We got the call/many emails from our agency, Lifeline Children's Services, approving us to go ahead with the adoption. We have been sent many emails, all of which we were told to just "look over". Well, as I "look over" pages and pages of requirements, forms, numbers and acronyms I don't understand, definitions, FBI background information, medical forms, and translation needs, I'm completely overwhelmed. So much to do, all having to be done at the perfect time to appease the governments on both ends. We will be in contact with our case specialist shortly, which is who we can defer our endless questions. I guess the waiting overwhelmed is part of the journey.
Overwhelmed by paperwork, and overly curious about the process, I am quickly reminded that my automatic desire to worry is unnecessary. My subconscious wants to fret over what to do and when to do it is pointless. The Lord will continue to renew our strength through the battles; we will walk and not faint. Our hearts will be at peace and won't be troubled as long as we trust. Trust is what this process will take the most of. Every step is complicated. Every step seems long. Every step, although one step closer to meeting a child who is in your heart even though you don't know what they look like, is still too far to love on them. But we will rise, for the Lord is our strength and our shield. Our hearts will TRUST in Him and we will give thanks. For without Him, we wouldn't have been adopted into Christ's church. Adoption is love, and right now, all we can do is trust.
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall
mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they
shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I
am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:7
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Poker Tournament/The Application is SENT!
The poker tournament is quickly approaching! We've changed some of the rules/happenings/guidelines so that the tournament will be much better run. Even more of a reason for you to come! Just check out the updates on the tab right above "Charity Poker Tournament".
It's on September 1 - the night before Labor Day so you can sleep in on that Monday! It's a $20 buy in, with a chance to win $200. Drinks & snacks will be available for $1 or less that night.
This event will be so much fun - we're so excited! Please come and be part of the fun - and invite all your friends! We don't have a maximum for how many people can come, so invite everyone!
Just shoot us a message on facebook, or comment on the blog with the names of people who are coming so we can save seats :)
Thank you all so much for your love & support - we sent out the application today in the mail so things will get rolling very soon!
Love & blessings,
Ry & Kristi
It's on September 1 - the night before Labor Day so you can sleep in on that Monday! It's a $20 buy in, with a chance to win $200. Drinks & snacks will be available for $1 or less that night.
This event will be so much fun - we're so excited! Please come and be part of the fun - and invite all your friends! We don't have a maximum for how many people can come, so invite everyone!
Just shoot us a message on facebook, or comment on the blog with the names of people who are coming so we can save seats :)
Thank you all so much for your love & support - we sent out the application today in the mail so things will get rolling very soon!
Love & blessings,
Ry & Kristi
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Avonlea's Story
Her exact words were, “She has no one. No one wants to adopt her. She has no family. There is no one.”
This story is beautiful, wonderful, and so blessed. For a look into the hearts of an adoptive family who traveled to Ukraine to find their daughter. Just click on the link below to read the family's story featured on Lifeline's blog.
Avonlea's Story
This story is beautiful, wonderful, and so blessed. For a look into the hearts of an adoptive family who traveled to Ukraine to find their daughter. Just click on the link below to read the family's story featured on Lifeline's blog.
Avonlea's Story
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Puzzle Raffle: Edition 2
We were going to wait til later to introduce our new raffle but since a few people have already bought puzzle pieces for it, we figured we might as well let everyone know :)
The next puzzle piece fundraiser grouping is to help cover part of the agency fees that are due at the end of our home study. To get some of this covered, we have a goal of 213 puzzle pieces to get reserved.
And the raffle is....
A day of FOOD! $10 to starbucks, $15 to Panera, & $25 to Olive Garden. Enjoy a whole day of good food and good service.
Get in on the Food Raffle - we've got 213 pieces!
The next puzzle piece fundraiser grouping is to help cover part of the agency fees that are due at the end of our home study. To get some of this covered, we have a goal of 213 puzzle pieces to get reserved.
And the raffle is....
A day of FOOD! $10 to starbucks, $15 to Panera, & $25 to Olive Garden. Enjoy a whole day of good food and good service.
Get in on the Food Raffle - we've got 213 pieces!
Target Gift Card Raffle Winner is.....
Congrats to the Ellis Family!
Thank you so much to the Ellis family for donating the gift card to buy things for our child's room!
My soul waits.
My soul waits.
Today, I woke up with a heavy heart. Today, although my eyes have no tears left, still felt like crying. Today, I realized that our child could be being cast aside right now.
Since we will get a 2-5 year old, right now, our child is a little baby, being told that they're not good enough, that they don't hear enough, and that they can't stay. They can't stay in a warm home with caring parents. They can't stay in a house that will be clean and have a fridge full of food. They can't stay where there is love.
They are being institutionalized, left in a hospital bed, next to other children who are suffering the same fate. This breaks my heart. The wait is more painful than I expected. We could easily go and get them today, bring them home, and love them til they burst. But government control, paperwork, and silly rules tell us we can't. We have to leave them there. Alone.
So, the only thing we can do is wait. Wait for the Lord and pray through the battles and the fears. We will not lose heart. We will pray for our baby, and wait in excitement for the day we meet them as a toddler.
"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."
Psalm 130:5-6
Today, I woke up with a heavy heart. Today, although my eyes have no tears left, still felt like crying. Today, I realized that our child could be being cast aside right now.
Since we will get a 2-5 year old, right now, our child is a little baby, being told that they're not good enough, that they don't hear enough, and that they can't stay. They can't stay in a warm home with caring parents. They can't stay in a house that will be clean and have a fridge full of food. They can't stay where there is love.
They are being institutionalized, left in a hospital bed, next to other children who are suffering the same fate. This breaks my heart. The wait is more painful than I expected. We could easily go and get them today, bring them home, and love them til they burst. But government control, paperwork, and silly rules tell us we can't. We have to leave them there. Alone.
So, the only thing we can do is wait. Wait for the Lord and pray through the battles and the fears. We will not lose heart. We will pray for our baby, and wait in excitement for the day we meet them as a toddler.
"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."
Psalm 130:5-6
Monday, August 12, 2013
Why Bulgaria?
We know some of your were wondering "Why Bulgaria? Why not a cheaper country, or here in America?"
We chose/were forced to choose Bulgaria for a list of reasons. Hopefully this will help bring understanding to the path we're going down.
1. We chose international because of a few reasons.
One - international orphanages (especially those in Bulgaria) have it much worse than those in America. Yes, there are so many kids here in orphanages and homes that are not taken care of properly, loved on enough, or tucked into bed at night. But, those children still have food, clothes, and hope. Those same children, if placed in an overseas orphanage, wouldn't be given any of that. They would be institutionalized, malnourished, and not provided with the means to succeed. A deaf child overseas would never have a language, would be placed in an institution, and could never get a job no matter how old they were. They sit, in dirty filth, all day everyday. If you doubt this, please stay tuned for our posts with Bulgarian orphanage footage. We've posted one already.
Two - We do not believe we can handle an adoption here in America where the birth parents are either involved from the beginning, or there is the possibility of not properly terminating parental rights. We think that those who do have an "open" adoption (or some form of it) are so brave and wonderful - there should be more like them. But unfortunately, our hearts don't lie there. We have been scared away by too many stories of parents coming back; we don't think we want an open adoption for our family.
Three - Our hearts have been called to international adoption from the beginning. It is not up to us to say which children are more important (American vs. International). Children are children.
2. Bulgaria doesn't have a minimum age limit.
Many countries have very strict rules that go along with international adoption - making it even more difficult to find adoptive parents. China has a minimum age of 30 for both parents. There are a few countries that have a minimum age of 25, but there are other issues we have with those countries as well. And, if we can take care of a child now and feel led to do so, why wait? This is a 3-4 year process (if adopting deaf) in almost any country so we feel as if it's time to start.
3. Bulgaria has a HUGE special needs orphan population, therefore, our agency believes finding a deaf child will not be difficult.
Another option of ours was Hong Kong (different than China). But, they are too small and don't believe they would find our child. Hungary was a similar situation. Those that are aware of special needs programs often didn't think they would be able to find our child.
4. Timing.
The other countries that were options for us required us to travel for a 6week or longer stay in that country (Hungary, Uganda, etc.). Unfortunately, Ryan's job won't allow him to be gone for that long. Bulgaria requires 2 trips, each 5-7 days long. Totally doable.
5. Our hearts.
Everything about Bulgaria (except for the initial cost) seemed to be falling into our laps. Everything seemed to be working beautifully. We feel like we have a moral obligation to fill - and we are trying to fill it. Our hearts break for the orphans and we feel like we are definitely on the right path.
These are the main reasons that we chose the path we're going down and we hope this clears up some confusion. If you have any more concerns or questions, please feel free to email us or message us on facebook. We love to answer questions about why we feel called to this mission.
We chose/were forced to choose Bulgaria for a list of reasons. Hopefully this will help bring understanding to the path we're going down.
1. We chose international because of a few reasons.
One - international orphanages (especially those in Bulgaria) have it much worse than those in America. Yes, there are so many kids here in orphanages and homes that are not taken care of properly, loved on enough, or tucked into bed at night. But, those children still have food, clothes, and hope. Those same children, if placed in an overseas orphanage, wouldn't be given any of that. They would be institutionalized, malnourished, and not provided with the means to succeed. A deaf child overseas would never have a language, would be placed in an institution, and could never get a job no matter how old they were. They sit, in dirty filth, all day everyday. If you doubt this, please stay tuned for our posts with Bulgarian orphanage footage. We've posted one already.
Two - We do not believe we can handle an adoption here in America where the birth parents are either involved from the beginning, or there is the possibility of not properly terminating parental rights. We think that those who do have an "open" adoption (or some form of it) are so brave and wonderful - there should be more like them. But unfortunately, our hearts don't lie there. We have been scared away by too many stories of parents coming back; we don't think we want an open adoption for our family.
Three - Our hearts have been called to international adoption from the beginning. It is not up to us to say which children are more important (American vs. International). Children are children.
2. Bulgaria doesn't have a minimum age limit.
Many countries have very strict rules that go along with international adoption - making it even more difficult to find adoptive parents. China has a minimum age of 30 for both parents. There are a few countries that have a minimum age of 25, but there are other issues we have with those countries as well. And, if we can take care of a child now and feel led to do so, why wait? This is a 3-4 year process (if adopting deaf) in almost any country so we feel as if it's time to start.
3. Bulgaria has a HUGE special needs orphan population, therefore, our agency believes finding a deaf child will not be difficult.
Another option of ours was Hong Kong (different than China). But, they are too small and don't believe they would find our child. Hungary was a similar situation. Those that are aware of special needs programs often didn't think they would be able to find our child.
4. Timing.
The other countries that were options for us required us to travel for a 6week or longer stay in that country (Hungary, Uganda, etc.). Unfortunately, Ryan's job won't allow him to be gone for that long. Bulgaria requires 2 trips, each 5-7 days long. Totally doable.
5. Our hearts.
Everything about Bulgaria (except for the initial cost) seemed to be falling into our laps. Everything seemed to be working beautifully. We feel like we have a moral obligation to fill - and we are trying to fill it. Our hearts break for the orphans and we feel like we are definitely on the right path.
These are the main reasons that we chose the path we're going down and we hope this clears up some confusion. If you have any more concerns or questions, please feel free to email us or message us on facebook. We love to answer questions about why we feel called to this mission.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
WHAS11 Interview
We were so blessed to be interviewed and shown on WHAS11 News. Thank you so much to our awesome videographer/photographer Dave! Just copy & paste the link to view the video and read the story.
http://www.whas11.com/news/local/Louisville-couple-looking-for-help-in-adoption-process-219206691.html
If you haven't checked this out already, "like" our facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/welcomelittlechild
http://www.whas11.com/news/local/Louisville-couple-looking-for-help-in-adoption-process-219206691.html
If you haven't checked this out already, "like" our facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/welcomelittlechild
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Puzzle Video Update - bonus features included :)
Puzzle Video Update! Watch for some awesome BONUS FEATURES :)))
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyN7INMOuW0
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Puzzle Update!
We've gone from this....
TO THIS!
Thank you all SO much!
Just need 100 more pieces to go before our home study!
Monday, August 5, 2013
RAFFLE!
Someone has blessed our mission by donating a $50 TARGET GIFT CARD as a raffle for our puzzle piece fundraiser to support our first goal: our home study!
Just $10 to enter!
We need 175 puzzle pieces BOUGHT within 2 WEEKS to start our home study!!! If 175 pieces are sold within 2 weeks, we will hold the drawing! If you purchase a puzzle piece (or have ALREADY purchased a piece), you will be entered into the drawing. Each piece bought acts as a raffle - if you buy 1 piece, you are entered 1 time; if you buy 100 pieces, you are entered 100 times!
Buy NOW so you can be entered into the Target drawing!
Just $10! Click on the PayPal button on the right and type in your total!
Just $10 to enter!
We need 175 puzzle pieces BOUGHT within 2 WEEKS to start our home study!!! If 175 pieces are sold within 2 weeks, we will hold the drawing! If you purchase a puzzle piece (or have ALREADY purchased a piece), you will be entered into the drawing. Each piece bought acts as a raffle - if you buy 1 piece, you are entered 1 time; if you buy 100 pieces, you are entered 100 times!
Buy NOW so you can be entered into the Target drawing!
Just $10! Click on the PayPal button on the right and type in your total!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Home Study: What does that even mean?
Since our next goal is raising funds for our home study, we wanted to let you all know what a home study was and what it meant for us.
We will be assigned a social worker through Lifeline to complete our home study. The home study is basically a way for the agency to check to see if we are a reliable, stable, secure couple looking to add a child into our home. Ryan & I will go through a parental training course during this time and will be participating in many interviews with our social worker. These interviews will help our relationship with our social worker grow, but it will also allow them to see us as a couple looking to parent, and it will give us the opportunity to share details about how we see our adoption playing out.
We will then have numerous home visits where the social worker will check to make sure our home is a safe place for a child. We will have to meet state, national, and Bulgarian requirements. This process may even require for health and/or fire inspector to come as well.
We will also be going through health statements; both of us being required to offer a detailed physical. Income statements will be gone through, so they can make sure we can take care of an additional person. We will have fingerprinting and background checks done as well.
This is a 4-5 month process. At the end of the home study, we will get a report on how we did. If we pass, we can apply for immigration and our paperwork (dossier) is sent to Bulgaria.
The home study really solidifies the adoption process and, more importantly, legally allows Bulgaria to start looking for our child.
Please help us get to this process by donating a puzzle piece (paying through the PayPal button on the right).
We will be assigned a social worker through Lifeline to complete our home study. The home study is basically a way for the agency to check to see if we are a reliable, stable, secure couple looking to add a child into our home. Ryan & I will go through a parental training course during this time and will be participating in many interviews with our social worker. These interviews will help our relationship with our social worker grow, but it will also allow them to see us as a couple looking to parent, and it will give us the opportunity to share details about how we see our adoption playing out.
We will then have numerous home visits where the social worker will check to make sure our home is a safe place for a child. We will have to meet state, national, and Bulgarian requirements. This process may even require for health and/or fire inspector to come as well.
We will also be going through health statements; both of us being required to offer a detailed physical. Income statements will be gone through, so they can make sure we can take care of an additional person. We will have fingerprinting and background checks done as well.
This is a 4-5 month process. At the end of the home study, we will get a report on how we did. If we pass, we can apply for immigration and our paperwork (dossier) is sent to Bulgaria.
The home study really solidifies the adoption process and, more importantly, legally allows Bulgaria to start looking for our child.
Please help us get to this process by donating a puzzle piece (paying through the PayPal button on the right).
Help Ammo become a Big Brother!
Just go to our blog (http://welcomelittlechild.blogspot.com/) and click on the PayPal link on the right. Type in the denomination of how many puzzle pieces you want to reserve ($10 for 1, $20, for 2, etc). We'll put up a photo of your puzzle piece!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Indiegogo
Check out our Indiegogo Crowdsourcing page!
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/deaf-adoption-from-bulgaria/x/4251780?show_todos=true
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/deaf-adoption-from-bulgaria/x/4251780?show_todos=true
Bulgaria's Abandoned Children 1
Friday, August 2, 2013
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