We're Number One

Yesterday was my birthday and yesterday we made it to number one on the official wait list for CHI! Of course I was hoping to receive a referral for my birthday but number one is nice too. I enjoyed the day by relaxing and later that evening I had cake and ice cream and pizza and this and that...I was stuffed! I've informed most of my friends and family that the birthday celebration will continue until the end of the week, so there is still time to get the "BEST GIFT EVER"!

The referrals that were given out yesterday were: A 2.5 month old baby girl and a set of 6 week old girl and boy TWINS! how cool. Last week there was a referral for a 4 year old little boy. I'm happy for the families who have waited and now they get to see the faces of their precious children. I hope to post the big news soon. Until then be blessed and keep us in your prayers.

Toni-

Giveaway!!!

A fellow "adoption mama" is giving away a beautiful piece of jewelry. You could be the favored winner! Just go to: http://thisshubinclan.blogspot.com/ (It's a unique piece from junk posse jewelry) Check it out!

Walking out Faith

Well there is no new news to announce as far a our referral goes. It's been about 3 weeks or so since our agency had any referrals. Everyday I think, "could today be the day?" but then 6PM hits and I stop hoping for that day. I'm hopeful but trying not to be anxious. It's got to happen at some point...right?:-)

Early this week we got news that those of us who haven't already received referrals or court dates will be required to be in court in order to finalize the adoption. When I initially heard that this was being considered I didn't know how to feel. I was concerned about the added costs and also having to leave my daughter and come back for another trip for the embassy appointment. Now that it's final I'm at peace about it. This is something that I can only rely on God to work it out for our good. Financially we are being wise but the full resources to complete this adoption debt free have not YET manifested in the natural. We are walking this entire adoption out on faith. Of course we have applied corresponding actions to the faith by cutting certain unnecessary spending and putting money aside in a separate adoption account. In order to help raise funds for the adoption, God has inspired me to hand make body products for men, women and children. The line is called "Konjo Beautiful" the signature product is our natural Shea body butter. So I've been getting rave reviews from people who have used it and seen a marked change for the better in there skin, people who have children with eczema and sensitive skin have been requesting larger sizes! We have lovely fragrances in addition to a fragrance free option. I will soon be introducing a head to toe oil and bath teas...To God be the Glory! I'm grateful for the inspiration to make something that will help people feel good while helping to restore the life of an orphan. If you are interested in purchasing a 6oz. tin for $12 please email me for more info. TFChain@aol.com . Pass it along to everyone you know who would be blessed by a product like Konjo Beautiful or who would just like to get in on the blessing of a family! Thank you for your time and support!
Toni-

Waiting by the phone

Sunday marked our 14Th month on the wait list. 14 months ago I couldn't imagine getting to this point. I can't say that it's been a patient wait but none-the-less I'm here, we're here...my family and friends are with me on this journey. As we get closer to getting the much anticipated call I think about who I'll call first and so many people come to mind. I'm so grateful for everyone who has been genuinely interested in our adoption process. My husband and kids, who have encouraged me when I thought that I wouldn't make it. My girls...you know who you are, who assured me that it would all happen in due season and that I should never loose faith and to always trust in the perfect will of God. I thank you all. May God reward you for your loyalty and bless you more and more!

Today CHI referred 6 precious children! so I've been bumped up to #1 on the un=official wait list. I know that we're probably about #2 on the official list because I happened to find a family that is waiting for a baby girl and got on the list right before my family. Sooo ya never know...hopefully there will be good news for both of our families real soon.

My friend Jenni just got back with her baby girl! I can't wait to meet her...she is super cute. It's going to be so sweet once my little one comes home she will have some pretty cool friends to play with. The BFF's: Senait and Tsehaynesh and my little princess Shiloh. God is good!

13

It's official! I am the parent of a teenager. My daughter and oldest child turned 13 years old. She is sooo beautiful and full of potential. For her birthday she went out on her first date with the nice guy in the picture. Her father my sweet husband was proud to have her on his arm that night. He actually picked out the cutest outfit and accessories for their date. They enjoyed a meal at Olive Garden and walked around Books-A-Million...how sweet is that! As my first born turns thirteen I realize that we have been on the wait list for referral for 13 months. Our adoption consultant says that it shouldn't be long before we get "the call", all we need is a good handful of baby girls. In the meantime we take care of documents that need to be updated as to not interfere with travel. Next month we re-take our fingerprints. I was surprised at how quickly we got an appointment. We already did an updated home study so I would say we are at a good point...just waiting.

Here's to Hope

Here is a tulip for all of those families waiting for referral and to those who are waiting to pass court...Keep hope alive!

Keep the Faith

There were 7 referrals given out this week...1 set of infant twin boys. I am happy for all the families. most of the referrals were given out to families that were under me on the list. The family that got the twin referral waited 15 months...I know that they are over the moon with joy. My friend Ailida passed court this week after a delay the first time around. My friend Jenni just got news that her baby girl will be home sometime in mid March. I love good news! To those who are waiting to pass court keep your head up! To those who have been passed over for referrals and you're wondering when will it be my turn?...keep hope alive! It's coming, she's coming, he's coming!
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not YET seen. Keep the faith.