Explaining Adoption

     I have a lot of little humans in my life. To many I am Auntie, to others I am their DeDa and to a few I am Miss.  They are each at wonderful stages in their lives and I enjoy every single one of them (Hi Kids!)...of course, their parents are pretty awesome too.  :)
     One conversation that has come up with each parent set is how best to explain the beauty of adoption without triggering a very real fear of being "given away" themselves.   Listed below are a few resources to help stimulate the conversation of God's call to care for orphans (James 1:27), His promise to care for EVERYONE ( Psalm 68:5-6 ), His absolute promise to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and some kid friendly videos.

• PBS kids has an AWESOME two part episode of Arthur directly relating to adoption from China. I've linked the YouTube episodes here: part 1, part 2. This is perfect for watching together with the kids! 

• There are A LOT of great kid books out there about adoption, which in its self can be overwhelming. But here is a short list of some good conversation starters geared toward preschoolers.
• God Found Us You   by Lisa Tawn Bergren
• A Mother for Choco   by Keiko Kasza
• Shaoey and Dot   by Mary Beth & Steven Curtis Chapman
• I Love You Like Crazy Cakes  by Rose Lewis
• I Wished for You   by Marianne Richmond

• The Adoption Journey has a lovely review of the Biblical Perspective of adoption and a great testimony from Tony Dungy, coach of the Super Bowl XLI winning Indianapolis Colts.  This is a great conversation starter for slightly older kiddos...and adults. 

• You may have heard about Mary Beth Chapman (wife of Christian songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman)'s book Choosing to See. I encourage EVERYONE to read this book.  It's not the be all & end all of adoption books, but rather the Chapman family testimony of how God brought the call of adoption into their lives and the resulting love & heartbreak.  Get yourself some chocolate & Kleenex...you'll need both with this book.

• At church we have been working our way through the book of Romans and most recently God's call to care for each other as family (Romans 15 & 16). While this week's sermon was not a classic adoption sermon (sans James 1:27), I thought it gave wonderful insight as Christians adopting each other into our larger family of God.  You can watch the podcast here.  I challenge you to view it through the eyes of adoption...into what family have you been adopted?  Who do I need to adopt into my family?

$3.51: A Fundraising Update

     Today was the Adoption Photo Day courtesy of Cassandra Hamilton Photography...what an adventure!  You would think that March 17th, even in Seattle, would be a semi-decent day to photograph outdoors.  Apparently, not! While the rest of the nation was enjoying 70+degree heat, today we had freezing rain, followed by snow, then just wet rain, then blinding sun!  Such a weird day!!  But a FUN day!  I got to meet the all beautiful people who are helping to bring Little One home, one semi-frozen smile at at time.  Couples, families with kids, families with dogs, in-laws, cake-decorators, interior-decorators, dads on their way to Africa, lovely ladies out of college, just because photo-shoots, and special photo-shoots for grandma. Most strangers to me before today...all stepping out in the passionate belief that God puts families together through adoption.  To all that came today and that have participated in Cassandra's photo mentoring mornings & photo sessions ...Thank you!  Because of you, an additional $4, 265 has been raised to bring Little One home!! 

     The MOST precious moment of the day, was when my little friends Noah & Elli came up and pulled on my pant leg.  Ages 5 & 3, they have heard their parents talking about Little One joining the family and apparently wanted to help bring their new 'cousin' home too.  With bright faces they presented me with a plastic baggie with exactly $3.51 in change...the entirety of their little lives' savings.  I.  Was. A. Crying. Mess.    I was in the delivery room for the birth of both of these children; the THIRD kiss of their lives was from their Auntie Desiree.  I know them.  I pray over them.  I love them.  And to have them present their precious gift to the Lord through me was nearly more than I could bear.  A velvet bag of diamonds could never compare to that little plastic baggie of coins.  And I can only imagine the melting of God's heart right then in the freezing rain. 

     To Noah & Elli and all those that are giving to our Father through my little family, I pray you know the deepest promise of blessing from our Lord (Heb 6:10)... 'cuz you are blessing my socks off!

    



A Fun Foto Fundraiser! (A Phun Photo Phundraiser?)

     In just one week from today, Cassandra Hamilton Photography will be hosting a day of photo mini-sessions with all proceeds going towards bringing Little One home!  There is still time to schedule your session so see here for details.

     Is this an incredible opportunity to have head shots taken of your kids, of yourself, of you & your loved-ones, etc for just $20 (single) & $40 (group). PERFECT for Easter or Mother's Day gifts!! *hint hint* Cassandra is a notable photographer and is passionate about adoption; she has not only been a herald for all things Little One *wink*, but also a motivator & encourager to me in this time of waiting.  I am absolutely thrilled for the day I'll be able to introduce my son to her and her family (and I am already envisioning her boys showing Little One the ropes around Kids Church!). What a treasure to be blessed by such a sister & friend. I do hope you'll take advantage of the opportunity to be photographed by her on March 17th!

Side note---I get to be Cassandra's official photography assistant next Saturday and carry the clipboard...and I am TOTALLY psyched about it! I'm seriously considering carrying a Jimmy Olsen Press Pass...although, technically Cassandra would be the photographer, which would make me Lois Lane...doesn't matter...TOTALLY psyched!

All of the agency fees have now been paid {can I get a hallelujah?!} so all fundraising from this point forward is for travel {$5000}and country-specific fees {$7700}.