We got the matching grant!

We received the matching grant from Tapestry through Lifesong.  The matching grant is $3,500.  We are so grateful for this.  If you would like to be a part of releasing heaven's resources by helping match this fund the information is below.

You can make checks payable to: Lifesong. Put the following in the memo section “Witham/#3345 Adoption” in the memo section of your check.

Mail checks to:

Lifesong for Orphans
Att: Witham/#3345
PO Box 40
Gridley, IL 61744

Thank you for investing in the Kingdom through prayer and finances – it will be an investment with an eternal return!  We are so grateful.

Potential Matching Fund

We wanted to post this to have you simply pray about this…

 

We have been blessed by so many generous people along the way through this journey of adoption.  It truly humbles us.  At this point in the journey we have $10,000 left to pay at placement.  We have always had a ‘plan B’ through this to pay this last part through a loan against our retirement.  We are more than ok with this if this is the Lord’s path and plan. 

In the last couple of months we have been learning from and talking with a ministry called Tapestry (http://tapestryministry.org/).  They are awesome.  We have been discussing with them the possibility of a 0% loan or a ‘matching grant’.  With getting word last week of a birth mom wanting to place with us and delivering by c-section on December 18 we didn’t think we would get looked at in time to be considered, but I got word yesterday that they were expediting our application because of the rather quick placement.  Then this morning I got a call and they said that tomorrow they would call with how they want to help – they emphasized they do want to help.

Today they asked if I thought a matching fund would be the best route since baby is coming in 2 weeks.  I told them I didn’t know and they said, ‘pray’ and we will talk tomorrow.  So would you join me in praying?  They have talked about doing $4,000 to $5,000 in a matching fund, so others’ gifts would be doubled.  We are simply praying for his perfect plan and path.                                                     

We got the phone call!!!

We got the long awaited phone call! 

 

This past Tuesday Annette and I received a phone call from our adoption agency.  They shared with us that a birth mom wanted to meet with us for a ‘match meeting’.  So, Wednesday night we met with a brave birth mom and she has chosen to place her baby girl with us to adopt.  She is due to have a c-section on December 18, so we are getting an extra special Christmas gift this year.  Pray for birth mom and baby!

The phone is ringing

So my cell phone rang yesterday.  If you know me very well you know that I most often do not have my cell phone near me.  It's usually in my purse.  So I vaguely hear it ringing.  I try to hurry and get to it but wasn't fast enough.  So as I look at the number it was like everything went into slow motion....except my heart and I thought it might beat on out of my chest. I saw it was our agency.  I couldn't call back fast enough.  So this is what it felt like....
If you have ever taken a pregnancy test you know those moments it takes for it to "process" really seem to take FOREVER before you can see the results.  That is exactly how I felt from the time I dialed the number until after our initial "hi, how are you?" part of the conversation was over.  I soon found out that it was a negative...she was calling to check in on us.  I REALLY do love that they do that and am so grateful for each of these women.  If I'm completely honest though I will tell you I was a little sad.  I hope everytime the phone rings it could be that call. 
Thank you to continue to pray that we wait well!  I continue to rest in knowing His time is perfect.  We have learned so much during this time and give Him glory for the things He has done!

Garage Sale - July 13-14

Jerry and I have been cleaning out our garage and around the house.   We are planning on having a garage sale July 13-14 to continue to chip away at the amount remaining for our adoption.  This amount will be due when the sweet baby the Lord has for us is placed.  The Lord has been so faithful to provide in such amazing ways for each time we had a payment due.


We thought we would send this out to friends who might be like us and have "stuff" collecting dust that you had planned on taking to Goodwill or something of that sort, but just haven't gotten around to it.  We would be happy to come pick it up so you don't have to get out in this crazy heat!  Just let us know if you would like to get out from the bottom of the pile (little or big) and when and we'll come help.  Email Annette at annette.witham@att.net.

Just Love Coffee

We just connected with Just Love Coffee and they have a heart for adoption.  If you are a coffee drinker and would like to give some new coffee a try you can enjoy some coffee and help us out as well.  It is a win, win deal.  Simply go to https://justlovecoffee.com/about/beneficiary/coffeelove/ and through that link you can help support us and enjoy some coffee.

Two weeks ago I got my first back of coffee from them and I love it!  The coffee is some good stuff. 

The Latest News

It has been eight months since God led us to adopt.  So much has happened since then.  First, thank you for praying for us and thinking of us often.  Many have asked so we wanted to write and give an update on how things are going. 

Last winter we decided on an agency to do our adoption through.  The agency is called Chosen Child, which is located in Allen.  We fell in love with this agency at orientation as they shared their hearts for both the adoptive parents, but also the birth moms. This is what attracted us to them most.   They have a huge desire to minister to each birth mom as they walk through this process of placing and then through the grieving process after placing.   They desire for them to know Christ and the love He has for them.   They have a support system for them to lean on.  They do not have to walk this alone.  Most of Chosen Child’s birth moms come from Hannah’s House where the girls can live during their pregnancy and for a year after placing.  They also have girls from the surrounding communities that do not reside at Hannah’s House.

In December we had our home study.  Then at the first of January we were approved.  In mid-January we entered the placement phase.  This is the phase in which we began to be introduced to birth moms who are looking to place their child for adoption.  During this phase we are introduced to birth moms by means of a family book that we put together.  So far our profile has been shown to one birth mom.  She did not choose us.  She delivered the day after Annette’s first surgery to repair her first broken foot (Annette broke both her feet in February).  The Lord has reminded us through this that He has us in His hands and knows what is best for us.  He has a perfect plan and already knows the baby that He will place in our family.  We rest in that.  Our profile will only be shown to those girls that desire to place their baby in a home where it will have siblings.  We have three of them praying for this sweet baby and ready to welcome it into our family.  We are hoping to get a girl between zero and two years of age.

During this time we have been overwhelmed with the generosity of so many.  Our adoption cost is $18,550.  To get into the placement phase we needed to pay $8,550.  We were able to make this payment in January.  We were able to do this with the generous gifts of so many.  It started with a garage sale we had last Fall.  Many donated items for us to sell.  We made just over $1,000.  Annette made tutus for little girls and dolls.  We also had a fundraiser at Gatti Town.  Then we have had others give us financial gifts.  We could not have made this payment at this phase without the kind and sacrificial gifts of so many.

So, what is next?  When a birth mom decides to place a child with us we will then pay the final payment, which is $10,000.  Again, because of generous gifts we have $1,270 to go toward this amount.  We are very thankful!

Until a birth mom chooses us we simply wait.  So we are in the waiting phase.  We like to think of it as God’s waiting room.  He is preparing our hearts daily for this wonderful opportunity to extend His grace to a special child and even beyond.  While we wait we are preparing our house.  A family gave us a set of bunk beds and now Noah and Pierce are sharing a room, which has freed up a room for our next child.  Pierce is loving this.  Noah really likes having Pierce in his room at night, but is thinking he might like to try moving upstairs.  We also are being equipped every month by our agency.  This has been such a blessing, as we have been learning about things such as the legal process to relating to the birth mom.

As the Apostle Paul say, Thanks be to God for His indesribable gift (2 Corinthians 9.15).  We thank God for His generous gift in Jesus and we thank Him for His likeness in so many, which has extended to us such a generous gift.  We are so thankful for so many prayers, donations and financial gifts.

Be Still

We attended our first "expectant parent meeting" earlier this month. It was wonderful. The Lord used so many different people that night to encourage us by sharing about their journeys. Many of our questions were answered and some of our fears were voiced by others which of course makes you feel "normal". Amazing! It is such a beautiful adventure and so exciting to be part of the Lord's plan.

We also found out that night that the birthmom that our book was shown to did not chose us. I REALLY wasn't expecting some of the feelings that came with that. I had heard others share in their feelings but REALLY thought, "if she doesn't chose us I will be fine. It was such a sweet distraction while Jerry was in India." Well, when we heard this it felt like a dodge ball had hit me in the stomach and I had swallowed it. Gulp! Ouch, that was kinda painful. After my initial selfishness I was able to rejoice with the mom-to-be as she shared their journey and how they had waited 2 yrs for this and after meeting this mom she would wait many more if she just knew it would be like this. Wow! God is so good and it was so obvious he had designed this to be the family for this baby and birthmom. I was feeling a little bit selfish and silly to share with Jerry but on the way home voiced my unexpected emotions only to find he had the same feelings. Isn't it awesome when the Lord allows us to understand the other so completely.

We've done all we can do as far as "getting one more thing done and in the mail". Now it's just praying and waiting on the Lord and His perfect timing. I've had a aw ha moment the last couple of days.....of course my mind went through why not us a couple of times...I hope that's completely natural....knowing it just wasn't God's plan. Well, I can look hind sight now and kinda snicker at how He works. Three wks ago today Pierce threw a nerf bball up on top of our kitchen counters. Well, I (yes, after thinking about it..doing it anyway) hopped up there pulled on the molding at the top of the cabinet (that I thought was attached..ha, ha) and it came down and so did I. I have 3 broken bones in my right foot and broke bone in left foot as well. I have had to be completely off of them for 2 wks and having surgery this week on one and then will have to go in for the other one after the first one heals. Ohhhh, you don't think I will be capable of taking great care of a newborn the first of March? Got it!!!!! Loud and "painfully" clear.  I guess this was a way to MAKE me do something about my feet that have hurt for over a year. If you break them you have to fix them! I KNOW He has a plan for the baby that will soon be our family but this just gave me another reminder....Annette, I'VE got it! My timing! Not yours. So for now I will get "fixed" up and be a better mommy to the three beautiful treasures we have now and wife. Jerry has done awesome picking up where I can't. I know he is exhausted but just keeps going without complaint. I am so truly blessed!

Until the next step of our journey is revealed....be blessed.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10.....this verse has a whole NEW meaning to me right now and I'm trying to do exactly that. He is good ALL the time!

God's Provision and The Church's Generosity

Before I went to India (January 16) our home study for our adoption was approved. We were not expecting this to be completed until the last week of January. Then while I was in India our adoption agency called saying that there were two birth moms who fit our profile and they wanted to show our adoption book to them. Annette took our book and the money we had at the time to the agency. We had $3,821. Up until this point we had paid $3,550 toward the adoption. This next phase included a payment of $5,000. So, we were $1,179 short. I don’t want to bore you with money talk, but it is part of God’s story. Though after this phase we still will owe $10,000, but we have a contingency plan for this if we do not have it. If you’re adding everything up the adoption process for us costs $18,550. So, we didn’t have a plan for the $1,179. So, coming back from India I was praying for God’s wisdom along with my family.

Monday of this week we prayed and then Tuesday morning felt like I needed to call and see about getting a small loan for the amount. The first call was shot down due to the computers being down. Then I went to our bank. I had three things I had to do while I was there. While there I received a text from an elder saying he was praying for me and our adoption process. I was encouraged by this. I also received two phone calls. I ignored them as I was meeting with the banker. Then once I was to topic three, which was discussing a small loan the phone rang again. It was Ysavel, our executive pastor. So, I asked the banker to excuse me and I picked the phone up. Ysavel shared with me that somebody called and said that they were bringing a check by later for our adoption. Guess how much it was for? It was for $1,200. As soon as I got off the phone I told the banker I didn’t need the small loan anymore. This guy was a Christian and I was able to encourage him with all that was going on. I was truly blown away.

There is a guy in our church who says, "Isn’t that like God." Well, that was what I was thinking this past Tuesday. God is always right on time. This was truly His perfect timing. I am so thankful for His faithful provision and for the faithful generosity of our church. My family and I cannot thank those enough who have joined us in this journey by donating financial funds, resources for the garage sale we had and the many prayers. We are so blessed and praise God for the journey He has us on.

Is she the one?

The Lord has brought a situation to our attention through Michelle Henderson. Their worship pastor is in the adoption process as well. They have already met their birth mother but their attorney and his wife have an agency called The Gift. They are working with a african american young lady (24 yrs old) that had planned to abort the baby she is carrying. She has now chose life (praise God for that!) and is looking for a family to place her baby girl that is to be born in the spring with. She desires her to have siblings. Michelle called last week and said, "I had the most random conversation today with my worship pastors wife. She ask if I knew anyone who is interested in adopting?" Michelle told her, "as a matter of fact I do." She continue by saying, "in particular an african american little girl." Michelle told her it didn't matter to us what they look like. :) Then, she called me with the information to call. That was on Tuesday last week. With Christmas this last week things have been a bit crazy. We finally made the call today. It went awesome. When they found out Jerry is a pastor they told him that they waive the fee for pastors. We aren't sure what that means and what fees that covers. Jerry was able to talk to both the attorney and his wife who is running the agency they have. They are working closely with this momma. She even spent Christmas with them. We need direction from the Lord what to do. Is this possibly the plan He has for us? So many questions. I love, love, love our agency so I really want to walk through this with them. Or did He use them as the means to get us where we are today? Can't wait to see how He works and His plan revealed!!!!

Baked Goods to Help with Adoption

This is something some dear friends and members of our church are doing on our behalf. We are so blessed with such awesome friends and an amazing church family! The family runs a bakery out of their house. Check their website out...

The Witham family serves the Carrollton area through
pastoring The Ridge Church. Their family of 5 wants to
add one more sweet baby to love and cherish. The cost
associated with bringing the fatherless into a loving
family can be extensive. Because of this Kupwiches and
More By Mande K is partnering together with The
Witham family to raise money toward their adoption. During the months
of December and January 10% of your purchases will go
to their adoption fund. Please mention The Witham
family when placing your order.

-Christmas Parties
-Family Get Togethers
-Christmas Presents for friends
or Coworkers
-Gifts for Clients

www.kupwich.com
214-796-7570

Home Study Update

The home study went great! Now we continue to wait on the Lord as He leads and directs our steps.

Home study

Usually this time is spent decking the halls and walls with Christmas decorations, plugging in lots of lights, setting out anything we can find to celebrate this time of year. It's a bit different for us this year. Oh yes, we are still celebrating and embracing every bit of this season but just a little differently. We are unplugging lights and scentsy candles and replacing them with plug covers and putting away cords as much as possible. We have our home study in just a bit. We wait for the doorbell to ring with just as much anticipation as a little kiddo waiting for presents (or Santa's arrival for some). I can hardly stand it! It's one step closer to see what the Lord has in store for our family.


I can't help but think of the sacrifice Christ paid for us because of His great love for us. This also makes me think of the amazing love a sweet momma will have for her baby by choosing to place it and give it life. Wow! Wow! Wow! Pray for us as we continue this great journey we are thrilled to get to be part of.


Enjoy this wonderful time of year reflecting on the amazing love your Father has for you! NO stings attached, no cords in the way, no gates blocking you from Him, no mess to big....just come on.

Thank you to all who came to Gattis

We wanted to thank each person who came out to Gattis. It was a fun night! We appreciate you encouraging us and supporting us in this journey.

Gatti Fundraiser on Nov 30

We want to let you know about a fundraiser that a dear friend, Laurie Cuchens, is doing to help us with our adoption funds. The information is below. Hear our heart though when it comes to funds. It is in agreement with Paul when he says, I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls (2 Corinthians 12.15). We long for you to give your heart wholly to God beyond all things. Paul says again, I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you (2 Corinthians 12.14). All that to say, We don't want your money, but instead your heart to be wholly given to God.

Wednesday, November 30
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Invite from Laurie (lauriecuchens@yahoo.com):
Join us for food and fun AND help us earn money for the Witham Family adoption! Invite everyone you know to eat at GattiTown on Wednesday, November 30 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Let the cashier know you're with The Ridge Church. To keep track of earnings ALL purchases must be made at the cashier stand (including game cards). GattiTown is donating 15% of all buffet and game card purchases back to The Ridge Church on behalf of the Witham family adoption fund! All guests must purchase a buffet upon entry.

Where: GattiTown Frisco
3251 Preston Road, Frisco, TX 75034
(214) 618-9800 www.gattitownfrisco.com
[Across from Super Target]

Tutus for Dolls To Help Raise Support for Adoption

If you are interested in purchasing a tutu you may email Annette at annette.witham@att.net with the color and quantity. There are many different colors. The cost is $12 per tutu for doll sizes or infants. For those to fit toddlers 2 years and up the cost is $15. All funds go to support our adoption. Thanks to all who have bought some!

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please read bottom up to here to see how God has brought us to this point.

We can breathe

Thanks to a sweet friend who was willing to come to our home to share his wisdom we are now trained in First Aid and CPR for infant, child and adults. This was the last step of the paperwork process up to this point. There were no broken bones tonight. Oh, wait...there weren't any bones to break. We both feel comfortable and confident that we could do this if needed now.

The next step in the adoption process is the home study. We are still shy of the funds we need for this step, but we are trusting the Lord for this. For those who have supported us financially thus far we are so grateful for your generosity. Those who are praying for us we are likewise thankful for you. We are consistently reminded that God is the One who places children who need a home into families. We are learning everyday to trust Him with every step of this process.

Encouragement from Arkansas!

I just love the way the Lord nudges us on, don't you? Always the unexpected right when we need it. I just had to share with you He's always there and is always listening. Just hold on and wait expectantly for the unexpected. Jerry and I had just wrapped up a converstion tonight kind of to the jest of just needing that nudge of encouragement when I checked e-mail and sure enough that is exactly what I got. He used a friend from Arkansas to just push me right back where I needed to be. I know He used her!!!! How cool is that we serve a God that choses to use us. I love it! I felt like He was right there saying "I hear you! Just keep trusting and obey."

Our Son - One of our top donors

Tonight after our small group gathering at our house our oldest son, Noah gathered the family together on the couch and presented us with a letter and $60. The letter said, I want a baby sister. I love you. Then he said, I want to help. Up until this point Noah has given us a total of $74 to help with the adoption.

Tonight we told Noah that God desires His people to be involved in adoption through two ways: Providing a home and/or Providing funds to support others who adopt. We told Noah that he is doing both.

We have a very giving son!

Sticky fingers

It was so fun to get to sit with the kiddos and prepare a letter to go out. :) They prayed over them and then prepared them. After they were folded Noah put them in the envelope, Pierce was so careful using the rag to seal each one of them....i.e the smudges, wrinkles, and maybe sticky envelope :), Grace stamped them all. What a joy it is to walk each step with them. They are so excited and want to be a part however they can. Thanks for walking with us!

First Interview

Today we had our interview for the adoption of our next child. We didn't know exactly what to expect, but it went very well. Annette was awesome! She shared our heart for this adoption perfectly.

We were told that soon as we get our CPR certification and medical examinations completed that we will have our home study. Then as soon as that is complete we will move to the placement stage. We are praying for the Lord's continued will and provision. As one of our friends says, God's will, His bill.

Another morning sickness...

We have such an exciting day tomorrow. We have our first interview tomorrow with the agency. I am thrilled and can hardly wait but I'm also a nervous wreck! I have hives which I've never had from being nervous. I just have no idea what to expect. Jerry does incredible sitting and chatting with someone he doesn't know at all but me...not as comfortable. I love meeting new people. I'm just not as outgoing as he is and it didn't come as easy to me. I shared my nervous feelings with Jerry and he said, "It's exciting. It's like trying out for the team!" Okay, great! That didn't ease my mind at all. He's always made "the team." I've had the other side of that and don't want to be trying out here. :) Jerry continued by trying to comfort me by telling me I'm on his team. :) I just love him to pieces!!! I know for sure one thing...I'm on HIS team and He will be there tomorrow. I'm finding peace in that and can't wait to see how HE works. Thanks for praying for us.

First "morning sickness" of adoption

I'm not talking about the sickness going around our house....
After spending the day going to doctors appointments we came home to very exciting news. The adoption agency e-mailed and said they have received all our paperwork and references and are ready for our in-office interview next week. Yip, next week! We are so excited but I have to say I had butterflies flutter in my tummy for at least a half hour. Please pray for us as we continue this adventure.

Overwhelmed by His Love

Several weeks have passed now since our garage sales. We were so incredibly blessed by each of these. We only mentioned to a few people that we were going to do this but then some of them told others...etc. We were so overwhelmed by His love and the way we saw His hands and His feet through this. People were so generous in giving what they had to give. We had precious clothes, beautiful jewelry, awesome bikes, games, books, toys, dishes, and even furniture. We had one of our family members provide some awesome handbags that helped bring in some good funds. We even had hangers and Wal-mart plastic bags given to hang stuff and then send stuff home in. Every little detail was covered. We experienced the verse Acts 2:45 that says "and they began selling their possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need" first hand.

We were ministered to in such a huge way. At times it was by those we know and other times it was by complete strangers. There are so many stories but let me share just a few. A sweet friend had donated this awesome Schwinn bike that sat on the ground. A lady stopped by and picked it up. When she came to pay for it she was in a hurry to get back to the car because her son was crying because they had just left the hospital. He had jammed a sucker stick up in his mouth and was in a lot of pain. I started out to the car with her to help put it in and as I started to speak to the little guy she said he doesn't do well with strangers. To both of our surprise he was out of the car and in our house playing with Pierce in no time. She was shocked. She said he had never done that. As they played in the living room she started sharing her life story with me. They had adopted this sweet little guy at birth. His birth mom was a drug addict and he is autistic. They were not able to put stitches in his sweet mouth because he would just pull them out in frustration. She was buying the bike for him because he wanted a "big boy" bike like his sister (who was also adopted) but she wasn't ready to put him up that far off the ground. You can imagine how the Lord used this. It was story after story of people sharing their own adoption stories. Some having adopted and others that had been adopted.


Another neat story was a young mom that stopped in a little frantic. She bought a lot of little knick knack toys. I ask about who she was buying for and she shared that she had actually been at the hospital all day with her father who had come here from Louisana to see a specialist and was admitted unexpectantly. She got the news and packed as fast as she could and just got here. She said she didn't bring things to keep the kids occupied while at the hospital and everyone was going stir crazy. She needed something fun and cheap. She was able to get that because someone gave a basket full of little toys. Again, the Lord knew what was needed!

We had a lady come in and chat for a while. The next day when we were packing up she came back. I told her we were almost all put away and she said, "That's okay. I just brought my husband to meet who we were praying for and talking about." Wow!!!! Family, friends, and COMPLETE strangers praying on our behalf! Amazing!


Last story among so many....there was a woman come in looking at cd's. Jerry walked over to her and ask her what kind she was looking for. She said she liked country. Jerry said we had a few country but mostly christian. She said, "My boyfriend doesn't want anything to do with that." Jerry told her there was some good ones in there. She looked around for a while. There wasn't anyone else here so we had perfect oppurtunity to get to talk to her a little bit more. Come to find out she was so mad and frustration with the church she "went" to that her bitterness was just overflowing. Most of it stemmed from wanting money after money to build buildings and move where they already had the perfect location in her eyes that didn't need to be expanded or moved. She just seemed wounded by the church in so many ways. Jerry was able to share our Lord's love for her and coming just as you are. ............................................

The outcome of these garage sales were great. We were able to hear stories, share stories....and we were blessed financially through them as well. It will be so fun one day to share with the sweet little one the Lord brings into our family how others were praying for them and doing what they could to help bring them home.

Forms

What an exciting day! We were able to turn in our first set of forms today! Whew, hoo! It was fun to go back and look at how the Lord has brought us to this day. Some amazing things we have overcome with His hand guiding up every step of the way. We serve an awesome God! Now, we wait for the next call.

His Love Story for You

The following is a letter I've written to this sweet baby to explain how the Lord has began a beautiful love story. We are so excited we get to be a part of it! Thanks for sharing in our journey and praying with us.

His Love Story for you sweet baby
Oh, He has a plan for
you alright!
Jeremiah 29:11

It’s been almost a year since Jerry came to me and said, “We need to talk.” It was a Saturday night and he’d been preparing for a message for the next morning on adultery. This comment usually wouldn’t have alarmed me but it was the tone in his voice that I hadn’t heard in about 9 years when a dear family member was facing some very difficult decisions. It brought that day back to me instantly and I got a bit anxious about what he was about to share. Were we about to walk through something very difficult with someone? Lots of questions stirred quickly. He tried preparing me by saying, “The Lord’s been laying something on my heart but I didn’t think it was the right time to talk about it because of the migraines you’ve been having.” Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to hear all of it but right now I wanted to get right to the point! Tell me details later. I can get impatient when it comes to stuff like this. “Just tell me what it is!” I said. He said, “It’s time to extend our family.” Let me give you a little background here. I LOVED being pregnant - really! But last time I was pregnant I had stroke like symptoms where I knew what I wanted to say but couldn’t say it. It just came out all mumbled. The hardest part was not being able to say the kids names. It scared the daylights out of me. It only lasted a couple of hours. We found out it was caused by an onset of a migraine. At this point I had never had migraines. Crazy! Anyway, the doctor told me it wouldn’t be safe to get pregnant again for several reasons this being number one. So, imagine when Jerry said that. I began crying and feeling like I had failed him. As I shared this and he finally understood in my blubbering what I was saying he said, “no, no. It’s time to adopt.” “To be the father to the fatherless.” Whew!!!! I’ve always dreamed of doing this ever since I can remember. We knew we wanted to do but not really when to do it. So here it was. Honestly, Pierce had just gotten a bit independent and I was thinking, “Now! Right now?” Well, within 24 hrs literally the Lord stirred my heart in a huge way. “Not your own might but mine” he said. “Not your time, but mine! And that’s now.” No joke the next day we got something in the mail about adoption, I heard a message on adoption on the radio, and we found out the encampment that Jerry was speaking out for a student retreat was to be held at Buckner encampment. Wow! Talk about confirmation. Well, it’s been almost a year and I’ve done tons of research and talked to several dear friends who have walked this journey before us. What amazing examples they are and we are so blessed by each of them. So, one of them holds me accountable and said, “so, what have you done?” Hmm, honestly a bit embarrassed I said, “I’ve prayed about it. Not like I should have been fervently praying, but praying. I know it’s time I just don’t know what to do next." Another thing I voiced to her was that we had something we wanted to be able to pay that was important to get behind us before we could comfortably move forward. Would you believe that the very next afternoon there was an unexpected phone call come in that we were getting a check due to us that would pay for it. Amazing! I think God just wanted me to be honest with myself of what was hindering us. He is so in control with EVERY little and big thing alike! So, between her and 2 other sweet friends they helped direct me. Still, I was kinda just waiting to see what the Lord would do, well I guess I wanted it dropped in my lap. Waiting, waiting. Always another excuse as to why I hadn’t called. It was a Friday morning and I was getting ready to take my Mama’l to the doctor and Jerry had Pierce taking the puppy for shots. I was in the shower and He said, “Why not now?” “The house it quiet. No one to interrupt. You have questions. Call them!” I didn’t feel His gentle hand guiding anymore. It was a “Be obedient!” No soft whisper. A firm, now is the time! I got out of the shower, got all my thoughts gathered and called. I had prayed over each agency of the three we were looking at. There was one that I just kept feeling the Lord directing us to. I was sure this was it and I was being obedient. The sweet lady who picked up the phone was precious and answered all my questions. I still wasn’t completely at peace but didn’t know what else to ask. So she said, “Before we hang up. When you called before who did you speak to? Did you speak to the founder of the agency.” I said, “No.” She said, “Oh, so you don’t know our training classes are full this January and next August?” “So, that means?” “We aren’t taking new applications until after that.” Yikes! Crushed I hung up so confused. I was so puzzled. “Lord, I was obedient. Why close the door so quickly, so abruptly?” The Lord taught me a lot that day. It’s not about my timing, it’s not about a checklist. If it were easy I probably wouldn’t see His hand as much in it as when I’m completely relying on Him and let Him lead and work! Well, I was pretty content (after many tears that day) that He wasn’t finished and would work it out as He had planned, when He planned. Well, I called and told Jerry and then we talked a bit about another agency that the Lord had brought to our attention but honestly thought it was really neat but didn’t give it much thought. One of our students from student ministry is now a social worker/agent at an agency that keeps it small to have deeper relationships with their birth mothers and their adoptive parents. I told Jerry we needed to call her and ask a couple of questions. He did and found out their orientation was in two days. Okay, it was a Friday that I felt the first door closed. It was the following Thursday Jerry called her and the orientation was Saturday. Jerry ask when the next one would be and she said she didn’t know it just depended on need. How amazing is the Lord! Looking back I totally see why He closed the door that I felt we needed to walk through. I really didn’t see this until after we prayed about it over night. I was woke up in the middle of the night with the Lord’s answer of “Jerry is the head of your house and wherever he leads I want you to follow.” Well, when Jerry got up he said he woke up with a “yes, we are to go.” So he and Pierce took our registration and registration fee to the office so we could attend the next morning. Wow! It was amazing and we walked away both saying, “This is it!” We’ve started filling out all the many papers required to make the next step towards meeting you. I can’t wait to see how God brings you through this journey to us. He already has a plan for you! Your story has begun! Whether you are already forming or to be formed in the womb in the future your story has began and we are thrilled to be a part!

Tonight after our sweet girl went to bed Jerry came in and said we had one excited girl about the thought of having a new baby. So when I went in there I ask her about it. She had many questions. Real questions. She wanted to know if we get to go to the hospital and pick you. I got to explain to her that God has already picked you for us. Now he will just lead your birth mommy (tummy mommy) to choose us too. I got to explain to her and in a little bit Noah too how your birth mom will love you sooo very much that she will place you with us so you can have a better life. She loves you so much that she isn’t going to be selfish and keep you when she knows she can’t do what’s best for you. She can’t wait to know you. Our oldest can’t wait to see what you look like. He thinks you’ll have darker skin than him. Be ready sweet baby! You have some siblings that are already falling in love with you!

I've been doing a bible study that is reminding me (and I want you to know). Always remember who you are because of WHOSE you are! God loves you so much and knows you before any of us do!

Exciting News

It is always fun to share new and exciting news. We wanted to share with you what the Lord has been leading us to over the last year. Last October, we felt the Lord calling us to add to our family through adoption. Since we have been married we have talked about the possibility of adopting one day. Last Fall we definitely felt the Lord’s specific leading down this path.

At the same time last Fall our two oldest children, Noah and Grace, asked us about adding to our family. We told them that adding to our family was the Lord’s call, but that we were open to that. We waited to tell them about what the Lord was leading us to until one day in December. It started with Noah calling us into his room one night and giving us four dollars. We told him that he did not need to give us money. He then proceeded to cry. He told us that he had been setting that aside and planning to give it to us. We recognized at this point that this was important to him. We told him that we would keep it and use it for something special. We talked and decided to make the four dollars the first money to go toward our adoption fund. Then we told all three of our children about what we believed God was leading us to do. They all were excited.

Since the turn of the New Year, we have been praying, researching and seeking wise counsel. We believe the Lord wants us to do a domestic adoption and keep our current birth order in place. Our desire is to adopt a child ranging in age from a newborn to two years.

So, will you pray for us? Pray that the Lord would guide and direct our steps as we begin this journey. We believe the Lord places those who need a home into families (Psalm 68.6). We simply want to make ourselves available to His Sovereign will. We also ask that you pray for us as we raise and save funds. We have seen the Lord’s hand every step of the way thus far. He provided in the most amazing ways in two very successful garage sales we had. If you would like to help by providing financial support you can by mailing a financial gift to the address in the right column. You can also follow our journey online at http://www.walkingwiththewithams.blogspot.com/.

Stirred

It was back in October 0f 2010, that God stirred us to the point of knowing we were to act when it came to adding to our family. Through much prayer we have been led to add to our family through adoption. Scripture says that God is the one who places the lonely or the homeless in families (Psalm 68.6). We want to be a family that He places a child in who is in need of a home.

We believe the Lord wants us to do a domestic adoption and keep our current birth order in place. So, our desire is to adopt a child ranging in age from a newborn to two years. So, will you pray for us? Pray that the Lord would guide and direct our steps, as we step out on this journey of adoption. In this blog we will share the journey God takes us on as we seek to adopt.