Adoption Link-up - families getting ready to travel

A blog that I follow (found here) is hosting a link up for families who are in the process of adoption - nearing travel to adopt one child - and still needing funds. Linny and her family are just amazing and have such hearts for orphans and adoption. They are planning to share links to families who are still fundraising for the final fees to bring their children home forever. She has asked that to participate, we answer the following questions: (I apologize for all the different style print in this post - all due to lots of copying/pasting to put the questionnaire on here)


1.   Tell us a bit about the child you are adopting - including this treasure's age and name {Please post a picture if allowed.}

Our homestudy and placement agencies do not allow us to post any pictures or share her name yet (until we are in China!). She is "T" and turned 5 years old this past summer. We found her through a waiting child listing and we were instantly drawn to her. She is in foster care and very attached to her mom (good news!), and loves to dance, and help around her house.

 2.  Is the child you are adopting considered "Special Needs"?  

Yes, T is listed as having mild CP and a speech delay. She appears to have had hydrocephalus at one time (unknown cause).

3.  What country or geographic area are you adopting from?

China (Hubei province)

4.   Have you adopted before?

Yes. We adopted two siblings (sisters) from Ethiopia in 2009. The blessing of adoption goes both ways. It is very hard to not want to do it again once you see what having a family and love and can do for a child. It has changed our perspective on life. Adoption is such a pictures of God's adoption and redemption of us. We feel so blessed He let us in on this special life and journey.

5.   How close to travel are you?

We just got our Letter Seeking Confirmation. We are told we should expect to travel in three months.

6.   Do you attend church regularly?   If so, what type of church is it?

We regularly attend and are active in Maple Grove Christian Church - which is an evangelical, Bible-believing church (no specific affiliation).

7.    Do you tithe with each pay {at least the scriptural standard of 10%}?

Yes, we truly believe that the Lord asks this of his followers. 

8.  This week, did you participate in any way with the day of Praise, Prayer by giving praise on the link and then posting your request?

I did not participate this week but have on previous prayer days.

9.  Have you read the entire Deadbeat Dad series?  {Yes or No}  Please read it in full, so you can better understand the heart of God for stewarding the money He has graciously gifted us with. 
It is a four part series and can be found here:  Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Yes - all but part 4 but am off to read that now! Update: just finished Part 4!

10. How did you hear about this Link up we are having?

I am a regular reader of Linny's blog. (A Place Called Simplicity).

11.  Is there anything, briefly, that you would like to share with our orphan-lovin', God-honorin', Jesus worshippin' bloggy friends reading this?

During our first adoption, we worked very hard to pay for everything ourselves. We had no idea that others would come along and assist us financially and when it seemed we wouldn't be able to do it - we leaned on God - and it all came together. This time,  we said "yes" knowing that we really didn't have the funds to do this, but trusted that if it was God's will and calling for our family, that He would provide.  We have worked so hard to sell so many of our personal things, hold several fundraisers, and sacrifice and save wherever we can. God has blessed us constantly - even on the days when we were so discouraged or even questioning if we were doing the right thing. We have even been able to bless others who are also adopting during this time. In faith, we know He will provide and bring our little girl home.

Finally, understanding that each gift received through this "Response Time" has been entrusted generously for our use from our loving Father, we promise, in the unlikely event that we would be unable to or decide not to adopt the children we are advocating for, we promise to return all of the money gifted to us as a result of this link to International Voice of the Orphan so they can, at their discretion, give to other families currently adopting.      

{Please place your initials on the line.} 
Yes, I will submit___JFS___             No, I am unable to submit to this ________