a lil news

We have had a few developments in our world, aka new specific things to pray about.  Here goes:

1.  We decided on another a date to go visit Uganda and I emailed the lady that runs the baby home that I have been in contact with to see if it worked for her.  She came back with news that during the month of January they are on school holiday and no babies are in the home.  They have a program where all of the employees take a couple of kids each, home with them until February.  So, she offered to meet with us but if we waited until February there would be children in the home.  To that, I quickly responded that I don't want to wait until Feb,  I wanted to be there in October, but I would do whatever she suggests.  Then, after much prayer concerning the disappointing news about our home appraisal I decided that it wouldn't  hurt to ask if she needed to see us face to face before giving us a referral or if she felt comfortable with our dossier?  Because, I would love to be in Uganda for court, (not for introductions) in February. 
She said she was in investigations and would try to get back to me before they "break off" hehehe ...meaning go to break.  If this actually happens...idk.  I am already feeling so blessed that a new/dear friend of mine has put me in contact with such ethical professionals in Uganda.  This would just blow my mind.  As annoying as the waiting can be, I am learning SO much about trusting God.  And I know that He who began this good work in us, will continue until it is finish.



2.  The other thing is WAY not that exciting.  I have been arguing with myself about this for a while, but have decided to sell T-shirts to help fund the adoption. 

I tell myself:

• it will be fun
• I love to be creative
• nobody is going to buy a shirt from me
• people will love to wear my shirt
• being creative is TOO hard
• we could design a cool shirt
• everybody already has too many shirts

but last night I had some encouraging advice from a friend.  She said she would love to buy stuff to help a family who is rescuing an orphan, and others do too.  Then I realized...  I am one of those others.  I would love to buy a shirt from someone like me.  hehehe  So, I'm on it.  I will keep you posted.  I will link it to facebook when I get it done.  Thank you for the encouragement I have been receiving from all of you who are supporting us from near and far.  You don't know just how much your private lovenotesmessages and 'attagirls' mean to this poor conflicted soul!  Ha!

I love you, my village!
tif

the Money Hoop

One of the hoops that we were waiting to jump through last week was a "money hoop", we waited and waited.  We finally got some news on Friday that allows us to press on.  Although, it wasn't the news we had hoped for.  Without crossing a line of confidentiality with MikeBlair (my much-more-private-than-I-am husband), I will suffice it to say that I am now researching some fundraising ideas.  I don't want to.  I hate fundraisers to benefit me.  I hate asking for help/money.  (sorry for that fit)
But as most of you know, adoption is expensive.  It is expensive to have our fingerprints done with USCIS, it's expensive to get all of the documents that prove that we are really wanting to add this child to our family to love and treat well, it's expensive to fly to Africa and stay for an extended period to go to court and embassy appointments.  It is not just expensive monetarily, but physically and emotionally, too.  These things don't scare me off, I am committed to making everything line up just right so I can jump through these hoops.  I always assumed that if we were going to do it, we were going to do it ourselves.  Self-sufficient is the American way, right?  Then you remember what God is trying to teach me;  I am not in control.  ((sigh)) 
I have found comfort in the fact that most people wish that there weren't any orphans, tho, not everyone is called to adopt.  Maybe some of our village are the kind who are called to financially help those of us who have been called to adopt.  That is how some will live out James 1:27a Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress... NLT
So, now I am researching a way to invite the givers in our village, to be a part of our journey!  I have a lot of things floating around in my head right now.  We could make T-shirts...We could have a bake sale... Uganda is called the pearl of Africa, maybe I should craft something out of pearls...We could do a silent auction and dinner party...We could host a movie night...  hey, this could be fun!

Back to the things I hate; I hate nothing more than to try and get my village, my people, people that I love, my friends, to come to over my house and buy a cooking utensil, or jewelry or make-up or some other thing that they don't want, but feel like they need to, because I put them in that position. (insert breathing into a paper sack here)  NO! I am breaking out in hives just thinking about putting that kind of pressure on my village. 
So, please, if you consider yourself a giver in our village, please, pLeAsE, PLEASE, give me some feedback on how you would like to be a part of this.  Or if you have suggestions, that would be great, too.  We solicit your prayer as we make these decisions and all along this journey.

Adoption

Most of you already know, we are adopting.  We are jumping and weaving through all of the hoops to make it possible for our family grow by two feet, from Uganda.  We are excited!  We are also overwhelmed.  Overwhelmed with the things we have to do, and the things that we need/want to do but can't just yet.  Anyone who knows anything about adoption knows that there is some waiting involved.  Of course, ;) I knew that.  I THOUGHT I knew that.  I thought I would be waiting for a child to come home with us. I thought I would be waiting for someone to say, "ok, he/she is ready!"
If only that was all of the waiting. 

I have decided that the reason that God put adoption on my heart at such a young age, ( I was maybe 8) is because He knew that I would be able to control lots of other things in my life.  That I would not let myself get into a situation that I couldn't handle.  That I would also, not let myself get into a situation where He could teach me patience, because patience are not my favorite.  It takes too long to learn about patience. 

My heart longs for nothing else enough, to take that class.  But for adoption, it does.  My heart longs to hold a child that has been in a bad situation and give them a chance at a better life.  My heart longs to make things easier, more lovely and teach them Jesus.  So, here I go, signed up for Patience 101.  And already looking for the class to be over.  The rewards are at the end, but I will hafta show up and do the work to make the grade.  Pray for me, for strength and perseverance.  

Thank you, God for knowing me well enough to know how to get me to take the class that I need most.  He is amazing!  In this, I am reminded that He cares so much for me, and knows who I am by nature.  I hope to be delivered through this having become more fruitful as a child of God.         

Philippians 4:6    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ESV

more details to come

My dream job, when I was a little girl, was to raise a, God loving, family.  Dreams can come true!  Buuuuut it doesn't always feel like a "dream come true". 
So here goes, trying to document our little, sometimes wild, blessed corner of the world.  With enough realism for you to be able to relate to us, but not so much that you know we are crazy. :)

well....maybe we are.

Hope you enjoy!