Last night I watched a movie called Liberia: An Uncivil War. Two filmmakers from the US went to Liberia in 2003 to get a first-hand account of the war between Liberian President Charles Taylor and the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy. The movie was excellent. I was especially struck by how young the boys were that took up arms to fight for the freedom of their country. When asked why they were fighting many replied their only choice was to join sides or sit by and starve. As a mother of six young men I can't begin to imagine the pain these mothers endured. In the end the war was over and the young men on both sides shook hands and went on to help rebuild their country. The people of Liberia take great pride in their country.
Because of a war that some say went on for over 13 years, the country of Liberia is in shambles. Many children lost parents to stray bullets and mortars, others lost their job and home and can no longer care for their children. This has led to a huge number of orphans.
As we enjoy our warm homes, food and gifts this Christmas season, please remember that their are children around the world that don't family, food or a home.
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Sunday, December 14, 2008
African Gospel
Men's African Group singing a native African song "KUO"(The Devil is a Liar). These Christian singers have struggled as a group throughout Liberia, Africa during the civil war, and are now trying to come to the U.S. and share their song and stories.
"Kuo" means - The devil is a liar Chorus - The devil can fool you the devil is a liar and he will take you to hell if you are not careful
1st verse - During the time of the war nothing happen to us because the Lord protected us with His hands
2nd verse - I want you to know that the devil is defeated forever he can not save you
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Saturday, December 13, 2008
Donations
Yesterday was a little disappointing. We were scheduled to sell a good number of goats, with the funds going to our adoption. The lady that was purchasing them backed out last minute. We still have 14 goats to sell. As much as I enjoy the goats, we are happy to sell them to raise money for our adoption.
I have been doing some mystery shopping on the side to help raise funds. Thankfully the Lord has provided many shops available close to home. This last month I raised $700 by mystery shopping various companies around town. As soon as my check comes I will add it to the donation thermometer!
My children are so very sweet. They all desire to bring home their new sisters from Liberia. One of my sons came to me this morning and asked me to take money from his bank account to add to our adoption account. I am so greatful that my children know what many adults have yet to learn....children are a blessing from the Lord.
Well I trust you will have a wonderful weekend. Our family is spending time together both on our farm and off!
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I have been doing some mystery shopping on the side to help raise funds. Thankfully the Lord has provided many shops available close to home. This last month I raised $700 by mystery shopping various companies around town. As soon as my check comes I will add it to the donation thermometer!
My children are so very sweet. They all desire to bring home their new sisters from Liberia. One of my sons came to me this morning and asked me to take money from his bank account to add to our adoption account. I am so greatful that my children know what many adults have yet to learn....children are a blessing from the Lord.
Well I trust you will have a wonderful weekend. Our family is spending time together both on our farm and off!
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Friday, December 5, 2008
Neighbors From Around the World
Today while in Atlanta, I met a man named Mamadou. I asked where he was from and he said, "West Africa." When questioned further he shared that his home was the Ivory Coast. In excitement I shared about our girls in Liberia. He said, "then we are neighbors!" The Ivory Coast is adjacent to Liberia.
Andrew spoke with a lady at Starbucks this afternoon. She knows a large community of Liberians in Atlanta.
Andrew and I have had many wonderful opportunities to share our story with people, but more importantly we have shared about God's heart for adoption. I am ever so thankful that God chose to adopt me into His family!
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Andrew spoke with a lady at Starbucks this afternoon. She knows a large community of Liberians in Atlanta.
Andrew and I have had many wonderful opportunities to share our story with people, but more importantly we have shared about God's heart for adoption. I am ever so thankful that God chose to adopt me into His family!
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Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Praise
Our appointment with Kelly went well this morning. Andrew and I shared our family history, a little about our biological children and why we feel God is moving us to adopt from Liberia.
Thursday morning Kelly will come to our home and visit. We will show her the sleeping arrangements and verify that our home is safe for children. We will have four childrens' bedrooms, two for the girls and two for the boys. This will mark the end of the homestudy phase of our adoption.
Next our paperwork will be heading to Atlanta to be processed for immigration. I will keep you up to date as we progress.
Please continue to pray that the funds will be available in God's timing. We are beginning to plan a fundraiser in January. If anyone is interested in helping me organize please let me know. We would be honored to have you as a helper!
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Thursday morning Kelly will come to our home and visit. We will show her the sleeping arrangements and verify that our home is safe for children. We will have four childrens' bedrooms, two for the girls and two for the boys. This will mark the end of the homestudy phase of our adoption.
Next our paperwork will be heading to Atlanta to be processed for immigration. I will keep you up to date as we progress.
Please continue to pray that the funds will be available in God's timing. We are beginning to plan a fundraiser in January. If anyone is interested in helping me organize please let me know. We would be honored to have you as a helper!
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Sunday, November 30, 2008
Finishing our Homestudy
On Tuesday we will be meeting with Kelly to complete the paperwork side of our "homestudy". We have acquired birth certificates, a marriage license, dog vaccinations, proper security for our firearms, letters of reference, letter stating our septic is adequate, physicals for all eleven of us, employment verification, etc.
On Thursday we will meet with Kelly for a final appointment and a chance for her to walk through our home. She will take notes on beds, sleeping arrangements, and checking to see that our home is safe for little ones.
Once our report is written it will be returned to us. We will then send it on to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. From there the report will be approved and sent onto the Embassy in Liberia. At the same time we will be working on several steps here in the United States.
Together with our agency in Florida we will be collecting documents to send in our dossier to Liberia. These documents must all be notarized and apostilled (an official stamp from the state that the notary is registered).
At the same time Pastor Flomo in Liberia will begin to find children for us. The children will be staying with members of Pastor Flomo’s church until we have clearance and funds to travel.
Speaking of funds…each of these government agencies require money to do their job. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Office requires $1340 for investigation and clearance for us to adopt and $160 for our fingerprinting. The government in Liberia requires $6000 for all the work done on behalf of the girls in their country. Our agency here in Florida requires $2500 for the work here in the states. This is just to give you an idea of what we are in need of raising in the next month or two.
As soon as our funds are raised, clearance is given for us to adopt internationally and the girls are formally declared orphans, we will be ready to travel.
This week will put us one step closer to bringing the girl’s home. Please pray that all goes smoothly. Also pray that we will be able to raise the funds needed. We have seen the Lord provide each step of the way. May He be praised!
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On Thursday we will meet with Kelly for a final appointment and a chance for her to walk through our home. She will take notes on beds, sleeping arrangements, and checking to see that our home is safe for little ones.
Once our report is written it will be returned to us. We will then send it on to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. From there the report will be approved and sent onto the Embassy in Liberia. At the same time we will be working on several steps here in the United States.
Together with our agency in Florida we will be collecting documents to send in our dossier to Liberia. These documents must all be notarized and apostilled (an official stamp from the state that the notary is registered).
At the same time Pastor Flomo in Liberia will begin to find children for us. The children will be staying with members of Pastor Flomo’s church until we have clearance and funds to travel.
Speaking of funds…each of these government agencies require money to do their job. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Office requires $1340 for investigation and clearance for us to adopt and $160 for our fingerprinting. The government in Liberia requires $6000 for all the work done on behalf of the girls in their country. Our agency here in Florida requires $2500 for the work here in the states. This is just to give you an idea of what we are in need of raising in the next month or two.
As soon as our funds are raised, clearance is given for us to adopt internationally and the girls are formally declared orphans, we will be ready to travel.
This week will put us one step closer to bringing the girl’s home. Please pray that all goes smoothly. Also pray that we will be able to raise the funds needed. We have seen the Lord provide each step of the way. May He be praised!
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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thank You
Over the past two weeks we have been greatly blessed by so many people. We met a dear lady from Liberia, received encouraging notes from several countries around the world and accepted generous donations from family and friends. It seems everywhere we turn God is confirming Liberia, West Africa in our hearts and minds. We cannot begin to thank each of you enough for partnering with us to bring home our little girls.
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