tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13889082520633163662024-03-14T02:06:19.513-07:00Our Adoption Journey to grow our family!Come follow our adoption journey as we wait for God to bring us 1 or 2 more children from Ethiopia!terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-42659964350938405312014-03-18T17:10:00.002-07:002014-03-18T17:10:24.803-07:001 Year Referral AnniversaryWow I can't believe it's been a WHOLE year since we received our referral! In the moment it went SO slow but looking back it flew! Sorry it has been so long since I've posted an update. Needless to say it's been CRAZY at our house! Thankfully we no longer have 3 under 3! We're now 3- 3 & under!<br />
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The girls are growing so well! The doctors have been so pleased with their progress! They're both around 20 lbs which is in the normal range. A miracle in so many ways. 1- with twins period you expect them to be small. 2- preemies are small. 3- orphans are usually behind growth wise. They are truely miracle babies. God had his hand on them even before they were created. Of course his original plan was for them to be with their birth parents but for whatever reason that was not able to happen but he knew that would happen & chose us to parent these girls. Don't get me wrong it has been SO HARD! But I wouldn't change it for anything. We were never guaranteed an easy ride with this. God made this adoption happen & will get us through each step if we trust in him. <br />
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Lina is starting to take a couple steps on her own. She has been pulling up on furniture for a while now & letting go. She can balance herself pretty well. It's just a matter of time before she takes off. I have no doubt. She is happy most of the time unless she's hungry or sees someone else eating or drinking. Then she's MAD! Other than that she's pretty content! (except for when she's sick like right now)<br />
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Chelsea has been farther behind than Lina but is still progressing. She just started pulling up to standing in the last week. I am so relieved because of that. I was starting to get worried because she has been so far behind. She is the emotional one. She wants to be held all of the time. We can't drop her off in the nursery or let anyone else hold her. She won't have anything to do with that. She only wants mommy & daddy. Which is both good & bad. It shows that she knows we are her parents which is so very important. <br />
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Jack is finally getting used to the girls. He has good days & bad days with them. His big problem right now is realizing that they're still babies & can't do everything he can! He wants to wrestle with him. Chelsea of course wants nothing to do with it. Lina likes it sometimes depending on how rough he is. Once she gets a little more mobile she's gonna take him down! She is all muscle & is going to give him a run for his money!!!<br />
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It's so hard to summarize everything in one post without writing a whole book! Plus there's really no time! Just know that the girls are doing well! We're still taking it day by day adjusting but we're doing as is normal at this stage in our adoption. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chelsea</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lina</span></div>
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(sorry not the best recent pics! Need to get better about taking pics but they don't sit still long & my phone is horrible at pics)terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-66722685438986544262013-12-13T07:25:00.003-08:002013-12-13T07:26:35.569-08:002 Months Home: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly!<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's hard to believe it was 2 months
yesterday since we arrived home with the girls. It has been hard to
say the least. More on that later. And today they are 11 months
old!</div>
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The girls have progressed so much since
we arrived home. They were barely sitting up on their own at 9
months. They fell over a lot & when they were sitting they were
just leaning forward holding themselves up with their hands. They
rolled but not a ton. They barely could eat baby food & that
barely is generous. They both sit up great now. (although Lina
doesn't like to because she doesn't want to be still) They both roll
EVERYWHERE! Lina is crawling. Chelsea still has no desire to but
she can shift herself in different directions & then roll to what
she wants. Lina can pick up cheerios & puffs & finds EVERY
spec on the floor!</div>
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They both have so much personality.
Some good & some bad! Lina is usually pretty happy during the
day as long as she's not tired or hungry & can move! Chelsea on
the other hand is pretty whiny. She does have times of happiness but
lots of times of crying if she's not being held. Lina is still
waking up a LOT at night which is rough.
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They are both growing really well!
When we got home Chelsea was 17 lb & 26 ½ inches & Lina was
16 lb & 27 inches. Chelsea is now 19 lb & 27 ½ inches &
Lina is 19 ½ lb & 27 ½ inches. They are both around the 50<sup>th</sup>
percentile for weight which is amazing considering all that they had to conquer.
If you remember, they were only 3 ½ lbs at birth. I asked the
Adoption Clinic if they had any estimates on how premature they may
have been. They can't know for sure but that weight is normal for 32
weeks but it is possible they weren't premature but just malnourished
from the mother. Being preemies, twins & growing up in an
orphanage environment normally produces very smaller than normal
children so it is amazing how well they are doing growth wise!</div>
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As far as their health, everything is
great! Other than Lina's ultra snotty nose everything is going well.
She may have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance as we switched
her to soy (to fix the major diaper explosions) & it worked, but
we may check further to see if there's any other allergies as she is
a constant faucet of snot. Her poor little nose is a mess. All of
their testing for major illnesses has come back fine. They are still
showing negative for HIV (yeah!). More than likely the antibodies
are just from the mother & they don't have HIV. We will continue
to test until they're probably 2 & all of the mother's antibodies
are gone. But at this point even if they would be positive there is
NO risk whatsoever as their levels are non-existant. It appears they
were exposed to several things but don't actually have any of it!
We're doing medication for one thing so it doesn't turn into anything
which is a pain in the butt. We have to crush pills & feed it to
them every day in applesauce or something for 9 months. But once
again they don't actually have anything so they aren't contagious.
They really are miracle babies. They have beaten all of the odds!</div>
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A few photos from our welcome home photo shoot 2 weeks after we arrived home.</div>
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Lina</div>
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Chelsea</div>
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And can't forget big brother!</div>
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Now about me... things aren't so rosy here. I have to admit I have been struggling a lot with post
adoption depression. I tried to deny it & hide it but later
realized that wasn't helping myself or anyone else. This is a big
issue amongst adoptive families & I've found out many feel alone
because it's not talked about enough. I do not feel attached to the
girls at all. I have no emotions towards them. I feel numb. It's
an awful feeling. When I hear them cry, I want to cry or get mad.
They aren't doing anything too far out of the norm for being babies,
it's me. I have a problem & needed help. I had many people
urging me to go to the doctor to get on anti-depressants. I didn't
want that label from taking medication. I was afraid we wouldn't be
able to adopt again if we wanted to. I just want to lay around &
do nothing. I also struggle with emotions about Jack feeling
neglected with the girls here. I know he's struggling & it's
hard on me. And I also think about our finances a lot. We are
seriously in debt right now which I've never had in my life! (other
than the house & car payments) We had lots of money to pay out
at the end of travel, etc & I've also been off of work for 3
months without pay. I know God will take care of us but it's hard
not to think about all of that debt hanging over our heads &
hoping we have enough in our bank account for the next automatic bill
payment!</div>
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<br /></div>
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How can I not be in love with these
girls as we fought so hard to get them her? That's what I ask myself
a lot & others may be asking the same of me. I mean I fought
like heck. I badgered our agency (sorry WS!) & the US Embassy to
speed things along to get them home. I was so in “Love” with
them or so I thought. I thought all of those emotions would get us
through the adjustment time here. I knew it would be hard taking
care of 3 young children but I wasn't prepared for my emotions. I
wasn't prepared for 2 months of no sleep. I thought I would be back
in my bed within a month. I thought all of the emotional adjustment
would be on them, not me. Boy was I wrong. I don't have any desire
to hold them. I feel like an awful mother! Who doesn't want to hold
their children? Who doesn't want to comfort a crying child? I have
more emotions for other peoples children than my own. It is because
I have become numb to them. I resent them for making me feel this
way. I sigh every time I have to feed them or change their diaper.
(Don't worry I still take care of their physical needs)
</div>
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So what now? I finally broke down &
went to the doctor last week. I did get an anti-depressant to help
with this. It will take 4-6 weeks for it to fully work. I regret
waiting so long to go & get started. I could be feeling somewhat
normal by now if I didn't wait. I am so thankful I had a few people
urging me to go. That I wasn't a bad mother for going. I can't
worry about the possible risk of not being able to adopt. I have to
take care of myself & the children I have now & then if I'm
meant to adopt again later we will.
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I have no doubts these girls were meant
to be in our family. God orchestrated this perfectly & there's
no way it would have worked the way it did without him. Everything
that shouldn't have happened did & proved it was his plan. This
is what I keep telling myself to get through it. That I will one day
be happy & in love with them & won't be able to imagine my
life without them here.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So lots of rambling but I just want to
encourage other families struggling with post adoption depression to
get some help. Go to the doctor NOW!!! Talk to other parents in the
same situation. You are NOT alone even though you may feel like it
right now.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here are some other articles I found
that may be helpful!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://adoptivefamilies.com/articles.php?aid=470" target="_blank">Do I Love Him Yet?</a>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.chinesechildren.org/Newsletter/Professional%20Corner%5CPC_07_2003.pdf" target="_blank">I Am Not Supposed to Feel This Way – Post Adoption Depression</a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/articles.php?aid=1086" target="_blank">More Than Just the Blues</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.creatingafamily.org/blog/when-you-cant-find-the-happily-ever-after-in-adoption/" target="_blank">The Elusive “Happily Ever After”: Post Adoption Depression</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1002673/post-adoption-depression" target="_blank">ADOPTIVE MOMS GET THE BABY BLUES TOO</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.adoptionstogether.org/Blog/tabid/333/EntryId/101/Why-Arent-I-Happy-Recognizing-Post-Adoption-Depression-Syndrome.aspx" target="_blank">Why Aren't I Happy? Recognizing Post Adoption Depression Syndrome</a><br />
<br />
Of course if you search the internet there's a lot out there & I couldn't list them all!<br />
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terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-70437507171316594902013-10-15T05:29:00.001-07:002013-10-15T05:29:18.117-07:00We're home & now what?I can't believe they're finally home! It's kind of surreal after waiting so long! (Plus the fact that we're sleep deprived & in a fog!)<br />
<br />
The 17 hour flight was LONG & miserable & that's not an exageration! We had no doubts that we would have a bassinet for the plane & then we could trade off the girls in it to give us a break from holding them. We reserved one & thought we were fine. We were one of the 1st to get to the airport & were told NO we did not get a bassinet! WHAT? You have to be kidding! We have to hold BOTH of these babies the ENTIRE flight! And we did! It was awful! No suger coating it! The girls weren't happy, we weren't happy! The flight attendents were awful! They knew how bad we were doing as we asked 1/3 way there if there was anything they could do to move us seats or something with more room. They NEVER once asked us if we needed any help, needed them to hold one or<br />
anything! In fact one time we needed help with something Jeremy hit the button several times & they kept turning it off without coming!!! Thankfully there was one stranger that came to save the day a few times. We met her in line at the airport & she kind of followed us around the airport waiting to leave. She came over a few times to help us out & hold the girls. I thought "Am I crazy to give our child to a stranger?" but we were so exhausted we welcomed the help! I know she had the best intentions & was great with the girls. It's not like she could have ran away with them! She was fighting for us with the flight attendants to try to get us another seat even though we didn't have any luck. Everyone thought she was related as she was such a big help! God knew that we needed help & sent her! The girls also had major upset stomachs the entire trip & flight which made it even worse. <br />
<br />
We finally landed in DC Saturday morning & it was so amazing to get off that plane!!!!!! We checked into a hotel for a few hours to get a short nap & get showers. It was the best $89 I ever spent! We had a short hour flight from DC to Cincinnati! That was SO quick (after the 17 hr flight) & we were there in no time! We got off the plane & got the girls changed. <br />
<br />
We walked down to Baggage Claim to the Welcome Area & saw to the right in the window SO many of our friends & family there to welcome Chelsea & Lina HOME! We are so blessed to have such supportive family & friends. My eyes started welling up. I tried to hold back the tears & the closer we got I started crying & couldn't stop. We got to Jack & it was so amazing to have our whole family together at last! Everyone ran over from the window to where we were! Everyone was so excited to finally meet the girls! We passed them all over & they got lots of love & kisses!<br />
<br />
We're trying to get into a routine since being home but not anywhere near there yet. It is HARD! I wouldn't give the girls up for anything but it is HARD! They seem to be bonding well with us but it is still a huge adjustment for them. They are unhappy often. They really fight napping. They are sleeping well at night which is huge! They have been getting up twice to eat & change & going back to sleep pretty good. Their tummies are still not well so we're heading to the doctor today to see what's going on with that. We're sleep deprived & are lucky to get a shower! It's going to take a while to get into a good routine & all feel well. Jeremy heads back to work this afternoon which is going to be a struggle. <br />
<br />
What about you? We really need to limit visitors as it could become confusing to the girls to see many people. We need to make sure that they know that WE are their parents & who they need to count on. We don't want them to think all of these other people are their caretakers. They're not like a newborn who you can pass around. They have had many caretaker & now they have 2 primary caretakers, US! I have heard from many people that they allowed a lot of people around because it seemed like their children were attaching well & then several months down the line they digressed & completely detached from them. We don't want to take that risk. However, we DO need HELP! We originally said no visitors for a month but we now know we need help. They are a lot of work. We ARE allowing people over that are willing to help us for short periods of time. If you want to bring dinner, do dishes, mow lawn, run errands, watch them for a short nap or shower that is fine but we are still not allowing people over just to visit. We still need to be the ones to meet all of their needs (feed & change them). This is how they know to trust us & that we are their primary caretakers. We are not good at asking for help so if you want to help just let us know. We will try not to resist it!<br />
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Here's some pics for your pleasure!!!<br />
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<br />terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-79601766429762704392013-09-29T18:03:00.000-07:002013-09-29T18:03:37.562-07:00PrayersMany of you have asked what's going on with our adoption & when we can bring our daughters home. I will try to let you know without complaining TOO much but it's hard at this point!<br />
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What are we waiting on now?<br />
We are waiting on one piece of paper to be signed, picked up, translated, submitted & cleared. Sounds simple enough, right? So far it's been almost 2 weeks so it's really not as simple as it sounds unfortunately.<br />
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How can you pray?<br />
Of course the number one prayer is for God's Will to be but also praying that God will have mercy and allow this to happen IMMEDIATELY for all of us! There have been so many ups & downs, hope & hopelessness, tears, depression, stress, sickness just in the last few weeks and it continues to get worse & worse. Please pray that the person that needs to sign this form is in the office tomorrow (tonight there) & signs the form FIRST thing in the morning. (as they were out Wednesday & Thursday last week) This is 2 hours away from the city so our director has to drive & pick up the form 2 hours there & 2 hours back. Then the form has to be submitted for translation. Praying somehow he gets back in time to get that started tomorrow as well but Tuesday morning at the very latest. The translation should take about a day & then it can be submitted to the US Embassy for approval. Another HUGE prayer request is that this form is accepted & approved no questions asked without having to be approved by the local government office as is the norm. That office is CLOSED until MID-OCTOBER! Please Lord DO NOT make us wait that long! We are praying that it is accepted & they clear us EARLY Wednesday morning in time for us to schedule our embassy appointment so we can fly out WEDNESDAY night! YES, we plan to leave as soon as we clear. It has been TOO long without OUR children! It is time to bring them home & begin the attachment process!<br />
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You see, I started my FMLA last Monday so I have been off of work all week WITHOUT pay & that is important time that is supposed to be used for working on attaching to our girls & getting used to things before heading back to work. Every day that goes by is another day less that I will have to spend with them during that important time. <br />
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I'm sorry for driving everyone crazy these last few weeks but I have been going CRAZY! This is complete torture! Even though I didn't give birth to them they ARE my children & it is awful being away from them for so long. If you haven't been through this you can't fully understand but just try to imagine leaving your biological child on the other side of the world for several months & not being able to see them, hold them, touch them, keep in contact with them. It's miserable! <br />
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Don't get me wrong, I don't regret this AT ALL. I would do this all over again for my daughters but that doesn't make this any easier or make me like the process. I know God has his own timing, but honestly I don't want to hear it. Sorry but I don't. It doesn't make me feel any better. I know you have all the best intentions in the world when you tell me this, I do. I "know" that already but I am just begging God to have mercy and allow them to come home! Please let us clear WEDNESDAY & fly out WEDNESDAY night! I don't think that's too much to ask after more than 3 months without our children.<br />
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We do appreciate your love & support. Please keep praying that we can have them home right away. I can't wait for everyone to meet them! You will fall in love with them!terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-33452818603852578232013-09-13T15:15:00.001-07:002013-09-13T15:15:19.918-07:00Update & What to expect laterIt's been a while so I wanted to provide an update on our adoption & also give you an idea of what to expect when the girls come home.<br />
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Today our beautiful girls are 8 months old! It's so hard to believe that we first found out about our daughters almost 6 months ago. September 18th will be 6 months since we got our referral & saw their faces for the 1st time. We have watched them grow from these tiny little babies & now are full of rolls through pictures! It's amazing how much God has taken care of them when we couldn't be there to do it ourselves. It's still difficult to know that we have missed out on SO much of their lives & missed so many important moments in their lives. We are praying that we don't have to miss a whole other month of their lives & that they are home long before they turn 9 months. <br />
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Here are some updated pictures of our beauties!<br />
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This was from a few weeks ago</div>
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Chelsea</div>
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Lina</div>
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Sleepy Girls</div>
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Chelsea (Look at those LEGS!!! LOVE IT)</div>
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Smiley Lina</div>
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They have grown SO much since we last saw them! I hate missing all of this! They are both about 15 pounds which is awesome considering they were 3 1/2 pounds at birth! They have done a great job fattening them up! I can't wait to get my hands on those chunky legs!!! One bummer though is that we found out shortly after these pictures were taken they shaved their heads! ahh! That is common in that environment for various reasons (ease in caring, lice, cultural tradition). I was so looking forward to fixing their hair when they come home! Hopefully it grows quickly!</div>
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We are currently waiting on the US Embassy to clear our cases so we can go pick up our girls & bring them home FOREVER! I can't wait to get that exciting email! We were submitted on August 31st & we're 3 1/2 weeks in & they haven't started reviewing our cases. We are praying that they will start SOON & we will get a quick approval without interviewing the police officer in person. We appreciate any & all prayers! We plan on hopping on the plane RIGHT AWAY when we clear!</div>
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We want to make sure everyone understand what is going to happen when we bring the girls home. We will be going into somewhat of a hibernation! This is very important for attachment with adopted children. Many think this isn't as important with infants as they are babies & don't know any better but that isn't true. Some people have success with attachment while still being out & about & around a lot of people but others end up with regression & attachment issues later on down the line. We have to do what is best for our girls. You have to remember that they are leaving the only place that they have ever known & coming to a strange place with strange people. They did very well with us when we were there but we were only with them a few hours each day for 6 days. It can be a big shock for them to never be able to see the people they know & trust again. Even for babies. Our girls have been at the transition home since about 1 month of age. </div>
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We want to invite anyone & EVERYONE to our airport homecoming! I unfortunately have never been to one of these but I have heard so many stories & seen so many pictures. These are AWESOME! Watching a family walk through the airport with their children for the first time... This will be a great opportunity for you to meet our girls. We can't guarantee that everyone will be able to hold them or even if anyone will. We will have to wait & see how our girls react & read them. If they are happy & willing we will allow people to hold them then we will, though we will be close by so they know we're not leaving. This will be your only real opportunity to hold them for a while. But please don't be upset with us if they don't react well & we aren't able to allow you to hold them.</div>
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Once we come home we will be limiting visitors. Our girls need to learn to trust us & know that we are their parents. We do this by being the ones to meet their needs. We will be the only ones to feed them, change them & meeting any other needs that they have for several months. We don't know yet if/when we will allow visitors. Again it will depend on how they are reacting. If people stop by with food we may allow short visits but ask that you respect this great need for attachment. I know everyone will want to see them! I mean who can resist these cuties??? This is why the airport homecoming is so important to allow people to meet them! Of course some of this may change once we get home, we'll just have to see. You know how wild & crazy Jack is & with him running around & 2 crying babies, I may need help. We'll just have to take it one day at a time & will try to keep people updated on what we are & aren't allowing as far as visits, help & holding the girls. Please do not take any offense if we say you can't come over or if you do, that you can't hold them. It is nothing personal against you. It is just so different than bringing home a biological child from the hospital. It takes a LONG time for them to know that we are their parents & we are NEVER leaving them! Some things may seem like we're SPOILING them but we're not. It takes a LOT of met needs to undo all of the unmet needs that they've experienced in their life. As much as their nannies LOVE them they just can't meet all of their needs in that environment. We will be holding them, wearing them, & rocking them a LOT!</div>
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We love all of our friends & family! You all have been SO supportive to us through this ENTIRE journey & we never could have done this without you! We ask that you continue to pray for our girls. Pray that God continues to watch over them & keep them safe & healthy. Pray that we can bring them HOME very soon. And pray for patience & trust for us during this time of waiting. This is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Having 2 of my children on the other side of the world where I can't see them.</div>
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terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-61601828024360648852013-08-26T18:45:00.001-07:002013-08-26T18:45:21.586-07:00Our Adoption Story on Film!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/C4zE-XPO3AY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here's a video of our adoption journey thus far! Watch our girls from the very beginning & see how God brought us here!terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-27085802920012335102013-08-22T15:42:00.003-07:002013-08-22T15:42:41.565-07:00SubmittedDon't have time for a full post but just wanted to let you know that we were finally SUBMITTED to the US Embassy. From here it could be 1-8 weeks before we clear & can travel to bring our girls home. Many families were previously clearing in 1 week but the last month or so it has been about a month. We are praying for QUICK review & clearance of our case!<br />
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Thank you for your prayers, love & support! So ready to bring our girls HOME!terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-9453168230939399482013-08-09T15:16:00.000-07:002013-08-09T15:16:01.883-07:00Next Steps<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, many people want to know what is coming next in the process so here you go. </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We are waiting for our PCR results to be received back to the US Embassy. This is</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">the test to show whether or not our girls actually have HIV. However I have heard</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">the results aren't always accurate so we will retest them when they come home </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">regardless. I did confirm that our test was done on July 15th so Monday would be 4 </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">weeks. Once that is done we will be submitted to Embassy the following Wednesday. </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The results could possibly come in on Monday based on other families timelines </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">but could be a couple more weeks as there is no guarantee. I am trying not to </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">hang my hat on Monday but I can’t lie & say that I’m not!!! (my fellow adoptive </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">mommas understand the craziness that comes as you get closer & closer!!!) I </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">have done EXTREMELY well, considering, but it’s getting harder & harder as time </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">goes on. Once we are submitted to the US Embassy they will be in direct contact </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">with us during the process from what I understand from other families. There </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">will be an initial intake process which could be a few days to a week+. Then </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">they will schedule our finder interview. This is when the police officer from </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Adama will come to the Embassy & confirm the facts of our case. Many people </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">clear the same day as the finder interview. This interview could be as early </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">as 1 week after submission but it appears they have been booked up & delayed on </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">this portion with the last couple groups of people. Praying they will catch up </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">when it’s our time so this last step will be quick! I’m still counting on </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">traveling the 1st week in September hopefully!!! That will work out perfectly </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">with time off of work with FMLA & will put me coming back to work right after </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thanksgiving week. If we travel sooner I will have to come back before </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thanksgiving which will screw up our plans to travel to be with family & we </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">will have to drive ALL night Wednesday night with 3 children & be super tired </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">on Thanksgiving day. Not so fun!!! </span></pre>
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</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We will be in country for about 4 days for Embassy & then travel a LONG 17 hours</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to DC with 2 babies!!! Ahhh! That’s going to be a </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">LONG flight! Praying they sleep most of the time & that we will be able to get </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">a bassinet on the plane. I will fight someone to the death to get one!!! (or they can</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">listen to 2 screaming babies, their choice!!! haha That way we can have one of them</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">in there & one on a lap & the other person can trade off resting. </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We want anyone & EVERYONE to come to our airport homecoming if possible! We </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">would love to have a TON of people there to welcome our girls home! We have had SO</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">many people supporting us physically, financially & prayerfully & they are a BIG part </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">of this adoption! We are going to try to make it so we arrive on a weekend if possible </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">so more people can come! I’ve never been to an airport homecoming before but I have </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">heard they are AMAZING! Unfortunately no one from our agency is from Cincinnati so </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I haven't gotten to go to any. :( I have seen LOTS of pictures & love it! We will keep you</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">updated of when we will arrive so you can make arrangements to be there!</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We can't thank you all enough for your prayers & support! Keep our girls in your prayer</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">for continued health in our absence! </span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I can't wait to have them in my arms again!!!</span></pre>
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<pre class="msgPlainWrap"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I will leave you with another picture of our girls.</span></pre>
<pre class="msgPlainWrap"> </pre>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is from 4 months ago in early April. They have grown SO much! So grateful for the care that they have received!!</span><br />
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terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-61922585061002960662013-08-06T15:40:00.001-07:002013-08-06T15:40:09.203-07:00They're OURS!!! (sorry for the delay)Well this post is WAY overdue but we want to introduce to you....<br />
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Chelsea Ann Beiment (pernounced beh-meh-net) Lance</div>
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AND</div>
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Lillina "Lina" Dibora (pernounced Dee-bor-uh) Lance</div>
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We officially passed court on June 26th & they are legally ours! Sorry for the delay in getting this posted! We've had lots to do since being back & still have LOTS left to do!<br />
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They are absolutely amazing! We love them so much!!! They are so beautiful! I can't wait until you all can meet them in person! You will be in love too! <br />
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We had an amazing time learning about their country while we were there. We were able to visit the city they were from. We spent a couple hours with them each day. I could spend forever telling you every detail of the trip but that would take forever. Instead how about I just show you pictures of them!!!<br />
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<br /></div>
Had enough cuteness for one day????<br />
<br />
So now what, now we are waiting for the PCR results to come back for HIV & then we can be submitted to the US Embassy. They should hopefully be in next week!!! Praying! We can only be submitted on Wednesday's so the following Wednesday after the results come in we should be submitted. We could clear in 1-8 weeks from then. Praying for 1 week! Praying to travel the 1st week of September & that airfare will go down some by then as it is OUTRAGEOUS right now! More info to come on what will happen when we bring the girls home! We definitely want to have a HUGE airport homecoming & would love for anyone & everyone to come! We will be going into at least a partial hibernation for attachment but more to come on that later!terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-50469503279938631582013-06-16T05:06:00.000-07:002013-06-16T05:06:00.676-07:00Court Date!!!
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We FINALLY have our court date! June
26<sup>th</sup>!!! Lord willing we will officially be deemed the
parents of our daughters although they have been our children in our
hears for 3 months now!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We will leave here THIS Thursday
afternoon & arrive in Ethiopia Friday evening. (they are 7 hours
ahead of us) We will get to meet our girls Saturday morning. I
CAN'T wait! We don't know what all we will do while we're there. I
know we will spend a few hours each day with our girls & will go
around to various areas of the city/country. They like for you to
experience Ethiopia as much as possible to be able to share with your
children. Plus they don't want you spending TOO much time with your
children so you don't get too attached & the children don't get
attached & off their normal schedule since we will be leaving
them. :( We requested to visit the hospital that our girls spent a
few weeks in & their home town.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm also excited that there will be
several other families there with us visiting their children. There
is a Facebook group for families in our agency. We have all gone
through so much together through this journey via Facebook & it
will be great to meet some of them in person!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We will leave Ethiopia late Thursday
evening June 27<sup>th</sup>. It will be a HARD leaving our girls.
The last 3 months have been hard but will be nothing compared to how
hard it will be meeting our girls & then LEAVING them for 3-4
months! I am going to be a ball of emotions! Please bare with me
during this time! We expect to bring them home around October.
There are many steps that need to take place during court &
Embassy. When we pass court they will legally be our children but
the US doesn't recognize that so they have to do their part of the
process. More to come on that part.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have a LOT to get done between now &
Thursday!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thank you all for your prayers during
this journey! They have been felt by us & God has definitely
blessed us! Continue your prayers. Pray for us as we leave Jack on
Thursday as I've not left him for more than 2 days. Pray for travel
safety. Pray for us as we leave our girls. Pray for health &
safety for our girls until we can bring them home. Pray for a quick
Embassy process so we can bring them home FOREVER!</div>
terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-70640699706575637702013-05-26T18:21:00.001-07:002013-05-26T18:21:11.947-07:00Countdown to PH & Money!
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We're on our 1<sup>st</sup> of many
countdowns towards getting our girls home! Our Preliminary Hearing
(PH) is set for this Friday May 31. That's only 5 days! At this hearing they will review our
girls' file & officially deam them orphans so they may be
adopted. From what we've heard, no news is good news after this
hearing. We will hopefully hear something 1-2 weeks after this with
our travel date. We could have a few days notice or a few weeks. It
varies. Also at or shortly after this hearing MOWA (who is like our
children's service) will review OUR file & give their approval
for us to adopt these precious girls. We are praying this goes
smoothly & quickly. We are praying there are no problems, delays
or follow up questions. Praying they do not have ANY issues with
Jeremy's health & that they will simply look at the medical
letter that says he is fit to parent & leave it at that, no
additional questions. Will you commit to praying the same? We are
praying that we will travel by the end of June. We can't wait to
meet our girls. I can't wait to have them in my arms. To hug them &
kiss them to pieces! I can't wait to see all their little features.
Learn their personalities. But I am NOT looking forward to leaving
them for 3-4 months. That will be the worst thing in my life! I'm
trying not to think about that part.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Also just wanted to give a recap of our
fundraising. God has provided non stop throughout this adoption. I
could never have imagined that this would go as quickly &
smoothly as it has. It seems like it's been forever but it's only
been about a year since the very beginning & in the adoption
world that is very quick. God has provided all of the money that we
needed when we needed it! We got a $6,000 Grant from Show Hope the
week before we got our referral. We just got a $7500 Grant from Gift
of Adoption Fund last week in time for our travel! We only need
about $1800 or so for the remainder of our adoption expenses. That
is just amazing! Some of the costs are estimated & won't know
for sure for a while but I have no doubt God will provide this money
when we need it!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thank you all for your love &
support! I will try to keep you all updated. Also if you haven't
been following since the beginning I do want to apologize for my
writing skills. I am NOT a writer & never claim to be. I just
want to keep you all up to date on our adoption. Thanks for baring
with me!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Also if you didn't see it on Facebook, here's our girls cute feet! (I can't wait until I can post their faces on here!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc3YMaizqX-t4IgijhALmt6fGmBSIeZO7tNyzW4cxPFvSDlXeCf_dtGCVcBuwXuM_kVRSuYidBHtKS33YpFzQAHV2Lx64kecWhTI_ojrTTP5EMX3I2hc4rrDijt_nXq-XjuOUAOxaJZE/s1600/both+5-7+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc3YMaizqX-t4IgijhALmt6fGmBSIeZO7tNyzW4cxPFvSDlXeCf_dtGCVcBuwXuM_kVRSuYidBHtKS33YpFzQAHV2Lx64kecWhTI_ojrTTP5EMX3I2hc4rrDijt_nXq-XjuOUAOxaJZE/s320/both+5-7+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Chelsea is on the left & Lina is on right. </div>
terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-24410283342188091022013-05-21T17:34:00.001-07:002013-05-21T17:34:30.404-07:00ThermometerCheck out the thermometer to the right!!! Yes it is correct!!! We are almost there! I will try to post more later but so many of you helped us so much in getting to where we are that I felt you needed to see that yes it IS making a difference! Even if it was only a little bit. It ALL adds up!terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-61450615299268961352013-05-08T14:52:00.001-07:002013-05-08T14:53:37.809-07:00Amazon FundraiserHow often do you buy off of Amazon? We have set up an account so we can raise money for our adoption by your every day purchases from Amazon. You can use your same account, buy the same things & pay the same price. We just earn a small portion of your purchases for our adoption. All you have to do is use the below link. You can save it as a favorite or put it on your task bar so you don't forget about it when you go to buy. Easy enough right? We're not asking you to go buy something just to help us but if you're already going to buy something on Amazon you might as well use our link so it can help us bring our girls home.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=lancadop-20" target="_blank">Lance Amazon Fundraiser</a><br />
<br />
Please share with others! Every little bit helps!<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
<br />terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-31440972572625396902013-05-07T07:51:00.000-07:002013-05-19T05:39:39.910-07:00Soap FundraiserWe're trying out a new fundraiser. A fellow adoptive mother started a business selling handmade soaps. Most soap you buy in the store has lots of chemicals. These are made with natural ingredients.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHOm25wiF3d1dFZTlfkau7RFzH8DPVxOJwTLAFiVuXv0ZPPhtEydpDjiF2FznqwduwnksFGbZL9gXwbfIZQ8bQM2eFImcq-hsjD4IlpMIWrIcW5X0FAIDE3qwjtBiLlkEPTvG42HwsEg/s1600/soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHOm25wiF3d1dFZTlfkau7RFzH8DPVxOJwTLAFiVuXv0ZPPhtEydpDjiF2FznqwduwnksFGbZL9gXwbfIZQ8bQM2eFImcq-hsjD4IlpMIWrIcW5X0FAIDE3qwjtBiLlkEPTvG42HwsEg/s320/soap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Haven Bath & Body uses natural ingredients including sustainable
palm oil and local non-pasteurized honey. Haven Bath & Body
currently features 3 soaps, Oats & Honey, Lavender & Cedarwood
and Cocoa Butter. Each 4 – 4.5 oz. bar retails is $5 (plus shipping if not picking up). I have a sample of each of these if you would like to see, feel or smell them! They are also introducing a new Tea Tree Oil Soap but I do not have a sample of that. <br />
<br />
Oats & Honey is good for exfoliating & moisturizing.<br />
Lavender & Cedarwood is relaxing & calming. This would be good for baby's night time bath.<br />
Cocoa Butter is very creamy & moisturizing.<br />
Tea Tree Oil is good for skin conditions like Eczema. <br />
<br />
<br />
I must order at least 9 bars at a time. Once the order is placed it will take 3+ weeks as they are made to order. I am planning on taking orders now through May 19th & then will re-evaluate if we will place additional orders.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you have any questions on this soap, please let me know & I will find out for you.<br />
<br />
<br />
UPDATE: Check out this article on why this type of soap is better than commercial soap.<br />
http://www.gardenofbeauty.net/5-reasons-why-natural-handmade-soaps-are-better-than-commercial/ <br />
<br />
<br />terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-76154255803210754682013-05-01T16:29:00.002-07:002013-05-01T16:33:30.500-07:00Pennies & Prayers for our Girls!<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s1AnetYwhOmMN51ZPaMsc0br5SZa04illG3CXICSkt1_UO-m7KdEIb-1bGqgC86GtbZifpGux-RbayZ_B0UF9Tk_mJoTjlJirxjBcjfCs_FlKQaphCMMtI-DdWd7lbKs50DVfsu8424/s1600/preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s1AnetYwhOmMN51ZPaMsc0br5SZa04illG3CXICSkt1_UO-m7KdEIb-1bGqgC86GtbZifpGux-RbayZ_B0UF9Tk_mJoTjlJirxjBcjfCs_FlKQaphCMMtI-DdWd7lbKs50DVfsu8424/s320/preview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
As many of you know our Preliminary
Hearing is scheduled for May 31<sup>st </sup>for our precious Chelsea
& Lillina! This is when they will review our children's cases &
officially determine them orphans so they may be adopted. Also at
this hearing MOWA (who is like our children's services) will begin to
review OUR paperwork to determine if we are eligible to adopt these
amazing girls! We need lots of prayer this month for our children &
our case. I am praying that when MOWA looks at our file that they
will sign off on it right away & not have questions or delay it.
They are the ones that would look at Jeremy's medical letter &
could have questions on his health. I am praying that they will see
that the Dr said he is fit to parent, not have any additional
questions & sign off on it right away. Once this is complete we
will be given OUR court date when WE TRAVEL TO MEET OUR GIRLS for the
1<sup>st</sup> time! I cannot wait for this day! Please pray that
this happens right away & that we will be traveling by the end of
June! We of course are also praying for our children as they wait on
the other side of the world for their mom & dad! Pray for
continued health for them!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the month of June we are asking for
pennies & prayers leading up to our PH (Preliminary Hearing).
Will you commit to praying for us our & children???</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are also asking people that are able
to fill a baby bottle with spare change for the month. Maybe it's
only $5, maybe $20. Whatever you have in your pockets for the month
or are able to give. We will take anything, pennies, quarters,
dollars anything! We need about $2,000 before our 1<sup>st</sup>
trip & about $12,000 total remaining by the end so any little bit
helps! We can provide you a bottle to fill or if you want to get a
bottle yourself to give to us I will list below what bottles &
sippy cups we will be using.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Basic Gerber Bottles (as they are used
to using basic bottles there & I don't believe are using any of
our fancy bottles that most use here) They can be found just about
anywhere, even Kroger.
<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19351236">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19351236</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nuby Soft Spout Sippy Cups - Also
everywhere, Kroger has these I think an older style but basicly same
<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12535849">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12535849</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Munchkin Straw Cups – also found
everywhere
<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=15301876&searchURL=false">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=15301876&searchURL=false</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let us know if you need us to bring you
a bottle to fill!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Again, if you aren't able to help
financially, we STILL need you & your prayers are needed more
than anything!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Will you give pennies & prayers for
the month of May???</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Feel free to pass this on to anyone
else!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you are on Facebook check out our event page. https://www.facebook.com/events/484357614977257/ </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For more information on our adoption,
contact myself or Jeremy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thank you so much!!!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jeremy, Tara & Jack</div>
terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-67652236942561823482013-04-27T05:36:00.000-07:002013-04-27T05:36:01.808-07:00Still waiting
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sorry I haven't updated my blog on our
adoption but unfortunately there's not a lot to update! We're just
waiting to travel for our 1<sup>st</sup> trip to meet our girls!!!
So here's what's happened since our referral on March 18. We were
submitted to court on March 26<sup>th</sup>. This is when all
paperwork was submitted to court to begin the process of scheduling
our preliminary hearing & our court date to travel. We found out
on April 5<sup>th</sup> that our Preliminary Hearing is scheduled for
May 31<sup>st</sup>. This is when they will review our children's
files & officially deem them orphans so they can be adopted. If
they knew who the parent's were they would come to this hearing as
well as our in country director for West Sands. Since our girls were
abandoned there are no parents to appear & our agency will not
appear. We may or may not hear anything for a week or 2 after this
hearing. MOWA (who is like our children's services) will review our
file & issue their LETTER! This is what we want & we want it
fast! This is the part I am nervous about. Due to Jeremy's heart
condition I am worried they will have additional questions that will
delay the process. I am PRAYING (and asking you too) that they will
read it, see the Dr said he is fit to parent, sign off without a
second thought & delay. Please pray for this!!! Once this
letter is received they can issue OUR court date when we can travel &
meet our girls!!! Based on recent timelines we should hopefully
travel the end of June/beginning of July if there are no additional
delays. That's still 2 months away for us to meet our girls! I
CAN'T wait!!! We were originally planning to go the middle of
May-middle of June at the latest so this is much longer than we
planned. I know God has his perfect plan & I am TRYING to trust
& be patient but it's so hard! It's unfortunately only going to
get harder once we have met them & have to leave. Imagine giving
birth to your child & then leaving them for 3-4 months! I don't
think you COULD imagine that! I know they are taking great care of
them there & the nannies love them but I am their mother &
need to be with them! I will need lots of shoulders to cry on!
Please bare with me during this time!!! We should hopefully be
bringing them home in October.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As we wait we still have LOTS of money
to raise! We have been truly blessed by everyone's generosity of
donations & purchasing of fundraising items. I can't say thank
you enough to everyone!!! God HAS provided & shown that there is
no doubt HE is behind this adoption! We are still selling sheets!
If you haven't gotten any of these, they are really amazing! I'm not
just saying that so you buy some, they really are so much better than
you can get for the price in the store! $35 for 1200-1800 thread
count sheets. You won't find that. If you are local I am more than
happy to let you see them! If you're not, just trust me!!! Check
out our fundraising page for more details on these awesome sheets!
As of right now we have raised a total of $29,998 out of $40,337
needed. We need an estimated $2,000 more before our 1<sup>st</sup>
trip. I have no doubt that God will provide!!! If you think of it
in sheets we need to sell 112 more sets to meet this goal. My former
co-workers are having a yard sale for us during the Trenton Yard Sale
at our house. Praying we raise a lot there! We are taking any
donated items to sell!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We have also been blessed by several
families in our Facebook group for adoptive families within our
agency. I don't know what I would do without this group! I have had
several families go over in the last month & send us pictures of
our girls. These are PRICELESS for us to see now & also have
later to show our girls when they get older. I hate that we have a
million pictures of Jack daily for the first several months & am
grateful to be getting these pictures of our girls to keep! Until we
pass court we are not allowed to post these pictures online but we
ARE allowed to show them to anyone so please ask when you see me &
I will be more than happy to show them off!!! I can't until we get
an update on their weights. I have no idea how big they are. I was
told at the beginning of April that they were about the size of a
newborn & they were 2 ½ months old at that time. Keep in mind
they were 3 ½ lbs at birth so they have some catching up to do.
They look very healthy. I have been told they have very good eye
contact & are alert.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think that's enough for today!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thanks again to everyone for your love
& support! Even if you haven't been able to give financially
your prayers are much needed & appreciated!!!</div>
terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-57938621221159800842013-04-04T14:58:00.002-07:002013-04-04T14:58:42.725-07:00Haircut Fundraiser!I had this posted on Facebook but forgot to post it on here. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow's the LAST Day!!! Don't miss out on this deal & fundraiser!<br />
<br />Purchase a $40 gift card now for a haircut from Lisa Bentley from Salon Lofts to use in the next 3 months. 1/2 of the profit will go to us for our adoption. Regular price $45. Comment on here so I can keep track & send her a message to purchase or just send me an email if you don't have a way to contact her. She is located at 10002 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati Ohio 45242. You can also visit her Facebook fan page at Salon Bentley at Salon Lofts. terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-5525279545155796072013-03-30T04:56:00.001-07:002013-03-30T04:58:03.736-07:00How so quick?<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some may be wondering how we got a
referral so quick? Are they legitimately orphans? Are they buying
orphans? Those are legitimate questions. Often times if you are
with an agency that gives quick referrals that can mean that the
agency is doing some immoral things. Many people are waiting years
for a referral from Ethiopia... and we waited 3 weeks. The original
agency we were with (for like 2 days) we found out some scary things
& they pretty much were buying & selling children.
Thankfully an amazing women contacted me with some important
information on that agency the same day we sent out our application
fee & we were able to get it back in time without losing any
money or getting in deep with this immoral agency. But then we found
our amazing agency West Sands Adoptions who we love! They are a very
moral agency & well respected in Ethiopia. They are a smaller
agency (though growing very quickly) so still have a shorter wait
time than some agencies but again that is growing increasing the wait
time. Many people I believe saw that they had a shorter wait time &
joined their agency expanding the waiting list very quickly in the
last 6 months.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyways, back to our referral. Right
now I believe our agency has a 12-18 month wait time for a healthy
referral. For an HIV referral they are predicting 6-9 months. They
had just told us 4-8 months for our referral since we were open to 1
or 2 children with HIV up to 4 years old. So we weren't expecting to
hear anything until this summer or fall. So how did we get a
referral in 3 weeks? Well we were 104 on the healthy list & 11
on the HIV list. Apparently no one else on the HIV list was open to
siblings (except for 1 family requesting 2 boys) so even though we
were last on the list we were the only ones that fit this referral so
it went to us. It is possible that they contacted others on the list
above us to confirm they weren't open to 2 before contacting us but I
don't know. Yes our girls were orphans. They didn't traffic them or
buy them. They were abandoned at 5 days old. They were taken to the
hospital that same day & then taken to our agency's transition
home once they were released from the hospital a few weeks later.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This was all a HUGE surprise to us but
God knew exactly what he was doing! I believe he was waiting for us
to let go of this adoption & what we “wanted” & be open
to what he wanted. Remember, we were originally requesting a healthy
infant, then an infant with HIV & then opened up to any age up to
4 years old. It was just a week or 2 after we opened up that we got
THE CALL. We ended up with TWO infants. He just wanted us to LET GO
& allow him to take control. I have NO doubt that this was what
he wanted. How else could we raise over $10,000 in 4 days??? If
this wasn't God's plan I don't believe that would have been possible.<br />
<br />
Here's a sneak peak of our little girls! We can't show full pictures until we pass court in 2-3 months.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQclR6402EPCA1iOAfqZFrPnQfiXtyxZx16K-ByIAOuMV_3MiakPLjtbH3XG5G0tfYojDbeLz4ZgK90YCH4WE-DzkajDP4uRwCNDNjI593RzZDni2QFIbtMDv-lNjxS_SQVOqSfHG9OtY/s1600/toes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQclR6402EPCA1iOAfqZFrPnQfiXtyxZx16K-ByIAOuMV_3MiakPLjtbH3XG5G0tfYojDbeLz4ZgK90YCH4WE-DzkajDP4uRwCNDNjI593RzZDni2QFIbtMDv-lNjxS_SQVOqSfHG9OtY/s320/toes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-38414172728778783642013-03-21T16:37:00.002-07:002013-03-21T16:37:17.414-07:00Cut & Color Fundraiser<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent">For those local folks, we have a friend offering a great deal on a cut & color at her salon. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent">Purchase a $75 gift card now for a cut & color from Lisa
Bentley from Salon Lofts to use in the next 3 months. 1/2 of the profit will go to us
for our adoption. This is a great deal as it normally costs $115-130.
Comment on here, send me a Facebook message or email so I can keep track & you can send her a message on Facebook to purchase. If you're not on Facebook you can email me at terribeth07@earthlink.net & I will assist in arranging the purchase. She is located at 10002 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati, Ohio 45242.
You can also visit her Facebook fan page at Salon Bentley at Salon Lofts.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent">This deal is on sale through Wednesday March 27th so don't delay in ordering yours! It is good for 3 months! </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent">God is doing AMAZING things this week & IS providing everything we need to bring these precious girls into our family forever!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent">Thank you to EVERYONE who has assisted by donating, sharing & praying for funds! We love you all! </span></span></span><span class="userContentSecondary fcg"></span>terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-15165994263458165662013-03-20T16:19:00.002-07:002013-03-20T16:21:04.108-07:00It's a Girl!!! (x2)<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are excited to announce that we
received & accepted a referral for twin girls that are 2 months
old! We received a surprising call on Monday night!!!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So back up a little. Our dossier
arrived in Ethiopia on February 25<sup>th</sup> & we were
officially added to the list at that time. We were #11 on the HIV
waiting list. We were originally told 6-9 months for a referral. We
were originally requesting a child 0-12 months either gender &
open to a sibling of the opposite gender up to 3 years old. Then a
week or 2 ago we decided we should open our parameters to 1 or 2
children 0-4 years old of either gender or 1 of each if there were 2.
We felt God wanted us to be more open. Our agency then told us the
expected 4-8 months for a referral.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Last week we received a $6,000 grant
from Show Hope for our adoption. I was so excited about this &
had in the back of my mind that maybe we got it because something was
coming sooner! I tried to tell my self to stop thinking that because
it was so early. It stayed in my mind for several days. Monday all
day I kept feeling like something was coming but again tried to talk
myself out of getting my hopes up. I had butterflies in my stomach &
was nervous for some reason.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then Monday night at 7:01pm I received
a call from a long distance # I didn't recognize. I don't always
answer the phone if I don't know the number but I did. I don't fully
remember the conversation but I remember our caseworker Koni was on
the phone & said it was Koni. I had never actually spoken to her
only emailed her so didn't know how her name was pronounced. I
thought it was Cone-E but it's pronounced like Connie so it threw me
off. She said she was with West Sands. I started getting so nervous
because I didn't know any other reason she would call me! She said
she had Sheila on the phone who is the director. They started
talking to me about our paperwork just being done & our criteria.
They asked about how much money we had & when we would be ready
for a referral. I told her how much we had but that we would find
the money if it came before. She then told me she wanted to tell me
about twin girls that were 2 months old. She just told me a little
bit of information on them but not much. She said there was no
obligation but just wanted to offer us the referral. Well, Jeremy
wasn't home at the time. He was guest speaking at a broadcasting
school at that time. I told her I would try to get a hold of him &
get back with her before she sent any pictures. I didn't want to get
my hopes up too much or promise anything without talking to him. I
was shaking like crazy. My face was blood red. The whole time we
were on the phone Jack was screaming because he wanted his pancake
that took 10 seconds in the microwave, then wanted a fruit cup, then
wanted another. I was shoving things in his face to keep him quiet
so I could hear the phone! As soon as I got off the phone I sent him
a text to call me AS SOON as he got done! I waited for what seemed
like an eternity but was only like 20-30 minutes. Then he called me.
I told him the news & asked what he thought. He said let's go
for it. He was going to be home in 15-20 minutes. I wanted to wait
to call Sheila back to send us pictures until he got home because
otherwise I wouldn't have been able to wait to look at them if they
arrived. As soon as we got home I called her & she gave me a
little more information on them now that she knew we were interested.
Then she sent us their pictures & file. We set up the laptop on
the table & set up the video camera to capture the moment. Jack
sat on my lap so we could all look together. Jeremy pulled up the
email & we saw our precious beautiful baby girls for the 1<sup>st</sup>
time. I thought I would cry but I was still in such shock &
shaking! Jack pointed & we had him blow them kisses. After we
put him to bed we made calls to family to let them know the amazing
news! Everyone was also in shock & so excited. I wish we could
post their pictures but until we pass court we are not allowed to
post them publicly on the internet. We can however show them to you
individually and are more than happy to show them off! They are
beautiful & tiny! They are preemies so they're still small but
appear to be doing very well now!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The problem... we needed to raise
another $10,450 within 10 days to accept our referral! Seems
impossible right??? Well God had other plans! We raised $8849 in 24
hours!!!! This clearly showed this WAS God's plan & he WAS
providing the money! I was just blown away by the support from
friends, family & strangers! As of this moment we have raised
$9354.55!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So what now? Once we complete raising
this portion of fees we will be submitted to court. We will travel
to meet our daughters for the first time in about 3 months. At that
time we will attend court where they will hopefully be pronounced
“ours” legally! We will need about another $5,000 before we
travel for this trip. Most people find out they are traveling within
days or hours of when they need to hop on a plane. Last week several
people found out their court date like 3 weeks ahead of time but from
what I've seen that is extremely unusual. The norm seems to be 2-3
days! That is from the time we get the call to when we hop on the
plane! We will have to contact our travel agent immediately to
arrange airfare! We will be there about a week & unfortunately
return to the U.S. WITHOUT THEM! According to Ethiopian Government
we are their parents but the US Embassy doesn't recognize that &
won't allow them in the US yet. They will do their own
investigation, medical clearance, etc. This process takes about 2-4
months. Then we will receive another call that they have been
cleared & come home! We will then return & bring them home
forever! We will need about another $5000 for that trip. So even
after we raise this current money we are still in need of $10,000+
but have no doubt that God will provide that as well!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For now we are still requesting
donations & lots of prayers! We have a Facebook-a-thon going on requesting people to spread the word to all of their friends & family to give just $5 or $10. We are still selling sheets! (If
you haven't checked these out, they really are amazing! I'm not just
saying that to get you to buy them) We are trying out a scarf
fundraiser. We have someone offering a great deal on a cut &
color gift certificate & sharing profit with us. We have had
many other ideas from people for fundraisers!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ok, I think I've made you read enough
for now! Thank you all for your love & support for our family!
We can never show how truly grateful we are!</div>
terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-88146549081285953772013-03-17T14:46:00.001-07:002013-03-17T14:46:44.608-07:00Scarf Fundraiser<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
are testing out a new fundraiser selling these scarves. $8 each (plus
shipping if not local). I have a limited amount of these at this time
but may be able to get more of certain styles if there is interest. </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></b>terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-78290227970935808222013-03-14T15:57:00.001-07:002013-03-14T15:57:16.164-07:00GRANT!!!So excited to announce that we received a <b>$6,000</b> Grant Award from Show Hope! I wasn't expecting to hear if we received it or not until at least April 1st so this is a big surprise & BIG award! This shows me that we <b>ARE</b> doing what GOD has planned & that he is definitely in this adoption! I knew this already but this proves it! I have just been so excited all afternoon since I found this out!<br />
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I counted up what we have so far for our referral & we have <b>$7,190</b> (once we get all the money for current sheet sales in) to use towards our referral fee(s) & other fees due at that time. <br />
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So what do we still need? When we receive <b>THE CALL</b> stating that we have received a referral we have <b>1-2 weeks</b> to pay these fees. If we receive a referral of 1 child we will owe <b>$10,450</b> & if we have 2 siblings we will owe <b>$16,700</b>. That means that we STILL need <b>$3,260 for 1 child or $9,510 for 2.</b> <br />
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To break that down in sheets sales, we only need to sell <b>181</b> more sheets to have enough money for 1 child. That seems like a lot but it's really not. We CAN do it but need HELP! I know that all of you can't buy sheets & we completely understand but you CAN help us sell!<br />
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I am just so excited & thankful for God in providing this $6,000 today through Show Hope!terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-816784102440510552013-03-11T16:35:00.001-07:002013-03-11T16:35:53.072-07:00God's Breaking Our Hearts... More!
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, God's been breaking our hearts
more lately. (in a good way) God has been speaking to us about our
parameters we were “requesting” in a child. Our home study had
approved us for up to 2 children 0-4 years old. When we first
started the process we wanted a girl 0-6 months old & healthy.
Then as we went on we felt God leading us to open up to the
possibility of a “minor” special need & up to 12 months.
Then as we were going through our home study we started looking into
adopting a child with HIV. We were also considering the option of a
twin or sibling up to 3. When we completed our home study, this was
pretty much our decision was one child 0-12 months old boy or girl &
were open to a twin or sibling 0-3 years old one or both with HIV.
We knew that God ONLY wanted us to adopt a child with HIV & not a
health child (unless they were a sibling). God really broke my heart
for these children suffering this awful disease. There is NOT
anything wrong with adopting a healthy child but we knew that was not
God's calling for our family. Our motivation for adopting was not
just to add another child to our family because we could do that the
old fashion way if we wanted to. God was calling us to give a home
to a child who needed a home. I constantly have the song “Kings &
Queens” from Audio Adrenaline in my head. (check out a previous
blog post for this video, it's awesome & so powerful) One of the
lyrics in the song is “If
not us, who will be like Jesus To
the least of these, If
not us tell me who will be like Jesus Like
Jesus to the least of these.” This is playing in my head quite
often. God kept telling me that he wanted more. He kept telling me
we were too closed in our parameters. I felt as though we were
saying that if we were to get a 3 year old sibling then they weren't
as important or a priority as the baby. That we really wanted a baby
but if we had to take a 3 year old also then we would. Now I know
that's not the case & there would be nothing wrong with us
wanting a baby, but again this is not what God wanted for US. This
had been weighing on my heart & I brought it up to Jeremy the
other day. I said that I felt as though we needed to open it up to a
child or 2 siblings 0-4 years old. Thankfully he was in full
agreement. We have officially notified our agency of this change. </span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">With
this change it could change our timeline which is both a positive &
negative. Our agency has estimated 4-8 months for a referral.
Although, there's a chance it could be much sooner if there would be
a child or siblings that don't meet the parameters of the families
above us on the list. We don't know everyone who's on the HIV list
but based on those we know, for instance if there would be boy &
girl 4 year old twins, there's no one we know of requesting this.
It's really hard to know for sure how long it will be as they could
receive several HIV+ referrals all together or could go months with
none. With this possible earlier referral comes a LOT of money
needed quickly. This is one thing I am worried about. If we
received a call tomorrow we would not have the money to accept it. I
am working hard to TRUST GOD on this! He has planned this whole
adoption out long ago & we believe he will provide when the time
is right. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We
appreciate EVERYONE'S prayers & support through this adoption &
ask you to continue praying for our family & our child(ren) who
are far far away. Pray that God will watch over them when we can't
be there to take care of them. Pray that they are receiving the
medical care that they need to keep their HIV under control. Pray
for those that are caring for them now whether it be their birth
family or an orphanage. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thank
you!</span></div>
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terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-77943040580027238642013-03-01T18:39:00.002-08:002013-03-01T18:39:51.792-08:001st Waiting List #Today we received our <u><b>FIRST</b></u> waiting list # & we are officially #11 on the HIV Waiting List! I am trying to plan on waiting until this Fall for a referral although we never know what God will do. It could be MUCH sooner than that or MUCH later! The families above us are requesting a variation of ages, genders & #s of children so it's hard to say when it will be our turn but GOD knows. I am trying not to analyze it too much & worry but it's HARD not to! I just want to see our child(ren) & start the process of bringing them home. I just have to trust in God's perfect plan! And in the mean time I need to raise, raise, raise money to do so!<br />
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So I'll leave you with this # to pray for! Pray for the 10 children above us & for our child(ren) that are over there right now! Keep them safe & healthy! Pray they are getting the proper medication & care for their HIV! Pray that they know they are loved by someone & that they are not Yucky! (many, or maybe all, are told that they are which breaks my heart because they are not)<br />
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<br />terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388908252063316366.post-89730807057356739382013-02-25T15:22:00.003-08:002013-02-25T15:22:45.402-08:00DTE!We are officially DTE! That means our dossier has reached Ethiopia & we are officially on THE LIST! We won't know our official number until the new list comes out which is usually the beginning of the month. We should be around #10 on the HIV list! They are still estimating 6-9 months for a referral but it could be much sooner or later than that as there's no way to know for sure. We still want to be ready with the funds ASAP just in case so we don't lose our referral. <br />
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Thank you to EVERYONE for your love, support & prayers! Keep it up because unfortunately the wait is going to get harder & harder! We will wait for a referral, then we will wait for court to meet our child(ren) & then we will wait to bring them home. Lots of waiting but can't WAIT to see our child(ren) for the first time! I know God knows when that will be & I am praying for PATIENCE during this waiting. I KNOW his timing is perfect but it's not always easy to believe that in my head!terribeth07http://www.blogger.com/profile/07185801547795249030noreply@blogger.com0