We would also like to give a special thanks to the Melton's for donating their beautiful farm for us to host the BBQ dinner. We really appreciate their generosity. The Lord blessed us with an absolute beautiful setting on a warm spring Saturday evening!
We also want to give thanks to all of our family and friends for coming to the BBQ last Saturday. Your presence and support were greatly appreciated! Even though it was tough to spend time with everyone it meant so much to Brent and I to see so many people in our lives support and love on us. We cannot thank you enough!
Thank you to all of our family and friends that have called, emailed, mailed, and sent messages that were not able to attend but have encouraged us with your words and donations! We have been overwhelmed with everyones support.
We have put this entire adoption in the Lord's hands but we will confess that we have worried about the financial portion. We have full trust that the Lord will provide but it is was difficult to not pull out the calculator and estimate how much may be donated through the BBQ benefit! During our second home study visit, our social worker informed us our invoice of $2,165.00 was due immediately. I calmly resorted to the idea of using our credit card to cover this fee, however it took Brent a few deep breaths and prayers to come around and trust that this amount would be reimbursed through this benefit.
A frequent question we are asked is how much does adoption cost? For Ethiopia the total cost is estimated to be $30,000.00. The fees are due at various times and dispersed through the two year process. The home study fee and dossier submission fee (paperwork to Ethiopia to officially be placed on waiting list) are the two largest fees that are due early in the process. Brent and I were praying our home study would be reimbursed by our BBQ benefit. In the back of our minds we were worrying and strategizing how in the world WE were going to be able to submit our dossier to begin the waiting process most likely due in July for a fee of $8,450.00!
After such a fun evening at the BBQ, Brent and I sat down on the couch opening cards full of words of encouragement, cash, and checks. We were absolutely overwhelmed with joy and gratitude! Words cannot express how we felt, we actually were speechless for a while and just cried! The Lord provided through our family and friends who sacrificially gave to His purpose at total of $10,091.00!! This will cover our home study and our dossier submission. Praise the Lord!
This demonstrated how little faith we had in the financial portion of our adoption, worrying and taking it into our own hands. Once again the Lord continues to provide us with affirmation of His plan that he has already gone before us and has prepared a precious baby in Ethiopia to become part of our family! Our hearts are full of praise, joy, and thanks.
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| Katie, Cora, and I preparing BBQ invitations |
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| Patti, Alyson, and Katie making decorations for tables |
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| Alyson, Patti, Mom decorating for BBQ |
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| Tables outside |
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| Donation table |
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| Blessing table |
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| Brent preparing for welcome |
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| Our 5 year old niece Cora thought she was going to a party because we were getting the baby. Ryan and Katie explained this party was to help bring the baby home. A few minutes later she brought to her dad all of her money from her piggy bank to bring to the BBQ. What a precious giving heart. Thank you Cora Lee! |
More pictures of the BBQ to come! Thank you all again for your love and support.
Love,
Beth
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