I have always loved this picture of Jerod and Alex. It was taken after a week long youth event of lots of mud activities. They had a great time and made lots of memories. I am using this picture to say my last post was probably about as clear as the mud on their shirts. I apologize.
When it comes to money, there is really no easy way to talk about it. Especially when it isn't your own. In my last post, I wanted to explain about our adoption funds, however, I didn't do a very good job. Let me try and make it a bit clearer.
When we decided to adopt we knew it was going to take a lot of faith. We prayed about how we should go about raising money for the adoption. Needing $35,000, was seemingly impossible for us. However, we decided if God called us to adopt, He would provide the funds for us to do that. We applied for many different grants and scholarships. We were awarded several and then we saved every dime we had. We took money from our savings and every time there was a bill due, we had the funds needed. I tell you this so that you will understand that with International Adoptions there are things you must pay for throughout the process. It isn't one big bill, but $2000, here, $500, there, and it all added up. We had to pay our agency and Colombia a fee just to start the process. All the while we knew it was non-refundable. However, who would ever think that would be an issue. I mean how many people go through all of their doctors visits and have everything in order to pick up their little girl, only to find out... you can't go through with this adoption? Probably not many.
After having yard sales and other fundraisers, we came to a point where we knew we were going to have to ask for donations in order to pay all of the bills. So we had an account set up specifically for the purposes of paying adoption costs. I want you all to know that is where your money was spent. In my last post, I mentioned the money was all spent. I neglected to mention that the money was all spent on ADOPTION costs. We didn't spend your money on anything except for adoption expenses. My heart breaks that we don't have a sweet little girl to show you what you helped bring home. We don't understand it and if we could give each of you your money back, it is the very first thing we would do. When all of this happened, Greg and I were extremely concerned about how you all would feel. I mean, you did give a lot of money, and we have nothing to show for it. I pray with my entire being that this will not hinder you from giving to other great causes in the future.
We thank you
They are a bit cleaner in this picture! (But still just as goofy!)
One last good-bye picture from our sweet little Ali! Please pray she has an amazing life with her family in Italy. She will forever have a place in our hearts!
