News, News, and More News
So, I had every intention of writing a blog post at the beginning of the week and then… my sweet stepfather had a heart attack while my mom and rest of the family were in Colorado. My supportive husband allowed me to jump in the car and head immediately to Mississippi to help out any way I could. I was so thankful to be able to be there. I was also so grateful for our community who stepped in and gave up their time to care for Story so Chris could work a little. THANK YOU: Chris and Kaley Wood, Sara Beth Rosser, Ashley Pigford, and Brandi and Shane Etheredge. So humbled by how you care for us!
My stepfather had a triple bypass and is now home. He will be fine, but has a long road to recovery. We would appreciate your prayers!
SO much to tell you all!
First of all, Chris mentioned in our last update that we were number 11 and I was a little disappointed in that! I had really been praying for single digits, but was thankful for movement nonetheless!
Isn’t it just like God to go beyond our expectations just the moment we need a little encouragement? We got word from our social worker that 3 more infant referrals went out. So we are “unofficially” number 8 that we know of!!!! Huge news! I cried-still crying! THEN, Chris got some more information about a couple of other referrals from others we know in the program. We could possibly be number 5 if all the referrals go through! We’ve been praying and waiting for that big month and it looks like August might be it! We’ll be so anxious to get our new number the first week of September! Y’all it’s happening-it’s REALLY REALLY happening! Haven is going to be home soon-praying it’s by the end of the year!! So excited!
Also, some more shout outs to give. We had a garage sale last weekend to hopefully finish off our fundraising for the adoption. I was hoping to make a couple of hundred dollars, but again God blew me away and we made close to $1,000! We are beyond blessed by friends and family that donated: Travis and Lisa Hawkins, David and Ruth Tinsley, Jeremy and Amanda Maxfield, Mark and Amber McGinnis, Cyndi and Bryan Eubank, Taylor and Tiffany Robinson, Hannah and Drew Francis, and Micki Ray. (I hope I didn’t forget anyone!)
The list of people who have helped us pay for this adoption is getting so long. It is completely overwhelming to read this list. I cry every time at God’s faithfulness and how He uses people! I cannot wait to show Haven all the people that love us and love him or her so much!
When we first started this process, I couldn’t possibly imagine being at the point where we had 99% of the funds necessary. I am blown away now to look back at the story of how God provided for this journey!
Okay, the last thing is: look at that precious doll in the picture above. Chris and I found this doll at Target. This doll won the “Oppenheim Best Toy Award”. A portion of the purchase goes to World Vision to help children worldwide. They have dolls from the USA, Mexico, Ethiopia, India, Belarus, and Laos. Each doll is based on a real girl who wants to better the world around her. It includes a friendship bracelet, a story, and fashions authentic to her country. We saw the Ethiopia doll and knew we had to have it. I cried (again-can you tell I’ve been a bit emotional lately?!). We decided that even if Haven is a boy, we will give the doll to Story on one of our trips to bring Haven home. Go look for these dolls in your local Target!
I think that is all for now! Looking forward to updating everyone again the first week of September. Much love to you all for following our journey and being prayer warriors for us.