that looks....$90,000(scary)....that is the approximate cost of three adoptions. When we ask for a $10.00 donation that comes out to be 9000 people OR 900 people giving $100.00 each OR 90 people giving $1000.00 each. All of a sudden it's not so scary is it? I told you it's easy! When we see $90,000, we think we can't do it, we can't help, we can't make a difference. But when we see $10.00 we think..."I can do that." With less than some people spend at Starbucks in a week you can be part of changing the direction of a child's life.

And not just one life but many lives.

Let's not wait around for a miracle, let's BE the miracle.

The stories are profoundly moving and I have cried through each one, including my own. I am honored that each family that shared in this was willing to invite us into their world so we could be inspired by them.

I think this is going to be the best Christmas EVER!

Thank you in advance for you kindness, your open heart and your generosity.

With Love"

“The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those who love Him.”

2009-12-17T12:45:00.000-05:00

Don't you love being in the house of the Lord worshiping with your brothers and sisters!

It's been a long time since I when to church on a Wednesday night. Mike began going again back a few months ago, but for me it seems like so much work to get out at night in the cold with a little one. But I went last night I'm so glad I did!

We had a guest speaker Harry Pressley from Calvary Chapel Bellmawr. What a blessing to hear him share last night. He was was reading from 1 Corinthians 12. He was teaching about the many spiritual gifts. There are so many gifts the Lord can give us. He of course mentioned the gift of faith and miracles.

These are two gifts we saw first hand this past week and a half! I can't begin to tell you how much of a blessing it was for us to have so many of you praying believing in faith that the Lord was going to provide all that was needed to take this next step! It's our prayer that the Lord is glorified in all of this!

I was talking to a new friend of mine, Kimberly, and she and I were talking about all the trials we've faced this year. For us it's been a financial. She was suggesting that perhaps the Lord has allowed this year of financial struggling for our family just for the purpose of this last week to take place.

If Mike's work had been booming and he had twice the work he normally has. We would still be adopting and when that 9200.00 was needed we could have just written out a check and mailed it. Which would have been fine, but he allowed us to be in this vulnerable place and put us in a position to ask our brothers and sisters to join us in prayer and to provide this huge amount of money in a short period of time. Through this so many people Christians and non- Christians alike have heard this testimony of God faithfulness! It's our prayer that this adoption testimony ,which is not over yet, will cause people's faith to grow! More importantly show them that when the Lord tells us to do something....even when it makes no sense....it's our job, obligation to respond with a yes Lord! A verse that I love is “The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those who love Him.” (2 Chron. 16:9) Isn't that a sweet promise from our Lord!

Back to last night. Not only did we love what he was teaching and It felt so relevant to all that's taken place these past few days, but he mentioned how he gets the privilege to travel oversees to teach.

He mentioned that he's been to Nepal several times!

This is a country that needs the Lord desperately! He was sharing how there are so many idols there. I believe I heard they have more idols then people....what a sad picture. He was sharing about how he witnessed goats being killed as an offering to gods. He also mentioned something that I wasn't aware of. Apparently there are a lot of moneys over there and the people think they are gods. He was in the streets and witnessed a young child being caught by a money and being beat up and all these people just standing there doing nothing! Can you even imagine! He didn't just stand there he intervened and tried to help this child. Later after church we were introduced to him and he shared a little more about that story. Apparently he could have been stoned because he did that. Praise the Lord he wasn't! This world we live in is such a mess all I can say is COME LORD JESUS COME!!!

It was neat being able to ask him questions about Nepal. There is a Calvary Chapel team of pastors going to Nepal next year. Wouldn't that be a hoot to be able to travel with them and of course my other new friend, Elissa, who is also adopting a little guy from Nepal. She and her hubby have a few months on us though. I believe their dossier was sent in September....but you NEVER know maybe the Lord will still allow us to travel together!

On another note I have a few more prayer requests to add to the list from a few days ago.

We have a friends who leave today to travel to Ethiopia to bring home their new daughter! They will arrive home on Christmas day! They have three biological children and now will have three adopted! Pray for their children at home and for there new daughter as she enters her new home. She's about 12-13 years old so it may be a little harder to adjust to her new life, but she couldn't be adopted by better parents and she'll have great brothers and sisters!

I have another friend who is traveling to China in just 9 days I think to bring home her new little boy Rhett! Pray for the Lord to begin working in his little heart for all the changes that he's about to have. Help her and her hubby to have a clear mind and be able to focus on packing and doing everything that needs to be done before they leave. They leave the day after Christmas!

We know another family who is welcoming home their 5^th adopted child today! Be praying for the Pratt family and this new little girl!

And last but not least my dear friend Amy and her husband. They just passed court and are now the proud parents of a three year old little girl from Ethiopia! They have also adopted once before and they now have two little girls the same age! Kinda like twins! Pray for them to have a clear mind and have peace as they begin to make their travel plans!

I just LOVE adoption and all that the Lord is doing!

Father bless all these children that are coming home and the millions more who are waiting for a daddy and mommy! And bless these families who are about to travel and welcome these little ones home! In Jesus name we pray....AMEN!

Questions have been asked....What's next?

2009-12-16T12:48:00.002-05:00

My plan wasn't to talk about money so soon after the Lord provided so much for this adoption, but I've had some questions as to what the rest of our expenses will look like and if we have the rest of the money needed.

The answer is we do not have the money for the remainder of our expenses. We will continue to pray that the Lord will provide and we believe He will! I decided I would share with you what the break down looks like and what we've paid for so far and what we are looking at for the remainder of this adoption.

Nepal Adoption Fees Disclosure

Adoption Fees Payable to FHSA (our adoption agency) based on adoption services for one child.

Application Fee 250.00 PAID

Initial Professional Service Fee 2950.00 (Due with signed client contract at which time a Program Coordinator will contact you to assist with the dossier) PAID

I600-A fingerprints for Homeland Security 830.00 PAID
Adoption Learning Partners 150.00 PAID

Home Study & Post Adoption Report Fees

Home Study and 3 Post Adoption Reports

The total for all of these fees are 800.00 we've paid 400.00 still owe 400.00.

Due with Dossier submission:

Second Professional Service Fee 2500.00 PAID

Mailing and Wire Transfer Fee 200.00 PAID

Initial Country Administration Fee 2500.00 PAID

Gov't Processing & Monitoring Fee 3000.00 PAID

Humanitarian Aid (Orphan's Voice) 1000.00 PAID

The above 5 items made up the 9200.00 that was needed to get our dossier to Nepal! We are praising the Lord for providing that need!

Due with Referral Acceptance:

Country Administration Balance 2000.00

Orphanage Donation 5000.00

(will be doubled if we get two boys)

Adoption Fees Payable to:

Child's Paperwork Fees

Medical 40.00

Visa 400.00

These fees are payable at our Embassy appointment in Nepal. We will need to hand carry these fees with us to Nepal (these will be doubles if we get two boys)

Out of Pocket Travel Expenses:

Airfare 2000.00 - 7000.00

not sure for child maybe 250.00 or more

Meals - Approx. 25.00 per day per adult 300.00 - 600.00

Hotel avg. 12 nights at 95.00 per night 1140.00 (we plan to stay at a children's home! Of course we'll give them something, but it should save on this expense)

Facilitator Tip 100.00

Nanny Tip 100.00

Orphanage Director Tip 50.00

Driver Tip 30.00

Estimated Travel Expenses 3970.00 - 9270.00

Estimated Total Adoption Cost - $24,710 - $32,140.00

When the Lord first began to speak to us about adopting from Nepal Mike was so excited and I'll admit wasn't. I was excited about the thoughts of adopting again but my heart wanted to go back to China! We had talked about going back and adopting another little girl around the age of 4 so I was a little taken back when Nepal came into the picture.

I couldn't deny that the Lord gave Mike this word (BANAU) but I wasn't convinced that we were supposed to adopt from Nepal. We prayed and began to explore Nepal adoptions to see if there would be a closed door. I was looking for one. We qualified on every level....we only had two children, we only had girls but when I looked at the cost and saw 30,000.00 as an average I thought....there's the closed door! Now we can use AWAA again and go back to China!

I remember sitting in the living room with Mike and told him how much it would cost and said something like....well I guess that closes the door on Nepal huh?

His response was something like this....Well Tonya we have 0 money so if the Lord is calling us to adopt He is able to provide the 10,000.00 or more needed for a domestic, 20,000.00 or more needed for a China adoption and He is able to provide 30,000.00 or more for a Nepal adoption....so NO this is not a closed door!

So many of you know how the story goes, but after MUCH PRAYER we said YES LORD and began to take small steps in faith. Believing if this is what the Lord called us to do He would be faithful to complete it!

It has been AMAZING to watch the Lord provide all we've needed for each step we've taken! The money hasn't been in our hand early, but it's been there right on time for the next step. I'll be honest it's nice to know you have the money needed ahead of time, but so far that's not how the Lord has chosen to work. We're excited to see the rest of HIS story unfold!

By the way I'm VERY EXCITED about adopting from Nepal and I'm thrilled that I'll be a mommy to I pray TWO little boys!!

We updated our Chip In button and it will stay there until December 31, 2010 or until we know when we'll be getting our boys.

Dossier on it's way to Nepal!!!

2009-12-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

I'm THRILLED to share with you that our dossier is on it's way to Nepal!

I called FHSA this morning to share with them what the Lord has done in providing 9200.00 in 10 count them 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..10 days!!!
I asked them if our dossier would be sent today and she told me that they sent it YESTERDAY!!!! Praise the Lord for moving on their hearts and giving them peace about sending it in good faith that we would send the remainder of the money!

The Lord has used 33 people to help with this need! There are some AMAZING stories with some of these families! I can't wait to share all the details! I think I could write a book about this adoption...hmmm I might just have to do that :) Once we get these boys home!

This has been just PART of our journey! There is more to come and I can't wait to see how it will all unfold! If you want to join us we now we will begin to pray for:

1. The referral of two boys!

2. The right people will be placed in the proper positions in Nepal to get these adoptions MOVING!

3. That the Lord will use this testimony to encourage others who want to adopt but don't because of finances! HE IS FAITHFUL!

4. The Lord will continue to provide all that's needed to bring the boys home. 7000.00 when we get our referral and who knows how much for travel expenses.

5. That my sweet hubby will get work!

Ephesians 3:20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think!

To God be the glory!

The mountain HAS BEEN MOVED!!!!!

2009-12-14T22:17:00.001-05:00

THE LORD HAS JUST PROVIDED THE LAST PENNY!!! HE HAS PROVIDED 9200.00 IN TEN DAYS!
OUR DOSSIER WILL BE ON IT'S WAY TO NEPAL TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"It’s feeding the hungry Serving the poor It’s telling the orphan You’re not forgotten anymore"

2009-12-14T08:06:00.003-05:00

UPDATE2000.00*** is all that's left.....by TOMORROW!!! Please pray with us that the Lord provides it all today!

Give This Christmas Away

(Feat. Amy Grant)

What if I told you ... See More
You have the power
To give someone hope
Beyond their wildest dreams
What if I told you
It’s right there in your hands
In your hands

It’s hard to imagine
How something so small
Can make all the difference
Tear down the tallest wall
What if December
Looked different this year
What if we all just

Give this Christmas away
If there’s love in your heart
Don’t let it stay there
Give this Christmas away
And your life will be changed
By the gifts you receive
When you give this Christmas away

It’s feeding the hungry
Serving the poor
It’s telling the orphan
You’re not forgotten anymore
It’s doing what love does
Even when no one’s watching you

Give this Christmas away
If there’s love in your heart
Don’t let it stay there
Give this Christmas away
And your life will be changed
By the gifts you receive
When you give this Christmas away
For God so loved the world
That He gave His only Son
So we could be
His hands, His feet, His love
His love

What if I told you
You have the power
To give someone hope
Far beyond their wildest dreams
What if December
Looked different this year
Yah what if we all just

Give this Christmas away
If there’s love in your heart
Don’t let it stay there
Give this Christmas away
And your life will be changed
By the gifts you receive
When you give this Christmas away

Give this Christmas away
You have the power
Just give it away
Give it away
Give it away
This Christmas
Give it away
Give Christmas away
Give it away

AWAA in Bangor's Christmas Parade!

2009-12-13T12:45:00.003-05:00

These pictures are of our float we had in Bangor's Christmas parade.
This is the story of how it all came to be :) I was watching the morning local news and they mentioned the upcoming parade. They said they were accepting applications for another couple days.
I first told my husband that we needed to bring our girls to see the Christmas parade this year. As soon as I said that, I thought....we need to be IN the parade and help spread the word about the need of these precious children. Within a couple of hours I had people donating items and wanting to participate; so off we went with the idea!

I was thinking and praying of a theme, and as I was listening to my Steven Curtis Chapman Christmas CD, I heard the song "All I Really Want for Christmas”. I thought....PERFECT!

I contacted a friend who has also adopted and who makes banners. I told him what I wanted our banner to say and told him I would love to have a couple of pictures of children and to make the writing look like a child's writing. Well, he worked his magic and they came out better than what I hoped!

I emailed our adoption group, then contacted the local radio station looking for adoptive families to walk with us and get involved in any way. I had two ladies step up. They really helped me a lot with decorating and purchasing some of the materials we needed. I think we had somewhere around 20 children, most adopted, and about 17 adults. We passed out 400 AWAA info flyers along with 200 flyers inviting people to attend our monthly adoption group!

We just prayed the Lord would guide us as we passed these flyers out and prayed they would land in the right hands. My desire is for AWAA and the desire for adoption to have more of a presence in Maine! We need A LOT more families to step out in faith to bring these children home, as well as to help others bring them home!

It was a FUN night with lots of giggles, Christmas cookies and candy canes! We plan to do this again next Christmas, and also the fourth of July parade!”

Noelle & Robin

Update on our Tuesday deadline!
If you don't know what's going on see the posts below.
We started a week ago Friday needing 9,200.00. We now only need 2100.00!!! The Lord has provided so much so far it's hard to believe He wouldn't provide the rest! Please continue to PRAY with us that the rest of the funds needed will come in!

Down to 2830.00!

2009-12-11T09:52:00.001-05:00

The Lord is moving!! We'll give an update later today or tomorrow morning! Keep praying everyone!

God is moving our mountain, from here to there!

2009-12-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

Adoption requires a RANSOM be paid, not a price.

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

We started out with a ransom of 9200.00 breaking down to 92 people giving a 100.00. We are THRILLED to report this morning the Lord has provided 5600.00!!!! Which leaves us with needing 3600.00!

That's all just 36 families giving 100.00 (more or less...whatever the Lord puts on your hearts!)

We're trusting the Lord is going to provide this by next Tuesday!!!

Update

2009-12-07T15:51:00.000-05:00

We have had 2 families give 100.00 and another give 50.00 so we're down to 86.5 families giving 100.00 or however the Lord leads each person...maybe some more than 100.00 maybe some less.

I don't know how it will all play out but we are trying to have faith and believe that our brothers and sisters in Christ will join us in this mission to help to bring these precious boys home!

I've been thinking about how many people feel called to go on mission trips and they ask for financial assistance and most don't think it's weird. Adoption is a lot like that. We are on a mission to rescue as many orphans as we can! Instead of going on a week or two missions trip we are going over and bringing someone(s) home and raising them the rest of their lives. So we are asking if there are others who maybe don't feel led to adopt, but still want to minister to an orphan by helping them get a forever family!... See More

I can't help but think of Proverbs 24:12

" Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act " -- Proverbs 24:12

There are over 143 MILLION children without a dad or mom! It's the church's responsibility to respond to this need! Who else is going to respond?

One more thought....if you've never heard the Gospel of Adoption before I want to share it with you all....

The good news that orphan children need to hear is not only the fact that they will be adopted by a loving family, but also the good new that Jesus died on the cross to make it possible for them to become adopted children of God. Our adoption by God is the ultimate expression of His love, and was the ultimate purpose of Jesus' life on earth and death on the cross.

If orphan children never experience a family's love, how can we expect them to comprehend Gods love? Adoption by a Christian family is the best way for orphan children to become adopted children of God. Not all are called to adopt, by anyone can love and minister to orphan children by helping other families adopt.

If you are reading this post and you are saved and Jesus lives in you, YOU have been adopted! Can you imagine if we didn't have that hope of Heaven and being called a child of God? Can you for a minute imagine how hopeless we would be/feel? How must these children feel?

Sorry to go on and on but these children don't have a voice and I want to try to be that for them.

May God bless you as you pray about how the Lord would want to use you in the life of an orphan!

If you're reading this and you don't know what's going on we are trying to get our dossier in Nepal by December 20 and we now need 8650.00 by December 15th to make this possible! To break that down so it doesn't seem so big, it would be like 86 people giving 100.00 to help rescue a child/children.

If you want to be a part of this Christmas miracle and want to help our address is...

Mike & Tonya Davis
301 Hoxie Hill Rd.
Orrington, ME. 04474

Or visit our Nepal adoption blog at www.ifwehavefaithofamustardseed.blogspot.com and use the Chip In link.

Blessings to all of you!

Adoption Stories Needed ASAP

2009-12-07T08:41:00.003-05:00

If you know of someone who has adopted somewhat recently (in the past 5 years) and wants to share their story...send them to me ASAP!!!! Thanks!!!
My email is tonya@mpdcad.com

Update on our Dec 15th prayer of raising 8900.00 (89 families giving 100.00)...

87.5 left to go! This could easily happen! We are praying for a Christmas miracle!!!

Would you please take a few minutes and pray if the Lord would want to use you!

2009-12-04T22:55:00.001-05:00

We just learned that we have the chance to have our paperwork in Nepal for a referral within the 2009 quota because a family just withdrew their application. There are 50 agencies in the USA that are allowed 10 slots per year. The stipulation is that we need to have our dossier in Nepal by December 20th. It is now down to a funding issue only. We need somewhere around $8,900. We are very excited about this. Please pray His will be done.

I know it sounds crazy.... BUT if we had 89 people who gave 100.00 or 178 people to give $50 or (to saving the lives of two orphan boys) that would give us the 8900.00 needed to get our dossier in Nepal! We NEED the money by December 15th! Please pray and if the Lord is leads you to help in anyway please send any money to Mike & Tonya Davis 301 Hoxie Hill Rd. Orrington, ME. 04474 or you can make a donation using paypal by going to our Nepal adoption blog...see the "Chip In" on the side. WE ARE PRAYING FOR A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!

A friend told me about an amazing 11 year old girl who felt the Lord leading their family to adopt a special needs child and she ask people to partner with them in this mission and she raised over 20,000.00 in a couple of weeks! The Lords heart is for these children and He wants them in Christian homes! This daughter and her mom wrote this song and I wanted to share it with you.
147 million strong, an army of the very young

Can you hear the orphan's cry?

No weapons for them to use,

Their lives are shattered and abused,

Can you hear the orphan's cry?

You can make it right,

You can save a life,

Show them the way!

No one knows their name,

Lost in a foreign place,

Show them the way!

Pure religion is this,

Help the orphan in need,

He says, Whatever you do for the least,

You do for Me, You do for Me!

They are your sister and your child,

Longing to feel your warm embrace,

Now that you know, why hesitate?

God is speaking to your heart,

Get out and do your part,

Don't delay....why not today?

You can make it right,

You can save a life,

Show them the way!

No one knows their name,

They're lost in a foreign place,

Show them the way!

147 million strong....Can you hear the orphan's cry???

Written by Lydia (11 years old) & Melanie Hollis You can visit their blog here.... www.the30dayjourneyforhope.blogspot.com

Please pray about how the Lord might want to use you in the life of an orphan. If you feel led please feel free to post this on your profile and any blogs you might have

Blessing!

The Davis Family

Thanks to all of my faithful praying friends. God bless!

2009-10-18T12:17:00.000-04:00

Referral Anniversary!

2009-10-16T09:51:00.002-04:00

October 8, 2008

October 8, 2009

Strawbabies

2009-06-30T20:29:00.001-04:00

Yard Sale....Fundraiser!!!

2009-05-19T11:52:00.001-04:00

This past Friday and Saturday, May 15 & 16 we had a yard sale with some of our stuff along with some things given to us by family and one of my best friends......God is sooo good! We raised $1,587.15!!!! I am amazed! I've had lots of yard sales in the past and had lots of stuff, but never made this much! We have lots left over and will be planning another weekend sale in June!

On another note....we got an email from our home study agency on Friday.....

Hello,We have finally gotten somewhere. My Regional Manager has reviewed the materials and sees no reason why we cannot move ahead. I have just three minor questions I have been requested to ask the adoption agency. If they are okay, we are okay.

Pending their answers, contract development should begin next week.:-)

Have a great weekend.

So we're thrilled to be making some head way on this! I never imagined it would take so long for the agencies to come to agreements. Oh well this is all in the Lord's timing, not ours. I am however very excited to start this dossier!!! Soon very soon!

Resurrection Sunday!

2009-04-13T15:03:00.002-04:00

Robin & Noelle

Noelle I think was yelling...."hurry up mom, it's freezing out here!" I think the temp was like 30 something. It snowed for a few minutes it that gives you an idea ;)

Maine...gotta love it!

FIRST FUNDRAISER!

2009-03-19T17:36:00.003-04:00

We are doing our first fundraiser to help bring Jonah home!

My friend Angel is a Lia Sophia advisor and she is willing to give up her ENTIRE commission (30%) to help bring him home! Thank you Angel!

Who knows how the Lord will provide...maybe with a bunch of ladies who love jewelry :)

Ok...here's how it will work....

1. Click HERE this will take you to Angel's Lia Sophia website.

2. Click on OUR JEWELRY found on the top of the page.

3. Click on Spring/Summer Catalog

4. Click on How To Purchase....this is a tap just above the right side of the catalog page. This will give you a spot to type in hostess name.....Tonya Davis

5. SHOP!

On April 11 I'll be hosting a show at my home with all my local friends and we'll put all the orders in at that time. Then we'll mail you your beautiful jewelry!

I feel a little awkward mentioning this but I'll get over myself and my pride and just let you know one more thing. Something that I believe the Lord has taught me is sometimes he wants us to humble ourselves and let others know of a need that we/they/you may have. Then it gives us/them/you the opportunity to be used by Him to bless another. So with that I've had a suggestion from a couple sweet bloggy, adoptive mom friends. They said they would rather just donate a certain amount than to buy jewelry so I have added a CHIP IN (on Jonah's blog) to the side bar so if anyone would rather do that they can.

We love you all and thank you for joining us in prayer to bring Jonah home! It will be an amazing testimony of how the Lord provides!

One more thing....We thought we wanted to adopt a BABY boy age 0-12 months.....well the Lord is stirring our hearts and we're thinking more like 2-4 years old! How fun would that be! Noelle may just be getting an older brother perhaps or one her age! This should be interesting! Stay tuned!

I want to give a SHOUT OF THANKS to some of my sweet bloggy friends who are willing to help get some "outside" orders! Thank you so much Amy, Angie and Tina! Lenka thank you for ordering!

Sheree reads to Noelle

2009-03-13T14:09:00.002-04:00

This is the first book she has written! She hoping to get some exposure in hopes to get it published.

Another sweet morning with our little Noelle

2009-03-13T08:14:00.003-04:00

This is what I was talking about the other day ; )

Here she comes with all her teddies PLUS this morning she also brought her two babies! What an arm full!

She's all settled to watch her morning episode of Ni Hao - Kia lan with all her friends.

This was taken a few days ago. We have begun potty training. This was after she peed in the potty and received an m&m!

Noelle at night.

2009-03-11T08:10:00.003-04:00

I thought I heard Noelle around Four this morning and when I peeked into the hall I this is what I saw : ) Who knows how long she had been sleeping there? I had to take a picture before I put her back in bed. She ALWAYS has to sleep with her not one, but THREE pink teddies and her cup of water. When she wakes up in the morning she comes walking out into the living room carrying all of this!

Jonah's Blog

2009-03-04T21:39:00.003-05:00

We started a blog a little while ago for Jonah's adoption.

I haven't posted too much yet...lots of scripture and personal thoughts and prayers while Mike and I were seeking the Lord for direction.
If you want to follow along with us on this exciting journey to click here.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

2009-02-26T11:34:00.005-05:00

It will be six weeks ago tonight that Mike had a very restless night. Every time he would doze off he would see letters that appeared to be a word, but not one he recognized.....BANAU. Early Friday morning while having his devotions he decided to Google banau to see if it was a word, and if it was what it meant. Turns out it is a small village in the Parbat district of Nepal. Hmmmm, now why would he dream about a village in Nepal?

We decided that we would take a look and see if there was an adoption program over there. After googling that we saw that they had just opened their doors in October of 2008. Again interesting....hmmmm.

Psalm 16:7 (New Living Translation)
I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.

We have known that we would adopt again, but just assumed it would be China again and we were unsure about the time we would start. We have had the discussion as to whether or not we would mark on our application boy or girl or either. While we were looking over the requirements for Nepal it stated that if you have a son and daughter you would not be qualified to adopt. If you have boys you would only be able to adopt a girl. If you have girls....you guessed it....you would have to adopt a BOY!

So we were wondering if the Lord gave him this dream to lead us to into this country for a son? It's a long but wonderful story, one I hope to share with you at some point, but after six weeks of really seeking the Lord we KNOW he is calling us to Nepal for our son Jonah! Yes we already know his name! That's another story for another day!

We are very excited to see how the Lord is going to provide and bring us through another amazing journey of adoption...this time for a SON!

2009-01-22T07:49:00.000-05:00

2009-01-22T07:41:00.000-05:00

Noelle one year later....

2009-01-21T19:21:00.002-05:00

Our First Gotcha Anniversary!!!

2009-01-21T14:59:00.002-05:00

We love you Noelle!

**I will post pictures of our day tomorrow along with an update**

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T20:02:00.002-05:00

Miss Behavin

2008-12-19T15:03:00.005-05:00

No children were spanked in the following photo documentary.

Subject readies self for devious act.

Subject caught red-handed.

Subject pleads for amnesty.

Subject makes last ditch effort to show remorse.

Subject comes to grips with forthcoming punitive action and takes it like a big girl.

Noelle looks the way she does because she once again has a cold. Poor baby. I hope she's feeling better for her first Christmas home.

The pink pants she's wearing she pulled out of a "special" drawer that has all her gotcha day things, clothes in. Well she apparently found the drawer and pulled these out. We bought this in China because we didn't have a snowsuit for her and it was VERY cold! Anyway that was January of this year and the pants still fit her the same. She hasn't grown too much in one year : ) She's still a little peanut.

I have to say even when she has a cold or is sick she is still sooo cute!!!

Daddy and Noelle

2008-12-15T18:21:00.000-05:00

Noelle meets Jing

2008-12-01T15:09:00.002-05:00

I finally took Noelle NiShuai to the Bangor Chinese School to meet Jing.

Jing translated the letter we sent to China in Noelle's care package.

Noelle had lots of fun playing with her two new toys, a drum and tassel. She tried to count to ten in Chinese but only made it to three : )

We had a nice visit and hope to bring her back when she's a little older for Chinese lessons.

I am so disappointed in my fellow American citizens for electing Obama, but...

2008-11-05T07:34:00.002-05:00

This is the day that the LORD has made, I will (make a choice) rejoice and be glad in it.

2008-11-04T17:50:00.002-05:00

Giving Mama kisses

Giving Dada kisses

Finally....Noelle's message to everyone....

GO VOTE!!!

Dear Mr. Obama

2008-10-31T07:32:00.000-04:00

Noelle saying her shapes, colors and ABC'S

2008-10-30T05:49:00.005-04:00

Noelle just turned two and can tell us her shapes and colors now! She's a smart little girl : ) Her Dada & Mama's proud of her!

Dear Anonymous / MUST SEE VIDEO AT THE END OF THIS POST

2008-10-29T08:30:00.003-04:00

First I'll post your comment right here....

"Why ruin a beautiful child's blog with ignorance and hate..........God help you. I used to look forward to reading this blog--no more...stop the hate."

There was no hate in the video I shared! It was just asking questions of our could be next president. We as US citizens have the right to ask for proof of birth in this country.

I can only assume that you are not a follower of Jesus Christ. Because if you were you would or at least should have issues with Obama. There are three things that are the most important issues to God. They being the sanctity of Life, marriage between one man and one woman and the protection on Israel. Just on those points alone I don't know how a True christian (follower of Jesus) could vote for such a man.

The rest of my post was taken from a fellow AWAA associate. Please look at her blog!!! Click here to visit her site.

We are thick in the trenches of a heavy political debate. The one thing I love about our country is that we get to make choices ... we are a democracy. We value that each of us has an opinion and has the opportunity to weigh in on who we believe is best fit to run our country. Lately, however, I have become ever increasingly concerned and disgusted with the opinions of many of my fellow Americans. I have found that many are making choices without being fully educated. They are making choices for the "hip", the "trendy" or based upon "color". Yes, you heard me, recently a man called into a talk radio show I was listening to and said he was voting for Obama simply because he was black. Are you kidding me? That could bring me to a whole different topic ... UGH! But today, I am going to take a look at something that everyone ... whether you are black, white, purple or yellow need to consider and value!

As you look at candidates for any election, you must first look at their fundamental values. Do they hold up with yours? Now, I don't believe any candidate will have the exact political plans that I myself would think is best perhaps, however, before examining the very specific plans, it is crucial to know the heart of the person who would represent us. I know that politics is a very touchy subject. I have been on the receiving end and in the middle of political conversations that do not do anything but create controversy. That being said, however, I do think that as an American, I have the right and privilege of sharing my views and today, I couldn't pass up sharing with you something that has disturbed every part of my being.
For years, there has been the argument of when does life begin. As a believer and a Christian, I am certain that the Lord makes that very clear in Psalm 139. In those scriptures he shares that even while in your mother's womb he knew you. He knows how many hairs are on your head and has every day you will spend numbered. If the bible is truth then that would mean that the Lord who created us and gave us life did so at our conception. If he knows the hairs on our heads in our mother's womb and says he has a plan for us then how can you debate that that is not LIFE?

Have you ever had the opportunity to see a level four sonogram? Recently, my precious sister in law had the opportunity to have one done. She was 18 weeks gestation. My niece to be was thought to possibly have a horrible genetic condition called "Edwards sydrom or Trisomy 18". This condition is fatal to a child and most live only a few minutes after birth. That being said, Karen and John went in to do this sonogram to help rule out the genetic markers for Trisomy 18 (and PRAISE THE LORD ... THEY DID!) Anyways, Karen brought the pictures to us to see our niece in her glory ... in her WOMB! That precious baby girl, in the photos is as much of a life as I have seen any child. She was sucking her thumb in the pictures and had her little hand, which was completely developed, up by her ear. I could see her little eyes, her nose, her mouth and every single little toe and finger that had been formed. She is beautiful and I cannot wait to meet her in person.

I tell you about baby Fergason to bring to light the horror that the democratic presidential nominee is a part of - Infantside. This is not an abortion debate ... this is MURDER!
Please watch the movie below and learn for yourself. To make a long story short, their is a form of abortion where the doctor inserts a needle into the Mommy and induces her labor prematurely. These babies are born premature - 20 and 22 weeks gestation very much alive - breathing - full of life - and then left to die. Recently, in the Illinois Senate, their was a bill up for a vote to bann these forms of abortions. EVERYONE .. including the very liberal and Democratic Hillary Clinton, Ted Kennedy and more voted for the bill ... they saw that this was in fact MURDER and not a choice! But NOT Barak Obama. NO, in fact, on THREE occasions he voted this bill down. He voted that these children would be allowed to be be born and then, left to die.

As a believer and a Christian, I do not believe you can with clear conscience place your name and your vote on a man who does not value life. I will say BOLDLY ... there is no way you can be a Christian and still vote for him!
How can this man, who doesn't value life, reside over and make decisions for the living? How can he see value in people when he doesn't see value in the living, breathing and helpless child?
Set aside all the other things I don't agree with ... his tax ideas, his ideas on foreign policy and more and look at ONE central idea. This man, if elected has the opportunity to place three supreme court judges on the bench. I fear what kind of men and what choices would be made at his hand. Think on these things!
I know with certainty that one day, the Lord will judge every man. He will separate those from the left and from the right. (NO PUN INTENDED). Their will be a day that Obama will hold an account for all of his decisions and most definitely, the Lord will judge harshly his decision to be a part of taking the life of a child. I rest in that peace and I know that whatever is to come, the Lord will make right. I do know, however, that he is also a righteous God and I fear the hand of obedience that would be to come. As a Christian, as a believer who values life, think about the day that you stand before him yourself and answer why you checked "yes" to being a part of that choice!

Red Flags

2008-10-27T07:27:00.000-04:00

Sarah Palin in Bangor

2008-10-17T07:23:00.002-04:00

Thanks Judie for the pictures : )

Our school supporting McCain * Palin

2008-10-16T17:26:00.000-04:00

One year ago today.....

2008-10-08T08:46:00.007-04:00

It was one year ago today at 4:00 that Lauren called from AWAA saying she had a file of a baby girl she wanted to talk to me about!

It was last year on Oct 3 that AWAA got a batch of SN children....33 to be exact. It was the first time I actually posted in the journal section of our website wondering if our baby girls file was sitting on a desk in Virginia. Here's what I posted on Oct 3, 2007....

Oh my….where to begin? Last month we were anxiously waiting to see the SN referrals come. On the last Friday AWAA sent out an email letting the families know that they had not received any yet and that the CCAA would be on vacation the first week of October. They did mention that sometimes they will work the weekend prior to a week long vacation so there was a chance still that they may receive the referrals. Well on Monday morning we got an email saying they got 33 referrals!!! That is a big group!!!! Here is what it said…..

Dear Interested Families,
We are thrilled to announce the receipt of 33 new special needs referrals! We don't have any specifics on the children right now, but once we are finished processing the referrals, we will send another email out with more details.

The Special Needs team asks that you refrain from questions during this time, as we will be working diligently to process the referrals. We are unable to answer individual questions about the referrals we received. In order to be fair, we will notify the entire Interested Families list with details about this group as soon as possible. At that time, we will also let families know when referral calls will begin.

So today when I got home from dropping Robin off at school I had another email from AWAA this is what it had to say…..

Dear Interested Families, We know that you've been eagerly waiting to hear more details about the new Special Needs referrals. Typically, we don't have this information available so soon, but the translations were completed very quickly this time! This has sped up the review process and will also allow us to begin making referral calls sooner. The earliest we anticipate beginning referral calls is Friday, October 5th. We appreciate your patience as we continue to process the referrals and begin the matching process.

We would like to share the following details with you regarding this group of referrals:

Number of referrals: 33

Number of females: 19

0-2 year range: 14
3-4 year range: 4
5-6 year range: 1
7-8 year range: 0

Number of males: 14

0-2 year range: 6
3-4 year range: 4
5-6 year range: 3
7-8 year range: 1

The children have various special needs and some have more than one special need. When matching children with families, we take several factors into consideration, the most important factors being a family's log in date, a family's special needs application date, and if there is a referral that matches what a family has requested on the Special Needs application. With 100-120 families on the Interested Families on the list, only a percentage of families will receive calls for a referral. We will notify families when all referral calls have been made. Additionally, we will send an email out to all Interested Families with the children that have not yet been matched.

So needless to say we are beside ourselves praying and wondering if our baby Grace’s picture is sitting on a desk in Virginia at AWAA office! That would be just amazing!!! Please keep AWAA, Grace and our family in your prayers.

When we didn't call on the 5th or 6th or 7th I knew that most of the calls had probably been made and the chances of us getting matched with our daughter this time was pretty unlikely. I did know that they were going to finish making calls on Monday because Friday the 8th was a holiday, Columbus Day. Robin had the day off from school so I wasn't sitting on the couch waiting for the phone to ring. I had gone to town with Robin and we had stopped to pick up a coffee for Mike at Dunkin Donuts when my phone rang.....it was Lauren from AWAA!!!!! She wanted to know if it was a good time to talk. I was trying to pass my money to the lady at the window : ), but I said Yes! It was a great time to talk! My heart about hit the floor because I couldn't believe what I was hearing....

The conversation went something like this....

Well Mrs. Davis we have a file of a baby girl that we would like to talk to you about. She is 12 months old, her birthday is Sept 18, 2006. She is a very pretty little girl. I'm sure you're wondering what her special need is?...... They said she's little, with minor developmental delay. All her paper work looks great. Her medical file looks wonderful. Why don't to you talk to your husband and call me back if you want to review her file.

I told her I didn't even need to wait to talk to him because I knew we would want to review it! She laughed and said OK, I'll email you the referral paperwork with her pictures once you read it call me and let me know if you want to proceed with her adoption.

Robin by this point had figured out that we had just got the "call" and was beside herself. It so happened that she had a camera with her and took these pictures...

I was 5 miles away from the house when Lauren called. I couldn't wait to get home and tell Mike and see our daughters face for the first time! That caused me to break the law and drive about 60 mph to get home! Poor Mike didn't know what was wrong. He actually thought I hit someone and that's why I was acting so crazy. When I drove in the drive way I didn't even shut the car off. I jumped out and ran inside crying....I couldn't even talk. Robin is standing there smiling and said....Dad we just got our referral call! Then it all made sense to him ( me acting like I was). We both ran down stairs to his office and looked at our email and sure enough there was a message in our In box from AWAA. This is what it said along with the first pictures we saw of our daughter.....

Dear Michael & Tonya,

Attached are the photos and translated medical information for Fu Ni Shuai. Please take some time together to review this initial information.

Note: At this time, the attached information is to be kept confidential and should only be shared with medical professionals, social worker(s), and individuals who are essential to the assessment process.

Please call or email me no later than 4:00 pm EST Tuesday, October 9th to indicate if you would like to either review the referral information further or decline this referral.

If you do decide to review the information further, I will email you the Chinese referral documents and any additional photos (if applicable). You will then have 10 business days to consult a Physician and/or International Specialist, discuss the referral with your Social Worker, and look over the information more thoroughly. Please know that your family will remain on the Interested Families list should you decide not to move forward with this particular referral.

As you take the time to prayerfully consider this referral information, please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing back from you soon!

Blessings,

Lauren Barnett
Asia Family Coordinator
Special Needs Coordinator

We were in love at first site! And are in love more than ever with this little girl! She is a precious gift from the Lord and we are so blessed the Lord chose us to be her parents!

A fun interesting fact....When AWAA called with Noelle's referral it was 4:10ish in the afternoon on Columbus Day. I gave birth to Robin on Columbus Day 1994 at 4:11 am. how cool is that? To us it was another "signature of God" on this adoption!

Here is a picture of our little Noelle today...

Noelle holding her referral picture.

(poor baby has a sore on her bottom lip & chin)

Happy one year referral anniversary Noelle....WE LOVE YOU!

Some more pictures of Noelle

2008-09-22T12:45:00.003-04:00

The white in the back ground is actually the ocean. Not really sure what happened when I took the pictures.

No more pictures mom....I'm out of here!

Noelle's birthday part 2

2008-09-22T12:27:00.003-04:00

Noelle had a wonderful 2nd birthday! She had lots of family come and some friends from church.

Poor thing fell into a wall just before her nap so when she woke up she was in a fussy mood. But as soon as she got the hang of opening her presents her mood changed....the sugar from her cake and ice cream help too I'm sure : )

Here are a few more pictures from her party....

Farm from Gram & Gramp....Thank you!

Proud new owner of a potty....that she LOVES! Thank you Papa & Mimi!

Resting with Dada after a long day.

Happy Birthday Noelle!!

2008-09-19T13:23:00.003-04:00

My baby turned 2 years old today!

Here are a few pictures. I'll post more later today...I hope.

Just a few more pictures : )

2008-09-09T16:35:00.002-04:00

Thank you Nicole!!!

2008-09-09T16:11:00.003-04:00

Thank you Nicole for thinking of Noelle and sending her these clothes! They are so cute! I'll post each outfit as she wears it!

For anyone who doesn't know, Nicole and I were DTC at the same time and we have become friends. They switched to SN's like we did and have been matched with a beautiful 4 year old little girl! They are leaving this Thursday to bring home Emmali Su! Nicole had bought some outfits for Emmali thinking she would be younger and now that they won't fit her she mailed Noelle several outfits that are sooo cute!

That was sweet of you to think of us while you're busy getting ready for your trip.

We'll be praying for your family as you travel to China this Thursday!!!!!!!!!!

So check out their travel web site by clicking HERE

New Swing Set!

2008-09-09T16:07:00.003-04:00

Some very special people bought this swing set for little Noelle!

You know who you are : )

THANK YOU....SHE LOVES IT!

Robin's First Day of High School!

2008-09-04T09:34:00.001-04:00

Labor Day Pictures

2008-09-04T09:17:00.003-04:00

Robin & Noelle enjoying their first picnic!

6 Months home with Noelle...plus Noelle's Adoption Video

2008-08-09T13:05:00.005-04:00

We can't believe Noelle has been home with us for 6 months already! Where does the time go?

Stephanie just came out to the house to do our 6 month post placement visit which went great! That will be off to AWAA this week.

Noelle is learning so much....she can now help count to 5 and copies everything we say : )

She loves to watch Barna (Barney) and Ni Hao Kai-lan. Her favorite thing to do is eat snacks and read every book she owns with her Dada. Of course she loves her older sissy and loves it when she plays with her. In the evening she loves to cuddle with Mama and have a warm bottle of soy milk : )

I know we've said it before, but we feel soooo blessed that the Lord chose us to be her parents!

We love you Noelle!

Noelle ~ Gotcha day Jan. 21, 2008

Noelle ~ July 2008

Noelle's Journey Home.....It's kinda long...38 mins.

Pictures of my girls

2008-08-06T13:00:00.004-04:00

After six months we finally found a flag for Noelle to stand beside to take her picture.

Robin & Noelle

A visit from the Steiger Clan

2008-08-04T11:11:00.003-04:00

We had a busy but fun weekend! We held the adoption meeting here at our house and I invited the Steiger family to come up and share about their recent adoption of Jordan from Ethiopia. I was so blessed that they came and shared. It was wonderful to see them again. We met the first time last Nov in Mass. at a SCC concert. We both had just received our referrals for our girls so it was neat to see each other now that we have them home! Jordan is a doll!

What a smile : )

We also met Alice another AWAA family who adopted this beautiful little girl. This is just an amazing story of God's goodness. Selam is best friends with Patty and Jason's daughter who will be coming home Lord willing later this year. Who would imagine that two best friends who live in Ethiopia would both be adopted into Christian families who live about an hour away from each other....in Maine?! God is so good!

It was a wonderful day even with the rain! Everyone seemed to have a good time and right after lunch it stopped raining so the kids could play outside while we had our meeting. I was so happy that the other AWAA families came too! It was so nice to see Mike and Kristy and Alice! Thanks for coming!

Thank you Fil and Lenka for coming it was so fun to visit with you and see all your precious children!

I'll post some more pictures when I get them from Lenka.

2008-07-05T19:43:00.003-04:00

Noelle enjoying the sun

Miss Noelle playing in her pool

Robin and sissy getting a tan

Noelle and Daddy

Noelle and Momma

2008-07-05T12:49:00.004-04:00

Robin running in the parade.

I think this year was my favorite 4th of July!

Most years we just stay home and don't really do anything. I'm not really sure why. When Robin was a little girl we use to go to the parade and fire works and get together with family. But it's been years!

This year was different! We started our day by going to the parade which was a lot of fun. Robin actually ran in it! They have a race every year and she wanted to run this year with a friend. She did a good job! It was a little over 2 miles and she ran it in 15 min! Way to go girl! I wasn't able to get a picture of her, but my mom did so as soon as I get it from her I'll post it!

Noelle enjoyed the parade. She loved the candy, was scared of the clowns : )

After the parade we had a couple families come over for a cookout. Robin had two of her friends over and they did lots of swimming. Noelle also had a little friend over and they did some splashing around in her little pool.

I didn't make Noelle take a nap today with all that was going on. It was so exciting it being her first Independence Day and we didn't want her to miss out on anything! She did so good all day, but by 5:00 she just couldn't stay awake any longer! I only let her sleep for about an hour because I wanted to make sure she would sleep at night.

Later in the day Robin went to a friends house for a sleep over. They went to the fireworks and had a good time. We skipped the fireworks because we didn't want Noelle to get any mosquito bites. If you don't know what I'm talking about see the post below.

So we had a great day and are so blessed to have our two girls!

We love you Robin and Noelle!

Happy 4TH of July!!!

2008-07-04T21:56:00.002-04:00

More pictures and tales of Noelle's first Independence Day to follow.

2008-07-03T08:37:00.002-04:00

OK, Cheri I know I should be posting more : ) I feel so busy now having a toddler running around getting into everything!

We are all doing great! As you saw in the last picture post Robin has successfully finished the 8Th grade! She is VERY excited to be in high school! She's enjoying her summer, but misses her friends and I know she would love to back in school already.

Noelle is doing good. When we had Robin's party Noelle got several mosquito bites, a couple on her face and neck and a few behind her ears and in her hair. She was only out for maybe a half hour total because her allergies were acting up horribly! I brought her inside and gave her some benedryl to help with the allergies and the itching but it didn't help. Over the course of a week the bug bites got really big and seemed to be spreading. She couldn't get any relief from the itching so I took her to the doctors. They said it was a good thing I brought her in because they were getting infected and they were especially worried about the bite by her eye. They said if the infection spread it could cause her vision problem in the future. Who would have thought all that from a bite? Not me! They put her on two medications and within hours it was clearing up. Unfortunately it looks like a couple of the bites have left scars on her face : ( I hope they go away with time. The doctors told me to keep her inside this summer and not to let her get bit by mosquito's.....do they remember that we live in Maine? They told me this summer and next summer I shouldn't let her get any bites. By her third summer she should be OK. Well I'm not sure how she's supposed to build up an immunity to them if she never gets any bites? So what I'm trying to do is keep her inside in the morning and evening. And if she gets some bites and they start to look weird I'll at least know what to give her before it gets infected.

On another note Noelle has made the switch from baby to toddler! She is running everywhere and climbing on everything! She is doing some serious exploring : )

I guess I'll end my post here for now. I have lots to do today. I will take pictures tomorrow and post again soon!

Have a wonderful 4Th of July!!!!!

Pictures

2008-07-02T19:07:00.003-04:00

Noelle fell asleep for the first time in her high chair : ) She's so cute!

watching some veggie tales

Pictures of Robin's 8th Grade Graduation Party

2008-07-02T18:58:00.004-04:00

Robin had no idea we were having a party for her!

Noelle's allergies were really acting up....poor baby.

Rohler Referral!!!!

2008-06-19T17:06:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Dan and Nicole on the referral of their little girl! Click here to read all about it!

You only have one life.....

2008-06-11T19:02:00.000-04:00

Isn't she a cutie!

2008-06-03T14:14:00.001-04:00

2008-06-02T19:12:00.002-04:00

I've been tagged by my friends Carla and Tina and I'm playing along! I’ve seen many “bloggers” lately doing this and thought I’d join in when they asked me to!

Favorite person (outside of family): How do you list just one name? I am blessed to have several close friends and I can't list just one name! I love you girls...Sheree, Angel, Sue, Patty....just to name a few :)

Quirks about you? I say "I don't know" all the time, which bugs my husband. Make plans tell the whole family and then change my mind.

How would the person who loves you the most describe you in ten words or less? "the sweetest thing on the face of the earth." Mike said that :)

Any regrets in life? Of course who doesn't have regrets?

Favorite charity or cause? Shohannah's Hope! I love that this organization is helping families bring precious children into christian homes.

Favorite blog recently? I love them all really. Lately I haven't been following very many. My little Noelle keeps me busy :)

Something you cannot get enough of? squash

Worst job you ever had? Working at Dunkin Donuts when I was 15. Once this man came in with his children and ordered donut holes. He got upset at me for some reason and threw them at me in front of the other customers!

What job would you pay NOT to have? cleaning public restrooms! GROSS! I do my best to avoid them!

If you could be a fly on the wall, where? Some of my daughters classes.

Favorite Bible verse right now?

" ... Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act ..." -- Proverbs 24:12

Guilty pleasure? Ice cream

Got any confessions? I love to shop!

If you had to spend $1000 on yourself, how would you spend it? Bathroom makeover

Favorite thing about your house? New carpets, couch, paint on walls

Least favorite thing about your house? Unfinished projects.

One thing you are bad at? Answering questions like these :)

One thing you are good at? scrap booking

If you could change one thing about your circumstances, what? All our bills would be paid off!

Who would you like to meet someday? My next adopted child!

What makes you feel sexy? Being at my goal weight.

Who is your real life hero? My husband! He works hard so I can be a stay at home mom! Thanks honey...I love you!

What is the hardest part of your job? changing poopy diapers

When are you most relaxed? In the evening when the entire house is cleaned all the laundry is done, I've just had a shower and I'm in new pjs resting on the couch with my husband with a candle burning.

What stresses you out? When I'm asked to make a decision on where to go out to eat.

What can you not live without? Jesus! And my family!

Why do you blog? Started it to keep people posted on our adoption process but now it’s a great way to keep in touch with others and meet new people

Who are you tagging? I am tagging Angel, Angie, Patty,Nicole

Rules:1. Answer the questions.
2. Link back to who tagged you.
3. Tag 8 bloggers in the above categories to do the same.

Cinderella Story

2008-05-26T18:28:00.002-04:00

This is the video and the story behind Steven Curtis Chapman's song Cinderella.

Maria is at her "grand ball" with the bridegroom!

In Memory of Maria Chapman

2008-05-23T09:22:00.006-04:00

Our hearts are breaking for this family, and especially for their teenage son. Please pray with us for the comfort and healing we know the Holy Spirit brings to each of us in our times of hurt and need.

This article was taken from the internet....

Steven Curtis Chapman’s youngest child died Wednesday evening after being struck by a car driven by her teenage brother in the driveway of the family’s Williamson County home.Maria, one of the Christian singer’s six children, was taken by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt Hospital, which confirmed the death, according to Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The 5-year-old was hit by an SUV driven by her teenage brother, she said. Police did not give the driver’s name.The teen was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser down the driveway of the rural home at about 5:30 p.m. and several children were playing in the area, McPherson said. He did not see Maria in the driveway before the vehicle struck her, she said.“It appears to be a terrible accident,’’ McPherson said. No charges are expected, she said. The accident was witnessed by two other children; the entire family was home at the time, McPherson said.Singer/songwriter Chapman, who recently was inducted into Music City Walk of Fame, is one of contemporary Christian music’s most recognizable and most awarded names. He and his wife Mary Beth have long been supporters of international adoption, having brought three girls from China into their family. Maria was the youngest.The couple is so active in the cause that they formed an organization, Shaohannah’s Hope, to aid families wanting to adopt. With his latest music tour, which came through Nashville in November, Chapman started a campaign called “Change for Orphans”. He asked audience members at each stop to bring spare change to the concert, where it was counted and given to a local family to aid in their adoption process.“I don’t know of anybody who loves his children more than he does and is so committed to the adoption concept, and to lose one, no matter what the circumstances, is heartbreaking beyond all comprehension,” said John Styll, president of the Nashville-based Gospel Music Association.“He talks about his kids all the time. That’s his life. His kids are more important to him than music, that’s for sure.”The tragedy was announced during Wednesday-night services at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ, which the family attends. Maria had just graduated from the church preschool.And word spread throughout the tight-knit Christian music community on Wednesday evening.Styll got the news not long after Maria’s death.“I’m confident I can speak for everyone in the community to say we will do everything we can to support this family, as we would do at any time, but especially at a time like this,” he said.Most of the Chapman family was at Vanderbilt children’s hospital after the accident and could not be contacted. The long, gravel driveway leading to the home west of Franklin was blocked off by Williamson County sheriff’s deputies.

A sweet video of Maria and her Daddy.....

In lieu of flowers, the Chapmans request any gifts be directed to Shaohannah’s Hope. Donate here at .... Maria's Miracle Fund

Hi Friends

2008-05-21T12:45:00.003-04:00

Wow it feels like forever since I posted on this thing! It's kinda funny how I was on the computer everyday before we had Noelle . Now its very seldom that I have the time to sit and blog or do anything on the computer for that matter. I have to admit I do feel guilty being on it while she is awake and wants her momma to play with her or read her books. When she's sleeping that's when I try to clean the house or read. OK enough about me and my excuses, I know all you want is an update on Noelle and some pictures : )

Noelle is doing wonderful! She just turned 20 months old/young on Sunday the 18th. She is still a very happy little girl! She is a sleeping great both at nap time and at night. She is still on the bottle mostly at bedtime, and still only drinking about 4oz. She wakes up with a smile on her face (most of the time) and is ready to play! She is starting to say some words, here are a few of her favorite....good girl, bye-bye, kitty, star, turtle, ma-ma, da-da, ra-ra (robin), mimi, papa, cracker.

Lately she's been patting herself between her legs when she goes in her diaper (that's another word she knows) so we'll be getting a potty for her pretty soon. She loves to slide and swing and will giggle when she's doing both. Last night she crawled up onto the rocking chair by herself with a book, which was very cute but scary. I don't want her to fall on the hard wood floors.

We have a cute little video of her and we'll do our best to post it soon.

I don't want to forget Robin : ) She is doing great too. She loves having a little sister! She is very busy with school and track. Her last day of school is June 6th! And next year she'll be a freshman!!!! That is just crazy!!! I don't feel old enough to have a high school student.

Well that's all I have for now, I'll post a few pictures.....

Reading the Bible : )

Recognition of Noelle's Adoption April 30, 2008

2008-05-01T06:39:00.003-04:00

Today we went to court and had her adoption recognized by the State and had her name changed. I know it was changed over there, but we still needed to change it here if we wanted her to have a new birth certificate. So we'll be getting that in a couple of weeks along with her SS Card which we also ordered yesterday! We'll be applying for her passport in the next couple of months. It's not a requirement but we want her to have one.

Our judge was Alan Woodcock Jr. he was very nice and took his time with us. He asked us about our trip to China and wanted to know how Noelle was adjusting to everything. He went around the room and asked everyone there for their name, relation to us and wanted to know how they felt about the adoption. Both sets of parents were there along with Sheree. It was nice having them all there.

This is Noelle just before we left dressed all cute in her USA colors!

Waiting patiently for her turn in court : ) Actually she was all over the place I think she stood there for 15 seconds or less.

Here's the family with the Judge. I should have stood up so the picture would have looked better, but the Judge seemed to like Noelle down there.....they played : )

The whole gang....from the left you have my dad and mom, Mike's Dad and mom, Mike, Robin and Sheree

On another note, things are moving along with the adoption group. I have been talking with the leaders of the adoption group at our church along with AWAA and I believe we're all set to get this group rolling! Since we already have an adoption group at church we're going come together and just add the AWAA piece. I'm excited to see how the Lord is going to work through this group! Please keep everyone in prayer as we move forward.

Reckless Faith

2008-04-17T14:17:00.001-04:00

This is very inspiring and speaks to the needs of orphans and the opportunity we have to be reckless in our faith.

AWAA Associates for Maine.

2008-04-12T11:48:00.005-04:00

I am so excited!!! I have seen a need for an international adoption group for quite awhile. A place where people can come together for encouragement, support, prayer and help with paperwork and to get answers to questions relating to international adoptions. I had been praying for almost two years asking the Lord if this was something he wanted me to do or was he calling us to just adopt. In those two years I've had several families approach me with lots of questions regarding international adoptions and asking for some help with their paperwork. I don't have any experience with adoptions only what we went through during our two years of paper chasing and waiting for Noelle, but I was willing if he wanted to use me. I have to say that anyone who has ever adopted and done the paperwork themselves know that you learn A LOT in a relative short amount of time : ) I loved doing all the paperwork involved and love the thoughts of helping other families with theirs....if they need it.

Well this past week AWAA emailed me and asked if we would consider being associates here in Maine.....of course I said YES! Part of our "job" would be holding monthly AWAA meetings, help assist families with paperwork, hold two seminars a year, get the word out about international adoptions and promote AWAA to name a few.

I also want to somehow start raising money to help other families who have the desire to adopt, but may need some financial help. Our church has a wonderful adoption ministry already so I hoping we'll be able to do more in that area. I know not all are called to adopt but we are all called to help orphans and widows (James 1:27). Helping an orphan may be helping a family financially bring a child into a home where he or she will learn about Jesus and how He adopted us as God's children. I really believe this is something more families need to consider and pray about.

So this week we are waiting for the paperwork from AWAA and hope to get started soon!

Mike and I are very excited about the opportunity given to serve as America World Adoption Associates here in Maine!

Here are a few new pictures.

Family Pictures

2008-03-31T06:52:00.000-04:00

The Violetts have been matched!!!!!!!

2008-03-28T07:05:00.003-04:00

If you read March 14th post you read about our friends Jason and Patty who had just submitted an application with AWAA for the Ethiopia program. Well, they really felt the Lord was speaking to them about an older child and the age range they gave was 3-15 years. Early this week they got a call from the Ethiopia director and she said they had an 11 year old daughter for them!!!! They are so excited to see how fast the Lord is working this all out. This is an email they sent to their friends. To see their blog click here.

Jason and I are tentatively approved to adopt an 11 year old girl in Ethiopia. The wait is usually around a year but we could go get her home tomorrow if we had everything done. If everything goes right she could be with our family this summer. We have to move Amy's room to the basement, do our home study, dossier and background check. This little girl has been waiting a long time for a family. Please pray that God will prepare her heart to join our family as Ethiopia is the only home she has ever known. Please pray for protection for her until we can bring her home. Please also pray that we can get our paperwork and home study done quickly. Also, we do not have all of the money yet for this adoption, but we know that God will provide. Some of my family are very opposed to this adoption, please pray that God will show His power and might and that this be for His glory. Lastly, give glory to Him for always answering our prayers and for blessing our family with this opportunity.

2008-03-24T12:13:00.001-04:00

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

2008-03-23T18:24:00.004-04:00

My Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad.
...Almighty God

My last post for today...I'm loving this software!

2008-03-21T14:24:00.004-04:00

Here's one more page I made this afternoon. I love this software!

These pictures are of the girls just hanging around. Robin dressed Noelle up and pushed her around the house in her car. Noelle loved it!

Later while doing laundry Noelle decided she wanted to crawl in the basket with the warm clothes....cute!

Robin was working on her homework and Noelle wanted to sit at the table with her and read her Noah book.

Practice 2

2008-03-21T11:40:00.001-04:00

Trying to make the picture bigger.

Practice

2008-03-21T11:07:00.002-04:00

I just got the creative memories storybook plus for my birthday! Thank you honey! I'm trying to figure out how to post picture pages to my blog.

This is sooooo cute!

2008-03-20T08:37:00.000-04:00

Story time with Dada in the morning.

2008-03-20T07:56:00.002-04:00

Take a moment to watch and let me know what you think.

2008-03-19T09:49:00.001-04:00

Look Who's Walking!

2008-03-18T22:20:00.002-04:00

Noelle around the house

2008-03-18T16:54:00.003-04:00

Here are a few cute pictures of Noelle today. Excuse her clothes (printed tee shirt under her dress). I didn't plan on taking and posting pictures today.

Trying to get her hands on Rainbow

Patty & Jason Violette's Website is up and running!

2008-03-16T16:09:00.004-04:00

Congratulations on the start of your adoption journey to Mimi!

Love this!

2008-03-15T08:06:00.001-04:00

Nicole, I took this from your blog :)

This is on so many others blogs right now, but I thought I would post it here too!

You know you're an adoptive parent (or should be) if:

1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.

2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.

3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.

4. The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.

5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.

6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's "real" parents.

7. You have ever been "pregnant" with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth.(2 years!)

8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.

9. You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.

10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.

11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.

12. You know what the word "Dossier" means, and you can actually pronounce it!

13. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.

14. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life

2008-03-14T22:24:00.003-04:00

OK, I need to post one thing before I go to bed. I got the best email today from a sweet friend from church! I won't go into the whole story right now....I'll leave that to them :) But she sent me an email letting me know that she and her husband are going to adopt a little girl from Ethiopia!!!! They have already submitted an application with America World Adoption Association and should hear back from them next week. So please keep Jason, Patty and their two beautiful girls in your prayers. This is an amazing journey they are about to embark on! I'm so excited to see how the Lord is going to work in and through this family! I talked with Patty today and she said they are starting a blog, so as soon as she gives me the address I'll add them to my side bar under families waiting. Yeah!!!! I'm so happy for you guys!!!!

Gospel of Adoption

2008-03-12T11:13:00.003-04:00

I read this and was blown away with these statistics. How sad that there are so many children without a dad and mom, brothers and sisters, grandma's and grandpa's, aunts and uncles.

4 yrs - the average time a child spends in American foster care before being adopted

1.5 million children live in public care in Central and Eastern Europe

12.4 million orphans live in Latin America and the Carribean

43.4 million orphans live in sub-Saharan Africa

87.6 million orphans live in Asia

16 million children were orphaned in 2003

Every 14 seconds a child is orphaned as a result of AIDS

800,000 children in the American Foster Care system each year

143 Million orphans in the world

Approximately 250,000 children are adopted annually, but…

Every YEAR 14,050,000 children still grow up as orphans and AGE OUT4 of the system

Every DAY 38,493 children AGE OUT

Every 2.2 SECONDS, another orphan child AGES OUT with no family to belong to and no place to call home

In Ukraine and Russia 10% -15% of children who age out of an orphanage commit suicide before age 18.

60% of the girls are lured into prostitution. 70% of the boys become hardened criminals.

Many of these children accept job offers that ultimately result in their being sold as slaves.

Millions of girls are sex slaves today, simply because they were unfortunate enough to grow up as orphans.

497,636 children orphaned since the beginning of 2008

The good news that orphan children need to hear is not only the fact that they will be adopted by a loving family, but also the good news that Jesus Christ died on the cross to make it possible for them to become adopted children of God. Our adoption by God is the ultimate expression of His love, and was the ultimate purpose of Jesus’ life on earth and death on the cross. This is truly the Gospel of Adoption, and it is written in Galatians 4:4-5 and John 1:12

If orphan children never experience a family’s love, how can we expect them to comprehend God’s love? Adoption by a Christian family is the best way for orphan children to become adopted children of God. Not all are called to adopt, but anyone can love and minister to orphan children by helping other families adopt.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of Adoption by whom we cry "Abby Father." Romans 8:15

Thank you Lord that you didn't turn your head and leave us as orphans but gave your life so we could be adopted as your children! I pray that families that have a heart for adoption will listen to your voice and not be distracted by this world. Help us to be obedient and bring these children into Christ loving homes.

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:26-27

Clarification of the recognition of foreign adoption

2008-03-11T19:34:00.002-04:00

So Angie (travel buddy) brought to my attention that because we both traveled we aren't doing a "re-adopt". We are just going to court to let the judge see our paperwork and say "yep, it's legal, an adoption did occur...now go get a birth certificate." Sorry I used the wrong terminology...thanks Angie : ) This however was still going to cost us 500.00 for the lawyer to fill out and file that paperwork. I believe that they will hand us her new birth certificate in court but I'm not hundred percent sure. I know we are paying the filing fee and the birth certificate fee so we'll see when we get there.