Today was an amazing day. I was told that I would be presented with a check during the church service this morning. I was told to give an update on the progress of the adoption. After the first couple of songs I was called to the front.
"I would like to ask Kris Andrews up front with me right now, please." So, up I went. "Kris, I would like to present your family with two checks totaling $6,997.00."I pretty much choked out, "Thank you so much!" before I started to cry and rambled on like an idiot. I knew ahead of time the approximate amount of the check. I though I had my emotions under control and I know I had lots of great things that I planned to say. But somehow, as I looked out at the wonderful group of people in our church and I saw those kind- hearted, sacrificial, amazing people... the same people who had given that check to our family...I was speechless and blubbering and amazed at the Lord's faithfulness. I managed to say something about how our adoption experience started full of fears. Fears of the unknown, fears of parenting children who have lost so much, fears of not passing our home inspection, fears of not having the money to bring our babies home, and on and on. Our God has crushed so many of those fears, and today He showed me that He goes before me and He will make a way.
After service we had a potluck (another reason you should come to our church, we know how to eat!) and chatted it up with friends. As I was about to leave, someone who I don't know very well pulled me aside. This person began asking me questions about the adoption in such a serious way that at first I though this person was going to try to talk me out of it. So, I answered this person's questions as thoroughly as I could. After we had finished our brief discussion this person handed me a large sum of cash and said, we would like you to put this toward the adoption. I was blown away... again! (and of course started to tear up and couldn't look anyone in the eye for sometime with out all out crying).
Although it seems very surreal right now, I am more than pleased to post that the Lord has provided 38% of the funds needed to bring home our children. Our Lord is faithful, and I am amazed and overwhelmed and ...speechless.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Match
Our family is honored to be the recipient of the world's greatest baby shower. Our church, The Comstock Church of Christ (service is 10:40 Sunday mornings...you should really come visit us if you haven't had a chance to lately... it's a great place to worship an Amazing God), has blessed us with a matching gift program. The church has committed to match (from the general fund) the amount that members give toward our adoption expenses. I must say I am blown away by how much people have given! Now keep in mind that we are a small group of people, but our small group of people have given generously and sacrificially. The total given as of last Sunday was around $1,900.00! Can you believe it? If you do the math and double it for the match, it comes out to $3800.00! When you add that to all the other savings, sale, and random job income we've been saving up we are at 27% of our estimated total funds needed.
You have no idea how great it feels to be almost one third of the way there. Thanks you Comstockonians! Thank you God! I feel overwhelmed by the abundance of good things in my life.
You have no idea how great it feels to be almost one third of the way there. Thanks you Comstockonians! Thank you God! I feel overwhelmed by the abundance of good things in my life.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Party all night long!
It was definitely a party at the Andrews' house last night. First we had a stomach flu party, then a carpet cleaning party, followed by another stomach flu party. Now we are having a ginger ale and crackers party and are just about to begin the laundry party! I'm so sorry if you didn't get an invitation, but it's probably for the better.:)
The kids were super sweet but it's just so hard to watch them lying around with pale faces knowing that there's not much I can do to help with the exception of a back rub and a cool washcloth. In the midst of it all, I found myself wondering how I would fare as a mother of four sick kids. How could I rub all their backs and comfort them all at the same time?
A friend of the family whom we respect very much often quotes this scripture, which I'm sure applies to all my fears:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
Now I just have to work on acknowledging Him in all my ways...
The kids were super sweet but it's just so hard to watch them lying around with pale faces knowing that there's not much I can do to help with the exception of a back rub and a cool washcloth. In the midst of it all, I found myself wondering how I would fare as a mother of four sick kids. How could I rub all their backs and comfort them all at the same time?
A friend of the family whom we respect very much often quotes this scripture, which I'm sure applies to all my fears:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
Now I just have to work on acknowledging Him in all my ways...
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Super Speedy Clean...It's Home Inspection Time!
Long story short, last Tuesday our appointment with the social worker at her office was relocated to our home. I freaked out. Me, the kids and Ben hurriedly cleaned the house in around two hours. Somewhere in the middle of that we lost track on the dog and as she enjoyed wandering the neighborhood our social worker arrived. Phew, that was a crazy morning. But... I think we passed.
Thankfully, our social worker is very sweet and she knows what it's like to be a mom as she has adopted several times herself. She now has all the information for our home study with the exception of our blood work (figuring out the tests we need and where to get them done and insurance, etc. is more complicated than I thought), and our references (this was overlooked in their office and they were just sent out last week). After that, she can write the glorious document lovingly referred to as "the home study", although it doesn't have much to do with the house. Good thing we only spend two hours cleaning!
Thankfully, our social worker is very sweet and she knows what it's like to be a mom as she has adopted several times herself. She now has all the information for our home study with the exception of our blood work (figuring out the tests we need and where to get them done and insurance, etc. is more complicated than I thought), and our references (this was overlooked in their office and they were just sent out last week). After that, she can write the glorious document lovingly referred to as "the home study", although it doesn't have much to do with the house. Good thing we only spend two hours cleaning!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
August... August... Aaaaauguuuuuust!
September 1st... tomorrow? What? How did that happen? When did that happen? Apparently I was too busy to notice. What was I up to you ask? Well, let me just tell you about it...
I was busy being blessed with opportunities to make and save money for the upcoming adoption expenses. For those of you who might be looking for some ideas to raise funds for your own adoption, here's what we've been up to:
1. Adoption Benefit Sales/Garage/Bake Sales... We had three this summer with a grand total of $1,612.00. We held one at my house, one at the church, and one at my parent's house in South Haven. HINTS: the more people to help and the more people's stuff the better. Have your sale where people driving by can see it and can stop easily. Be sure to put out a donation jar. You'd be surprised how many people out there have very generous hearts. We had a couple of donations from KIDS that really stuck with me and encouraged me. We even had a total stranger write a check for $50.oo that caught me off guard so much, I was speechless! If you can do this at your Church it also gets people involved which is such a huge blessing. It will definitely cause you to see how awesome it is to be a part of a body of believers. CAUTION: Sales are A LOT of work, so take your vitamins and plan to rest up for a few days afterward. :)
2. Start a Business: Thus, Blue Nile Irrigation... My wonderful husband started this underground sprinkling system business this Spring. It's named after a river/ waterfall in Ethiopia. Ben has managed this type of business in the past so he already had the know how and most of the tools, so it was a lower cost start up as far as businesses go. Go Ben!
3. Child Care in Your Home: This works out pretty well if you are home with your kids already. Although the hourly wage may not be huge, every little bit adds up. It's also good to know a church secretary, because they are apparently in the loop for the community's child care needs. They may even need you to watch their kids while they work at the church...thanks Jessie!
4. Spending Freeze... I have been realizing that we don't really need much as a family. We have clothes and blankets and shampoo, etc. in back stock, so we don't really have the need to buy anything other than food. So, we declared a spending freeze. I decided I could wear the same clothes I have been wearing and not worry about being trenderific. I've cut back on grocery spending as much as I could and found that we actually eat healthier when I make snacks instead of buying snacks, for example. Plus, I hear Aldi is coming to our side of town and I can't wait! So be creative and wear whatever you have lying around and you can save a bundle.
5. Have a House Guest... we've had a grad student friend stay with us for 2 years (who is now happily employed on the West Coast -yeah, Bryan!) and we recently added an exchange student to the mix. This set-up provides low rent for them, English practice, fun and financial help for the adoption. Plus, the kids love it!
Well, that just about wraps up August. I guess I was playing with my kids and my day care kids too, making homemade snacks, tagging garage sale items, making business cards for Blue Nile Irrigation, cooking for house guests, and getting the house ready for our home study inspection. Phew, makes me tired just thinking about it.
Speaking of tired, a good friend of mine just gave birth. She was a week overdue, and I would suspect a bit uncomfortable. This weekend the doctors decided it was time to induce labor. But because of the way the baby was responding to the contractions, the doctors decided changingthe plan to a c-section was best. So, my dear friend was whisked away into the operating room and the surgery was performed. The result.. a perfectly beautiful baby boy and a tired, recovering mother.
In light of my darling friend's experience, a few garage sales and bit of day care doesn't seem so difficult. Perhaps, this is my labor. The result.. two beautiful children and one tired, recovering mother.
I was busy being blessed with opportunities to make and save money for the upcoming adoption expenses. For those of you who might be looking for some ideas to raise funds for your own adoption, here's what we've been up to:
1. Adoption Benefit Sales/Garage/Bake Sales... We had three this summer with a grand total of $1,612.00. We held one at my house, one at the church, and one at my parent's house in South Haven. HINTS: the more people to help and the more people's stuff the better. Have your sale where people driving by can see it and can stop easily. Be sure to put out a donation jar. You'd be surprised how many people out there have very generous hearts. We had a couple of donations from KIDS that really stuck with me and encouraged me. We even had a total stranger write a check for $50.oo that caught me off guard so much, I was speechless! If you can do this at your Church it also gets people involved which is such a huge blessing. It will definitely cause you to see how awesome it is to be a part of a body of believers. CAUTION: Sales are A LOT of work, so take your vitamins and plan to rest up for a few days afterward. :)
2. Start a Business: Thus, Blue Nile Irrigation... My wonderful husband started this underground sprinkling system business this Spring. It's named after a river/ waterfall in Ethiopia. Ben has managed this type of business in the past so he already had the know how and most of the tools, so it was a lower cost start up as far as businesses go. Go Ben!
3. Child Care in Your Home: This works out pretty well if you are home with your kids already. Although the hourly wage may not be huge, every little bit adds up. It's also good to know a church secretary, because they are apparently in the loop for the community's child care needs. They may even need you to watch their kids while they work at the church...thanks Jessie!
4. Spending Freeze... I have been realizing that we don't really need much as a family. We have clothes and blankets and shampoo, etc. in back stock, so we don't really have the need to buy anything other than food. So, we declared a spending freeze. I decided I could wear the same clothes I have been wearing and not worry about being trenderific. I've cut back on grocery spending as much as I could and found that we actually eat healthier when I make snacks instead of buying snacks, for example. Plus, I hear Aldi is coming to our side of town and I can't wait! So be creative and wear whatever you have lying around and you can save a bundle.
5. Have a House Guest... we've had a grad student friend stay with us for 2 years (who is now happily employed on the West Coast -yeah, Bryan!) and we recently added an exchange student to the mix. This set-up provides low rent for them, English practice, fun and financial help for the adoption. Plus, the kids love it!
Well, that just about wraps up August. I guess I was playing with my kids and my day care kids too, making homemade snacks, tagging garage sale items, making business cards for Blue Nile Irrigation, cooking for house guests, and getting the house ready for our home study inspection. Phew, makes me tired just thinking about it.
Speaking of tired, a good friend of mine just gave birth. She was a week overdue, and I would suspect a bit uncomfortable. This weekend the doctors decided it was time to induce labor. But because of the way the baby was responding to the contractions, the doctors decided changingthe plan to a c-section was best. So, my dear friend was whisked away into the operating room and the surgery was performed. The result.. a perfectly beautiful baby boy and a tired, recovering mother.
In light of my darling friend's experience, a few garage sales and bit of day care doesn't seem so difficult. Perhaps, this is my labor. The result.. two beautiful children and one tired, recovering mother.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Bring on the Adoption Benefit Sale
Won't you join me for a quick travelogue showcasing our preparations for the big sale....In this first shot we will see mounds of garage sale merchandise. I am blown away by all the donations we've received for the Adoption Benefit Sale at our Church this weekend! We've got piles and piles of great stuff. Thanks for cleaning out your closets everyone! I just want to take a minute and brag on our Church family and let you all know how supportive and generous they have been.
Our preacher, the Rev. Scott Burdick has been a great support... you'll see him at the sale selling hot dogs and popcorn to bring our children home. What a great guy. I tried to talk him into sitting in a dunk tank but that idea didn't fly. Here's a shot of him with his adorable little girl who was a great help entertaining Noah and Lydia while we were sorting stuff.
Toni and Vicki and Laura were awesome at pricing the merchandise this week. You girls are amazing. In the next photo we will see Vicki modeling some great 80's wear. Michael Jackson would be proud. Vicki , however will probably kill me for posting this. Many others from the church are planning to make baked goods to sell. My brother-in-law even drove down from Grand Rapids with a truckload of merchandise to donate. Our neighbors gave us enough stuff to furnish a small home. And the list goes on and on. We feel so blessed. Thanks to all of you who have given so generously of your time and stuff. We are all tagged up and mostly sorted so all that's left to do is to pray for good weather and lots of shoppers on Saturday.
This last picture is of Lydia dancing around in circles after drinking lots of lemonade. I figured that the best way to end a travelogue is with a cute face. And here's to hoping that when it's all said and done we'll be one step closer to a couple more cute faces.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Why Adopt?
I'm sure for each adoptive parent the answer to the question "why?" is at least a little bit different. For us there are many reasons, which I will now attempt to explain. It is my hope that this will be helpful to others who are considering adoption. So here goes...
First, we think big families are great. Since Noah was young, we have talked about raising as many children as we thought we could handle- with the Lord's help of course :). We want to laugh together, grow together, learn from each other, support each other, and be as tight knit as possible. Because of homeschooling our two children are together all the time. It has been one of my greatest joys to watch them grow together as best friends. Yet, I still think there's plenty of room for more best friends. Which leads us to reason number one: we want to adopt as a way of growing our family.
Second, we want to live life intentionally and make a difference in the lives of others with all that God has blessed us with. We are blessed with a home, a ministry that allows me to stay at home with the children and still be able to pay the bills, great family support and encouragement, a heart and a love for raising children, and a gentle hearted son and daughter who adore younger children (especially babies.) It just makes good sense to do something with all those blessings.
Thirdly, some have asked, "Why don't you just have babies the good old-fashioned way...it's cheaper." While I agree that it is significantly less expensive, I also have learned from experience that the cheaper way isn't always the right way. While I could technically carry a child to term and give birth this causes chaos in my body (as it does for every other woman who has ever given birth.) But for me the real trouble begins after the baby is born and the Crohn's Disease that has been silent for some time begins to show it's ugly head. While considering this factor over many years and much prayer Ben and I have decided that it's better be an healthy and energetic mom than to grow our family the good old-fashioned way. Over time I have realized that this health factor has given me the push I needed to follow through with what I always wanted to do but probably would have been too intimidated to do...to grow our family through adoption.
Fourth, The Bible tells us,
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27
Some might view this as a rule that we must do. However, it has been my experience that when we obey God we are the ones who are blessed. And I can't wait to meet our little blessings. Several good friends have mentioned to us that they thought it was amazing how we were "saving" these children. They were impressed by how "selfless" this act of charity was. Well good friends, I hate to shatter this great opinion you have of us (laugh) , but for me it's not about how charitable we are and how much the children need us. To be sure the children's life expectancy may be lengthened. They will be part of a family that loves them dearly, have access to health care, nutritious food, and perhaps they may even earn a college degree. For me it's much more about God placing a deep desire in my heart to love our adopted children. I can't wait to bring them home and fatten them up and love on them. I can't wait to call them my own and fulfill the desire that God has placed in my heart to be their mama.
First, we think big families are great. Since Noah was young, we have talked about raising as many children as we thought we could handle- with the Lord's help of course :). We want to laugh together, grow together, learn from each other, support each other, and be as tight knit as possible. Because of homeschooling our two children are together all the time. It has been one of my greatest joys to watch them grow together as best friends. Yet, I still think there's plenty of room for more best friends. Which leads us to reason number one: we want to adopt as a way of growing our family.
Second, we want to live life intentionally and make a difference in the lives of others with all that God has blessed us with. We are blessed with a home, a ministry that allows me to stay at home with the children and still be able to pay the bills, great family support and encouragement, a heart and a love for raising children, and a gentle hearted son and daughter who adore younger children (especially babies.) It just makes good sense to do something with all those blessings.
Thirdly, some have asked, "Why don't you just have babies the good old-fashioned way...it's cheaper." While I agree that it is significantly less expensive, I also have learned from experience that the cheaper way isn't always the right way. While I could technically carry a child to term and give birth this causes chaos in my body (as it does for every other woman who has ever given birth.) But for me the real trouble begins after the baby is born and the Crohn's Disease that has been silent for some time begins to show it's ugly head. While considering this factor over many years and much prayer Ben and I have decided that it's better be an healthy and energetic mom than to grow our family the good old-fashioned way. Over time I have realized that this health factor has given me the push I needed to follow through with what I always wanted to do but probably would have been too intimidated to do...to grow our family through adoption.
Fourth, The Bible tells us,
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27
Some might view this as a rule that we must do. However, it has been my experience that when we obey God we are the ones who are blessed. And I can't wait to meet our little blessings. Several good friends have mentioned to us that they thought it was amazing how we were "saving" these children. They were impressed by how "selfless" this act of charity was. Well good friends, I hate to shatter this great opinion you have of us (laugh) , but for me it's not about how charitable we are and how much the children need us. To be sure the children's life expectancy may be lengthened. They will be part of a family that loves them dearly, have access to health care, nutritious food, and perhaps they may even earn a college degree. For me it's much more about God placing a deep desire in my heart to love our adopted children. I can't wait to bring them home and fatten them up and love on them. I can't wait to call them my own and fulfill the desire that God has placed in my heart to be their mama.
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