tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48266038133194024612024-02-06T21:00:59.462-08:00Our Macedonian Call ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-32202920997928584742016-10-15T11:39:00.001-07:002016-10-15T11:40:55.120-07:00Its Hard Not To Be Discouraged.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKv-vWLHS_u9YZ_jYJuv8y6SF6euFDb8neFPWVinFvuuhrFBxxjH1VOm4S4iVGLn7ipI-lMrwM6QbdP3ujA5SRVOISLC7Dxv5bf-9BBjXtXST4knzoHdGjUD6iVBGpQccaqOd_Vx3Z_c/s1600/Puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKv-vWLHS_u9YZ_jYJuv8y6SF6euFDb8neFPWVinFvuuhrFBxxjH1VOm4S4iVGLn7ipI-lMrwM6QbdP3ujA5SRVOISLC7Dxv5bf-9BBjXtXST4knzoHdGjUD6iVBGpQccaqOd_Vx3Z_c/s400/Puzzle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000;">Its hard not to be discouraged. Because I am. The pieces don't seem to be fitting together.... Does this mean the door is closing? Is it over? I don't know. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;">We were approved to adopt from the Country of Macedonia October 2015 (a full year ago). We immediately updated our dossier and sent them our updated/translated dossier which they received early in June 2016. Other than their acknowledgement of having received the dossier, we have not heard from them since in spite of our agency's persistent outreach. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;">What does it mean? We have no idea. We have done everything Macedonia has asked. It was December 2013 when we first felt the call to pursue "Xavier" and help open a program in Macedonia. We have been working tirelessly the past three years to do everything in our power to bring our boy home. . . Its been emotionally challenging at every juncture but the past few months have been exceptionally challenging. I have tried to be faithful and to keep trusting .... believing that it would all work out. However, I'm not sure anymore....</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">"Xavier" has aged out of our home study. What does this mean? Again, I don't really know. Have we lost him forever? Without any communication from Macedonia I feel torn about updating again. It takes months and thousands of dollars to update... and without word from Macedonia, it seems futile. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Please whisper a prayer for us? Its hard to know what to do. My boy is across the ocean. He's a child of my heart and I don't know how I could let him go... just the thought of "moving on" floods my heart with grief and guilt. Please pray we hear from Macedonia - even if their answer is "no". </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">I'm not sure my heart and conscience could make the decision alone. How does one decide to just "give up" on a person? A child? A child with special needs? MY child? Would my heart ever forgive me? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;">I chose "Xavier" as my own the moment I saw his picture and I will claim him as a child of my heart until the day I die. . . the distance across the ocean, the intricacies of laws, the politics of red tape can never take that away from me. Macedonia may say "no" - but my heart will always say "yes". </span>ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-22222384421447520222016-04-27T09:25:00.004-07:002016-04-27T09:26:10.988-07:00Final Documents Arrived! <span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">PHEW! What a roller coaster ride it was to obtain these FBI clearances for our Dossier Update! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After 4 months and several hundred $$$ later, we have them in hand and are headed off to the Post Office to mail them out to our agency! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Making Progress!!!! THESE are the final documents we need for the update. Hopefully our other documents are nearly translated and it won't take much time to get these final two complete. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Knowing that we have already been approved by US Immigration as well as the country of Macedonia, I am so very hopeful that things will begin to fall into place quickly!!!! </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEGN1lcK3mprISOBXegeo_blQgAGb03tRH4z2DGQLuu-m-xLD5QQYQkm4nf4FGpX4K_2ARld-V1YmklLurAqGPsCKXQ_715X56jeHPH1XO7N6Ab3BJGxicu1FJWZNxKOvmN0OQdGL_ro/s1600/docs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEGN1lcK3mprISOBXegeo_blQgAGb03tRH4z2DGQLuu-m-xLD5QQYQkm4nf4FGpX4K_2ARld-V1YmklLurAqGPsCKXQ_715X56jeHPH1XO7N6Ab3BJGxicu1FJWZNxKOvmN0OQdGL_ro/s320/docs.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-65403160275739498362016-04-26T19:20:00.002-07:002016-04-26T19:20:53.920-07:00Spring Update <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Hello All! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">So many have asked for an update..... its humbling to admit that it doesn't seem like we have made much progress....HOWEVER, things ARE in fact continuing to move forward. Slowly but surely! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Our final document needed for the Dossier update is currently in Albany awaiting its Apostille Seal. Once it is returned to us, we will then overnight it to our Agency who will then submit it to the translator. Once all the documents needed for the update are translated, (Hopefully within the next month or so) our agency can then submit the dossier. During our telephone conversation with our agency several weeks ago, our case worker expressed her optimism that once Macedonia receives the documents, they will then proceed rather quickly. This was encouraging to hear and we are hopeful for a speedy response from the country once they have the documents! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Please send thoughts and prayers for speedy delivery, translation, and processing from Macedonia. We are beyond READY to go get our boy and bring him HOME!!!!!! </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhSQZ3s3LYaahiCDwPVvZQ9ISO6noUBLuQP3nvTzd_Y1POT6-RyKtVMXpnC2thL4SwaDril-cXUFCmh-K4GXgtQ2r0ToLKCcOt5wQEy5dovkUBAq9iPpd3HFlh-QvJO1nB8qNHPa5znA/s1600/penguin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhSQZ3s3LYaahiCDwPVvZQ9ISO6noUBLuQP3nvTzd_Y1POT6-RyKtVMXpnC2thL4SwaDril-cXUFCmh-K4GXgtQ2r0ToLKCcOt5wQEy5dovkUBAq9iPpd3HFlh-QvJO1nB8qNHPa5znA/s320/penguin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-40842236740044673182016-02-03T20:18:00.005-08:002016-02-03T20:21:29.360-08:00Update! <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Our Fundraising Carnival was a BIG success! A HUGE thank-you to everyone who helped, donated, and came out to the event!!!!! We're still waiting on a few $$$ from auction winners, but we're close to $2,500 so far! (We'd love to reach the big 3K!) The Carnival success was just the beginning of more great news this week.....</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YUOCyePljRd4ccFAnXJOyftFGeMeR6rmNEdgUBWPR7WJBJCnTpRM7rmeoNSRuZh95CwvRlCa1tMkFd9BM7ZsWo5remt5e-7za3R8Awwh50GSVpjk2NRhsOG9sV0hXGB7e_k0Km2wAHw/s1600/mario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YUOCyePljRd4ccFAnXJOyftFGeMeR6rmNEdgUBWPR7WJBJCnTpRM7rmeoNSRuZh95CwvRlCa1tMkFd9BM7ZsWo5remt5e-7za3R8Awwh50GSVpjk2NRhsOG9sV0hXGB7e_k0Km2wAHw/s320/mario.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;">Tuesday we received our second Immigration Approval! This means they approved our Home Study update and have approved us to bring a child from Macedonia into the USA. This does not expire until April 2017, so we're are good to go on the USA end of things!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcu4W1STQpasO-vcyk3w58vEUGbTaO6ncno3XSrhXV6vfLI6Tkj4RCfVjMThpxsCBi7Py9HL4JlGt7h8HiCUhQOl5SghFwAYrScYCcCbJVYVMJUGZDCY5VfGjIrm-EhB3XAALPxhg_pg/s1600/approved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcu4W1STQpasO-vcyk3w58vEUGbTaO6ncno3XSrhXV6vfLI6Tkj4RCfVjMThpxsCBi7Py9HL4JlGt7h8HiCUhQOl5SghFwAYrScYCcCbJVYVMJUGZDCY5VfGjIrm-EhB3XAALPxhg_pg/s1600/approved.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"> More good news is that we are down to collecting just 2 more documents to complete our dossier update - and then we'll send them off to get their state seals! Compiling a dossier is a BIG job and is a daunting task. So, we are very excited that the end is in sight and that we've just about got everything into place! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33oGk0CC4RmyV1QLgefpxa4tjkYBAQjiQqT_y8LRDU7quBexA2AKI2k70wAj5oM_AcWidFYL8Mu7iYU9SGMlwMfo9fr0h6MBQ6Zjoj1yzgc725B0es1obluys_3lg8xI73Zpyqa3PK0I/s1600/paperwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33oGk0CC4RmyV1QLgefpxa4tjkYBAQjiQqT_y8LRDU7quBexA2AKI2k70wAj5oM_AcWidFYL8Mu7iYU9SGMlwMfo9fr0h6MBQ6Zjoj1yzgc725B0es1obluys_3lg8xI73Zpyqa3PK0I/s320/paperwork.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">We did have a tiny set back with a notary signature being from NJ instead of NYS, so we are working on that, but its not necessarily bad news....is just means a bit more time as we procure the proper state seal and signature. I was pretty frustrated about it yesterday but a good friend reminded me that <span class="_5yl5">"we never know why we might have to wait or make a detour. Maybe something tragic is about to happen and God is telling us to wait to avoid something really bad when we are on our journey somewhere good." I appreciated the reminder that even though I am disappointed in the delay, I know that everything is meant for a reason and everything will work out just as (and when) it should. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn2TjRC0SEkVvIJXTJ891keiMjtlTZ5XIzicTCYDJIeOS0QiMma9EgSRwA_JADl3rTv7IpoFWfvdNkG2PTvScDKrcp29z-n6WNREmAUtFl-O-7DAp9obvYRtvpYm-Skwu5396YKG-Ww0/s1600/734ce035d1828a3de8e80a84d8fa5b07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn2TjRC0SEkVvIJXTJ891keiMjtlTZ5XIzicTCYDJIeOS0QiMma9EgSRwA_JADl3rTv7IpoFWfvdNkG2PTvScDKrcp29z-n6WNREmAUtFl-O-7DAp9obvYRtvpYm-Skwu5396YKG-Ww0/s320/734ce035d1828a3de8e80a84d8fa5b07.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<span style="color: orange;"><span class="_5yl5"> SO, what's next?! </span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="_5yl5">1.) The #1 PRIORITY is to get our USCIS (Immigration Approval) and Home Study Update county authenticated and then state Apostilled. Once this is done, we will overnight the documents to our International Agency who will forward them on to our translator. Once the translation is complete, we'll send the documents to Macedonia. We'd love for this to happen as quickly as possible as Macedonia is waiting on these documents to make our referral. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="_5yl5">2.) We will continue to work on our Dossier Documents. We have most of the documents gathered and then we'll need to send these for </span><span class="_5yl5">county authentications and state Apostilles...and again to the agency, translator, and then Macedonia. Our Dossier expires in April so we've got to get these documents to them before that date. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span class="_5yl5"><br /></span></span>
<span class="_5yl5"><span style="color: #45818e;">3.) We wait for our referral (Eeeeekkkkk!!!!! We're getting closer!!!!) </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="_5yl5"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="_5yl5">4.) Continue to save our pennies and raise the funds! Our most immediate fee will be the re-translation fee for the Dossier (that's an extra $2K (at least) at 9cents word, it adds up fast!) Looking at our estimates, we think that $4.5K will have us fully funded! That's pretty exciting! </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTvGgNGinCdT7sJciMvWXClVB0LacPi6pw3Pl6BVRS2PkpTGSE9tiQO5qBFA5Vny1L3oGWNiuih9mRVuwTNT21B-R8ETUHdvezoyXp3F4hQqd90sIdttMXFx1zHqIghFzSf_87_FzLL0/s1600/piggy+bank+small1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTvGgNGinCdT7sJciMvWXClVB0LacPi6pw3Pl6BVRS2PkpTGSE9tiQO5qBFA5Vny1L3oGWNiuih9mRVuwTNT21B-R8ETUHdvezoyXp3F4hQqd90sIdttMXFx1zHqIghFzSf_87_FzLL0/s200/piggy+bank+small1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="_5yl5">THANK-YOU so much to everyone for your support and encouragement. This journey has been long and hard. We are so grateful for the love and support we have been shown!!!!</span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVWIKnEmgilYuVPWbW52eJGU7_LhqyyZKo19-SCKg8j4-daEENHKuhbddCqLJ1swYNe_vw3qp291hRb315yJD38Ommndd3wqNzUz6BgwMoMQIws34CPxM-TZ7J2UyoXR8wPPiOK8CmZU/s1600/thank-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVWIKnEmgilYuVPWbW52eJGU7_LhqyyZKo19-SCKg8j4-daEENHKuhbddCqLJ1swYNe_vw3qp291hRb315yJD38Ommndd3wqNzUz6BgwMoMQIws34CPxM-TZ7J2UyoXR8wPPiOK8CmZU/s320/thank-you.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #e06666;">Please keep sending those positive thoughts and prayers our way! </span>ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-52177992775484054332016-01-03T07:36:00.003-08:002016-01-03T07:36:33.794-08:00Carnival Fundraiser!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdP56PgoXvI8r8j5FlWg5sx-17gDwUk3mjjcMQj3foblcVVZlSIusTnUW1IFwTCpTDO9tTUB7FoP19kLBzQ1Tdb-bJheTRgp25FVcNTMr8o7HmCNH9lJ8BRZm6Q7BzULlC-8pCuxx2So/s1600/nintendo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdP56PgoXvI8r8j5FlWg5sx-17gDwUk3mjjcMQj3foblcVVZlSIusTnUW1IFwTCpTDO9tTUB7FoP19kLBzQ1Tdb-bJheTRgp25FVcNTMr8o7HmCNH9lJ8BRZm6Q7BzULlC-8pCuxx2So/s320/nintendo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am so excited about the Nintendo-Themed Carnival my Mom is hosting for us as a Fundraiser! It's going to be HUGE!!! She graciously rented out a venue and is hosting a Nintendo themed family carnival!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1656808334585384/">Carnival Facebook Event Page! </a><br />
<br />
Here are some of the events!!!! We are so excited! Hope to see you there! Bring your friends! <br />
<br />
1.) We are excited to announce there will be a LIVE reptile show at the
Carnival! (The presenter will also be auctioning off a private birthday
party!) You won't want to miss this!<br />
<br />
2.) There will be a
"Healthy" food table inspired by Zac! He and a dietitian family friend
will be offering a nutritious snack option!<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
3.) Esther will be running a "General Store" where items such as
homemade scarves, baked goods, books, and other trinkets will be sold!<br />
<br />
4.) Joe will be creating balloon animals!<br />
<br />
5.) A dear friend of the family will be offering face painting!<br />
<br />
6.) There will be auctions and raffles!<br />
<br />
7.) You will have an opportunity to "tag the bag?" For a donation, you
can write a personal message on "Xavier's" suitcase! Your personal
messages will travel overseas to Macedonia!<br />
<br />
8.) Abby will be running a cafe where you can purchase coffee and cookies!<br />
<br />
9.) Nate and Brenna will be supervising the crafts and temporary Nintendo Tattoos!<br />
<br />
10.) There will be a play area for the kids!<br />
<br />
11.) My Uncle Jim will be providing LIVE music at the cafe!<br />
<br />
12.) There will be vendor tables of those who have graciously donated items to raffle/auction!<br />
<br />
13.) There will be homemade, gourmet cupcakes for sale!<br />
<br />
14.) PLUS MORE!!!!!!!</div>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-80173524675357576102015-12-09T09:03:00.001-08:002015-12-10T09:14:40.571-08:00Hurray for Good News! Sooooo, What Does This Mean and What's Next? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Gh0mNI_MA9KW7sslxhtf9o-A5X640R-yOCr9nKjG_Te3RzI1gnv5K7_zNIGO3o4fzGky1Y-fIFCxZa5TGSb5SQDO3sN3j8hU8pFXkHftZ9qWVLAdJUXxwcwHadvSR1hEAfa1RdG1QR0/s1600/baby+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Gh0mNI_MA9KW7sslxhtf9o-A5X640R-yOCr9nKjG_Te3RzI1gnv5K7_zNIGO3o4fzGky1Y-fIFCxZa5TGSb5SQDO3sN3j8hU8pFXkHftZ9qWVLAdJUXxwcwHadvSR1hEAfa1RdG1QR0/s400/baby+heart.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Friends and Family rejoiced with us yesterday at our long awaited news from Macedonia....Our Dossier was approved and therefore, we are approved to adopt from the Country of Macedonia! We have been officially placed on the registry of waiting families. What does this mean? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1.) We are the FIRST ever family to submit for an international adoption from the Country of Macedonia - after almost 2 years to date (The first day we heard about "Xavier" was Thursday, December 5, 2013 11:29am), patience, money, and tears!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2.) We are the FIRST ever family to pursue an adoption of a SPECIAL NEEDS child from the Country of Macedonia. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3.) Macedonia has accepted and approved all of our documents and have verified that we are suitable applica<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nts</span> to adopt from Macedonia. THIS IS HUGE since this international program is 100% new - so both Macedonia and our USA Agency are working from the ground up to create this program. Literally writing policies and procedure as we go. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4.) We have made it past a BUNCH of hurdles to get this far....One last step to go - (and the timing is uncertain). We are now waiting for our referral - or our MATCH - which could - theoretically - come ANY TIME. Under Hague Adoption law we have to tread lightly since we cannot know for certain ahead of time who we will be matched with....however, God used a photo of a particular precious little boy to lead us on this journey. It is our continual hope and prayer that all will work out for us to be matched with "our" boy - however, we know God has lead us this far and will continue to work out the details. It is our intention to accept the referral we receive, although our home study was tailored to match (as best we were able) to "Xavier's needs" to give us the best chance to be matched with him. Now, we continue to WAIT, HOPE, and BELIEVE. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5.) Along with our approval letter came the expiration for our Dossier Documents which is our submission date.....which was all the way back in April. Soooooooo, we have to begin collecting documents to update and recreate the Dossier.....it is a HUGE prayer that we will be matched and have travel dates before our current Dossier expires as apostilling and translating all the documents will cost another several thousand (and we certainly never budgeted for that!) </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6.) Our First and Immediate Step Moving Forward: </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;"> A.)</span> Resubmit our updated Home Study to USCIS (immigration) to keep our paperwork updated and current. If we do it before February, its a FREE update. (Thereby saving us $800). The HS is updated, now to fill out the I800a supplement form and send it in as soon as we get our notarized copy. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #e06666;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;">B.)</span></span> We will have the updated HS translated and sent to Macedonia once we receive the Immigration Update/Approval. This updated HS includes a broader age range (since when the HS was initially written, "Xavier" was less than a year). Hopefully we are able to get this done with haste! Prayers this process moves quickly would be appreciated. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;"> C.)</span> If we do not have our referral/travel dates by February, we will have to go ahead have our documents apostilled in Albany and have our Dossier translated again (which would be about a $3K expense). We are praying we get our referral before this will be necessary......however, at this stage of the game, we'll do whatever it takes! The doors keep opening and we'll continue to pursue with love and passion trusting that God will provide! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7.) Once the referral (our match) finally comes - I imagine there will be some screaming and tears and pounding hearts! You'll probably hear us! (hehehe) - But, if you can't hear the JOY and EXCITEMENT, I'll be sure to post our news for all the world to hear!!!!!! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We're getting closer....this was a HUGE step. This shows us that Macedonia is serious and interested in this program with the USA. This could be opening the door for many other children with special needs to be adopted. It is our prayer that all this waiting will one day be an avenue to bless many others! </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While </span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">we won't have our son with us this Christmas.....we did receive wonderful news and our hearts are greatly encouraged. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Many blessings to you all. Your prayers and encouragement are coveted as this becomes a reality for us! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">~Joe and Hannah </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-11344573856035427272015-11-02T18:56:00.002-08:002015-11-03T08:56:47.142-08:00The Blessing in Waiting <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnzUnNgs9X4K1UIo_mKvVe48Jpt04Tq5bDDHeUbM99hG6ZVjVeQxve9xNEHTe2PqDkmmr9S-WzNDrzGDaUouvOAnUBJ0mgAfW2Z4J2nctlBHra0IEFpujUsBb_z9ov814kMwuKD87YRI/s1600/woman-waiting-airport-featured.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnzUnNgs9X4K1UIo_mKvVe48Jpt04Tq5bDDHeUbM99hG6ZVjVeQxve9xNEHTe2PqDkmmr9S-WzNDrzGDaUouvOAnUBJ0mgAfW2Z4J2nctlBHra0IEFpujUsBb_z9ov814kMwuKD87YRI/s400/woman-waiting-airport-featured.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;">Waiting is an emotional journey....a journey wrought with so many thoughts, feelings, & emotions; </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;">Anxiety. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">Frustration. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Discouragement. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Guilt. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Apprehension. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Disappointment. </span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #76a5af;">Sometimes I find myself saying to God....."You called us to adopt! You called us to adopt a child with special needs.....YOU called us to adopt "Xavier" - so WHY all the waiting? What's your plan? We know (deep down) that You have a plan....a purpose....a reason....but this "un-kown" is so challenging for my heart! Do you mind if we speed it up a bit?" </span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #76a5af;">I feel <b>anxious</b> anticipating news.....an update....anything. Will Macedonia approve us and send our referral? Will they decline our application? Will they request more documents? What about our home study....it hasn't even been sent into immigration for the update - and therefore, we don't have the new finger prints. Will we get the call before all our paper work is updated and in order? Will he have to wait because of another red tape, paper work delay? </span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #76a5af;">I feel <b>frustrated</b> because there is NOTHING I can do about it. Nothing I can do to speed things along....its completely, 100% out of our hands. </span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #76a5af;">I feel <b>discouraged</b> because we have been pursing adoption since May 2012, and Xavier specifically since December 2013 - 2 years! 2 years is such a long time for a little boy to go without the love of a family. </span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #76a5af;">I feel <b>guilt</b> for being jealous of birth announcements or gotcha adoption celebrations. I have already been immensely blessed with 3 wonderful children and I have friends who struggle with infertility. . . am I wrong to want more? To feel like my heart is still missing a piece? To feel like our family is not yet complete? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;">I feel<b> guilty </b>for my excitement and anticipation of Christmas....I so look forward to the many wonderful holiday traditions....the cheerfulness, the decorations, the parties...the time with family and friends. A time of giving and sharing. But what will "Xavier" have? Or WHO? Will he feel the warmth of loving arms? Will he feel the love of a gentle kiss? How can I feel so much excitement when he may have nothing to anticipate at all? </span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #76a5af;">I feel <b>apprehension </b>when I think of all the "what ifs" - What if Macedonia denies our application? What if we get a different referral? What if the adoption fails and we have been gifted so much through gifts and grants.....how can we repay many thousands of dollars? Apprehensive because I am afraid that others might see our journey and chose not to adopt.... <i>(although we are attempting to pilot a new program and this adoption is not necessarily a representation of other international adoptions).</i> </span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #76a5af;">I feel <b>disappointed </b>because I truly believed Xavier would be home by now....that the anxiety of the trip would be behind us and we'd be home together as a family. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i>*SIGH* </i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;">But, its not all bad.....in the time we've waited, we've been blessed with more donations....another grant.....egg money....so, the financial burden does not seem as great. This is certainly a silver lining.... (<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/80399/sponsorbutler-2">Tax Deductible Adoption Donation Link </a>) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;">But perhaps<b> </b>the greatest <u><b>blessing in waiting</b></u> is hearing my sweet children talk about their baby brother "Xavier" - their precious, loving, generous hearts seem almost as consumed with Xavier as my own. He is never forgotten in a prayer....he is always present in our conversations of the future....Zac saves little "treasures" for Xavier and has a collection of ity-bity choking hazards waiting in his crib...along with stuffed animals....and blankies......and even a few paper airplanes! Essie will say "go put this in Xavier's crib" - they've already unconditionally welcomed him into their hearts! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;">On the way home from karate tonight, Zac says "Maybe they'll call us to get our baby on Christmas day!" - His precious, selfless heart thinks of an orphan before his own happiness and joys that accompany the festivities of Christmas (which we take very seriously at our house!) Last week when I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, he said shoes and a maze book....even though he'd really like a transformer, he knows those are expensive and wants us to save our money to get "Xavier". I have never known a child so young (only 6 years old) to have such a giving and sacrificial spirit. </span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #76a5af;">The loving, caring, generous, selfless hearts I see in my children is such a <b>blessing and encouragement to my soul.</b> Its not easy raising children, but seeing these special qualities in my children makes me feel so proud and honored to be their Mommy....I can't help but think we must be doing something right. </span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #76a5af;">So, in the mean time. We are plugging away at life. Taking advantage of our opportunity to educate the kids at home, devoting ourselves to the youth ministry at our church, continuing with karate classes, piano lessons, therapy, appointments, parties, holidays....life goes on. We aren't wishing our time away....we are thankful for the many blessings we have. <b>But while we live.....we wait.</b> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Waiting for the moment we hear the news: "Come and get him!" </b></span><br />
<br />
<i>Thanks for hanging in there with us.....we know the journey has been long....thanks for your continued encouragement!!! We need it now more than ever! We won't give up on Xavier.....we will pursue him as our son until we bring him home or the doors close. </i>ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-16006473246762284312015-08-14T12:26:00.002-07:002015-08-14T12:47:53.964-07:00Flusterated <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWm3adPBlCOQM4J8YhbVk7xMCIaklZWCo1ZLk2nH10Nz9bObWAGrOLwntx7Il5adBCgWyhGu-WrZKMxY_0M5lNSytXs_bL4FRs4WL8Es9M9C4LnxZvKfsQRs1V5FK1mJ8MRftNIu00-o/s1600/waiting+for+mario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWm3adPBlCOQM4J8YhbVk7xMCIaklZWCo1ZLk2nH10Nz9bObWAGrOLwntx7Il5adBCgWyhGu-WrZKMxY_0M5lNSytXs_bL4FRs4WL8Es9M9C4LnxZvKfsQRs1V5FK1mJ8MRftNIu00-o/s400/waiting+for+mario.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Keep waiting baby....we haven't given up on you! </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">*Sigh* - time is passing away. Each day hoping for news. On July 28th we received word from Macedonia that they had not yet reviewed our Dossier and would review it within 2 weeks. Its been 17 days....its possible that those 30 business days for a decision begins on the day they review our application....so, theoretically it may be 6 more weeks before we hear news. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the mean time....we are in the process of updating our home study and then we have to resubmit our updated study to immigration....if we do not have a referral by the time our HS expires on September 11, we will need to have these documents translated into Macedonian again....which if you remember was very costly....about $100/page. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, we are trying to keep our hearts and minds at peace. We are doing all we can. We are letting our faith guide us even though we have been feeling discouraged and disappointed. We are not angry with God or even questioning His will but we are praying that He intervenes and continues to open doors or clearly close them if that is His plan. We are dedicated and determined to pursuing Baby Xavier until the doors close....in the mean time, we will keep waiting. . . </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thanks for your prayers and encouragement along the way. This has been quite a journey and we appreciate the support from family and friends. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh1AR5jT7ObVVy2DTU0HV1Uf8DZyLLgeR1t5H60xwAmB2B7YuMyQ3hSwU0p_mWnSdXOrdLk4tKd57Zj5E5gK7PGWQKeMLNlCBF6LvgGw7iNVYQfrDhtFcmaBjaFB0hX1HBRuJN_M5nhQ/s1600/waiting+adoption.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh1AR5jT7ObVVy2DTU0HV1Uf8DZyLLgeR1t5H60xwAmB2B7YuMyQ3hSwU0p_mWnSdXOrdLk4tKd57Zj5E5gK7PGWQKeMLNlCBF6LvgGw7iNVYQfrDhtFcmaBjaFB0hX1HBRuJN_M5nhQ/s400/waiting+adoption.png" width="400" /></a></div>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-51869070423306720102015-07-18T08:59:00.000-07:002015-07-18T09:01:55.133-07:00Be Still My Heart <span style="color: #741b47;">I've been avoiding a "No News" update because its not at all what I want to share.....unfortunately, its all I have to share. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">We still have had NO word from the country since their initial response to having received our Dossier on April 8th....nearly 3 and a 1/2 months ago. We were expecting news in 30 business days...so we expected news in May and hoped to travel in June. Its now July 18th.....my heart is anxious (YES, I know God has a plan and that everything will work out the way its meant to be). My HEAD knows the answers....regardless, my HEART is heavy. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Our International Agency has been wonderful. Our worker checks in with us to reassure us. She has made several attempts to contact the ministry and sent us a message on Thursday saying she is trying to set up a phone call with the ministry. We are thankful that she is advocating so diligently on our behalf. Since this is the country's first international adoption under the Hague laws, we are guessing that they just want to be very careful that everything is done legally and appropriately. It is a new program and we are the pilot family....so, we KNEW there would be road blocks and lots of waiting. (Again, a bit easier said than done). </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">We have several friends who are traveling as I type to meet/adopt their children. We are so happy for them. We feel as if we can truly relate to how excited they must feel! Being happy for them heightens our own anticipation for news on our own adoption. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Its hard going to sleep each night and going about our daily business knowing our sweet boy is across the ocean waiting for his family. He has waited long enough. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">We are starting up home school this upcoming Monday to get the kids going on their work to allow time for traveling etc. We imagined we would be away most of the summer and not much of the school year but it looks as though our decision to home educate this Fall was very wise. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">As I go about my life and my day.....I keep baby in my heart and mind. How can I not?! When I feel an overwhelming flood of emotions as I daily anticipate news...and the day comes and goes with none, I tell my heart to "Be Still" - there's nothing I can do now except wait and pray. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">We know that all of this uncertainty and waiting is well worth the end
result....but please, would you consider sending us some extra thoughts
and prayers for peace and patience?! </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">I have had to start unpacking items from my carefully packed bags...each time I take an item out of the suitcase my heart hurts a little bit. . . these items were careful planned, prepared, and packed. . . God, please help my heart be patient and bring us news soon!!!!!!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvIeDwOp_z5OCtEO92vziIguoZ9HM0ti5J97GH-KYrg7Jt8VMKIcVtlGlAP1CPMYQlDGMmngLSI412GxCrXDCAEOIIFIMjXpAx6nVjgRLgr__NbyFLKkr5bE970uDdB1LIfj1r5i1Wl4/s1600/IMG_3621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvIeDwOp_z5OCtEO92vziIguoZ9HM0ti5J97GH-KYrg7Jt8VMKIcVtlGlAP1CPMYQlDGMmngLSI412GxCrXDCAEOIIFIMjXpAx6nVjgRLgr__NbyFLKkr5bE970uDdB1LIfj1r5i1Wl4/s400/IMG_3621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Je4cNXhmJNQer8oF5en75a0pGocpwj2RwXiB55boP62fEHJJnz1iL-QWHjJs7ICFTfyeEXYPfb2VropYBke481tHMd0sA8632nYbqoAfEkqGAtRv49vQFGqfNU2rah04Hk5-VKKZhXk/s1600/IMG_3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Je4cNXhmJNQer8oF5en75a0pGocpwj2RwXiB55boP62fEHJJnz1iL-QWHjJs7ICFTfyeEXYPfb2VropYBke481tHMd0sA8632nYbqoAfEkqGAtRv49vQFGqfNU2rah04Hk5-VKKZhXk/s400/IMG_3622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-13281783340747445882015-06-06T17:21:00.002-07:002015-06-12T06:10:06.824-07:005/5/5/ Grant Opportunity!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/80399/sponsorbutler-2">RR Link: We're Adopting Xavier! </a></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhyQx__kn7krAO5Jsb0Ou16vP0WrIHRSQVx7yLHby2Gt-3o_7OHsszuPrKcv7vHXMJ4cjKUH8F74iNVqyxYHjj0PZX1Dpv_qG6zKsX42H1W-_njitpbS_5G1EoG1_51rPsgMRE1gpIEI/s1600/555forfamilies+logo-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhyQx__kn7krAO5Jsb0Ou16vP0WrIHRSQVx7yLHby2Gt-3o_7OHsszuPrKcv7vHXMJ4cjKUH8F74iNVqyxYHjj0PZX1Dpv_qG6zKsX42H1W-_njitpbS_5G1EoG1_51rPsgMRE1gpIEI/s320/555forfamilies+logo-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We've been blessed to be selected to be a part of Reese's Rainbow's 5/5/5 Adoption Grant program from June 6 - July 5th! Its the perfect distraction to keep our minds busy while we wait for news on our referral and travel dates! </span></span><br />
<h5>
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Each month, 5 adopting families are selected. On the 5th of the month (So July 5th for us),
all the donations will be divided evenly among the 5 families! </span></span></span></h5>
<h5>
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
We are thankful for this opportunity! Its especially encouraging to have a goal to work towards as we wait for news. The 5/5/5 goal for this month is $3,487 - you'd be surprised how quickly we could reach that goal if everyone gave just $5! </span></span></span></h5>
<h5>
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Also, IF you are able and feel led, consider signing up to donate $5 each month to 5 new families....that's a $1 for each family a month - all of whom are adopting children with special needs. It may not seem like a lot....but I assure you, that it is and we know that God will bless your kindness! </span></span></span></h5>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/555families">Click Here to Make a Donation to the 5/5/5 Grant! </a></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy2ZiZkoThnqp2j1hV5XkoWYGHb_aX_aodWXAUudpNejz2bMbnyPvAF1u7Yukh81FWV9FX7bi_tJVYrM8Z1eB0gd-agyoHp6jpnk9j_GO6x34E_-PZrp11NjhTf1WeXPRCF4XBuY_wC8/s1600/IMG_3227+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy2ZiZkoThnqp2j1hV5XkoWYGHb_aX_aodWXAUudpNejz2bMbnyPvAF1u7Yukh81FWV9FX7bi_tJVYrM8Z1eB0gd-agyoHp6jpnk9j_GO6x34E_-PZrp11NjhTf1WeXPRCF4XBuY_wC8/s400/IMG_3227+%25282%2529.JPG" width="321" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
</b></div>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-46300009387531215142015-04-30T11:39:00.002-07:002015-06-22T10:37:22.020-07:00WAITING.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaVBCdrUlIjIXHOV5i_TqbNiY3lgDh6PCl2mIticM4XKDx2e-eG3T8UHtSBJiFghVFEvD7_bVEymTehWTddS4iVDUq-XR528yYvbfBGrfxndH7EGXiLZhKESl2R9Jtrzov1LApVcOPCM/s1600/slow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaVBCdrUlIjIXHOV5i_TqbNiY3lgDh6PCl2mIticM4XKDx2e-eG3T8UHtSBJiFghVFEvD7_bVEymTehWTddS4iVDUq-XR528yYvbfBGrfxndH7EGXiLZhKESl2R9Jtrzov1LApVcOPCM/s1600/slow.jpg" /></a></div>
Ok.....*deep breaths Hannah*<br />
<br />
I have given birth to 3 children. It was a crazy, wild, and exciting time. I LOVE to plan and organize - I'm the kind of girl that had my hospital bag packed 3 months early and the nursery prepped for weeks ahead of time.....<br />
<br />
Adoption.....is different. There's still a baby on the way.....but this type of anticipation is totally new to me. <br />
<br />
We're on the 6 week countdown (We could travel anytime after June 11th - AND TRUST ME, if we haven't left by then - you'll wish we had - if ya know what I mean!)<br />
<br />
Right now I'm in the panicked "HURRAY AND WAIT" phase....<br />
<br />
Macedonia has our Translated Dossier....The Ministry confirmed they had our documents on April 8th - so, theoretically, we could hear news ANYTIME from the country. <br />
<br />
TIME is CRAWLING by.<br />
<br />
After we've received approval, we'll be placed in the registry of approved families and THEN that's when they'll make their referral (match us with the waiting child).<br />
<br />
There's no set time for when they make this referral - but it could be very shortly after our approval. Along with this referral comes our travel approval! THAT'S when we'll get the tickets. Adoption Airfare is on standby for our call and is ready and excited to help us book our flight!<br />
<br />
Oh, back to this concept of a the "hospital bag" - PHEW! This is ONE HECK of a bag! Its a bag for 6 people for 10-12 weeks! Mommy, Daddy, an 8 year old, 6 year old, 5 year old and New Little Tot!<br />
<br />WAITING everyday for an update. Refreshing my e-mail like a crazy lady. Checking my phone for calls or texts....<br />
<br />
Baby "Xavier" - you are on my heart and mind. I cannot wait to see you soon! We'll be there soon! I am greatly anticipating that precious day - the day that YOU will be born into our hearts....our lives....our family. Soon sweet boy! Very soon!<br />
<br />ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-68906068309454105662015-04-04T19:23:00.000-07:002015-04-04T19:23:03.749-07:00Happy Easter! <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;">“… so that He might redeem those who were under the Law,
that we might receive the adoption as sons.” – Galatians 4:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;">Easter by far is my favorite holiday and in my opinion the
most important one. Though do not get Hannah started as she disagrees and
chooses Christmas – for without Jesus’ birth there would be no Resurrection
Sunday! Sounds like the argument about
which one comes first, the chicken or the egg.
I joked around early today when an acquaintance put a meme up about not
liking Marshmallow Peeps that the correct order of importance is the following:
Jesus, Cadbury Eggs, and then Marshmallow Peeps. Anything else would just be a tragedy!<br />
<br />
In all seriousness, I love Easter as it highlights the ultimate sacrifice that
our Heavenly Father gave in order to bring us to redemption and shows the power
of Christ Jesus to conquer death. I
mean, I literally get chills when I think about the depiction shown in Mel
Gibson’s Passion when Jesus victoriously sets on the head of the serpent with
his heel. Some have faulted the movie
for spending too much time on the crucifixion; however, the end is so dramatic
that it highlights the victory over death and the power of our Risen
Savior. Besides, that is also how the
Gospel of Mark ends. <br />
<br />
The question though is why? Why would
our Heavenly Father go to such lengths to free us from the shackles of
sin? Why did He give the ultimate
sacrifice in which eternity turned its back on eternity for us who in our own
minds desire nothing to do with God? I
believe the answer is in one simple word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Adoption<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;">Our Heavenly Father desired to redeem us in order to bring
us into His family. So that we can be
heirs along with Christ Jesus and to know His presence forever. He was so moved by our state and to bring us
out of the murky swamp so that we can be embraced in His arms. We were made to have a healthy relationship
with our Heavenly Father. Through His death
and His resurrection, He does exactly that. <br />
<br />
During this process of adoption, this theme has begun to resonate with me
more. We have always had a desire to
give a boy or a girl a forever home. We
desire to wrap them up in our arms and to hold them. We desire to sing to them until they fall asleep
in the security of our home. We desire
to pick them up when they get hurt and tend to their scrapes and bruises. The purpose is not for ourselves, but it is
for them. Every child should have a
family to call their own. Why? Because they were made for it. Just like we were made for a relationship with
Jesus. <br />
<br />
That is the reason that we desire to adopt.
We desire to show the same love and affection that Jesus has so
graciously showed us. And though it may
seem like a huge mountain with many hurdles, it is worth it. I mean Jesus went to so much more and such
greater hurdles to redeem us. I think we
can handle a little paperwork, traveling halfway around the world, and forgoing
a new car. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;">Have a great Resurrection Sunday! And remember that Jesus
gave His life so that you could be a part of the family of God!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-90921026048709704982015-03-11T15:47:00.001-07:002015-03-11T15:47:29.601-07:00Story of the Star Fish<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirCb4CtFcAmx53xOqZdrqSIfcfa9gYBSs0K6hOLxKQQjJjJgI8g1dk_zFWs5DcpXiRqUTxwPQ4R_mOsaZAhivE-OFQTd5AM0zxFbfNBVkXApvuoaUTER6sLb1vcHq-dbKz9EiyomVW4A/s1600/star+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirCb4CtFcAmx53xOqZdrqSIfcfa9gYBSs0K6hOLxKQQjJjJgI8g1dk_zFWs5DcpXiRqUTxwPQ4R_mOsaZAhivE-OFQTd5AM0zxFbfNBVkXApvuoaUTER6sLb1vcHq-dbKz9EiyomVW4A/s1600/star+fish.jpg" height="161" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>163,000,000 orphans worldwide.</b> A staggering number. How will our single adoption impact this crisis?! Its JUST ONE out of sooooo many!!!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">I'd like to share a very special story with you. One that holds a special place in my heart. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">
Its the story of the <i><b>Star Fish. </b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">This is a beautiful illustration
of adoption! One rescued orphan may not seem like much in the grand
scheme of things....but I can promise you one thing...it will make a difference to that one! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i>"While walking along a beach, an elderly gentleman saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and thro<span class="text_exposed_show">wing it into the ocean.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<span style="color: #073763;"><i>
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young
man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back
into the water.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i> He came closer still and called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i> The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i> The old man smiled, and said, “I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?”</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i> To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i>
Upon hearing this, the elderly observer commented, “But, young man,
do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there
are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a
difference!”</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i> The young man listened politely. Then he bent
down, picked up another starfish, threw it into the back into the ocean
past the breaking waves and said, “It made a difference for that one.”</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">THIS is our calling. Our Passion. ~ "I am only one. BUT STILL, I AM ONE. I cannot do everything. BUT STILL, I CAN DO SOMETHING. And because I cannot do everything, I will not hesitate to do what I CAN DO!" Hellen Keller ~ </span><i> </i></span></div>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-537253548755599712015-03-09T09:06:00.000-07:002015-04-30T12:03:54.118-07:00AUCTION! 3/12 through 3/16! <div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd2MKdamXlg7urQC_JipXepWdKqZzdj4jjJJM9iMhZPclr_DJyO_K6N5oPvWmIE8VSZGBivtcvpgOIF2qmjngO0KaylPuTqO5mSLHwTLmr7hkFt1e8D358XoklvTwn-Qlf570V4xL5ds/s1600/auction+pp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd2MKdamXlg7urQC_JipXepWdKqZzdj4jjJJM9iMhZPclr_DJyO_K6N5oPvWmIE8VSZGBivtcvpgOIF2qmjngO0KaylPuTqO5mSLHwTLmr7hkFt1e8D358XoklvTwn-Qlf570V4xL5ds/s1600/auction+pp.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Our Auction Page is up! </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm adding pictures of auction items to our album! Please "like" the page and help spread the word! </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">You won't want to miss this! </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">We are hoping and praying for a successful event! </span> </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Less-Orphan-Auction/231146860392485">CLICK here to check out our One Less Orphan Auction!!!!</a></span></b></div>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-51064705577041505332015-02-26T14:32:00.000-08:002015-03-02T07:42:40.606-08:00Want to Help?! Check Out Our Current Fundraisers! <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Check out our current Fundraisers! </b>(Follow the Hyper-Links!) </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/80399/sponsorbutler-2">Donate A Tax Deductible Gift Here! </a> </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://www.advocare.com/150267473/24DayChallenge/">AdvoCare! </a> </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tdecker1222marykay?notif_t=fbpage_fan_invite">Mary Kay Fundraiser! </a></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://teespring.com/butleradoption">T-Shirt Fundraiser! </a></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.316047458606257.1073741833.139023239642014&type=3">DVD Sale!</a></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.318240068386996.1073741835.139023239642014&type=1">Children's Book Sale! </a> </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.317805741763762.1073741834.139023239642014&type=3">Gift Basket Sale!</a> </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://origami4orphans.origamiowl.com/parties/ButlerAdoption582161/collections.ashx">Origami Owl Jewelry! </a> </span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq07V_l1IHU3rdveeuOB9uHZAOT_eGyec3T8Y9sDpDmVdIgbtmMlrTy7r7Nx5hFKT702f9L4BSVSGYs5jA3evKnSB6YrYXWVsFIZpAPHG-DDun-mgTjYPdTC1i8p4FbtOlNfyyILA3_Do/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq07V_l1IHU3rdveeuOB9uHZAOT_eGyec3T8Y9sDpDmVdIgbtmMlrTy7r7Nx5hFKT702f9L4BSVSGYs5jA3evKnSB6YrYXWVsFIZpAPHG-DDun-mgTjYPdTC1i8p4FbtOlNfyyILA3_Do/s1600/cookies.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Sugar Cookies!</b> $10 suggested donation/dozen<br />
(I can do many different shapes/colors) <br />
e-mail: <a href="mailto:heselby@liberty.edu">heselby@liberty.edu</a> to place an order! <br />
<br />
*Please consider shipping charges if you do not live locally. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv9mKRseI5AhY-UpKfNdwpRdBJGKvPC-RmHd8_IBq20pM2P3WMwkHoAc-GuKUyEPXSpJ8VJ2GNpE2aFkNKPFgmbl59vae8zWPLdnV7fJ5XwQufbvzQqe2fHvOXea_wMUIF8xbE8j72FU/s1600/BREAD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv9mKRseI5AhY-UpKfNdwpRdBJGKvPC-RmHd8_IBq20pM2P3WMwkHoAc-GuKUyEPXSpJ8VJ2GNpE2aFkNKPFgmbl59vae8zWPLdnV7fJ5XwQufbvzQqe2fHvOXea_wMUIF8xbE8j72FU/s1600/BREAD.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Amish White Bread - </b>Suggested donation of $6 loaf / or 2 for $10. Seriously, this bread is the best! <br />
<br />
e-mail: <a href="mailto:heselby@liberty.edu">heselby@liberty.edu</a> to place an order! <br />
<br />
*Please consider shipping charges if you do not live locally. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfq2dHrJ_WXHR5RT1BzBZWJwJIApBe1BcwLqiC421ajLW2GCF-5GT5AdolnxDX0D99dS0oPmqumAFS6fDI6xo_loqvedPxT-si0xeO5lUzrX-ZJCB6Hj6i9gEDeVJ1ZCsLD4P_4o_SzmA/s1600/IMG_2363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfq2dHrJ_WXHR5RT1BzBZWJwJIApBe1BcwLqiC421ajLW2GCF-5GT5AdolnxDX0D99dS0oPmqumAFS6fDI6xo_loqvedPxT-si0xeO5lUzrX-ZJCB6Hj6i9gEDeVJ1ZCsLD4P_4o_SzmA/s1600/IMG_2363.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Gluten Free Mixes!</b> $7/bag (Or $15 for all 3!)*<br />
There's 3 left!<br />
1 - Pizza Crust Mix<br />
1 - Bread Mix<br />
1 - Sugar Cookie Mix<br />
<br />
*Please consider shipping charges if you do not live locally. <br />
<br />
e-mail: <a href="mailto:heselby@liberty.edu">heselby@liberty.edu</a> to claim them! <br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXl6YzkVes3W9hKiDCmipNiKIvDb6j4jaaAYEQTvc-KbU78YHgRedzLlr8CN59kW6w1COUAY-kRLs8Ml73SzkFzXDx7rYGwG1VHenVvF7MsQpzqz_FCLilsn9EXogrkgbUeVlVYxs2zs/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXl6YzkVes3W9hKiDCmipNiKIvDb6j4jaaAYEQTvc-KbU78YHgRedzLlr8CN59kW6w1COUAY-kRLs8Ml73SzkFzXDx7rYGwG1VHenVvF7MsQpzqz_FCLilsn9EXogrkgbUeVlVYxs2zs/s1600/lunch.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="userContent">Are you a busy parent? Are you like me and
often forget to pack your child's lunch until that morning?! Or even for
yourself at work?! <br /> <br /> Well, what about ordering 5 bagged lunches! Use them all up for the week or save them f<span class="text_exposed_show">or those busy mornings! </span></span><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">This is a good sized lunch for most ages. You could add in some fresh fruit or veggies too. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Would you be interested in a week of packed lunches for a $25 donation? Send me an e-mail! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">The lunches would include: <br /> *Juice Pouch or Water bottle (Your choice) <br /> *Fruit Cup (or) Apple Sauce <br /> *A fruit Strip (or) Fruit Rope<br /> *A salty snack<br /> *A sweet snack <br /> *A snack bar <br /> *A type of nut (almond, cashew, peanut, etc) - make me aware of ay allergies! <br /> *2 napkins and a plastic spoon <br /> </span></span><br />
<br />
<b>Would anyone be interested in Care Packages for your college student for finals?! I can load a package full of goodies and ship it out to them! If you're interested, shoot me an e-mail! heselby@liberty.edu!</b>
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Click here to see our Facebook Page: </b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/We-are-hoping-to-adopt-a-child-with-Down-Syndrome/139023239642014">Follow Our Facebook Page for Regular Fundraiser Updates! </a></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">***Can't give financially? We would also be happy to take donations of things we could auction off or sell in online garage sales and raffles. (i.e. nice clothing, unused items, gift cards, toys, movies, gift sets etc)***</span></u> </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-65363471522723203692015-02-26T11:47:00.000-08:002015-04-27T11:44:24.056-07:00Our Sponsorship Consultant Page<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"> ~ Helping Hands ~</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXE99EAtU6DR1kpVQxu2r4HjiFRxzYXhX29ontB5lB3s31uGkSI9ju8LFQU6Pi-72DMdEXGBwe0n4AeyC-wi6bTzv9jYN3S8OpFGZBBosyyXQTu3ib0SH6WQ_P1EMzqDoTfSmdTjNHIg/s1600/helping+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXE99EAtU6DR1kpVQxu2r4HjiFRxzYXhX29ontB5lB3s31uGkSI9ju8LFQU6Pi-72DMdEXGBwe0n4AeyC-wi6bTzv9jYN3S8OpFGZBBosyyXQTu3ib0SH6WQ_P1EMzqDoTfSmdTjNHIg/s1600/helping+hand.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"> We have been generously sponsored by these private consultants! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">If you are in need of any products through these companies, please consider supporting these donors! (Just Follow the hyper-links!) </span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://www.marykathy64.jamberrynails.net/">Jamberry Nails! - Kathy Smith</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://www.marykay.com/tdecker1222">Mary Kay- Tiffany Decker </a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"> <a href="https://origami4orphans.origamiowl.com/shop">Origami Owl - Angeline VanHalle </a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://dreampotential.usana.com/">USANA - Don and Rachel Acker </a></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.norwex.biz/pws/bethanypeters/tabs/home.aspx">Norwex - Bethany Peters </a> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://samanthaterrywraps.com/">It Works - Samantha Terry </a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyVEC29vzHs1hY52uZe3JImCntpJkoxM9GwEZ-JSo0uRQEWh_HSnuKMApcqv9cSOx-t-UN_Xndt9o5VzlbwA0_KCRUx_BtmPVcdEwbBVnoDpZyHBXt_Mb5UHgHiTj_j7vUOdSsAKPbqs/s1600/wrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyVEC29vzHs1hY52uZe3JImCntpJkoxM9GwEZ-JSo0uRQEWh_HSnuKMApcqv9cSOx-t-UN_Xndt9o5VzlbwA0_KCRUx_BtmPVcdEwbBVnoDpZyHBXt_Mb5UHgHiTj_j7vUOdSsAKPbqs/s1600/wrap.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">If you have any items or gift cards from your small business that you would like to donate for us to use in our fundraising efforts (or would like to host a party for us as a fundraiser), I'll be happy to share your consultant info on the blog and share it with others as a THANK-YOU for supporting us. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">I hope this will bring you some support in return! </span></span></div>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-50622657216312136202015-02-25T06:54:00.000-08:002015-02-25T06:56:53.537-08:00Grants!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB0kblqucK8say7tehdMQ-76tFO42D5twXnrJ8YmJbA-GRmt5SaIHSGHdFVXDxfFcixuACig5nf80eXi9fiNp_FpK_3mv9OsSCOZepsLphT_EkNwc1HGNvOA2OAJAmubJuny_24gomeA/s1600/help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB0kblqucK8say7tehdMQ-76tFO42D5twXnrJ8YmJbA-GRmt5SaIHSGHdFVXDxfFcixuACig5nf80eXi9fiNp_FpK_3mv9OsSCOZepsLphT_EkNwc1HGNvOA2OAJAmubJuny_24gomeA/s1600/help.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Filling out grants is like filling out forms to buy a house! But we are thrilled that we have completed and submitted FOUR grant applications! We are praying for favor and that perhaps our story will touch the hearts of the committees. Please pray with us that we would be strongly considered for financial gifts from these generous agencies. </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We continue to work on additional grants and continue to pray and trust that God will provide! We are so thankful, humbled, and blessed by the gifts and support we have received. Thank-you for all the prayers and donations. We are so very thankful! </span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> "I
am only one. But still, I am one. I cannot do everything. But still, I
can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse
to do what I can do." - Helen Keller </span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We are in pursuit of making a difference - even if just to ONE! Thank-you for sharing the journey with us and for helping us change a life! </span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/80399/sponsorbutler-2">Our Adoption Sponsorship Link </a></b></span></div>
<br />ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-36588188604627778322015-02-19T05:33:00.000-08:002015-02-19T07:16:37.375-08:00Pay it Forward <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9iCp7mmj6XxK5BKfv5wGPov_v7tlMc8SbSzyyryvxpJKZ5uiJY8YRcOom3Bik6bo3CR13pxi86uE-Pvb2FVSypmf2b2yVZA9iQ7HGH6QyX3LibV5XqLvfNpM7qG0eGnU4dk2SwaaSHc/s1600/Pay-It-Forward-New.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9iCp7mmj6XxK5BKfv5wGPov_v7tlMc8SbSzyyryvxpJKZ5uiJY8YRcOom3Bik6bo3CR13pxi86uE-Pvb2FVSypmf2b2yVZA9iQ7HGH6QyX3LibV5XqLvfNpM7qG0eGnU4dk2SwaaSHc/s1600/Pay-It-Forward-New.jpeg" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"> Yesterday, a friend bumped our Adoption Family Sponsorship Page (FSP) to help us meet our matching grant and when I wrote and expressed my gratitude, she responded, "</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="null">My friend did something nice for me at
Christmas & I told her, when I could, I would pay it forward. It
just so happens that my husband got a really nice bonus from work, so I am
able to pay it forward & I chose you."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="null"> The concept of "Pay It Forward" is that when you have been blessed by someone, you return the favor and bless someone else when you are able! We have been generously blessed throughout this adoption process and we are so thankful!!!! We still need to raise $21,000. Yes, its a lot of money....and yes, we need it quickly <i>(Only 16 weeks until we hope to travel!) </i>But, with our combined efforts, our fundraisers, and our promise to pay-it-forward and return the favor when this is all said and done, we believe it can happen!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="null"> If you chose to "pay it forward" to us, you are investing in an opportunity to not only help our family in particular, but to rescue a special needs child from an orphanage. And not just our "Xavier" - this is an opportunity to create a program to help all the children in Macedonia with special needs to be adopted into a loving family! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="null"> Please consider "paying it forward" - even if just in a small way. Your gift will be blessed, we will be grateful, orphans will be rescued, and we promise to return the favor and pay it forward when we are able. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="null"> <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/80399/sponsorbutler-2">Click here to view our Our Adoption Sponsorship Page </a></span></b></span></span></u><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="null"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*All gifts donated through this link are tax deductibl<b>e*</b></span></span></span></span><u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="null"></span></b></span></span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">"Remember, there is no such thing as a small act of kindness. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Every act creates a ripple with no logical end". – <b style="background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;">Scott Adams</b></span></div>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-33995579733928648692015-02-14T16:09:00.000-08:002015-02-14T16:09:06.973-08:00The Greatest of These is LOVE! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito_9qua95tD-fM8Gg-oJLeHnJ_SLIRyXsrjncjKnj1nX5TthZ7CgjHZAtJIeH57qgSKUq61bTEfumaMl6NQ4RO3LfT9LdyNedHC7PFLjKpyXoHxC4J8zpIoM8Eg3NUjZSlma9r0Ztyds/s1600/k+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito_9qua95tD-fM8Gg-oJLeHnJ_SLIRyXsrjncjKnj1nX5TthZ7CgjHZAtJIeH57qgSKUq61bTEfumaMl6NQ4RO3LfT9LdyNedHC7PFLjKpyXoHxC4J8zpIoM8Eg3NUjZSlma9r0Ztyds/s1600/k+love.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-53721221895542639312015-02-14T06:20:00.003-08:002015-02-14T14:36:40.798-08:00Wanting More Children <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbM-Kg9P0CDJn2QRr2H5bF07-STjTsSOF_-c2jdBFAXTL6rV1xibufwazachEO7Kum3DpqO3k13O4A2HQspTsv8vMthmbEsSPKy1hEEl0sMmNB9zTZqOUlCw0j_bFdm0qCTCQasilBmII/s1600/adoptioncreed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbM-Kg9P0CDJn2QRr2H5bF07-STjTsSOF_-c2jdBFAXTL6rV1xibufwazachEO7Kum3DpqO3k13O4A2HQspTsv8vMthmbEsSPKy1hEEl0sMmNB9zTZqOUlCw0j_bFdm0qCTCQasilBmII/s1600/adoptioncreed.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">A friend shared a blog post (see link below) this morning on her Facebook and its message resonated with me in a profound way. People are often confused and bewildered by us. "More?!" They ask astonished. Its hard to explain just how much we long for another child.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">I don't speak of it much, but I often grieve the loss of my uterus. I had to have an emergency hysterectomy when I was just 23 years old due to severe prolapse. In fact, my prolapse was responsible for my boy's premature births. After Benji was born (at just 26 weeks), there was no hope for my "baby maker." It would never carry a baby safely again. On Benji's due date - November 27, 2010. I had the heart wrenching procedure. I knew even then that I was not "done" having babies.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">For those that know me well, know that "children are my lot in life." I was a bit confused as to why God had allowed me to lose our ability to have more children when we had such a desire to have a large family. Of course, we had always considered adoption.....BUT, would we have pursued our "Xavier" IF we could have more of our own?! Would we have the opportunity to help open a country up for international adoptions? Would we be seeking out an individual with special needs to come into our family?</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">We have come to believe that my hysterectomy (as heart breaking as it is for me) is a sign that we are meant to adopt. Our heart's desire to add to our family....I believe God placed that love and desire in our hearts. He has CALLED us to add to our family. And because of a rare, unfortunate medical complication, we have been asked to carry a baby in our hearts instead of my womb.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Check out the blog article here: </span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://adoption.com/wanting-children-hands-full/">"Wanting More Children When Your Hands Are Full" </a></span></span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Author's Quote: "She still gets that ache when a friend announces her pregnancy. She
still pauses in the baby section to gaze at the little nightgowns. She
glances at the family portrait hanging on the wall and imagines another
face in it"</span></span></span></span></b>ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-77394258269864219872015-02-12T10:53:00.002-08:002015-02-13T07:16:05.757-08:00T-Shirt Fundraiser! <span class="userContent">*NEW FUNDRAISER* - Check it out everyone!!!!! I
am so psyched about this! A dear friend who is a graphic designer
created this shirt for us! We are so appreciative. Its just perfect.
Please check it out! Share. And consider purchasing! Its a super cool
color and design and its meaning is so awesome! Our goal is to sell 45 shirts! Available in both Adult and Child sizes!</span><br />
<span class="userContent"> </span><br />
Be a part of this story with us! This shirt not only communicates ministering in
general, it also supports the *NEW* International Adoption Program we
are piloting! Along with our amazing agency, we are helping to create a
new program in Macedonia which will open the door for special needs
children to be adopted into the USA! This is an incredible opportunity.
Please come alongside us and support us and this opportunity! To not only open the doors for our "Xavier" but for many other children in the
future!<a href="http://teespring.com/butleradoption" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="userContent"><a href="http://teespring.com/butleradoption">Click here to order a shirt! </a> </span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNubR8XnXQKdkvqg02x7ihnCAoFIBZ_8yBPSKpWgGwO1opzZ1SoNzCJ3udE-XRISVvqFmKpFvPpwNhSmB9NOmzIjA9NthLVCzg8y2TXf-M6wyL27UJ5WqOssTdinouY-jplvjHZs6PRkE/s1600/MacedoniaTee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNubR8XnXQKdkvqg02x7ihnCAoFIBZ_8yBPSKpWgGwO1opzZ1SoNzCJ3udE-XRISVvqFmKpFvPpwNhSmB9NOmzIjA9NthLVCzg8y2TXf-M6wyL27UJ5WqOssTdinouY-jplvjHZs6PRkE/s1600/MacedoniaTee.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></div>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-76987524396726551802015-02-10T19:58:00.001-08:002015-02-18T06:52:34.645-08:00$500 Matching Grant Opportunity! <span style="color: #a64d79;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;">We've met our goal for this matching grant! THANK-YOU so much!!!!!!!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/80399/sponsorbutler-2">Click Here to Go to our RR Adoption Fund! </a> </b></span></div>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-76863124688873287482015-02-10T19:43:00.004-08:002015-02-10T19:51:53.150-08:00Why Are We Adopting? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4e3YYiImfa3ITia52L6VJJ0pvjmQf2YsEF5eXMfNYceSLlQs8dppSUuffBOTnWGtJQlA_khyphenhyphenV3wOf89NQDvwnXhtHt7ulwlY37XkWJKoCeYQVY9mYQknmxjZ1Vbfq5E3bP6TI8ikH6Q/s1600/adopt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4e3YYiImfa3ITia52L6VJJ0pvjmQf2YsEF5eXMfNYceSLlQs8dppSUuffBOTnWGtJQlA_khyphenhyphenV3wOf89NQDvwnXhtHt7ulwlY37XkWJKoCeYQVY9mYQknmxjZ1Vbfq5E3bP6TI8ikH6Q/s1600/adopt.jpg" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mnTbl"><tbody>
<tr><td class="cntnttp"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="w100"><tbody>
<tr><td><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="w100"><tbody>
<tr><td class="bdy"><div class="bdy">
<div class="BodyFragment">
<div class="PlainText">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> We
have always talked about the option of adoption, even before we were
married. We see it as a ministry and feel as through God has called
believers to care for orphans. People tell us we are crazy. But we feel
very strongly that this is a calling and that we are following God's
plan for our family. "If I acted crazy, I did it for God; if I acted
overly serious, I did it for you. Christ’s love has moved me to such
extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do." - 2
Cor 5:13. In addition to having a heart for adoption, we also feel
called to add to our family. We dreamed of having a large family and
were very saddened when we realized Hannah would no longer be able to
have children. (Hannah had to have an emergency hysterectomy at the age
of 23). We love kids and feel as though our family is not yet complete.
Adoption is the perfect option for us! We have the space, the time, the
desire, and most importantly, the love to give. We have open hearts and
arms and look forward to adding an addition to our family.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
We have a passion to help those who are in need, and what could be a
greater need than to love those who are alone? Those who have no family to love and care for them? Adoption has always
been a consideration for us. We wanted to make a difference in the
biggest way possible and we felt a distinct call to make a difference by
adopting.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Beginning in May 2012, Hannah and I started this adoption journey.
However, our story is more than just one of adoption. We wanted to
pursue a very special kind of adoption. We have developed a tender-heart
towards those with special needs due to our own experiences with our
son Benji’s extreme prematurity (born at just 26 weeks) and Down
Syndrome. We witnessed first hand, the daily struggles Benji endured and
then watched as he thrived because of the love and support of his
family. A family who loves him unconditionally. We want to bring that
same unconditional love to another child with special needs,
specifically Down Syndrome. We feel as though we are well equipped to
care for another special child who may have some of the same struggles
as our son.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
During our time of waiting for a special match, an agency contacted us
about a possible opportunity in Macedonia. However, there was a road
block as Macedonia does not have an established program for
international adoption – period. What could we do? Did this mean that
the doors were closed? To make a long story short, the doors have been
opened! We are now the pilot family for a new adoption program for
special needs children from Macedonia. We are hoping to be the first
family in the United States to adopt a child from Macedonia through the
Hague adoption system. The program is not yet open to other families,
but we are hopeful that we can help create a successful program that
would assist in finding families for hundreds of precious children with
special needs. In the past 13 months, we have connected with an
outstanding agency to start a new adoption program (essentially opening a
country for international adoptions), converted our home study from
domestic to international, and compiled our dossier. It is currently
being translated into Macedonian. Its been a long year as we've waited
anxiously for things to come together. Thus far, the doors have opened
and we are pursing this opportunity with excitement and A LOT of FAITH!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Sometimes people ask us, "Why? Don't you already have your hands full?
Do you really think you can handle it?" Our answer? "You think our hands
are full? You should see our hearts!" We believe we can not only
"handle" it, but that we would thrive! We feel as though adding a child
with special needs would be like adding the missing puzzle piece.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
We will admit that before Benji was born, we probably never would have
considered adopting a child with special needs. But our world changed
the moment we received the amnio results. Down Syndrome has changed our
life...and for the better. We have chosen to embrace our new path and
would like to invite another little blessing to share in our
special-needs journey. We adore our children more than anything and
Benji certainly is no exception. We love him unconditionally and
sincerely hope to add another special blessing into our lives!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
For us, our calling is to raise our children to LOVE God and others and
help those who cannot help themselves. To us, that means a child with
special needs. We have been called specifically to adopt. God has given
us the capacity to love another child and until he/she comes home, there
will be a void in our hearts.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="nvft"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="hdvt"><tbody>
<tr><td class="ihdv"></td><td class="ihdv"></td><td class="ihdv"></td><td class="ihdv"></td><td class="ihdv"></td><td class="ihdv"><img alt="" src="https://r1.res.office365.com/owa/15.1.81.18/themes/basic/clear.gif" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="qbt"><tbody>
<tr><td class="txt" colspan="2"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="crv"><img alt="" src="https://r1.res.office365.com/owa/15.1.81.18/themes/basic/crvbtmlt.gif" /></td><td class="btm"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHakqvQF8GQe31xiX8OulJRhJlLgk8h4hLxX1dyim0GpDK4oEBAb1xRj8Wu7uDGtSsdN5ALNXP1e5L0gAVKvnaQ4tFG48Kd3eBYWV0dzrHHikzpf_P9UicH8wEC1ehICeUPBlH7XKwnA/s1600/adoptions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHakqvQF8GQe31xiX8OulJRhJlLgk8h4hLxX1dyim0GpDK4oEBAb1xRj8Wu7uDGtSsdN5ALNXP1e5L0gAVKvnaQ4tFG48Kd3eBYWV0dzrHHikzpf_P9UicH8wEC1ehICeUPBlH7XKwnA/s1600/adoptions.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></div>
<img alt="" src="https://r1.res.office365.com/owa/15.1.81.18/themes/basic/clear.gif" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
<td valign="bottom"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="hdvt"><tbody>
<tr><td class="ihdv"><img alt="" src="https://r1.res.office365.com/owa/15.1.81.18/themes/basic/clear.gif" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tbft"><tbody>
<tr><td class="w100"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td><td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td><td align="right" class="crvBtm"><img alt="" src="https://r1.res.office365.com/owa/15.1.81.18/themes/basic/crvbtmrt.gif" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" class="tdLogoB" colspan="3"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-45681439116968907622015-01-27T12:05:00.002-08:002015-01-27T12:05:52.934-08:00Where is Macedonia Anyway? We've had a lot of people ask us questions about Macedonia so I thought I'd write a quick blog sharing a bit about the country. We have certainly enjoyed our research. Macedonia seems like a gem! It has rich beauty and history and we are greatly looking forward to our visit. <br />
<br />
Macedonia is often also referred to as FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia). Apparently Greeks use the term FYROM as there is a region within Greece that is also called Macedonia. Who knew?! So that is why people open refer to the Macedonia we are talking about as "The Republic of Macedonia" <br />
<br />
The capital of Macedonia is, Skopje - this is where we will fly into. <br />
<br />
Macedonia became independent in 1991 - Even though it has extensive history, it is considered a "young state." <br />
<br />
Macedonia is surrounded by Albania, Kosovo, Serbia,
Bulgaria, and Greece.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgb6Ww7ilp0QYjV49jWJ-9nW_ILhgCBAESRf3J8h_mwyK9CPgw6wZLmlruRXdHxOpikz-yj9d729Q-7yk7-iwuNA5GMWdPStG7P8ePbISX2-l6AmVay3QVFyfMMywKBQUggPolS3YvvGw/s1600/Macedonia-CIA_WFB_Map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgb6Ww7ilp0QYjV49jWJ-9nW_ILhgCBAESRf3J8h_mwyK9CPgw6wZLmlruRXdHxOpikz-yj9d729Q-7yk7-iwuNA5GMWdPStG7P8ePbISX2-l6AmVay3QVFyfMMywKBQUggPolS3YvvGw/s1600/Macedonia-CIA_WFB_Map.png" height="400" width="371" /></a></div>
Macedonia Map<br />
<br />
An advantage for us is that Macedonia is one of the most affordable countries to visit in Europe! A quote from one blogger who visited said; "The cheapest hotels start at around $7; nicer hostels were around $10" - SWEET! Definitely the right price for a 12 week family vacation, aye?! (One Macedonian Denar = 0.0184571 US Dollar) <br />
<span class="uccErrOut"></span>
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="ucc-result-table" style="height: 4.7em;"><tbody>
<tr class="uccRes">
<td class="leftCol" style="text-align: center;" width="47%"><br /></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" valign="middle" width="6%"><br /></td>
<td class="rightCol" style="text-align: center;" width="47%"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="uccResRgn">
<td class="leftCol" style="text-align: center;" width="47%"><br /></td>
<td class="invCol" rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" valign="middle" width="6%"><br /></td>
<td class="rightCol" style="text-align: center;" width="47%"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="uccResUnit">
<td class="leftCol" style="text-align: center;" width="47%"><br /></td>
<td class="rightCol" style="text-align: center;" width="47%"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfwQDbg0x98xUy8KFA1cQ29Bhim-vJY2ltLyaxblkzJ5f8tEdJvfo0SWhP4o5suSJ9UhyphenhyphenZ9u6fK3kgyXTGKj8qRiJeM2GUZIOJo8gLPnVrr__OxFElCy4hBwtoUxTVHfxE4TAX3ynOXQ/s1600/macedonia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfwQDbg0x98xUy8KFA1cQ29Bhim-vJY2ltLyaxblkzJ5f8tEdJvfo0SWhP4o5suSJ9UhyphenhyphenZ9u6fK3kgyXTGKj8qRiJeM2GUZIOJo8gLPnVrr__OxFElCy4hBwtoUxTVHfxE4TAX3ynOXQ/s1600/macedonia2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_Republic_of_Macedonia">Macedonian Flag </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXhpmY-oZN4-fOcB_XiO8RU8x9M_U3SkSn-8ZZlN7rV2qMw8QljR1DqqvsJMpGbUKHXEy4hzmjsmU3EvVgGsCbBnHHF66u2Vw99o-EjJDkFT9WTj8HLfLU5OFFhlzx09jdSocbz3fpaA/s1600/alphabet4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXhpmY-oZN4-fOcB_XiO8RU8x9M_U3SkSn-8ZZlN7rV2qMw8QljR1DqqvsJMpGbUKHXEy4hzmjsmU3EvVgGsCbBnHHF66u2Vw99o-EjJDkFT9WTj8HLfLU5OFFhlzx09jdSocbz3fpaA/s1600/alphabet4.gif" height="190" width="400" /></a></div>
Macedonian Alphabet <br />
<br />
<br />
Check out these links for more info! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.historyofmacedonia.org/">History of Macedonia </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.infoplease.com/country/macedonia.html">Macedonian Facts </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.adventurouskate.com/macedonia-this-magnificent-country-will-surprise-you/?fb_action_ids=10154010622600314&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map={%2210154010622600314%22%3A1405779829644977}&action_type_map={%2210154010622600314%22%3A%22og.likes%22}&action_ref_map">Macedonia: This Magnificent Country Will Surprise You</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.omniglot.com/writing/macedonian.htm">Macedonian Language </a><br />
<br />
Oh, and did you know that both Mother Theresa and Alexander the Great were from Macedonia! <br />
<br />
<br />ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4826603813319402461.post-19892768911245251242015-01-27T11:11:00.000-08:002015-02-10T20:08:06.381-08:00Translation Underway <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="background-color: #a64d79;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #741b47;">This aspect is proving to take a bit longer than we had expected. Apparently, there are not many Certified Macedonian Translators in the USA ;) Our entire Dossier (all 94 of our adoption documents) need to be completed by a certified translator and accompanied by a certification of translation. We were quoted.....drum roll please.......14 cents/word! Ok.....well clearly that will add up quickly! But there's no turning back! Trusting God to provide. We had budgeted $2,500 for translation and it looks like it may be closer to $4K. Thankfully, our initial tax workup looks like we may get a refund which we can put towards the translation fees. Who knew?! If you're looking for a career field, maybe consider translation! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>ButlerBunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584428167761107270noreply@blogger.com0