How did we end up here???

Last year, Micah and I had decided to pursue an adoption of a younger, completely healthy, little boy, aged 0-2.

However, God had other plans.

Late one night, I was sitting at the computer looking at pictures of children on a waiting list and I saw this picture: 

I knew at that moment that this child belonged in our family.  Micah wasn't entirely convinced so we started praying and educating ourselves.  To be totally honest, the kids and I prayed and prayed for God to change Dad's heart.

After LOTS of prayer God did the unthinkable and we decided to accept the referral and we started the process of adopting Brenda.

I flew to Uganda in December to meet her and spent 4 short days with her.  She didn't speak English and I didn't speak Rutooro but God confirmed in my heart that we were in the center of His will.

 













In Feb, our entire family boarded a plane to Africa to meet her for the first time and bring her home.  

It was an amazing experience to show Brenda her entire new family in her own country. The kids bonded instantly as a result.

While we were in Africa, we met another little boy...Brenda's biological brother.  He's 10. 

And God spoke to our hearts and asked us how can we not keep them together?????

At that time we were only approved to adopt 1 child but God was stirring our hearts.  We came home and started praying.  We knew we would need to add on to our girl's room. 

Y'all we live in a 1500 sq foot house and without that addition there was no way we would be approved.  

We simply said yes to God.  And once again He showed up BIG TIME.  We simply walked through the doors God opened. 

So many people say adoption is expensive.  And it is REALLY REALLY REALLY expensive!!!

In one year's time we have completed Brenda's adoption, added a bedroom on to our home and started another adoption and we are only $7000 short from being fully funded.  That's a miracle.  I can't even explain it.

How can we afford this?  God!!! And it's pretty safe to say that retirement will not be on a golf course.

I stand in awe at how God works through His people.  The body of Christ is AMAZING! We often hear  negative stuff about "the church" but God certainly uses His people to accomplish the impossible.   We are living proof of it! 

In 7 short months our precious girl has grown and flourished.



So many of my friends have asked how they can help or what they can pray for. 

How can you help???

1.  Pray for us and with us.  God knows our needs and I have no doubt in my mind that He will meet them.

2.  Pray for our family as we go from a family of 6 to a family of 7.

3.  Pray for Brenda's brother.  This is HUGE for him.  He'll be 11 shortly.  Pray for our hearts and his heart to instantly connect.  

4.  Pray for the perfect timing for us to travel.

Thanks for walking with us through all of this. It has been more of a struggle than we ever thought, but it is totally worth it.  

You can be involved in a tangible way by directly supporting our family with both your prayers and your financial support.  

Project Hopeful is a non-profit organization, which allows our family to raise additional support and this allows you to financially contribute to our family as well as receive a tax deduction with your gift.  All donations are anonymous and can only be used to bring Brenda's brother home.

Joseph's Fig Fund

But we mostly need your prayers.  God will do the rest.  I love you all!!

Joseph's Fig Account

Deja Vu.  That's what my life feels like these days.  

Exactly one year ago this month we were sending Brenda's dossier to Africa.  We were wondering what life would be like going from a family of 5 to a family of 6.

And here we are again.  Wondering what life will be like adding an older child to our family.  Excited and scared to death all in one breath.  Going from a family of 6 to a family of 7.

Two adoption in one year.  

Wondering how we are going to do it. Simply holding on by a prayer.  One step in front of another trusting God with our future.  

It's so scary planning for the logistics of adoption. Traveling half way across the world to bring one child home while you leave the other kids back.  Do we bring them....do we leave them??  Who stays in country?  Do we do this in 2 trips??

How on earth are we going to afford travel?
  
All the unanswered questions swirling around our heads but yet God miraculously took care of it with Brenda and deep down amongst the chaos i know He will take care of it with Joseph.

So.....

Let me tell you about Project Hopeful.  This wonderful organization helps educate, encourages and enables families to advocate for and adopt children with HIV/AIDS and other of the most overlooked children for adoption. 

Project Hopeful has partnered with us and set up a fig fund to help bring Joseph home.

What is a Fig Fund? 

It is an Adoption Fund specifically for Joseph through Project Hopeful. All donations are 100% tax deductible, anonymous, and the money is not ours – which means it can only be used for Joseph's Adoption costs and all disbursements are done directly, not through or to us at all. This means great accountability and that it is ONLY for his adoption expenses. 

So if you're looking for an awesome tax deduction and want to partner with us to help bring Joseph home, click on the link below.

Joseph's Fig Fund