Well, it's been a while which means not a lot has happened other than WAITING! I'm happy, however, to report that today I mailed all of our paperwork (except one last international paper we are waiting for) to get the final stamp before we send our papers to our agency. It's been months that we've been waiting for this day! Two things we are waiting for... To turn our Dossier in (all these papers with final stamps and sent to our agency), and a match! At this point either of those could happen next. We are just waiting, and waiting, and waiting! Please continue to pray with us - for these last few steps to go smoothly and without complication; for our precious princess waiting for us to come get her; for an undeniable peace when we see her face for the first time; and for MY PATIENCE!
We love you all and can't wait to introduce you to our new little. Please know that our tree is still open. We can't wait to see the final product! If your interested feel free to read more in some of my previous posts.
Thank you all again so much!
Hopefully I'll be updating again sooner than later!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Do you see what that says?!?!?!
Oh my word, it really happened!!!!! We have been officially approved! Next step is A LOT of waiting, and a little finishing of paperwork! Please pray with us for our precious princess as we continue to wait for God's timing. We are anxiously, expectantly, waiting :)!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
FINALLY!!!!!
It is with amazing joy and satisfaction that I write this post! All of our paperwork for our home study has been TURNED IN!!!!!!! As soon as it is approved I will send it along with the form for our last piece of paperwork to get the last item for our dossier.
Pause... a little explanation for those who don't know how this goes... We have to have a home study done by a local social worker. It's by far the biggest chunk of paperwork. We have to be interviewed, our kids have to be interviewed, our house has to be inspected, other people have to fill out paperwork, and we have to fill out MOUNDS of paperwork. At the same time, we have to have a dossier for our agency (it goes international). A big part of our dossier is our home study, but there are probably 8-10 items that we need on top of that.
Play... We are actually almost done with paperwork!!!!! As soon as our last item for our dossier comes back to us approved (it takes 4-6 weeks after our home study is approved), we will have all of our papers state approved and then it will be sent to our agency. They will then (Lord willing) approve it all and send it over seas!!!!!!!!! We are a little behind where I'd like to be, we've had a few snaffoos with getting some paperwork back, but clearly God has a plan and my timing is not His. I am truly learning some serious patience through this part of the process and I must say I want to treasure every second of it. There have been, and will continue to be, many amazing things that God is teaching me and I don't want to ever forget the situation in which I learned them! As anxious as I am, I can't wait to see what God is going to do in me over the next part of this journey.
Our very basic timeline is this: As soon as we receive our finalized home study we will send it off for our last item for our dossier. When that item comes in we will have all of our dossier items state approved and then country authenticated and will send them to our agency. It takes up to 3 weeks for them to approve and finalize our dossier, they will then send it over seas. From there they begin the matching process - this timeline is open-ended, just a matter of the children available and when God decides our little princess is ready! Generally, travel dates are 4-6 months from the time a match is made. WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!!!
On another note... Our "family tree" is growing! We love to see the leaves add up. It is so amazing to see all of the support we have from friends and family, thank you all so much! We have a friend who has offered her amazing talents for another fundraiser for us. She is a photographer and is doing, what we are calling, "giving tree" sessions. For $75 you get a 25 min session, and 5 digital images. $15 goes directly into our funds and your name gets added to a branch on "her family tree". If you're interested let me know, I can get you in contact with her. We are so blessed to have such good people in our lives that want to help and support us!
Please continue to be in prayer with us as the journey continues; that Christ would be glorified, that we would not forget who is in control and His timing is perfect, and that, until we can get there, our princess would be safe in His arms!
Thank you all again so much! We love each of you and can't wait to share our precious treasure with you!
Pause... a little explanation for those who don't know how this goes... We have to have a home study done by a local social worker. It's by far the biggest chunk of paperwork. We have to be interviewed, our kids have to be interviewed, our house has to be inspected, other people have to fill out paperwork, and we have to fill out MOUNDS of paperwork. At the same time, we have to have a dossier for our agency (it goes international). A big part of our dossier is our home study, but there are probably 8-10 items that we need on top of that.
Play... We are actually almost done with paperwork!!!!! As soon as our last item for our dossier comes back to us approved (it takes 4-6 weeks after our home study is approved), we will have all of our papers state approved and then it will be sent to our agency. They will then (Lord willing) approve it all and send it over seas!!!!!!!!! We are a little behind where I'd like to be, we've had a few snaffoos with getting some paperwork back, but clearly God has a plan and my timing is not His. I am truly learning some serious patience through this part of the process and I must say I want to treasure every second of it. There have been, and will continue to be, many amazing things that God is teaching me and I don't want to ever forget the situation in which I learned them! As anxious as I am, I can't wait to see what God is going to do in me over the next part of this journey.
Our very basic timeline is this: As soon as we receive our finalized home study we will send it off for our last item for our dossier. When that item comes in we will have all of our dossier items state approved and then country authenticated and will send them to our agency. It takes up to 3 weeks for them to approve and finalize our dossier, they will then send it over seas. From there they begin the matching process - this timeline is open-ended, just a matter of the children available and when God decides our little princess is ready! Generally, travel dates are 4-6 months from the time a match is made. WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!!!
On another note... Our "family tree" is growing! We love to see the leaves add up. It is so amazing to see all of the support we have from friends and family, thank you all so much! We have a friend who has offered her amazing talents for another fundraiser for us. She is a photographer and is doing, what we are calling, "giving tree" sessions. For $75 you get a 25 min session, and 5 digital images. $15 goes directly into our funds and your name gets added to a branch on "her family tree". If you're interested let me know, I can get you in contact with her. We are so blessed to have such good people in our lives that want to help and support us!
Please continue to be in prayer with us as the journey continues; that Christ would be glorified, that we would not forget who is in control and His timing is perfect, and that, until we can get there, our princess would be safe in His arms!
Thank you all again so much! We love each of you and can't wait to share our precious treasure with you!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
How has it been 9 years?!
I'll never forget the day in December when I called John to tell him I was pregnant. I actually called my sister first because I was scared to call him. If only we knew then what we know now.
Jordyn, today you are 9. I'm not sure how we have gotten to this day, it has gone by way to quickly. You are one of the best surprises God has ever blessed us with. I love you more than words could ever express. God is going to use you to do amazing things if you let Him. I pray that you never forget who made you, who loves you, and who has a plan already made for you. God will always be with you and will direct your path, I pray you always follow it. To steal the words from a friend, I pray you have a boring testimony!
I can't wait to watch the next 9 years of your life!
I love you!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
the end of a book, in our life series...
Think about it, you've just finished say the 2nd book in a series of 5-6. You know it's the end of a journey and you know where it's leading to and why that book was written and that it was coming to an end eventually. It's a GREAT ending but it's also a little bittersweet. It's sad to say goodbye to those characters maybe, or that situation, or the location. That book was a huge part of the much bigger series and you never want to forget it because of where it started, how it ended, and where it's leading.
That happened in our series of life stories today. We ended a "book" that started 4 years ago September. We never could've imagined why it started, where the journey was going to take us, how it would end, or where it was leading us next. God's awesome like that! Just be willing to be along for the ride and He'll lead you to some SCARY things, with a few heartwarming turns along the way, and ending with something more amazing than you could've ever imagined.
It all began 9/09 when John John began being in excruciating pain. The next 5 months would include, doctors appointments galore, physical therapy, X-rays, MRI's, constant pain, a lot of medicine and CONSTANT prayer; also meeting a handful of people that went above and beyond to do what needed to be done to help my son! Fast forward to February 2010. We were told by the surgeon that John John was going to need rods from his neck to his pelvis. We didn't know what to say or do. We had been told he didn't need that. We had been told how it could be fixed. We tried to tell the surgeon what we knew. We had been told by everyone we talked to that said surgeon was the best in the southeast. We struggled desperately with his plan but didn't know where to go next, BUT GOD!!!! We were told it would be at least 6 months until he could be put on the schedule, BUT GOD!!!! We were told he may never have full range of motion, BUT GOD!!!! Five days after this appointment we received a phone call to put him on the schedule, it seemed there had been a cancellation in 10 days and they'd like to have him take that spot. Thirty minutes before surgery was to begin, on Feb 19, the "best pediatric back surgeon in the southeast" came in to discuss with us that after extensive research over the last 3 days he had found in the late 80's a procedure where he didn't have to rod his entire back, just the bottom 8" where the injury was (why he is the best, never operates without extensive research). Three weeks after surgery we went for John John's first check up and he could almost touch his toes. Some serious BUT GOD's going on in our life about then!!!!!
We had about 3-4 check ups over the next 18 months or so. John John was having pain again. Nothing like last time but very consistent. The surgeon kept saying put some weight on him, unfortunately that's not nearly as easy for John John as we hoped (still!). In the midst of all of this my heart was yearning for the orphans. God had laid it on my heart fast and hard and I couldn't let go. John was not hearing it. Kept assuming it was a phase and would pass. Kept hoping I'd find another way to help the least of these. I let it go, to him, and just prayed and talked with friends that knew my heart. In April 2012 we found out John John was going to need surgery again. Nothing like last time, just a removal of some hardware (needed in less than 8% of these cases) and at the worst replacing it with a different style. We had complete peace this time. God had provided so much bigger than we could have ever imagined last time that we trusted Him in all of this this time. Surgery was scheduled for Dec 18, nearly 3 years from the first. Surgery was scheduled to last 2-4 hours. Two and a half hours in surgeon came out, said he was done. Not only was he able to take and leave out the hardware causing the issues he was also able to take out ALL of the rest of the hardware. This was a HUGE blessing. We knew that there was the potential of him being in pain on and off for the rest of his life with all that metal in such a skinny body. He'd never have that possibility again, and we were very thankful. Three weeks later we went for post op check, things were looking perfect. Nothing to be concerned with. One month later John came home from work to announce... WE ARE GOING TO CH*N@!!!! As the last 6 months have passed we have talked many times about how he would never have had the courage to say yes to God and adopt if we had not been through the last nearly 4 years of John John's back. Trusting God in ALL of that, and sometimes just being plain SCARED TO DEATH, and watching God's story unfold for His glory! He led us through the heartache, the joy, the tears, and today the conclusion. John John was released today (1 year early) from orthopedic care!!!! It was such a bittersweet goodbye. The people that we've met through the last 4 years have done more for our family than anyone would ever expect. They've gone above and beyond to care for our son, to comfort us and to share joy with us. We were unbelievably blessed to have met each of them. I wish there was some way we could show them, they will always be a huge part of God's story in our lives!
Now, we are on to the next journey, the next book in our series that God is writing. We are prepared for heartache, joy, hard times, and easy times. We are along for the ride now, trusting God to lead us where to go and knowing He will provide and bring to fruition to His story!
Thank you to ALL of you who have prayed for us over the last 4 years! It's a big day for all of us, to thank God for all He has done in and through this book in our series!!! You are all true blessings!
That happened in our series of life stories today. We ended a "book" that started 4 years ago September. We never could've imagined why it started, where the journey was going to take us, how it would end, or where it was leading us next. God's awesome like that! Just be willing to be along for the ride and He'll lead you to some SCARY things, with a few heartwarming turns along the way, and ending with something more amazing than you could've ever imagined.
It all began 9/09 when John John began being in excruciating pain. The next 5 months would include, doctors appointments galore, physical therapy, X-rays, MRI's, constant pain, a lot of medicine and CONSTANT prayer; also meeting a handful of people that went above and beyond to do what needed to be done to help my son! Fast forward to February 2010. We were told by the surgeon that John John was going to need rods from his neck to his pelvis. We didn't know what to say or do. We had been told he didn't need that. We had been told how it could be fixed. We tried to tell the surgeon what we knew. We had been told by everyone we talked to that said surgeon was the best in the southeast. We struggled desperately with his plan but didn't know where to go next, BUT GOD!!!! We were told it would be at least 6 months until he could be put on the schedule, BUT GOD!!!! We were told he may never have full range of motion, BUT GOD!!!! Five days after this appointment we received a phone call to put him on the schedule, it seemed there had been a cancellation in 10 days and they'd like to have him take that spot. Thirty minutes before surgery was to begin, on Feb 19, the "best pediatric back surgeon in the southeast" came in to discuss with us that after extensive research over the last 3 days he had found in the late 80's a procedure where he didn't have to rod his entire back, just the bottom 8" where the injury was (why he is the best, never operates without extensive research). Three weeks after surgery we went for John John's first check up and he could almost touch his toes. Some serious BUT GOD's going on in our life about then!!!!!
We had about 3-4 check ups over the next 18 months or so. John John was having pain again. Nothing like last time but very consistent. The surgeon kept saying put some weight on him, unfortunately that's not nearly as easy for John John as we hoped (still!). In the midst of all of this my heart was yearning for the orphans. God had laid it on my heart fast and hard and I couldn't let go. John was not hearing it. Kept assuming it was a phase and would pass. Kept hoping I'd find another way to help the least of these. I let it go, to him, and just prayed and talked with friends that knew my heart. In April 2012 we found out John John was going to need surgery again. Nothing like last time, just a removal of some hardware (needed in less than 8% of these cases) and at the worst replacing it with a different style. We had complete peace this time. God had provided so much bigger than we could have ever imagined last time that we trusted Him in all of this this time. Surgery was scheduled for Dec 18, nearly 3 years from the first. Surgery was scheduled to last 2-4 hours. Two and a half hours in surgeon came out, said he was done. Not only was he able to take and leave out the hardware causing the issues he was also able to take out ALL of the rest of the hardware. This was a HUGE blessing. We knew that there was the potential of him being in pain on and off for the rest of his life with all that metal in such a skinny body. He'd never have that possibility again, and we were very thankful. Three weeks later we went for post op check, things were looking perfect. Nothing to be concerned with. One month later John came home from work to announce... WE ARE GOING TO CH*N@!!!! As the last 6 months have passed we have talked many times about how he would never have had the courage to say yes to God and adopt if we had not been through the last nearly 4 years of John John's back. Trusting God in ALL of that, and sometimes just being plain SCARED TO DEATH, and watching God's story unfold for His glory! He led us through the heartache, the joy, the tears, and today the conclusion. John John was released today (1 year early) from orthopedic care!!!! It was such a bittersweet goodbye. The people that we've met through the last 4 years have done more for our family than anyone would ever expect. They've gone above and beyond to care for our son, to comfort us and to share joy with us. We were unbelievably blessed to have met each of them. I wish there was some way we could show them, they will always be a huge part of God's story in our lives!
Now, we are on to the next journey, the next book in our series that God is writing. We are prepared for heartache, joy, hard times, and easy times. We are along for the ride now, trusting God to lead us where to go and knowing He will provide and bring to fruition to His story!
Thank you to ALL of you who have prayed for us over the last 4 years! It's a big day for all of us, to thank God for all He has done in and through this book in our series!!! You are all true blessings!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
52 marbles...
I recently attended a conference where I learned that we have about 936 weeks of real influence in our children's lives (from birth to 18). It's amazing how quickly you watch that pass if you have a jar full of marbles and each week you transfer one into an empty one. It puts a whole new perspective on time spent with your children. You become very intentional as you watch the weeks pass, much quicker than you expect.
Well, our time is almost up. We have 52 weeks left to train up our oldest. (Well, technically 50 and 6 days as of today). God gave us an unbelievable treasure to care for and to train up to honor and glorify Him. John John is truly becoming a man of God. An honest, hardworking man, full of integrity and honor. He has turned from an inspiring, vibrant, joyful, boy to a man that loves God, his family, and others. He has been through so much already in his short life. The past almost 5 years have taught he, and us, what he really is made of. These years have shown us that God has equipped us completely with what we need in our life; we just have to dig deep, find it, and trust Him.
John John will be an amazing husband and father one day. I can't wait to see what God has in store for him.
I really don't know what else to say except where has the time gone?!
John John, I love you! I'm so proud of you! I can't wait to watch your next 17 years!
Well, our time is almost up. We have 52 weeks left to train up our oldest. (Well, technically 50 and 6 days as of today). God gave us an unbelievable treasure to care for and to train up to honor and glorify Him. John John is truly becoming a man of God. An honest, hardworking man, full of integrity and honor. He has turned from an inspiring, vibrant, joyful, boy to a man that loves God, his family, and others. He has been through so much already in his short life. The past almost 5 years have taught he, and us, what he really is made of. These years have shown us that God has equipped us completely with what we need in our life; we just have to dig deep, find it, and trust Him.
John John will be an amazing husband and father one day. I can't wait to see what God has in store for him.
I really don't know what else to say except where has the time gone?!
John John, I love you! I'm so proud of you! I can't wait to watch your next 17 years!
Proverbs 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY JOHN JOHN!!!!
HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY JOHN JOHN!!!!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
What's in a name...
So, one of the most common questions we get is "What are you going to name her?" Well, if you only knew how hard that is to decide! We know 3 things... Her first name has to start with a "J". All of our first names start with "j" and we don't intend for her to be different. Second, we want it to mean something! Our 3 other children we just kinda picked what we liked, but we feel like with her we should put more thought into it. She is a gift from God and we plan on her name saying that (not that our 3 biological children aren't also but we feel like this is a part of us that we are giving her). Last, we fully intend to use part of her Chinese name. We can't wait to see how that fits into the names we have narrowed it down to. We are not 100% on what we've chosen yet so we are not ready to share but we have a few options. Maybe next update will be about that (though I hope not, I hope it will be that our paperwork is being sent to our agency!).
Anyway, please keep praying that things continue to move smoothly and quickly. We are still praying for God's glory to be shown in this process. We believe this is not about us; this is a part of God's story and we just get to enjoy the ride!
Til next time...
Anyway, please keep praying that things continue to move smoothly and quickly. We are still praying for God's glory to be shown in this process. We believe this is not about us; this is a part of God's story and we just get to enjoy the ride!
Til next time...
Thursday, May 16, 2013
A tree update!
So, it's been a little while and our tree now has some leaves!!!!!
Thank you so much for all of you who have joined our "family". We can not wait to share with her the people who have loved her and hoped for her before we even saw her face! Her tree will be a true culmination of love! I've added a link to the sidebar of the blog to make joining her family easier, it's labeled "her family tree".
Anyway, on to the pics...
Thank you so much for all of you who have joined our "family". We can not wait to share with her the people who have loved her and hoped for her before we even saw her face! Her tree will be a true culmination of love! I've added a link to the sidebar of the blog to make joining her family easier, it's labeled "her family tree".
Anyway, on to the pics...
Friday, April 19, 2013
Checking the list...
WOW! We are really making some progress on our paperwork! We had our last home study visit last night and we have 2 more things to do for that and our part of it will be complete. I think we have 3 more things to get for our dossier and our part of that will be complete! Holy Cow, it's moving fast now! We were told to be prepared, that things would move quickly and then it will seem like we are just waiting again for a little while. I'm fine with both, as long as it's leading us closer to our precious girl!
We are so excited and anxious to see her face. We talk often of how much we can't wait to see her laughing and playing with her brothers and sister. We can't wait to see her sweet face and watch a smile come across it. We can't wait for every part of this journey, from the tiny insignificant things to the amazingly huge things! We are trusting God through this whole process and are learning so much while watching Him move.
After our home study is finished and approved and we have all of our dossier approved our agency will begin the matching process. We can not wait to receive an email with a precious little girls face on it!!!
We are so looking forward to that moment.
Also, because our paperwork is moving so much more quickly than we had expected we are going to move the close of the fundraiser up. We are hoping now to have her tree full by the end of June. If you're not quite sure what that means go back a few posts and read about our fundraiser - her "family" tree! To those that have already become a part of her "family", it means more to us than you'll ever know!
Well, until next time, please keep praying for God's glory to shine through.
We are so excited and anxious to see her face. We talk often of how much we can't wait to see her laughing and playing with her brothers and sister. We can't wait to see her sweet face and watch a smile come across it. We can't wait for every part of this journey, from the tiny insignificant things to the amazingly huge things! We are trusting God through this whole process and are learning so much while watching Him move.
After our home study is finished and approved and we have all of our dossier approved our agency will begin the matching process. We can not wait to receive an email with a precious little girls face on it!!!
We are so looking forward to that moment.
Also, because our paperwork is moving so much more quickly than we had expected we are going to move the close of the fundraiser up. We are hoping now to have her tree full by the end of June. If you're not quite sure what that means go back a few posts and read about our fundraiser - her "family" tree! To those that have already become a part of her "family", it means more to us than you'll ever know!
Well, until next time, please keep praying for God's glory to shine through.
Monday, April 15, 2013
A pic!!!!
This is the amazing piece of art that has begun to form for our precious jewel's "family" tree! We hope to fill it with all of our friend's and families' names! If you're interested find the fundraiser post in the blog (I believe 2 posts before this) and the details are there. Thank you so much to those who have donated. I will post pics probably every month or so so you can all see the progress! Remember, we want to fill this tree by the end of July!
(By the way, the little girl in the pic is my friend's (and the artist) 3 year old daughter. I couldn't resist that AMAZING grin!!!!)
(By the way, the little girl in the pic is my friend's (and the artist) 3 year old daughter. I couldn't resist that AMAZING grin!!!!)
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Another offer from a friend!
First, let me say that it is amazing all of the support and encouragement that we are getting through this process. THANK YOU so much, friends and family, for loving us!
Awesome news.... Another amazingly talented friend of ours has offered a portion of her earnings to be a part of our new treasure's story!
April of Ric Rac Ribbon has a true talent in sewing and she has an etsy shop which she sells her creations from. If you're able/interested PLEASE check out her shop. She truly is gifted in creating boutique looks for a fair price!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RicRacRibbon
In purchasing, you will also be joining in the story of our new little one. A story that is so much bigger than us that it can only be a part of God's story.
Thank you so much April for being a great friend and for loving us and supporting us through this journey. Thank you to all who purchase from Ric Rac Ribbon for helping to bring our precious girl home!
Awesome news.... Another amazingly talented friend of ours has offered a portion of her earnings to be a part of our new treasure's story!
April of Ric Rac Ribbon has a true talent in sewing and she has an etsy shop which she sells her creations from. If you're able/interested PLEASE check out her shop. She truly is gifted in creating boutique looks for a fair price!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RicRacRibbon
In purchasing, you will also be joining in the story of our new little one. A story that is so much bigger than us that it can only be a part of God's story.
Thank you so much April for being a great friend and for loving us and supporting us through this journey. Thank you to all who purchase from Ric Rac Ribbon for helping to bring our precious girl home!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
FUNDRAISER, her "Family" Tree!
WOW! It feels so official now!
As most of you know we have started the adoption process to bring home a little girl from Ch*n*. We have had our first home study visit, and are continuing to push along through all of the other parts of this process. Even though we probably have a year left we grow more and more excited every day! We can not wait to see what God has in store for us in this journey!
We have a FABULOUS friend that is also an AMAZING artist (in my opinion). She asked if she could do a fundraiser for us so we threw around some ideas, and John and I talked, and this is what we've come up with. A "Family" Tree for our precious girl. We have decided it would be an amazing thing for our daughter to have a lifelong treasure of all the wonderful people that helped to bring her home, her "family". Our friend is going to be painting a tree and, prayerfully, filling it with leaves that our friends and family have purchased. We would love to fill the tree with all of your names! Our goal is to have the tree full by the end of July, that is about the time our next chunk of money will be due. The leaves can be purchased for as little as $1, to as much as you'd like to give. Once your payment has been confirmed, a leaf with your name on it will be added to the tree making you part of her "family". We will post updated pics every so often so you can all see the process. After the tree is full her name will be added to the bottom of it. After she's home we will take a picture of her with the painting and send a copy to all of her "family". We are so excited to give her a "family" tree so that she will forever know all of the people that loved her and helped bring her home.
Most of you probably know this process is not a cheap one. Many of you may ask why would we choose an expensive route? Well, first, we didn't. We believe with all our hearts God chose this path for us. After 15 months of prayer you just trust what's on your heart to be God's guidance. He is sending us there! Second, God calls us to ALL the orphans. We COMPLETELY understand that not everyone is called to international adoption; but as I said before, God calls us to care for ALL the orphans, so clearly some of us are called there and we believe He has called us there. We have complete faith that God is going to provide for us in taking care of this financial burden whether it be from our own resources, generous donors and fundraising, or any other way He chooses. We trust that God has placed this little girl on our hearts for a reason and we trust that He is going to be with us, and her, through its completion.
We have spoken with our agency and they requested that we have all funds sent directly to us. Here is a paypal link button
or if you don't have paypal or would just prefer to send a check please send it to:
John and Joy Turner
1236 Palm Dr
St. Johns, FL 32259
with "family tree" written on the memo line. As I said before, as soon as the payment is confirmed your name will be added on a leaf to the tree.
We want to say, in advance, THANK YOU! From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!
We know that God is faithful and we can not wait to see how He uses our friends and family to help us bring our little girl home!
Please continue to pray with us in this time; that His name will be glorified in this whole process.
As most of you know we have started the adoption process to bring home a little girl from Ch*n*. We have had our first home study visit, and are continuing to push along through all of the other parts of this process. Even though we probably have a year left we grow more and more excited every day! We can not wait to see what God has in store for us in this journey!
We have a FABULOUS friend that is also an AMAZING artist (in my opinion). She asked if she could do a fundraiser for us so we threw around some ideas, and John and I talked, and this is what we've come up with. A "Family" Tree for our precious girl. We have decided it would be an amazing thing for our daughter to have a lifelong treasure of all the wonderful people that helped to bring her home, her "family". Our friend is going to be painting a tree and, prayerfully, filling it with leaves that our friends and family have purchased. We would love to fill the tree with all of your names! Our goal is to have the tree full by the end of July, that is about the time our next chunk of money will be due. The leaves can be purchased for as little as $1, to as much as you'd like to give. Once your payment has been confirmed, a leaf with your name on it will be added to the tree making you part of her "family". We will post updated pics every so often so you can all see the process. After the tree is full her name will be added to the bottom of it. After she's home we will take a picture of her with the painting and send a copy to all of her "family". We are so excited to give her a "family" tree so that she will forever know all of the people that loved her and helped bring her home.
Most of you probably know this process is not a cheap one. Many of you may ask why would we choose an expensive route? Well, first, we didn't. We believe with all our hearts God chose this path for us. After 15 months of prayer you just trust what's on your heart to be God's guidance. He is sending us there! Second, God calls us to ALL the orphans. We COMPLETELY understand that not everyone is called to international adoption; but as I said before, God calls us to care for ALL the orphans, so clearly some of us are called there and we believe He has called us there. We have complete faith that God is going to provide for us in taking care of this financial burden whether it be from our own resources, generous donors and fundraising, or any other way He chooses. We trust that God has placed this little girl on our hearts for a reason and we trust that He is going to be with us, and her, through its completion.
We have spoken with our agency and they requested that we have all funds sent directly to us. Here is a paypal link button
or if you don't have paypal or would just prefer to send a check please send it to:
John and Joy Turner
1236 Palm Dr
St. Johns, FL 32259
with "family tree" written on the memo line. As I said before, as soon as the payment is confirmed your name will be added on a leaf to the tree.
We want to say, in advance, THANK YOU! From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!
We know that God is faithful and we can not wait to see how He uses our friends and family to help us bring our little girl home!
Please continue to pray with us in this time; that His name will be glorified in this whole process.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Timing!
So, I've always been one with LOTS of patience. I used to go with John to work (before we were married) and sit in the car while he worked 3 hours. I would just sit and read. He couldn't believe I could do that, but I didn't mind. I hear often how patient I am still. I'm not ever in a real hurry, I never feel rushed, I know life happens but I'm in no hurry for it to happen quickly! I'm a very easy going person, for the most part.
ENTER ADOPTION PROCESS!!!!!!!!!
Oh. My. Goodness.
I can't get it done fast enough. It's like I'm sitting around waiting for other people and something that has nearly never bothered my before IS KILLING ME!!!! I have to tell my self every moment of every day "Trust in God's timing Joybeth!" "He already has her picked for us, He knows when she'll be ready and when we'll be ready." "Cherish every step." "He'll take care of her."
Please pray with me, that I will choose to use the patience that He so graciously gave me to honor Him and trust in His timing! No impatience, no irritation with other people or the process. It's all about Him, His timing, His plan, His glory! He will take care of my little girl til I can get there to bring her home. Only He knows when we'll all be ready, and He is in complete control of it all!
(Clearly I'm telling myself all these things reminding myself over and over and over and over.....)
Til next time!
ENTER ADOPTION PROCESS!!!!!!!!!
Oh. My. Goodness.
I can't get it done fast enough. It's like I'm sitting around waiting for other people and something that has nearly never bothered my before IS KILLING ME!!!! I have to tell my self every moment of every day "Trust in God's timing Joybeth!" "He already has her picked for us, He knows when she'll be ready and when we'll be ready." "Cherish every step." "He'll take care of her."
Please pray with me, that I will choose to use the patience that He so graciously gave me to honor Him and trust in His timing! No impatience, no irritation with other people or the process. It's all about Him, His timing, His plan, His glory! He will take care of my little girl til I can get there to bring her home. Only He knows when we'll all be ready, and He is in complete control of it all!
(Clearly I'm telling myself all these things reminding myself over and over and over and over.....)
Til next time!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Settling down...
Well, a little ;)!
We are still so excited and anxious. There is much to be done in this process and we anticipate to be busy with paperwork the next few months or so; but peace is continuing to settle over us. We've gotten so much confirmation throughout this few weeks. Things happening at John's business that, Lord willing, are paving the way for him to be able to leave for a few weeks; unexpected $$, that is nearly the exact amount needed, falling into our hands as we are up to pay for the next step; friends thoughts and prayers matching ours; etc. It's so amazing watching God affirm us and feeling our faith being tested and strengthened
Please continue to pray with us that God will be glorified in this process. That we will be protected from doubt, anger, impatience, and fear. Please pray that we will be still and listen when God is speaking, that we will follow His path in this journey. Please pray that each step we encounter will be smooth; and that things will progress easily.
Thank you all so much for your encouragement and support.
To Him be all glory!
We are still so excited and anxious. There is much to be done in this process and we anticipate to be busy with paperwork the next few months or so; but peace is continuing to settle over us. We've gotten so much confirmation throughout this few weeks. Things happening at John's business that, Lord willing, are paving the way for him to be able to leave for a few weeks; unexpected $$, that is nearly the exact amount needed, falling into our hands as we are up to pay for the next step; friends thoughts and prayers matching ours; etc. It's so amazing watching God affirm us and feeling our faith being tested and strengthened
Please continue to pray with us that God will be glorified in this process. That we will be protected from doubt, anger, impatience, and fear. Please pray that we will be still and listen when God is speaking, that we will follow His path in this journey. Please pray that each step we encounter will be smooth; and that things will progress easily.
Thank you all so much for your encouragement and support.
To Him be all glory!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Our first week...
So I'm just gonna bullet point...
Tuesday - He told his family and I told mine.
- he said I wouldn't believe the peace he feels about this
- he said he would get on a plane tomorrow to go get her
- he told me to start researching what we need to have and get it together
- he told Jordyn and Travis (Jordyn went straight to her room to figure out how to rearrange it for a crib)
Wednesday - I went over all the paperwork we need to start the application process
- He asked me if it's weird to feel love for her already when we don't even know who she is
- He said fill out the application
Thursday - had all of our paperwork emailed to us
- made dinner arrangements with some friends that have been on this journey ahead of us to help us
Everyday - complete joy filled conversation and time spent praying and praising God for all He has done and is doing.
People, you don't understand how huge this is unless you've been here. I have to say, even if for someone wacky, completely unforeseen reason this doesn't come to fruition, our hearts are forever changed; right now, at the point we are... FOREVER!
It's amazing the people we have talked to, the support we have, the encouragement. God has truly put us in the right place at the right time for such a time as this.
As of now we have taken the first step and begun the "official" process. Please continue to pray for God's grace and for only Him to be glorified.
This is a list of verses that have been given to me or laid on my heart.
Prov 16:2,3 "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established"
Eph 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
Jer 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Rom 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."
Tuesday - He told his family and I told mine.
- he said I wouldn't believe the peace he feels about this
- he said he would get on a plane tomorrow to go get her
- he told me to start researching what we need to have and get it together
- he told Jordyn and Travis (Jordyn went straight to her room to figure out how to rearrange it for a crib)
Wednesday - I went over all the paperwork we need to start the application process
- He asked me if it's weird to feel love for her already when we don't even know who she is
- He said fill out the application
Thursday - had all of our paperwork emailed to us
- made dinner arrangements with some friends that have been on this journey ahead of us to help us
Everyday - complete joy filled conversation and time spent praying and praising God for all He has done and is doing.
People, you don't understand how huge this is unless you've been here. I have to say, even if for someone wacky, completely unforeseen reason this doesn't come to fruition, our hearts are forever changed; right now, at the point we are... FOREVER!
It's amazing the people we have talked to, the support we have, the encouragement. God has truly put us in the right place at the right time for such a time as this.
As of now we have taken the first step and begun the "official" process. Please continue to pray for God's grace and for only Him to be glorified.
This is a list of verses that have been given to me or laid on my heart.
Prov 16:2,3 "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established"
Eph 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
Jer 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Rom 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
And so it began...
So, I've been waiting and praying for this post for 15 months!!!
I'm not exactly sure how this is gonna go but I want to try to capture EVERY moment in this journey so I may ramble or mix up dates, and it may be long, but at least it'll all be here, where I can read it when I want/need.
A couple of posts ago I wrote about my prayer and heart for adoption. The next post was John's reply.
I'm going to start from there...
I ALWAYS make snide remarks and comments about when we get a little girl. Say things like "You better decide quick cause I don't want to be 40 with a baby", or "Just wait til we do this again"; you know, just making sure he knows I'm still there. A couple of weeks ago we were asked if we would be interested in taking "PRIDE" classes (state mandated classes for foster parents or adoptive parents). It is in no way a commitment to do anything, just a step into the process that helps prepare you for what you may encounter. On date night 3 weeks ago I asked John if he was 100% sure he didn't want to go to the classes. He said yes. After a few seconds of silence he looked at me and said, "well, not 100% no. Tell me about them." So we talked about what they were for, why we would take them, when, how long, all the details that I knew and that he wanted to know. That was it, nothing else was said about it. It was announced in church the next Sunday that we (as a church) were hoping to be able to host a session of classes at our location. Pastor said that they wanted to know in the next couple of weeks who was interested. Nothing was said about it between John and I. (I've been trying REALLY hard not to be pushy about this. Given it to God and trusting His timing and movement.) Two Sunday morning's ago, at the end of the service, John leaned over and asked, "So when do those classes start?" I didn't know what to say. Honestly, I was speechless!!! I just cried, I told him as far as I knew April. That was it, nothing else. We got to lunch and John said, "I can't believe you haven't asked me about what I said?!" I honestly didn't know what to say. I had been waiting 15 months for him to take the lead in any of these conversations and now that he had I didn't know what to say! The next morning I asked him if I should tell pastor we're in or not. He said he didn't know, he wanted all the information. I said ok. That night, Monday Feb 4th, when he got home from work, I met him in the garage. I had decided it was time to ask. All I had to say was, "what did you mean by what you said yesterday?" Our lives will NEVER be the same!
He turned to look at me and just started crying. All I could do was cry. He proceeded to tell me he'd been thinking about this for months; he didn't know how to tell me, didn't want to get my hopes up if it wasn't real, but that it was on his heart for us to adopt!!! (I still can't believe it, even as i type these words!) We proceeded to have a 2 hr conversation. We talked about the process, we talked about the pros and cons, we talked about how when God calls you to do something you just do it. You don't ask questions, you trust Him to take care of the details, if it's truly from Him He will take care of them. We cried and talked some more. Every time I've gotten the question about domestic or international I've always said that will be John's decision. Well, clearly he's been thinking about this for a while because he's already made that decision too; it looks like we're going to Ch*n*!!!!! He said his heart is pulling him there. He said he wants to go back to where it all started (with our friends who adopted a little girl a year ago). He asked why I hadn't asked sooner about what he had said that Sunday morning. I told him I felt like I push it already. I didn't want to be nagging or pushy. He stopped me mid sentence. He said, "You need to know this is not for you or about you! This is only about giving a little girl something she will never have if we don't give it to her. Don't ever think that this is me saying yes to you. This is so much bigger than that!" I must say I couldn't agree more and was so blessed by that. We talked for so long, it's just so amazing when God starts moving and we obey. I can not even begin to tell you the joy on his face every time I see him pretty much. It's like we are both afraid to break whatever is happening so we just smile and cry about it.
After we talked for a while we came inside. John John was sitting at the computer. I just walked by knowing I couldn't/shouldn't say anything to him. I just prayed one day soon we'd share this decision with the kids and begin our process. As I came back around the corner a few minutes later JJ was grinning ear to ear and following John out the door. Never in a million years did I think John would tell him, I just knew he'd overheard our conversation and was gonna beg and plead to know what's up. I walked out the door and asked what's up, John said, "I told him." I said, "you told him what?!" He said, "I told him it looks like we are going to Ch*n* to adopt a baby!" Are you kidding me?!?! You started telling our children?!?!?! You've really had this on your heart huh?!?!?! They talked about it for a little while. JJ has been praying with me and the other 2 that John would feel the tug, though he's always said, "this will truly take a miracle". Well, bubba, God is in the business of miracles and we got one tonight!
Later that night, after we went to bed, John leaned over and said, "thank you". I was shocked. What was he thanking me for?!?! He said, "I never would've seen it with this perspective if you hadn't shown me. Thank you for showing me what this is really about." I couldn't sleep that night. I was up all night thinking. I was completely overwhelmed by God's grace and my husband's love and happiness! It was an amazing beginning to this glorious, God led, journey.
Please join us in praying. We want only God to be glorified in this story. This is not about us, this about a God that is bigger than all things and a little girl, that He is going to allow us to be a part of her story. We are so grateful and never want to take it for granted. We pray God's protection over us and our children here, over the little girl that will God willing be ours one day, and for all the orphans around the world. That adoptive parents will feel God's pull on their hearts to use them as part of His story, that He would be glorified around the world.
There's more to tell, probably tomorrow. Hopefully I'll catch up the story soon and these posts won't be so long!
Please know that we are still in the EARLY stages of this process. It's kinda like telling someone you're pregnant right after you've only taken the home pregnancy test! We are those people though. I believe in people being along for the ride praying for/with us. God has written this story and I can't wait to watch it unfold! To Him be ALL the glory and praise!
I'm not exactly sure how this is gonna go but I want to try to capture EVERY moment in this journey so I may ramble or mix up dates, and it may be long, but at least it'll all be here, where I can read it when I want/need.
A couple of posts ago I wrote about my prayer and heart for adoption. The next post was John's reply.
I'm going to start from there...
I ALWAYS make snide remarks and comments about when we get a little girl. Say things like "You better decide quick cause I don't want to be 40 with a baby", or "Just wait til we do this again"; you know, just making sure he knows I'm still there. A couple of weeks ago we were asked if we would be interested in taking "PRIDE" classes (state mandated classes for foster parents or adoptive parents). It is in no way a commitment to do anything, just a step into the process that helps prepare you for what you may encounter. On date night 3 weeks ago I asked John if he was 100% sure he didn't want to go to the classes. He said yes. After a few seconds of silence he looked at me and said, "well, not 100% no. Tell me about them." So we talked about what they were for, why we would take them, when, how long, all the details that I knew and that he wanted to know. That was it, nothing else was said about it. It was announced in church the next Sunday that we (as a church) were hoping to be able to host a session of classes at our location. Pastor said that they wanted to know in the next couple of weeks who was interested. Nothing was said about it between John and I. (I've been trying REALLY hard not to be pushy about this. Given it to God and trusting His timing and movement.) Two Sunday morning's ago, at the end of the service, John leaned over and asked, "So when do those classes start?" I didn't know what to say. Honestly, I was speechless!!! I just cried, I told him as far as I knew April. That was it, nothing else. We got to lunch and John said, "I can't believe you haven't asked me about what I said?!" I honestly didn't know what to say. I had been waiting 15 months for him to take the lead in any of these conversations and now that he had I didn't know what to say! The next morning I asked him if I should tell pastor we're in or not. He said he didn't know, he wanted all the information. I said ok. That night, Monday Feb 4th, when he got home from work, I met him in the garage. I had decided it was time to ask. All I had to say was, "what did you mean by what you said yesterday?" Our lives will NEVER be the same!
He turned to look at me and just started crying. All I could do was cry. He proceeded to tell me he'd been thinking about this for months; he didn't know how to tell me, didn't want to get my hopes up if it wasn't real, but that it was on his heart for us to adopt!!! (I still can't believe it, even as i type these words!) We proceeded to have a 2 hr conversation. We talked about the process, we talked about the pros and cons, we talked about how when God calls you to do something you just do it. You don't ask questions, you trust Him to take care of the details, if it's truly from Him He will take care of them. We cried and talked some more. Every time I've gotten the question about domestic or international I've always said that will be John's decision. Well, clearly he's been thinking about this for a while because he's already made that decision too; it looks like we're going to Ch*n*!!!!! He said his heart is pulling him there. He said he wants to go back to where it all started (with our friends who adopted a little girl a year ago). He asked why I hadn't asked sooner about what he had said that Sunday morning. I told him I felt like I push it already. I didn't want to be nagging or pushy. He stopped me mid sentence. He said, "You need to know this is not for you or about you! This is only about giving a little girl something she will never have if we don't give it to her. Don't ever think that this is me saying yes to you. This is so much bigger than that!" I must say I couldn't agree more and was so blessed by that. We talked for so long, it's just so amazing when God starts moving and we obey. I can not even begin to tell you the joy on his face every time I see him pretty much. It's like we are both afraid to break whatever is happening so we just smile and cry about it.
After we talked for a while we came inside. John John was sitting at the computer. I just walked by knowing I couldn't/shouldn't say anything to him. I just prayed one day soon we'd share this decision with the kids and begin our process. As I came back around the corner a few minutes later JJ was grinning ear to ear and following John out the door. Never in a million years did I think John would tell him, I just knew he'd overheard our conversation and was gonna beg and plead to know what's up. I walked out the door and asked what's up, John said, "I told him." I said, "you told him what?!" He said, "I told him it looks like we are going to Ch*n* to adopt a baby!" Are you kidding me?!?! You started telling our children?!?!?! You've really had this on your heart huh?!?!?! They talked about it for a little while. JJ has been praying with me and the other 2 that John would feel the tug, though he's always said, "this will truly take a miracle". Well, bubba, God is in the business of miracles and we got one tonight!
Later that night, after we went to bed, John leaned over and said, "thank you". I was shocked. What was he thanking me for?!?! He said, "I never would've seen it with this perspective if you hadn't shown me. Thank you for showing me what this is really about." I couldn't sleep that night. I was up all night thinking. I was completely overwhelmed by God's grace and my husband's love and happiness! It was an amazing beginning to this glorious, God led, journey.
Please join us in praying. We want only God to be glorified in this story. This is not about us, this about a God that is bigger than all things and a little girl, that He is going to allow us to be a part of her story. We are so grateful and never want to take it for granted. We pray God's protection over us and our children here, over the little girl that will God willing be ours one day, and for all the orphans around the world. That adoptive parents will feel God's pull on their hearts to use them as part of His story, that He would be glorified around the world.
There's more to tell, probably tomorrow. Hopefully I'll catch up the story soon and these posts won't be so long!
Please know that we are still in the EARLY stages of this process. It's kinda like telling someone you're pregnant right after you've only taken the home pregnancy test! We are those people though. I believe in people being along for the ride praying for/with us. God has written this story and I can't wait to watch it unfold! To Him be ALL the glory and praise!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
7 weeks later...
Well, we know that if we trust God He will always take care of us, to the smallest detail.
John John's surgery was a huge success and he came through with flying colors. The surgeon opened him up to take the 2 screws out and EVERYTHING looked fused so strongly together that not only did he not have to put 2 new pieces in, he was able to take ALL of the rods and bolts out. So instead of a back full of metal he's back to just bone now. He still has minor limitations in his flexibility due to the fusion in the bottom 8 inches but there is no more metal in his back!!! The surgeon said as skinny as he is he figured he'd leave no chance at this ever happening again.
John John has healed unbelievably well. He's gonna have a few awesome scars but they go along with a true testimony of what God can do!
Before surgery we asked if we were able to keep the bolts. The doctor said of course so he had them cleaned and sanitized for us and now John, John John, and I each have a key ring that tell an amazing God sighting story for the rest of time.
Thank you God for loving us enough to make the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and for loving us enough to carry us through this life with amazing reminders of You!
John John's surgery was a huge success and he came through with flying colors. The surgeon opened him up to take the 2 screws out and EVERYTHING looked fused so strongly together that not only did he not have to put 2 new pieces in, he was able to take ALL of the rods and bolts out. So instead of a back full of metal he's back to just bone now. He still has minor limitations in his flexibility due to the fusion in the bottom 8 inches but there is no more metal in his back!!! The surgeon said as skinny as he is he figured he'd leave no chance at this ever happening again.
John John has healed unbelievably well. He's gonna have a few awesome scars but they go along with a true testimony of what God can do!
Before surgery we asked if we were able to keep the bolts. The doctor said of course so he had them cleaned and sanitized for us and now John, John John, and I each have a key ring that tell an amazing God sighting story for the rest of time.
Thank you God for loving us enough to make the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and for loving us enough to carry us through this life with amazing reminders of You!
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