I hesitate to write this.  I've had some information for over 2 weeks that I haven't wanted to talk about but I really can't put it off any longer. The truth is, this adoption is costing us more than we imagined and planned for. There has been a wide range of mixed emotions in our home over this topic and currently we're feeling peace because we know, even if we don't understand, that this is part of God's plan for our adoption journey and we must rise to the call. He's got the details figured out, I just know it. We are in this thing until the end and there's no turning back.

I don't like putting financials out in the open too much but here's the situation (please excuse me if I'm slightly vague). We received the Adoption Tax Credit a year ago from Silas' adoption which we initially planned on saving but we really felt like God was putting this next adoption in front of us and paving the way. Just so happens that the amount of the credit was exactly what we needed to completely pay the agency fees for the adoption plus a little extra to buy bunk beds for the boys' room. Next, we knew there would be expenses once we got matched with the birth mom to help support her until the baby comes. This is where babysitting comes in to play.  I have babysat several kids in our home since August and saved every dollar I've earned to put towards these expenses.

We had it all planned out and it would be accomplished totally on our own. Great! Right? I really should have known better. Has God not taught me time and time again that I can not make a plan and execute it on my own without flaw? Right here at the end He's coming in and showing that what I can do on my own will never be enough. We don't have enough money. It hurts to type that out...makes me feel somewhat of a failure. If I let myself really realize what's going on, I realize that we jumped into this adoption with some blind faith, God has provided in every step, shown Himself in the details, and I must finish it in blind faith as well. Satan keeps putting fear in me that I need to turn back into faith.

We are glad to have the opportunity to support the mom with whom we have been matched and her children but we can't do it alone. My sweet friend, Jenny, told me that I had to let go of my pride and ask for help. I guess we were just so thankful we didn't have to do fund raising this time around like we did with Silas' adoption. Don't you just love friends who tell you what you need to hear?

We don't have time to plan any kind of event but I am able to make things during nap time and in the evenings so here it is...aside from doing odds and ends stuff for some extra money, I have decided to make glass pendants to sell. These are rectangle (7/8" x 1.25") and can be placed on any chain you already have in your jewelry box. I'm starting out with a limited variety of designs and if they sell well, I'll get more supplies to make more!

Cost: $10 for locals or $12 shipped
Please specify which design you would like when you place your order: Chevron, Stripes (same colors as chevron), Pink Paisley Flower (each of these designs are slightly different).
Don't forget to add your mailing address if you would like it shipped to you.