God is Good!

A friend who is adopting right now and I were discussing.... fundraisers, and how we are going to fund this adoption.

SIDE NOTE: In case you were wondering, Yes, we knew how much the adoption would cost when we signed up (we did this once before)...BUT we did it anyway.

She said she had applied for a couple of grants and gave me names for these foundations. I searched and found one that seemed like a good fit for us.

I applied. I was really out of my comfort zone because, if you know me, I am really not good at asking for money. My foundation of who I am.... is if I cannot afford it, I shouldn't do it, or I will have to work some more if I can do this....I pride myself (Yes, I said pride) on not asking anyone for handouts. It is who I am.

God tells me he will break down my pride, and I truly believe our second adoption had a lesson for me in the background. PS... I am listening and taking notes!:-)

I really did not have any idea what I was "really" applying for, but I felt like I needed to apply. I got together references, obtained pastoral endorsement, and provided an essay with a description of how adoption impacts our life. I received a response the same day that they received all of our materials that our file would be reviewed by the end of October and we would have a decision by the beginning of November.

Well, this Tuesday we found out that we had received a grant! Not only had we received a grant, but it is exactly how much we needed. We have paid several expenses already, received some generous donations, saved a LOT, and it still wasn't enough until we got the email on Tuesday. Some may say that the foundation figured exactly what we needed, but I think there was a much bigger plan than any of us can imagine.

Now we know for sure, Jaxon is meant to be with our family. You cannot imagine how much you question yourself in a situation like this... BUT, God answered those questions this week.

Thanks to all of you who have been supportive through encouraging words, prayer, cards, and gifts. These are huge, life-altering decisions that need to be made, and any kind of support is helpful.

Love,
The Mayhalls

National Adoption Month

November is officially National Adoption Month, and while we are waiting for our LOA, I thought it a would be a good idea to post a little information about adoption.

"This is a time for us to be in prayer for the orphan in adoption, foster care and global orphan ministry. Most everyone you meet today has been or has known someone affected by the blessing of adoption whether domestic or international."

This is a quote from an article by Melissa Hovey. It is a great article and available for your reading pleasure at:
http://www.reporternews.com/news/2011/oct/29/asking-about-adoption/

We are blessed to be able to adopt our children, yet there are many more who have not found their forever families. As we prepare to spend the holidays with our families and friends, please take time to remember those who are not as fortunate as we are, and do not have forever families to share with and enjoy.

Lastly, please be supportive of those of us in adoptive situations, and understand that by being "supportive", I am not referring to $. There are lots of challenges and opportunities that are unique to the adoptive family. We can use encouraging words, listening ears, and most of all prayers from our friends and families. Your support means more than I can ever express.

Love,
Amie