Adoption/Anniversary Photo Shoot

Josh, Jonathan's youngest brother, is in town with us for a few days and among a multitude of other talents, he is an amazing photographer.  He is 8 years younger than Jonathan so Josh basically grew up in Haiti.  He can cook, play the guitar, fly a plane and take a professional photograph.  He will literally be working as a photographer his senior year of high school - cool or what?  Oh, and the plane flying, that's not just a hobby.  He plans to train to become a Missionary Aviation Pilot at Moody Bible Institute after he graduates high school.  So, to say the least, when Josh is around, Jonathan and I are both in awe. 

Last night we decided it was time to try out Josh's new lens.  It became very evident to me when I was putting together our life book that Jonathan and I don't have any great pictures since our wedding.  I've also been itching to do some cool Adoption type shots.  I won't be doing a maternity shoot (obviously), so this was kind of what the adoption version of that would be.  We are also gearing up to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary next month!  Here are a few from the shoot...enjoy!

If you need a photographer, check out Josh's facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/5thWorldPhoto, or email him at josh.5thworldphoto@gmail.com!

There's nothing my God cannot do!

We are in complete shock.  Today I got one of the most amazing and humbling emails I have ever received.  What it said has nothing to do with anything good in Jonathan or I, but it has everything to do with how mighty, powerful and good God is.  We found out today that we were awarded a $10,000 grant from the JSC Foundation!!!!!  No, you are not reading that wrong, $10,000!!!!  OUR GOD IS SO BIG, SO STRONG AND SO MIGHTY, THERE'S NOTHING OUR GOD CANNOT DO!!  We do not share the number to boast about how blessed we are, but to boast about what a great God we serve.  When we started this process we knew that we could not raise the money for the adoption.  We knew that we couldn't, but God could and we've been trusting Him for a mighty provision month by month and day by day.  In our imperfect nature, we have been impatient and we have grown weary but what a drink of cool water this news is for our souls.  We are now two-thirds of the way funded.  Thank you Jesus.

The LORD has done great things for us,and we are filled with joy! Psalms 126:3

I can't believe it's been a month since my last post!  There haven't been many changes...we are still just waiting to get matched.  Thankfully the time has really flown by and we've been able to do some fun things in the meantime.  

Last weekend we went to the Kids For Kyla event where Jonathan and I and another couple who are also adopting were awarded the first ever Kids for Kyla adoption grants.  It was such a fun evening, and we even got a big check out of the deal (literally).

We had a good laugh trying to get the check into the car.  With some strategic thinking, we finally got it in a better position than this, otherwise it would have been a long (and funny) trip back to Nebraska.  

We are so blessed and thankful for the Lord's provision and timing in all of this.  It was such a neat experience to be part of the Kids for Kyla evening.  We were very touched by the story of the other couple who were awarded a grant (Kelly and Nick).  If you have a heart for international adoption, check out their blog here.  God has put many people in our paths that we would not have met otherwise and we are thankful for every opportunity to learn more about adoption and partner in prayer with others who are on the adoption journey.  

Kelly and I talked about a book called The Connected Child when we were at the event.  I had not read it, but had heard a little about it because of one of the grants we looked into.  I am about a quarter of the way through it now and have been very impressed by the practical advice and approach to parenting an adopted child.  If you're interested, here is a link with some more information.  

Here are some prayer requests for us in the coming month:  

1. Patience as the wait is starting to wear on us a little bit.  I jump at any call from an unfamiliar area code hoping it is THE call.  :)

2. The Lord's provision for the adoption.  We are little over a quarter of the way funded so far (Praise the Lord!)

3. Wisdom in making commitments and planning for our future.

Thank you all for your interest in staying updated with us.  We are so grateful for your support and encouragement!



 

Kids for Kyla

While we are waiting for that call saying we've been matched with a birthmother, Jonathan and I have been praying for provision and applying for grants to fund the adoption.  This week we learned that we were chosen by Kids for Kyla as one of their first ever families to be awarded an adoption grant through their organization!  We were awarded one grant and one matching grant - so cool! We are so blessed by the way the Lord has chosen to provide for the funds needed for the adoption and are thankful for Kids for Kyla! 

Kids for Kyla is going to be hosting a silent auction event on Saturday April 7th in Greeley where they will talk about the first grants they are awarding, both to Jonathan and I and to another couple.  If you are interested in going to this event with us, please let us know by March 20th as we have been given the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets for friends and family. 

Also, check out the Kids for Kyla website here, Kids for Kyla.