Created for Care and 24

Posted by Liza on Feb 17, 2012 in Families, Haven, Our Story | 6 comments

Yes!  So we have a new number…24.  Still not moving as quickly as we had hoped, but we refuse to loose that hope.  Obviously, our March timeline is looking more like summer time for a referral.  Things are slow, but we know God’s timing is perfect!  Trusting in that for the moment and continuing to pray for Haven.

Things have been quite busy around our household.  I got to attend an awesome retreat, which I want to share more about in a bit.  The day after I got back Chris left the country for 17 days.  I’m sure he’s going to want to share more about his travels in another post, especially since he went to Ethiopia for the first time.  Story and I kept ourselves busy by traveling to visit family members all over Mississippi.  It was wonderfully exhausting, but I know we both will cherish these memories.

Now, on to the retreat.  I got to attend Created for Care Conference this year and was so excited about it!  My mother-in-law went with me and treated me to this awesome experience.  It’s some kind of amazing to sit in a room with 433 women who share the same heart for adoption that you have.  About half the women there have adopted, over 150 were in the process, some were thinking about it, and others were just friends or family members there in support.

I was excited to meet up with some Mississippi friends old and new.  In the picture above is Megan, Me, Jenni, Mrs. Teresa, and Alison.  These girls are all on the waitlist for Ethiopia.  I’ve known Alison since college and Megan and I met several years ago through mutual friends.  I was excited to connect with Jenni and had heard so much about her from Mrs. Teresa.  My sweet mother in law goes to church with these awesome ladies.  I’m so thankful to get connected with so many people adopting from the same country our Haven will be from!

I attended some wonderful break-out sessions including “African American Hair Care”, “Practical Advice for Parents in Wisdom and Revelation”, and “Empowered to Connect”.  I gained so much wisdom and insight from each of these.  I was truly challenged and inspired by one of the main speakers, Dr. Susan Hillis.  She has an amazing story and knows God’s word better than anyone I’ve ever met.  She’s my new Beth Moore!  Her words were truly a gift to my heart!

Okay, so here’s the really funny part.  They had something called “Date With God” at this retreat.  It was something you had to sign up for.  Frankly, I thought this was the cheesiest thing I had ever heard of AND if I needed a “Date With God” couldn’t I just go outside and get alone for a quiet time?  I was really turned off.  Then several people who went last year encouraged me to go and said it was really life-changing for them.  So, I went. And I tried to have a good attitude and an open mind.  And wouldn’t you know that it was during this “Date With God” that He spoke to me in ways He never has before.  God really renewed my spirit at this retreat.  My passion for learning, growing, and seeking His face has been restored.

I’m so grateful for this sweet time and hope to take a bunch of girls with me next year!  Who’s in?

Team Haven

Posted by Chris on Jan 19, 2012 in Fundraising | 1 comment

We promised to provide an update on our fundraising efforts, and this is that update.

SPOILER ALERT: IT’S BEEN AWESOME!

First, a little context. We went into the holiday season with approximately $18,000.00 left in expenses to just complete Haven’s adoption. This total basically consists of a $9200 referral fee due when we get our referral (when we find out who Haven is; that’s what that big number over on the right is all about), and travel costs $8800 of travel costs (two trips to Ethiopia and back, each hopefully only 7-10 days in length). When we sent out our fundraising letters we mentioned that had about $15,000.00 left to raise/save. That’s because we had a couple thousand in our adoption account along with another thousand from my mom selling cinnamon rolls (I know. Who knew?).

So, we had applied to a few different organizations that assist with funding adoptions, and now we’ve heard back from two of those.

Obviously, one of those is Lifesong for Orphans. Brook Hills has a partnership with Lifesong where we have endowed some money to be used specifically to help Brook Hills families in the adoption process. Most of this money is distributed through matching grants rather than outright grants. If you received a letter from us or saw a couple of posts ago, then you know that we received one of these matching grants for up to $3000. This meant that we would try to raise money by asking people to donate in our name to Lifesong. Lifesong would then match anything we raised up to $3000. Anything above that would also be for us but wouldn’t be matched. As of yesterday, there is now more than enough in this account to cover the referral fee. So, that’s over $9200.

Then, this week, we heard from another of those organizations, Show Hope. This non-profit was founded by Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman. I heard Steven Curtis talk about it a little bit during a panel at GMA week a few years ago. Anyway, they sent us a letter to let us know they were giving us a grant that covers more than half of our total travel costs.

So, combine these together with what we’ve already had saved and we’re basically there. Haven’s adoption is covered. And I haven’t even mentioned the all the people, many of you, who continue to graciously give to us directly.

This whole process has affected us in a number of ways.

1. Humility – When asking friends, family, acquaintances and complete strangers for money, you have to set your pride aside. I, for one, was deeply ashamed of how difficult this was for me. Then, to experience this outpouring of response has been humbling in a way I have never known. To see some of the names of people who have given to bring Haven home, just reminds me how abundantly blessed I am yet also how undeserving. And, in the moment I think that, I am humbled again as I remind myself, “Listen, you arrogant jerk. It’s not about you! They’re not giving to you! They’re giving to Haven!!” (I’m sometimes harsh on myself).
2. Peace – Finances can be the source of much trouble in marriage, and it has been in ours from time to time. Lately, our finances haven’t been a source of strife between Liza and me, but it has been a source of stress on both of us. We made the decision for Liza to go ahead and begin staying home rather than working a job. This has been a huge blessing for our family, particularly her and Story, and we know it will make all the difference in Haven’s transition. But that meant we would need to learn to live on one salary. Then, we’ve also been trying to come up with all of this money in addition to the normal life things you don’t plan for. As a result, I’ve tried to take on any and all freelance projects I can get my hands on, which means more work at night and on weekends, which translates into more stress and less “family time.” Knowing that the adoption expenses are generally covered really alleviates a good bit of stress and replaces it with a much needed dose of peace.
3. Freedom – I’ve been careful to say that these amounts we’ve been discussing are related to Haven’s adoption, because they are. However, that doesn’t begin to paint a full picture of the costs involved. Obviously, there are new costs that go along with any family that adds a member: food, clothing, etc. Having the adoption expenses covered, allows us to focus on preparing for some of these. Right off the bat, we need to prepare Haven’s room as well as get clothes for him or her. Also, we have no way of being able to anticipate what medical needs Haven might have. The international adoption clinic that is in town will be an invaluable resource, but they’re expensive. And, while we have wonderful insurance, depending on Haven’s health, there could be any number of costs involved there. So, there’s still a bit of fundraising/saving to do.
4. Conviction – I know that I’ve been convicted about my own generosity and greed. I’ve been convicted about some of the ways we spend our money. I’ve been convicted about what it means to be a steward of what is given to you. I’ll just say that God continues to use the process to convict and refine me.

There’s more, but that at least gives you a bit of the picture.

I’ve had to write some of our “Thank You” notes to all those who have given. To be honest, I hate writing “Thank You” notes. I feel like I always struggle with sounding sincere. But, please, let me try.

Thank you.

I will never be able to express to you the difference you’ve made in our family. Even if we were to one day repay what you have donated, it wouldn’t scratch the surface of returning to you what you have given to us.

Through you God has demonstrated his faithfulness and provision to us in new, profound ways.

We obviously are desperately looking forward to having Haven home for so many reasons, but once he or she is here, one of the stories I look so forward to telling him or her throughout his or her life is the one about all of you, how you came together, surrounding us, and enabled us to bring Haven home.

You’ve made a dad, a mom, a soon-t0-be big sister and a soon-t0-be adopted son or daughter very, very happy.

Again, thank you.

GO TEAM HAVEN!

Movin’ On Up

Posted by Chris on Jan 9, 2012 in Our Story | 0 comments

Just received a wait list update from our agency.

We were number 28.

Now we are number 27.

I keep repeating “progress is progress” as some kind of medicating mantra in my mind.

But it’s true.

We are literally one step closer to having Haven home.

And, I guess, in some ways it doesn’t hurt that we have some time.

There’s still a lot to be done (fundraising, wink, wink).

See the previous post.

Melkam Gena

Posted by Chris on Jan 7, 2012 in Fundraising | 0 comments

“Melkam Gena” is “Merry Christmas” in Amharic, the language of Ethiopia.

Now, you might think I’m a couple of weeks late on this, but you’d be wrong, because…

TODAY IS CHRISTMAS IN ETHIOPIA!

(It has to do with the fact that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church still uses the old Julian calendar, which means that Christmas falls on January 7 in our Gregorian calendar, but that’s not the point of this post.)

Anyway, for Christmas this year, we received an awesome gift. Lifesong for Orphans graciously granted us a $3000.00 matching grant to help us bring Haven home.

This means that we try to get friends, family, and strangers to donate money on our behalf to Lifesong, which they will then give to us to cover adoption expenses. Anything we raise up to $3000.00 will be matched by Lifesong. So, potentially, this grant is actually worth $6000.00 for us. And considering we have about $15,000.00 left to raise, that’s a huge chunk.

So, anyway, once we found out about the grant, we put together a letter to let people know about it and sent it out with our Christmas cards. The point of the letter, which some of you received, and the point of this post, actually, is to ask you to help us out.

Will you please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us pay the remaining $15,000 in adoption expenses to bring Haven home?

If that sounds like something you’d be willing to do, there’s a couple of ways you can give.

1. Online – You can give through Lifesong’s PayPal account by clicking HERE. Once you are asked to enter the amount, be sure to put the following int he “Purpose” box: “preference Kinsley #2418 adoption”.

2. By Check – You can also send a check payable to Lifesong with “preference Kinsley #2418 adoption” written on the memo line to the following address: Lifesong for Orphans, Attn: Kinsley #2418 Adoption, PO Box 40/202 N. Ford St., Gridley, IL 61744. (*Note:  In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to Lifesong which retains full discretion and control over its use.)

Now, there is perhaps nothing more awkward than asking people for money (well, maybe I can think of a few things), and it’s near impossible to convey sincerity and humility in a blog post, but please know that’s the spirit with which I ask you to please help us out.

We’ll provide updates on how we’re doing as we have them.

Thanks.

Introducing Number 28

Posted by Liza on Dec 15, 2011 in Ethiopia, Fundraising, Haven, Our Story | 0 comments

Sorry you’ve been left in the dark lately!  We’ve been very busy like everyone else preparing for the holidays and continuing to raise money for Haven.  We continue to be amazed at how our faithful Father provides for us.  I’ve been able to sell my crystal (still looking to sell some silver and china if anyone is interested), and have loved every minute of caring for some precious children.  What a blessing!

I have to share a precious story with you all.   Story was playing with one of her friends that comes from a large family.  She kept saying to Story, “You’re family is so small.  It’s just your Mommy, Daddy, and you.”  Story responded to her, “And Haven.  I’m gonna be a big sister.  Haven’s gonna come live at my house very very soon.”  Melt.  My.  Heart.

Chris and I really had high hopes that we might hear something about who Haven is by the end of the year or in January.  However, Chris spoke with our social worker last week and she told him that things have kind of slowed down a bit in Ethiopia.  Things are still moving, just slower.  They told us back in October it would be 3-6 months.  Now they’re saying it will definitely be closer to the 6 months.  So, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we’ll hear something in March or April.  We did get some other news we weren’t expecting:  A NUMBER!  We’re number 28 on the waiting list!   That’s exciting for me because it gives me something to look forward to each month…counting down until that time arrives where we are matched with our precious child.   We didn’t think we would be given a number, but we are getting used to the idea of it and staying positive!

What a journey this past year has been for our family.   I am so humbled and completely in awe of our friends, family members, and people we don’t even know who have sacrificed so much of their time, money, talents, and energy to help us get this adoption funded.  I think back to the 5 months of my life that were very difficult due to my knee injury and multiple surgeries.  There was a time there where I thought I would never walk the same.  I would never be able to drive or get down on the floor and play with my daughter.  I’m so grateful for where I am today.  I’m even more grateful that time in our life is behind us for now and we can focus all we have on Haven.  I spend Story’s naptime each day checking e-mail, facebook, but mostly praying and wondering about Haven.  Is Haven a boy or girl?  Is he/she a newborn or toddler?  Is he/she being snuggled with, cared for, and loved?  Oh, we just cannot wait to have him/her in our home.  We love you sweet baby and are praying for you!

Thank you all for your support, prayers, and encouragement over this past year.  We’re going to need them even more in 2012 as we prepare to bring our new family member home!

Sweet Success

Posted by Liza on Nov 27, 2011 in Families, Fundraising | 0 comments

This is GoGo (Chris’s mom), shown here with her two granddaughters.  She had this wonderful idea for a fundraiser to help us bring Haven home.  She decided to make cinnamon rolls to sell to friends and family in Mississippi.  This has become a full-time job for her, especially once word spread.  She has raised over $1,000 for us and continues to get requests for pans of rolls.  We are absolutely blown away by this sweet success and our God’s continued provision for this journey.  Thank you so much to GoGo for the late nights of waiting on dough to rise, making packets of icing, wrapping, and delivering pan after pan of rolls.  Thank you so much to other family members for helping GoGo package the cinnamon rolls.  Thank you to friends, family members, and people we don’t even know for buying, selling,  and spreading the word.  You’ve made a difference in our lives and we are forever grateful!

Lifeline Banquet

Posted by Liza on Nov 10, 2011 in Fundraising, Video | 0 comments

Chris and I had the most incredible night at the Lifeline Children’s Services Banquet on Tuesday.  It was a night of dinner and a silent auction.  We were given tickets to go with some other church staff members.   AND to top that off, we had free babysitters thanks to the Moon family!

Now, those of you that know us know that I am quite the social butterfly.  I LOVE being around people and visiting with everyone.  Chris is the opposite.  He’s pretty quiet and isn’t what you would call a “people person”.  Anyway, I was a little nervous going to the banquet.  I thought it might be awkward because I wouldn’t know anyone.   When we arrived, I saw a handful of people that I knew which sent a little sense of relief.  Then I quickly realized that Chris was somewhat of a celebrity.  He has been doing announcements and prayers at church over the past couple of months, so he is very recognizable.  Probably half of the 700 people who attended this event were members of our church.  Everyone kept coming up to him and speaking to him or introducing themselves to him.  It was hilarious!  And to be honest, I kind of enjoyed the quiet, behind the scenes wife duty.  I smiled and shook some hands and that was about it.  When we got to our table, I was immediately put to ease by the other staff members and their spouses.  What incredible people and I really enjoyed getting to know them!

Once the program started, I quickly realized this night was not about me.  I was in awe!  We got to hear from the president of Lifeline, Herbie Newell, about everything they are doing to help orphans around the world.  We also got to hear a challenge from David Nassar and a message from David Platt.  Probably the most emotional thing for me was seeing the parade of families.  They had families who had adopted, birthmothers, and foster parents give a glimpse of their stories.  I was an emotional wreck!  It is just so good to be reminded of our calling!  God never said this would be an easy, short process.  God never said it’s even going to be easy once Haven is in our arms.  But, God specifically calls us to take care of orphans and so that’s what we’re going to do.  I was so encouraged and challenged throughout the evening.

Lifeline really does an incredible job with this ministry and calling.  We have been so pleased with their customer service and even more realize now what a great organization they are!  We hope to always be a part of giving to Lifeline.  We hope to make this an annual date night for us.   Maybe one day, we can host a table of our own and invite our friends to be a part of this special event.

At the end of the dinner, we were asked to surround Lifeline employees and pray for them.  To be honest, I have spent a lot of time praying for orphans, Haven, my family members adjusting to Haven, financial provision, wisdom, and patience.  However, I was reminded that I need to spend more time praying over adoption agencies and social workers.  I pray that they would be protected, work with the utmost business morals, comforted by the emotional rollercoaster of adoption from their view, and that they would realize what a difference they are making in the kingdom of God and in the lives of families.  Would you join me in specifically praying for “M” and “L”?  These two ladies have been incredibly instrumental in our adoption process.  They have answered a bazillion questions, helped educate us on adopted children, and are right now looking for Haven.

I hope you enjoy this incredible video made by our dear friend Taylor Robinson at Six Foot Five Productions (one of the few people I knew at the banquet).  It was shown on Tuesday night and is another incredible reminder of the power ONE person can make doing ONE act on behalf of children all over the world!