Why Ethiopia?

We often get asked why we chose to adopt from Ethiopia. It's usually just a question of curiosity and sometimes I think people expect us to have a life changing answer but the truth is it wasn't a very hard or thought out decision for us to make. The decision that took the longest for us was to adopt in the first place and then in about one weeks time we decided Ethiopia. The first decision we made was to rescue some orphans, the second decision was international vs. domestic, and the third was what country.

There are two things that really motivate much of mine and Tony's lives. Those two things are the gospel (good news of Christ) and people hearing the gospel. Our lives have been changed from hearing and are motivated by this as well. This is one reason why we have a heart for the world. I've often talked to Tony about moving overseas and even tried to talk him into moving to Peru for a little while. But I know God has us where we are for a reason and I'm content with that. However, if we can't move to another country then maybe we can bring a little part of another country into our home! This was one of the main reasons why we chose international adoption. I know there is a need in the U.S. and hopefully one day we will be able to adopt locally as well. But there is also an overwhelming need in Ethiopia and Africa in general. Check out The Facts page.

Some other things that affected our decision were the price, timeline, and requirements needed to adopt. These are all things to consider when choosing international adoption. Ethiopia was "cheaper", much faster, and we met all of the age and married requirements. We also know several families that have adopted from Ethiopia who can help us through the process and be friends with our kids one day!

We got Boys!!!

The time has come to announce the future Mr. Wells' we hope to have joining our family soon. After about a 6 week waiting period we got a referral for two brothers. An approx. 2 month old and 3 year old. Our social worker had traveled to Ethiopia and when she got there sent us an email about the boys. I told Tony I didn't want to see any pictures until it was a done deal so we asked for more information without pictures. Well, we didn't hear back from her for a while because her computer broke during her two weeks in Ethiopia.

It was hard not to be anxious but was actually a good two weeks to take time to pray, and talk, and not feel rushed during this process. When the two weeks were over she emailed us again with more information about the boys and Tony asked me, "What do you want to do." By this time I was excited and ready to say, Yes! Let's take them if we can. Then to my surprise Tony said well here you go, turned the computer around and I saw the two beautiful boys we'd been praying for. Tony isn't usually good at keeping secrets from me but he had been looking at these two boys the whole time we were praying for them.

After saying yes we had to wait another couple of weeks to wait on their medical records. After receiving those we are able to put our paperwork with theirs and get a court date. As of now we are waiting on a court date and praying for the health of the boys. Both of them were very malnourished and have a few minor health issues that need to be taken care of. I trust and pray that they will be healthy but have to say I wish I could be with them during this process. We are hoping to get a court date at the latest in February and hoping to bring them home in April. Please keep the boys in your prayers. If you'd like to pray for them by name we're thinking that Abram and Ellis sound pretty good! We cannot post pictures until they are home with us in Georgetown but I thought it'd be ok to add a little teaser to this post!

Some pictures from the Fundraiser!

An Update from our Fundraiser

Well we have huge news to report and don't know how else to say it but we exceeded our goal of $10,000 and raised almost $12,000 for the adoption. Our puzzle is practically full. Incredible. We were definitely the recipients of the blessings of the body of Christ on December 3rd. The conversations we've had since the fundraiser have been incredible as well. Here are some things we've heard people say...

"Last night was so much fun and it completely changed my perspective on adoption."

"Seeing adopted children made adoption more real and was very impactful."

"It was good to hear about adoption in a lighthearted way, it made it seem more positive and showed that the blessings really out weight the stress."

It was a wonderful night. It's encouraging to see people who have a heart for the gospel and therefore a heart for adoption. We were truly able to fellowship around the idea that we're all orphans whether spiritual or earthly and can all somehow be apart of the rescuing process! Thank you to everyone who came and everyone who gave. We are truly grateful! Hopefully with everyones efforts we'll be able to bring home some babies soon!

Christmas Card 2010

Big Red Bow Christmas

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The 3-D's, Dessert, Dancing, and Donations!

We are having a Fundraiser this friday December 3rd to raise money for our adoption. If you've been through this process or know anyone who has you know it is quite pricey. But honestly, you can't put a price on it! We don't want finances to be an issue to keep us or anyone we know from being able to help an orphan have a home. That's why we are bringing together our friends, families, church, etc. together to help us raise money to get to Ethiopia. Our goal is to raise $10,000 this friday night. We will be selling puzzle pieces for $100 a piece trying to get 100 to complete our puzzle. If you can't afford a puzzle piece join forces with others to share one. Each piece sold will be signed by the owner and will be put together and displayed in our children's room. This way we will always be able to remember those who helped bring our family together.

So, if you're looking for something to do friday night or you'd like to help us in this process please join us. Friday, December 3rd. Tates Creek Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Lexington, Ky at 7:30 p.m.

We Serve a Sovereign God

"As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!" Psalm 40:11

I had heard the adoption process was hard. But I don't think I fully comprehended what that meant until recently. Of course you hear alot of things are going to be difficult before you go through them; your first year of marriage, having your first child, moving to a new town, starting a new job, etc. It is good to receive advice on such things but hard to comprehend those difficulties until you are experiencing them yourself.

This process has been a whirlwind of emotions for us. Just when you get to the point of thinking you've done everything you need to do and once you think you've waited as long as you have to there are more things to be done and more things to wait for. I am very thankful for the love and support of our family and friends that have and are walking through this with us. I'm also thankful for the sustaining grace and strength that can only come from our God. And I'm not just saying that. I'm thankful that our faith is being proved genuine and that we are able to rely on all of the promises God has given us in his word.

As of now in the process we are waiting. We thought we knew who are children would be but it seems as though we do not yet know. So now we pray, wait, hope and look forward to the day when all of the things that seemed so hard won't even compare to the joy that comes from having our child/children.

"But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the Lord!" Psalm 40:16