Summer has come and gone. Time is such a tricky thing. Before you know it, you blink and your child has grown up. You look in the mirror one day and viola ~gray hairs and wrinkles. The ages that seemed a lifetime away ~are now staring you down.
Other times, you can't get time to move fast enough. Christmas Eve, as a child. Turning sixteen and getting the "freedom" license. The bride planning for her big day. The mom whose 9 months+ pregnant and just want some relief... you get the idea.
As I have said before 2011 has been eventful in the Griffith house. Now, Caitlin is attending night classes at Motlow and a full time nanny during the day. Lauren is a sophomore and counting down the days till the big 16, Emily is in 7th grade and is such the teenage girl. I love my girls and couldn't be prouder of the choices they make, the words they speak and the impact they have on this world. I would never purposefully hold them back....how sweet it would be to go back to a simpler time and just BE STILL and SOAK it ALL in.
Maybe it's the momma realizing she loses control as her kiddos get older. Their worlds have to revolve around their life, not yours. It's a beautiful transition! Just very surreal. Maybe, it's just the Beth who realizes she has been out of school for 20 years, such a lifetime ago~ yet, it was yesterday in so many ways.
Yes. I am a little sentimental these days. SORRY!
Time. Waiting. Something we know a lot about these days. We are officially on a waiting list. Have been for about 6 weeks. Have about 60 families ahead of us. We can't give a realistic estimated wait time but we take peace in knowing it will be in His time. It could be eighteen months, it could be tomorrow. Only God knows.
As we wait, the world keeps moving, the kids keep growing, special events keep taking place. James turns the BIG 40 on the 27th and we celebrate our 20th anniversary on the 12th of October. James and I have decided we are going to go away for some quality time and we are so excited. After all, 20 years of "being one" deserves to be celebrated.
I am blessed to spend this life along the side of my best friend. The man, I know, was created specifically for me. Since the first time I heard his voice in 10th grade, from the first time I got butterflies from his kiss, from the first time he melted my heart and till the day I take my last breath, James Griffith, will always be the one for me.
So friends, that is where we are, today. Stay tuned. Prayerfully, it will change tomorrow.
Fundraising with 147
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Some steps along our journey...
Giving you a little insight to some of the beginning steps in our adoption journey.... Here is a post from
April 2010... "Where You Lead Me, I Will Follow"
I created this blog in 2007 and that's about it.... it has sat idle for so long, I forgot it existed.
I will be traveling to Africa in the near future. In fact, I pray it will be in the next few weeks. I am so excited that I can't even put it into words. I can tell you it involves a racing, happy heart and a smile that literally makes my jaws ache.
I originally thought I would travel this past November, so it's safe to say that I have no control over the details. I am completely okay with this. I know this trip has been a divine appointment on my life's calendar since before I took my first breath. I TRUST the timing, the details, the outcome... everything will be as it should.
I can't keep this journey to myself. So that my friend is where this blog will come into play. In essence this is now my journal, my diary, my testimony to the world ~ okay, I'll reel it back in, my friends and family~ This is my journey, this is my truth... I will be as real as I can be and remain obedient to my Savior in the process... I hope you'll come and follow me...... "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid... for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Another Post April 2010 "From being hand~made to hand~delivered.... I am hand~picking you!"
My friends,
The time has come and I can't even type this my hearts all a flutter. I will soon be leaving to travel to Uganda. The phone could ring today or next week (it's all in God's timing) and off I will go to travel with a dear friend.
My trip is to accomplish many things.... to see first hand a ministry and a girl name Katie (from TN), I have been reading her blog for a couple of years and it has literally changed my heart. I can't wait to go and "serve her" meet her 14 Ugandan daughters and the hundreds of children she feeds daily. Did I mention Katie is 20. http://www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/
I will see first hand how her ministry works and changes lives. http://www.amazima.org/ I can't wait to use my hands and feet to carry out this mission work. To see projects being carried out, such as: Land Projects, Necklace Program, Community Gardens... so many, Please go check out these sites...
I will get to travel with my friend Gwen and see first hand how her ministry has come along side Katie and made the difference. http://www.147millionorphans.com/ and so overwhelmingly important I will get to assist Gwen in bringing home her forever children, Joseph and Daisy.
SOOOOOO as I said earlier I am so excited. NOW this is where you come in!!!!!! Go check out http://www.147millionorphans.com/ so you will see what I'm talking about....... We provide the materials to the Karamojong tribe, they hand make the necklaces.... which we buy from them.... giving them an income to support thier children.... we sell them to you.... taking the profits & donating it back to feed the hundreds of people in the Karamojong tribe..... It's a win, win!
The necklaces are beautiful!!! Think Mother's Day, Graduation, Teacher appreciaton, Wedding/Bridal gifts..... ONLY $18.00 each...... I PERSONALLY WILL HAND PICK YOUR NECKLACE & BRING IT HOME TO YOU....... did I tell you I'm excited........
Gwen, Joseph & Daisy
Another Post, April 2010 "Sunday September 20, 2009"
This was a wonderful weekend. I had traveled to Gatlinburg to attend a woman's retreat where my dear friend Tina Hutchison was the speaker. The event was powerful and I left there knowing God was calling me to something huge. If you have a women's event to plan at your church I highly recommend her, God has truly equipped Tina to lead his people.
I had made this trip with a dear friend of mine, her name is Loretta. We had decided to stay an extra day in Gatlinburg, we both could use the rest and time of just laughing and sharing our hearts. Life can be crazy and sometimes you just need good ole girl time.
I share a lot of things with Loretta, she knows my family intimately and she is a spiritual mentor and friend. I shared with her that I felt God was calling James and I to "more." He and I both feel their is much more to our lives. I had shared with her a comment that James has said 10 days earlier.
To give you a little insight, we attend a church that has a heart for adoption. We have been blessed to see many families walk through the journey of the adoption process. We have lots of little ones in our church that truly are miracles and it does something to my heart.
James and I were discussing a family who were fixing to travel to go and get their forever son. How excited this couple was. James said to me "Maybe I should be going to get a little boy." 10 little words! Spoken from another room. I didn't say a word ~didn't acknowledge it audibly or visually, no reaction. Silence. The moment, the conversation was over as quick as it happened.
You know how women never forget.... well my mind hadn't stopped processing those 10 little words, at all. Were those words from God? or me just turning something into nothing..... I shared all this with Loretta over the weekend.
Sunday morning we were fixing to leave Gatlinburg but decided to take a small little ride into the mountain. What better place to connect with God than in his beautiful creation. We were on a peaceful tranquil drive, listening to worship music and just taking in the vibrant colors when the phone rang. It was Gwen.
Retta shared with Gwen this conversation or lack of conversation between me and James. The whole time she is telling her I am questioning if i should have ever said anything at all. I know their heart and passion regarding adopting and James and I .... well let's just say I can't see it happening.
It was then, Gwen asked Retta, if I was the person who should travel with her to Uganda to bring home Joseph and Daisy..... that is the moment my journey began....
April 20th, 2010 "Questions? Answers. The Truth!"
I'm always amazed when I "know" the answer to the question. I mean as sure as I live and breathe, I know that is exactly what my future will hold. I may not know the details or even the question, but I know the ANSWER.
My mind raced the whole drive home from Gatlinburg. I love to process while listening to my favorite praise and worship music. I had brought a lot of cd's with me for the trip ( I have to get with it and get an ipod), I put one in and just meditated. IF you know Retta, you know she is never quite (love you), but the rain soothed her to sleep and I had the whole drive home... inside my head . Listening to the powerful words of Mercy Me, Undone.
The next day I decided to send Gwen an e-mail with a few simple questions. I didn't want to put a limitation or expectation on a "calling." My personality is one to say YES! I will figure out the details later. Sometimes, my yes leaves me wandering if my excitement takes over reasoning.. was my desire of God or emotion? is this a passion or a tantrum-I want what I want and I will get it-?
As of this day, I had asked no yes or no questions of James, only shared my thoughts and possibilities and he listened and let me process out loud (thank you James for not shutting me down).
My prayer: Father God, I come before you the creator of the universe~ the creator of my heart, my soul, my desires and my destiny. Please father, I need clear direction. I need my answer to be so clear, that no matter how many ways I ask the question the answer~the truth~ remains the same. Father, with that I need to know what question to ask?????
John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"
TODAY..... that's alot of post, I will stop here for now. This is the old blog http://www.bethgriffith.blogspot.com/
Thank you for going on this journey with us. Thank you for your prayers, your love, generosity, your support. We are BLESSED!
April 2010... "Where You Lead Me, I Will Follow"
I created this blog in 2007 and that's about it.... it has sat idle for so long, I forgot it existed.
I will be traveling to Africa in the near future. In fact, I pray it will be in the next few weeks. I am so excited that I can't even put it into words. I can tell you it involves a racing, happy heart and a smile that literally makes my jaws ache.
I originally thought I would travel this past November, so it's safe to say that I have no control over the details. I am completely okay with this. I know this trip has been a divine appointment on my life's calendar since before I took my first breath. I TRUST the timing, the details, the outcome... everything will be as it should.
I can't keep this journey to myself. So that my friend is where this blog will come into play. In essence this is now my journal, my diary, my testimony to the world ~ okay, I'll reel it back in, my friends and family~ This is my journey, this is my truth... I will be as real as I can be and remain obedient to my Savior in the process... I hope you'll come and follow me...... "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid... for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Another Post April 2010 "From being hand~made to hand~delivered.... I am hand~picking you!"
My friends,
The time has come and I can't even type this my hearts all a flutter. I will soon be leaving to travel to Uganda. The phone could ring today or next week (it's all in God's timing) and off I will go to travel with a dear friend.
My trip is to accomplish many things.... to see first hand a ministry and a girl name Katie (from TN), I have been reading her blog for a couple of years and it has literally changed my heart. I can't wait to go and "serve her" meet her 14 Ugandan daughters and the hundreds of children she feeds daily. Did I mention Katie is 20. http://www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/
I will see first hand how her ministry works and changes lives. http://www.amazima.org/ I can't wait to use my hands and feet to carry out this mission work. To see projects being carried out, such as: Land Projects, Necklace Program, Community Gardens... so many, Please go check out these sites...
I will get to travel with my friend Gwen and see first hand how her ministry has come along side Katie and made the difference. http://www.147millionorphans.com/ and so overwhelmingly important I will get to assist Gwen in bringing home her forever children, Joseph and Daisy.
SOOOOOO as I said earlier I am so excited. NOW this is where you come in!!!!!! Go check out http://www.147millionorphans.com/ so you will see what I'm talking about....... We provide the materials to the Karamojong tribe, they hand make the necklaces.... which we buy from them.... giving them an income to support thier children.... we sell them to you.... taking the profits & donating it back to feed the hundreds of people in the Karamojong tribe..... It's a win, win!
The necklaces are beautiful!!! Think Mother's Day, Graduation, Teacher appreciaton, Wedding/Bridal gifts..... ONLY $18.00 each...... I PERSONALLY WILL HAND PICK YOUR NECKLACE & BRING IT HOME TO YOU....... did I tell you I'm excited........
Another Post, April 2010 "Sunday September 20, 2009"
This was a wonderful weekend. I had traveled to Gatlinburg to attend a woman's retreat where my dear friend Tina Hutchison was the speaker. The event was powerful and I left there knowing God was calling me to something huge. If you have a women's event to plan at your church I highly recommend her, God has truly equipped Tina to lead his people.
I had made this trip with a dear friend of mine, her name is Loretta. We had decided to stay an extra day in Gatlinburg, we both could use the rest and time of just laughing and sharing our hearts. Life can be crazy and sometimes you just need good ole girl time.
I share a lot of things with Loretta, she knows my family intimately and she is a spiritual mentor and friend. I shared with her that I felt God was calling James and I to "more." He and I both feel their is much more to our lives. I had shared with her a comment that James has said 10 days earlier.
To give you a little insight, we attend a church that has a heart for adoption. We have been blessed to see many families walk through the journey of the adoption process. We have lots of little ones in our church that truly are miracles and it does something to my heart.
James and I were discussing a family who were fixing to travel to go and get their forever son. How excited this couple was. James said to me "Maybe I should be going to get a little boy." 10 little words! Spoken from another room. I didn't say a word ~didn't acknowledge it audibly or visually, no reaction. Silence. The moment, the conversation was over as quick as it happened.
You know how women never forget.... well my mind hadn't stopped processing those 10 little words, at all. Were those words from God? or me just turning something into nothing..... I shared all this with Loretta over the weekend.
Retta shared with Gwen this conversation or lack of conversation between me and James. The whole time she is telling her I am questioning if i should have ever said anything at all. I know their heart and passion regarding adopting and James and I .... well let's just say I can't see it happening.
It was then, Gwen asked Retta, if I was the person who should travel with her to Uganda to bring home Joseph and Daisy..... that is the moment my journey began....
April 20th, 2010 "Questions? Answers. The Truth!"
I'm always amazed when I "know" the answer to the question. I mean as sure as I live and breathe, I know that is exactly what my future will hold. I may not know the details or even the question, but I know the ANSWER.
My mind raced the whole drive home from Gatlinburg. I love to process while listening to my favorite praise and worship music. I had brought a lot of cd's with me for the trip ( I have to get with it and get an ipod), I put one in and just meditated. IF you know Retta, you know she is never quite (love you), but the rain soothed her to sleep and I had the whole drive home... inside my head . Listening to the powerful words of Mercy Me, Undone.
The next day I decided to send Gwen an e-mail with a few simple questions. I didn't want to put a limitation or expectation on a "calling." My personality is one to say YES! I will figure out the details later. Sometimes, my yes leaves me wandering if my excitement takes over reasoning.. was my desire of God or emotion? is this a passion or a tantrum-I want what I want and I will get it-?
As of this day, I had asked no yes or no questions of James, only shared my thoughts and possibilities and he listened and let me process out loud (thank you James for not shutting me down).
My prayer: Father God, I come before you the creator of the universe~ the creator of my heart, my soul, my desires and my destiny. Please father, I need clear direction. I need my answer to be so clear, that no matter how many ways I ask the question the answer~the truth~ remains the same. Father, with that I need to know what question to ask?????
John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"
TODAY..... that's alot of post, I will stop here for now. This is the old blog http://www.bethgriffith.blogspot.com/
Thank you for going on this journey with us. Thank you for your prayers, your love, generosity, your support. We are BLESSED!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
At the very core of who we are...
This time last week, James and I were recuperating from the craziness of getting two teenage girls ready for prom. I took Caitlin and Lauren to get their hair done by someone else. You would think being the mom of three girly~girls, I'd have the hang of the up-do. I don't! Can't even french braid.
So we went to the Paul Mitchell school and were quite impressed with the finished product and as mom, I was SO VERY THANKFUL there would be less stress in our house later that afternoon. Being the mom of three girly~ girls I can say we have had quite the drama over the years, when it comes time for everyone trying to primp and do their thing in front of the mirror.
It was actually a pleasant day. The girls amazed me at how they helped each other; Lauren even hiked her dress up, sat in the floor and put on Caitlin's shoes. I loved it! Caitlin was great sharing her sweet day with her little sister. Make NO MISTAKE it was Caitlin's special day.... her 1st prom, her SENIOR prom and she was beautiful. Lauren too, was stunning. She was on a date though, someone else's Senior prom.
James was awesome! He helped the girls with the details of their dresses, corsages, moving furniture, having fans to cool them off... I couldn't help but to think of what he'd be like on their wedding days.... He loves his girls and wants the their special life events to be the best he can provide. He is always taking care of us; we are truly blessed!
The girls had a great time. Obviously Lauren had to be home by 12:00 (pretty late for her) and Caitlin went to the after prom party and breakfast. Funny thing, our girls have curfews and I thought I'd be a nervous wreck... we have instilled the best of us, in our girls. Have we made mistakes? you better believe it! Do we have it all together? No way! Do they know they are treasured and loved? With out a doubt (at least on a good day, haha).
Our roles in their lives will always be mom and dad. By no means have we stopped parenting Caitlin; the roles have shifted some. She is 18, an adult. I believe she has a wise head on her shoulders, she knows the difference between right and wrong and most importantly she has a relationship with her Savior. At the very core of who Caitlin is, she knows WHOSE she is. That my friend, brings this mommy's heart peace!
Caitlin brought home her cap & gown yesterday, we've been addressing invitations and believe me she knows the exact days and hours she has left at Seigel High School. I can't believe my baby girl is grown up! where does the time go? It honestly feels like I just graduated... and my 20th class reunion is coming up. She is her mamma's daughter and I know she will make her own choices. I pray she will choose wise, I pray she will seek, pray and listen to the One who created her and loves her more than life itself.
Okay, I need to shift gears, this momma is a little emotional these days. Emily wasn't here for the prom festivities... we missed her, she would have been a great assistant to the girls. She does have a giving heart. She was putting that giving spirit to great use at a weekend event called "Arms Around Smyrna". It's a weekend where our middle school youth come together and serve our community. Emily planted flowers, helped throw a carnival/bbq for some great kiddos in a neighborhood, she went to the local nursing home and painted fingernails... and she loved it!
My girls all loved being apart of this weekend at one point in time. I love we attend a church that does lead by example and invest in our youth. I pray my girls will ALWAYS put the needs of others before their own. I pray our family will always be the hands and feet of Jesus to someone in our path. That it will be as natural as breathing & blinking... just what we do because it's who we are ~ at the very core of who we are~
On the adoption front, it's going to be awhile. We are waiting on approval from Immigration at this point and were told that whole process could take a couple of months and then we'd move to the next process. It's my understanding the courts will shut down for a few months around September, for the rainy season. So we are just taking it step by step, and are good with it. God puts little things on our path each day that remind us He is in control and He is on this journey with us... His timing will be perfect!
Thank you for the prayers! Thank you for the support! We are still selling necklaces, they will make great Easter gifts, Mother's Day gifts and just the "I am helping bring a boy to his forever family" it's for me gift. One thing I'm learning is that with each new process, you write and send a sweet little check. "Thank you God for always providing". We have complete trust He will continue to do so! James is on call, as I type.
Enjoy the pics!
So we went to the Paul Mitchell school and were quite impressed with the finished product and as mom, I was SO VERY THANKFUL there would be less stress in our house later that afternoon. Being the mom of three girly~ girls I can say we have had quite the drama over the years, when it comes time for everyone trying to primp and do their thing in front of the mirror.
It was actually a pleasant day. The girls amazed me at how they helped each other; Lauren even hiked her dress up, sat in the floor and put on Caitlin's shoes. I loved it! Caitlin was great sharing her sweet day with her little sister. Make NO MISTAKE it was Caitlin's special day.... her 1st prom, her SENIOR prom and she was beautiful. Lauren too, was stunning. She was on a date though, someone else's Senior prom.
James was awesome! He helped the girls with the details of their dresses, corsages, moving furniture, having fans to cool them off... I couldn't help but to think of what he'd be like on their wedding days.... He loves his girls and wants the their special life events to be the best he can provide. He is always taking care of us; we are truly blessed!
The girls had a great time. Obviously Lauren had to be home by 12:00 (pretty late for her) and Caitlin went to the after prom party and breakfast. Funny thing, our girls have curfews and I thought I'd be a nervous wreck... we have instilled the best of us, in our girls. Have we made mistakes? you better believe it! Do we have it all together? No way! Do they know they are treasured and loved? With out a doubt (at least on a good day, haha).
Our roles in their lives will always be mom and dad. By no means have we stopped parenting Caitlin; the roles have shifted some. She is 18, an adult. I believe she has a wise head on her shoulders, she knows the difference between right and wrong and most importantly she has a relationship with her Savior. At the very core of who Caitlin is, she knows WHOSE she is. That my friend, brings this mommy's heart peace!
Caitlin brought home her cap & gown yesterday, we've been addressing invitations and believe me she knows the exact days and hours she has left at Seigel High School. I can't believe my baby girl is grown up! where does the time go? It honestly feels like I just graduated... and my 20th class reunion is coming up. She is her mamma's daughter and I know she will make her own choices. I pray she will choose wise, I pray she will seek, pray and listen to the One who created her and loves her more than life itself.
Okay, I need to shift gears, this momma is a little emotional these days. Emily wasn't here for the prom festivities... we missed her, she would have been a great assistant to the girls. She does have a giving heart. She was putting that giving spirit to great use at a weekend event called "Arms Around Smyrna". It's a weekend where our middle school youth come together and serve our community. Emily planted flowers, helped throw a carnival/bbq for some great kiddos in a neighborhood, she went to the local nursing home and painted fingernails... and she loved it!
My girls all loved being apart of this weekend at one point in time. I love we attend a church that does lead by example and invest in our youth. I pray my girls will ALWAYS put the needs of others before their own. I pray our family will always be the hands and feet of Jesus to someone in our path. That it will be as natural as breathing & blinking... just what we do because it's who we are ~ at the very core of who we are~
On the adoption front, it's going to be awhile. We are waiting on approval from Immigration at this point and were told that whole process could take a couple of months and then we'd move to the next process. It's my understanding the courts will shut down for a few months around September, for the rainy season. So we are just taking it step by step, and are good with it. God puts little things on our path each day that remind us He is in control and He is on this journey with us... His timing will be perfect!
Thank you for the prayers! Thank you for the support! We are still selling necklaces, they will make great Easter gifts, Mother's Day gifts and just the "I am helping bring a boy to his forever family" it's for me gift. One thing I'm learning is that with each new process, you write and send a sweet little check. "Thank you God for always providing". We have complete trust He will continue to do so! James is on call, as I type.
Enjoy the pics!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Backwards or Forwards.... movement is good
I really wish I could start this post with some wonderfully amazing piece of information... such as we have a face, we have a son, we have court dates. I simply can't. I can tell you that after weeks of gathering paperwork for our dossier, signing and notarizing around 50 papers (seriously!), James and I decided that we in fact weren't comfortable with the agency we had originally chosen.
We couldn't ignore the check in our spirit, or the concerns we had - BELIEVE me I tried every way to rationalize, justify and chalk it up to nerves; thank goodness we choose to follow the One who laid out this path before us. Thank God! He is in the details and He renews my strength, He guides me along the right paths, bringing honor to His name.
On Friday Feb. 25th James and I had the appointment to have ALL of our paperwork notarized; we were ready to mail them off that day.... we returned home to find 1 page wasn't ready, we couldn't complete it because it was for Caitlin, who just turned 18, three days prior. To recap for those of you who don't know, we waited about 6 weeks to move forward, allowing Caitlin to turn 18. SO I /WE were so ready to release the paperwork on the 25th and to move forward... we officially started this process in November and just wanted to make some progress.
In the adoption world there are lots of blogs that keep you posted of their stories (a lot cooler than mine, I might add ;o) truthfully it was hard, to see families that started at the same time as us, already posting they had chosen their child, already had court dates, and we officially weren't even considered a client (family) yet.
During this time of gathering, fundraising, and waiting on baby girl to turn 18, we had some doubts, some concern, the "check" in our spirit of moving forward. No matter how much our time frame would get pushed back, we could no longer push forward.
So as of today, after much research, prayer and peace we have chosen another agency to partner up with to help us reach our boy. We are thrilled to be moving forward. The only downside is, their requirements of paperwork differ from what we had originally prepared. We are back to the gathering part, again, but have more knowledge and the legwork is mostly done, the homestudy was already prepared and due to the generosity of others we have several sets of fees ready to pay.
That is where we are at on this adoption journey. We still take comfort in knowing God's timing is perfect! He loves our boy and is watching over him until we are there and then He will (still) watch over all of us. So as the Ethiopian adoption program reviews their policies and procedures and rumor has it will cut the numbers of children matched up to their forever families by 90% or something.... we take peace in knowing God called us to this and He ain't surprised by nothing and we are to be obedient in everything.
So to a sweet friend who reminded me today (not even trying to) I say thanks... this is how I try to sum up my feelings. Although we wait on meeting our son face to face and living out the dreams we have dreamed for him, first and foremost....
"
We couldn't ignore the check in our spirit, or the concerns we had - BELIEVE me I tried every way to rationalize, justify and chalk it up to nerves; thank goodness we choose to follow the One who laid out this path before us. Thank God! He is in the details and He renews my strength, He guides me along the right paths, bringing honor to His name.
On Friday Feb. 25th James and I had the appointment to have ALL of our paperwork notarized; we were ready to mail them off that day.... we returned home to find 1 page wasn't ready, we couldn't complete it because it was for Caitlin, who just turned 18, three days prior. To recap for those of you who don't know, we waited about 6 weeks to move forward, allowing Caitlin to turn 18. SO I /WE were so ready to release the paperwork on the 25th and to move forward... we officially started this process in November and just wanted to make some progress.
In the adoption world there are lots of blogs that keep you posted of their stories (a lot cooler than mine, I might add ;o) truthfully it was hard, to see families that started at the same time as us, already posting they had chosen their child, already had court dates, and we officially weren't even considered a client (family) yet.
During this time of gathering, fundraising, and waiting on baby girl to turn 18, we had some doubts, some concern, the "check" in our spirit of moving forward. No matter how much our time frame would get pushed back, we could no longer push forward.
So as of today, after much research, prayer and peace we have chosen another agency to partner up with to help us reach our boy. We are thrilled to be moving forward. The only downside is, their requirements of paperwork differ from what we had originally prepared. We are back to the gathering part, again, but have more knowledge and the legwork is mostly done, the homestudy was already prepared and due to the generosity of others we have several sets of fees ready to pay.
That is where we are at on this adoption journey. We still take comfort in knowing God's timing is perfect! He loves our boy and is watching over him until we are there and then He will (still) watch over all of us. So as the Ethiopian adoption program reviews their policies and procedures and rumor has it will cut the numbers of children matched up to their forever families by 90% or something.... we take peace in knowing God called us to this and He ain't surprised by nothing and we are to be obedient in everything.
So to a sweet friend who reminded me today (not even trying to) I say thanks... this is how I try to sum up my feelings. Although we wait on meeting our son face to face and living out the dreams we have dreamed for him, first and foremost....
"
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Boldly Believing!
Let me just say, that I have so much to say, that I don't know if I can say anything and make any sort of sense. See there, did I just prove my point? Deep cleansing breathe.... The yard sale. Not only did we have an amazing space that my wonderful boss arranged for me, not only did we have over 20 families donate their goodies, not only did we have people donate heaters, tables, racks, hangers, food, work, break down, clean up.... when it was all said and done we raised $5500.00 AND we had so much stuff left that we were able to pay it forward. Goodwill, Rescue Mission, Habitat, local community needs and again, I could go on. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.
We had some great pieces of furniture & house decor items that we took to a great store in Nashville off 8th Avenue called Remix Furniture. He was wonderful and so kind, he will sell the furniture and we still get half of the profits to put toward our adoption. The great blessing with that scenario... when a person comes to a yard sale they want to pay $2- for the fabulous print and at his store they will pay $40 and our adoption will still get 1/2.... Can''t wait to share the outcome on this one.
I am glad the sale is over. It was a labor of love and I would do it again in a heartbeat but man oh man, it was alot of work. So i am thankful to say by tomorrow evening the building will be cleaned up and cleared out. I however, will be at another building. A dear family, who holds a special place in our hearts have a huge consignment sale a few times a year. It is HUGE! She not only put a link about our adoption on her website, she requested I come and set up a table to sell our necklaces. Another Blessing! She has a lot of
traffic at her sale. Not only will it bring awareness to the Orphan crisis in the world, with every necklace purchased it brings us one step closer to having our son in our arms.We have some friends & family walking this journey with us and selling necklaces for us. Our goal was to have 100 folks buy 1 necklace and sell 9 to their peeps. That would be 1000 necklaces, that would be $10,000- towards our adoption. I get a lump in my throat just thinking at the possibility of that. We have had several friends buy 10 for gifts, several sell 10 and several who say they are going to... and I have my mother n law who just got her 60th necklace today. How amazing is that!!!! thank you Kathy from the depths of my heart!!!
As I've said before, we know we can't change the world for every orphan, but we can change the world for one. Our son. If your sitting there thinking "how can I possibly help their fundraising efforts?", I say you might not be able to give us $30,000- but with every necklace sold... every t-shirt bought, (every yard sale item) the amount we have to raise gets smaller and smaller...
The PROOF... we started our fundraising kick off night on Jan. 17th... only 51 days ago. as of today we have $10,000.00. Thank you God! Thank you for stirring the hearts of others to our cause, thank you to everyone who answered the call. THANK YOU! Thank You! thank you.
My hope.... we will sell the 1000 necklaces in the next .... I know this is BOLD... 15 days. Why 15? 147 has so graciously given us more money for each necklace purchased in the next 2 weeks... so that $10,000 will be $15,000------ so PLEASE tell your friends about the necklace, share this site, be so BOLD you buy the 10 knowing you friends will buy them, if your a teacher-buy 1 and put it in your break room and take orders (that applies to any work site), if you attend a church share it with your ladies, daycare, if you know someone who owns a store... you get the idea. (share it on your facebook)
$25 Ugandan Magazine Necklace... one of a kind... change the life of a women in Uganda by providing an income, feed a child, and help bring our son home AND get a beautiful piece of jewelry.... Win! Win!
I pray tomorrow night between 4:00 - 7:00 I see you... I pray you buy 10, or send 10... check out the link for the location...
SUGAR BABIES LOCATION:
250 Country Village Dr., Smyrna, TN 37167
Corner of Hazelwood & Country Village Dr.- Behind Napa Auto Care
250 Country Village Dr., Smyrna, TN 37167
Corner of Hazelwood & Country Village Dr.- Behind Napa Auto Care
Blessings!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
One man's junk is another man's treasure
Sorry it's been awhile since my last post; it has been crazy busy for us for the last several weeks. As I am sure you know we had our Adoption Kickoff night and our Adoption Yardsale. Whew, to even type that I am exhausted ;o)
We spent several weekends going around town picking up donations, a few setting up the stuff, a few having the sale. So much to tell, I don't know where to start. Well, first I had set a goal to hopefully raise $2500- for 2 weekends of yardsales. Man did God show up and show out. I know better than to put limitations on anything because with God all things are possible. It is with overwhelming joy and thankfulness I tell you that we raised $3,575.00 through the yardsale. Received $840.00 in donations from friends in the mail ~ talk about feeling the love .
I don't have the exact total of money raised from t-shirts and necklaces but I feel comfortable saying $1500.00. So if your keeping tally, that total comes to (d.r.u.m.-r.o.l.l. please) $ 5915.00
That's right!!!! through the sacrificial giving & generosity of others we have raised almost $6000.00 in a month. I am fighting the tears and the huge lump in my throat (no need for the ugly cry), my heart is so full, I am not amazed at the goodness of people. I know it exist, I am amazed that friends, family and complete strangers would stand up and take action to help us, reach our son.
My words could never express my gratitude. Thank you's aren't adequate enough, hugs are Great! but still can't convey the emotions of my heart. So many individuals are walking this journey with us, through us, before us and it is a beautiful blessing! From the tables, hangers & racks being loaned, to people helping us price and set up, helping us work the sale, posting links on their facebooks, giving donations, coming to buy goodies (funny, several almost bought their own goodies ;o) Letting us borrow trucks, heaters and bringing more donations, for spending a $1 and giving $60.... I could go on and on
I can't wait to tell my son how he was wanted by his birth mom, his mom, dad, sisters and all the people who made it possible to get him to his forever family. This is one special little man!
For those of you who have asked (I will share in another post the breakdown) our adoption cost will be in the ballpark cost of $30,000. This includes homestudies, agency fees, Ethiopian fees, travel exp. and much more. That is a lot of money!!!! but so worth every penny. I have a feeling that our lives are not the only ones being blessed by the sacrifice/giving of so much. For the rest of my days, I will never forget the actions, the emotions, the E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.
Just so you know, we have SO many goodies (just received a lot today), we will be having the sale again next weekend... so if your kicking yourself that you didn't make it out you still have a chance :o) tell your friends, post it at your work.... Our first set of fees we are sending in are in the range of $8,000... I feel certain we (us) can DO IT.
We spent several weekends going around town picking up donations, a few setting up the stuff, a few having the sale. So much to tell, I don't know where to start. Well, first I had set a goal to hopefully raise $2500- for 2 weekends of yardsales. Man did God show up and show out. I know better than to put limitations on anything because with God all things are possible. It is with overwhelming joy and thankfulness I tell you that we raised $3,575.00 through the yardsale. Received $840.00 in donations from friends in the mail ~ talk about feeling the love .
I don't have the exact total of money raised from t-shirts and necklaces but I feel comfortable saying $1500.00. So if your keeping tally, that total comes to (d.r.u.m.-r.o.l.l. please) $ 5915.00
That's right!!!! through the sacrificial giving & generosity of others we have raised almost $6000.00 in a month. I am fighting the tears and the huge lump in my throat (no need for the ugly cry), my heart is so full, I am not amazed at the goodness of people. I know it exist, I am amazed that friends, family and complete strangers would stand up and take action to help us, reach our son.
My words could never express my gratitude. Thank you's aren't adequate enough, hugs are Great! but still can't convey the emotions of my heart. So many individuals are walking this journey with us, through us, before us and it is a beautiful blessing! From the tables, hangers & racks being loaned, to people helping us price and set up, helping us work the sale, posting links on their facebooks, giving donations, coming to buy goodies (funny, several almost bought their own goodies ;o) Letting us borrow trucks, heaters and bringing more donations, for spending a $1 and giving $60.... I could go on and on
I can't wait to tell my son how he was wanted by his birth mom, his mom, dad, sisters and all the people who made it possible to get him to his forever family. This is one special little man!
For those of you who have asked (I will share in another post the breakdown) our adoption cost will be in the ballpark cost of $30,000. This includes homestudies, agency fees, Ethiopian fees, travel exp. and much more. That is a lot of money!!!! but so worth every penny. I have a feeling that our lives are not the only ones being blessed by the sacrifice/giving of so much. For the rest of my days, I will never forget the actions, the emotions, the E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.
Just so you know, we have SO many goodies (just received a lot today), we will be having the sale again next weekend... so if your kicking yourself that you didn't make it out you still have a chance :o) tell your friends, post it at your work.... Our first set of fees we are sending in are in the range of $8,000... I feel certain we (us) can DO IT.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
You Are My Sunshine
What a beautiful day to be indoors... man oh man, how I have missed the beautiful sunshine and warmth of its glow shining down on me. Actually, I missed it today too as James and I were indoors all day getting prepared for our Adoption Yardsale. Even though we were indoors and we worked hard, it was a labor of love.
I couldn't help but to look around at all the "goodies" and feel the warmth of God's love. So many friends, family and strangers have given us things to sell. For us to keep the money we receive to use towards our adoption fees. They don't get a receipt to write off on their taxes....it is a gift. The VERY BEST GIFT!
So believe me when I say, today was truly the best day ever of not getting to go outside and bask in the sunshine... I was beaming from the Son's love that has been graciously poured out all over us.
Do me a favor. TELL YOUR FRIENDS.TELL YOUR FAMILY.TELL YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE. TELL EVERYONE YOU SEE about our upcoming Adoption INDOORS Yardsale:
WHEN: Friday Feb. 4th & Saturday Feb. 5th & Friday Feb. 11th & Saturday Feb. 12th
Time: 7:00 am - 4:00pm
Where: 6610 New Nashville Hwy., Smryna
(off M'bor Rd. between Bell Furniture & Hooptown. In the Parker Square Complex, behind Jumper's Playhouse)
Come Rain or Shine!
Also, we are still taking donations if you have some stuff you'd like to get rid of. Every little bit helps! Here are a few pics to show off some of the great gifts... HOPE I SEE YOU THERE ;o)
I couldn't help but to look around at all the "goodies" and feel the warmth of God's love. So many friends, family and strangers have given us things to sell. For us to keep the money we receive to use towards our adoption fees. They don't get a receipt to write off on their taxes....it is a gift. The VERY BEST GIFT!
So believe me when I say, today was truly the best day ever of not getting to go outside and bask in the sunshine... I was beaming from the Son's love that has been graciously poured out all over us.
Do me a favor. TELL YOUR FRIENDS.TELL YOUR FAMILY.TELL YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE. TELL EVERYONE YOU SEE about our upcoming Adoption INDOORS Yardsale:
WHEN: Friday Feb. 4th & Saturday Feb. 5th & Friday Feb. 11th & Saturday Feb. 12th
Time: 7:00 am - 4:00pm
Where: 6610 New Nashville Hwy., Smryna
(off M'bor Rd. between Bell Furniture & Hooptown. In the Parker Square Complex, behind Jumper's Playhouse)
Come Rain or Shine!
Also, we are still taking donations if you have some stuff you'd like to get rid of. Every little bit helps! Here are a few pics to show off some of the great gifts... HOPE I SEE YOU THERE ;o)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Great Girls. A Good Life.
I have been sitting here tonight reading a book Emily brought home from school for us. It is titled "Cultures of the World~Ethiopia". How cool is it that my 12 year old daughter is wanting to learn more about her little brother. She is so excited to be a big sister... that is 1 title we never thought she would claim.
The girls are pretty excited about us adopting and are the first to answer anyones questions. They are the ones that helped James and myself to make up our minds. They never doubted we should bring a little one into our family and they have been more than willing to make sacrifices to help us come up with the funds.
This past Christmas, I couldn't even get them to give me a list... up until the week of Christmas I still hadn't bought any presents, they were being so thoughtful and selfless. They helped me make an ornament for our tree that represented their brother. They gave me a sweet little picture frame with the shape of Africa with a heart over Ethiopia in it ~ love it! All 3 of my girls will be wonderful sisters to their little brother....I can't wait to see each of them hold him in their arms.
Caitlin talked with a teacher at her school and they are allowing her & Lauren to sit up a table to sell T-shirts and stuff during lunches. Isn't that exciting! She has lined up friends who are willing to work the table all 3 hours. I love it! The girls have sold necklaces and T's to their teachers and friends. They are doing their part and we didn't even have to ask.... Did I say "I love it!"
We will be having our Adoption Yard sale on 2 weekends. Fri 4 & Sat. 5 / Fri. 11 & Sat. 12 starting at 7:00 - 4:00... It is INDOORS and we have had 15 families contribute to our cause (many, many thanks!). The address is 6610 New Nashville Highway in the Parker Square Complex. This is off Murfreesboro Road, between Bell Furniture & Hooptown (behind Jumper's Playhouse).
PLEASE COME! PLEASE tell everyone! PLEASE check those closets...we could always use more stuff..
every penny sold will go towards our adoption...that is such a blessing! We have some cool items, beds, futons, desks, lots of house hold decor, clothes, playstation, guitar hero & all the instruments, a performing stage for little ones,barbies never opened, skates, amp & pink electric guitar...and lots of stuff I haven't even looked at. So excited! Also, have some friends baking stuff, yummy!
It's a Process! We knew our journey would have delays, it is just part of the adoption process. Well, ours came pretty early on. Our social worker suggested we put our home study "on hold" til Caitlin turns 18 on Feb. 22nd. If we had submitted last week, it more than likely would sit on a desk and by the time it got to the right location, would no longer be correct.
So the day Caitlin turns 18, we will submit the appropriate paperwork for having another adult under our roof. Basically, we will be requesting her criminal history.... we got ours in 2 days so we will move forward pretty quickly. Was bummed at first, it added six weeks to the process. Then I realized it is 6 weeks to step back and focus on Caitlin Elizabeth Griffith, my firstborn, my sweet precious baby who has grown up to be a caring, compassionate, giving, gorgeous young woman.... Where has the time gone? She will always have our hearts, she will always be our princess. She will always be the one we learned from and we admit we made several mistakes along the way... thank you Caitlin for not holding it against us and for always being willing to grow with us.
So here we are...preparing a yard sale, selling T-shirts & necklaces and celebrating our Caitlin... who will forever be our baby girl. Life is Good!
The girls are pretty excited about us adopting and are the first to answer anyones questions. They are the ones that helped James and myself to make up our minds. They never doubted we should bring a little one into our family and they have been more than willing to make sacrifices to help us come up with the funds.
This past Christmas, I couldn't even get them to give me a list... up until the week of Christmas I still hadn't bought any presents, they were being so thoughtful and selfless. They helped me make an ornament for our tree that represented their brother. They gave me a sweet little picture frame with the shape of Africa with a heart over Ethiopia in it ~ love it! All 3 of my girls will be wonderful sisters to their little brother....I can't wait to see each of them hold him in their arms.
Caitlin talked with a teacher at her school and they are allowing her & Lauren to sit up a table to sell T-shirts and stuff during lunches. Isn't that exciting! She has lined up friends who are willing to work the table all 3 hours. I love it! The girls have sold necklaces and T's to their teachers and friends. They are doing their part and we didn't even have to ask.... Did I say "I love it!"
We will be having our Adoption Yard sale on 2 weekends. Fri 4 & Sat. 5 / Fri. 11 & Sat. 12 starting at 7:00 - 4:00... It is INDOORS and we have had 15 families contribute to our cause (many, many thanks!). The address is 6610 New Nashville Highway in the Parker Square Complex. This is off Murfreesboro Road, between Bell Furniture & Hooptown (behind Jumper's Playhouse).
PLEASE COME! PLEASE tell everyone! PLEASE check those closets...we could always use more stuff..
every penny sold will go towards our adoption...that is such a blessing! We have some cool items, beds, futons, desks, lots of house hold decor, clothes, playstation, guitar hero & all the instruments, a performing stage for little ones,barbies never opened, skates, amp & pink electric guitar...and lots of stuff I haven't even looked at. So excited! Also, have some friends baking stuff, yummy!
It's a Process! We knew our journey would have delays, it is just part of the adoption process. Well, ours came pretty early on. Our social worker suggested we put our home study "on hold" til Caitlin turns 18 on Feb. 22nd. If we had submitted last week, it more than likely would sit on a desk and by the time it got to the right location, would no longer be correct.
So the day Caitlin turns 18, we will submit the appropriate paperwork for having another adult under our roof. Basically, we will be requesting her criminal history.... we got ours in 2 days so we will move forward pretty quickly. Was bummed at first, it added six weeks to the process. Then I realized it is 6 weeks to step back and focus on Caitlin Elizabeth Griffith, my firstborn, my sweet precious baby who has grown up to be a caring, compassionate, giving, gorgeous young woman.... Where has the time gone? She will always have our hearts, she will always be our princess. She will always be the one we learned from and we admit we made several mistakes along the way... thank you Caitlin for not holding it against us and for always being willing to grow with us.
 |
| Caitlin Elizabeth Griffith ~ you are beautiful inside & out~ |
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Crazy is the new Beautiful
I want to say a big fat THANK YOU to all of our friends & family that came out to our Adoption Kickoff event on Monday night. We were thrilled at the turn out, the kind words, the warm hugs, the sweet notes of encouragement and the gear that was purchased to help us raise funds.
For those of you who are wondering, that night was the official kickoff but we will be selling the gear for as long as it takes. So if you didn't make it out, or if you've been seeing the hip and stylish T's around town; it's not too late! Just give us a shout and we will get 'er done.
Over the last few weeks, I have been asked several times about adoption. Domestic vs. international, black vs. white, fundraising vs. do it yourself. I believe all questions are good questions, if it gets people talking about helping others. I can't speak for all and wouldn't dare try. I can only speak for myself and for what our family holds as truth.
I was adopted! Both physically and spiritually. My daddy, Dale, choose to raise my sister and myself as his daughters and my heavenly Father adopted me into His family, cleansed my soul and has taken me into His forever home. I was sought after, found, and forever claimed by both of my daddies.
I am simple. Remember the songs we sung in Sunday School, that will always be etched into your memory, I do. Although they were just sweet words, when I was young, as an adult I see them as truth.
"Jesus loves all the little children of the world, yellow, red, black & white they're precious in His sight"
"He's got everybody here in His hands, He's got everybody there in His hands, He's got everybody
everywhere in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands"
I see the whole world as Jesus', not just America. I love America, I am proud of my husband who served this country for 14 years. This is not an "American" issue for us. This is about being obedient to the call we have felt placed on our lives and in our hearts.
For me, I have traveled to Africa and seen first hand the poverty, devastation, starvation lack of clean water and BASIC medical care. I could not turn my eyes as if I weren't aware. Through my stories and pictures, James & the girls became more aware. Awareness takes Action on our part! And yes, I know that all these horrific situations exist in America too; it breaks my heart! There is no easy answer. I do see great organizations, and government assistance in line to help assist the children of America. It is without fault, no way! PRAISE GOD we don't hear about children dying from lack of clean water & basic food, for days on end.
Now, any child going without food or love for 1 day, 1 hour, 1 minute or even 1 second is too long. and I have to ask you..."WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT IT?" search your heart, when you hear God calling you to take action, to be his hands and feet, I can give you the names of many wonderful ministries who would love to have your support locally, nationally and internationally. Not everyone is called to adopt but everyone is called to do something.
Cost. Let's face it Adoption isn't cheap! and we aren't rich. We live like most Americans, we are only one disaster away from landing on difficult times. We know God will provide. Whether that is through extra income coming our way, cutting out all unnecessary bills and expenses, asking friends for stuff for a yard sale or selling T-shirts and necklaces.... WHATEVER IT TAKES! as I have said before I didn't feel so strongly at first; I felt we'd do this on our own.
Well, God doesn't call us to do life on our own and the longer it takes us to come up with the financing the longer our little one sits in orphanage... the longer he suffers. I think I can swallow my pride and hold out my hand. Ge sh, over the years we've all bought something at someones function to help them out (Mary Kay, Tupperware, girl scouts...) there is no difference here, except instead of me earning free product, I will inherit a son. God has a plan, I know He is using our journey to sow some seeds ~ I don't know how many times in the past few weeks I have heard "we had consider" we have always thought" "tell me more about adoption".
So you better believe it! I will fund raise to get my little one here in my arms... and IF it brings another little one to someone else's arms because God used the Griffith family.... BRING IT ON!
Hope this shed a little light on where we are. Please feel free to ask me questions or voice your opinion, we are okay with it.... at the end of the day we are living our lives to Glorify our God and we know that makes us Crazy to some... we can handle it ;o)
For those of you who are wondering, that night was the official kickoff but we will be selling the gear for as long as it takes. So if you didn't make it out, or if you've been seeing the hip and stylish T's around town; it's not too late! Just give us a shout and we will get 'er done.
Over the last few weeks, I have been asked several times about adoption. Domestic vs. international, black vs. white, fundraising vs. do it yourself. I believe all questions are good questions, if it gets people talking about helping others. I can't speak for all and wouldn't dare try. I can only speak for myself and for what our family holds as truth.
I was adopted! Both physically and spiritually. My daddy, Dale, choose to raise my sister and myself as his daughters and my heavenly Father adopted me into His family, cleansed my soul and has taken me into His forever home. I was sought after, found, and forever claimed by both of my daddies.
I am simple. Remember the songs we sung in Sunday School, that will always be etched into your memory, I do. Although they were just sweet words, when I was young, as an adult I see them as truth.
"Jesus loves all the little children of the world, yellow, red, black & white they're precious in His sight"
"He's got everybody here in His hands, He's got everybody there in His hands, He's got everybody
everywhere in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands"
I see the whole world as Jesus', not just America. I love America, I am proud of my husband who served this country for 14 years. This is not an "American" issue for us. This is about being obedient to the call we have felt placed on our lives and in our hearts.
For me, I have traveled to Africa and seen first hand the poverty, devastation, starvation lack of clean water and BASIC medical care. I could not turn my eyes as if I weren't aware. Through my stories and pictures, James & the girls became more aware. Awareness takes Action on our part! And yes, I know that all these horrific situations exist in America too; it breaks my heart! There is no easy answer. I do see great organizations, and government assistance in line to help assist the children of America. It is without fault, no way! PRAISE GOD we don't hear about children dying from lack of clean water & basic food, for days on end.
Now, any child going without food or love for 1 day, 1 hour, 1 minute or even 1 second is too long. and I have to ask you..."WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT IT?" search your heart, when you hear God calling you to take action, to be his hands and feet, I can give you the names of many wonderful ministries who would love to have your support locally, nationally and internationally. Not everyone is called to adopt but everyone is called to do something.
Cost. Let's face it Adoption isn't cheap! and we aren't rich. We live like most Americans, we are only one disaster away from landing on difficult times. We know God will provide. Whether that is through extra income coming our way, cutting out all unnecessary bills and expenses, asking friends for stuff for a yard sale or selling T-shirts and necklaces.... WHATEVER IT TAKES! as I have said before I didn't feel so strongly at first; I felt we'd do this on our own.
Well, God doesn't call us to do life on our own and the longer it takes us to come up with the financing the longer our little one sits in orphanage... the longer he suffers. I think I can swallow my pride and hold out my hand. Ge sh, over the years we've all bought something at someones function to help them out (Mary Kay, Tupperware, girl scouts...) there is no difference here, except instead of me earning free product, I will inherit a son. God has a plan, I know He is using our journey to sow some seeds ~ I don't know how many times in the past few weeks I have heard "we had consider" we have always thought" "tell me more about adoption".
So you better believe it! I will fund raise to get my little one here in my arms... and IF it brings another little one to someone else's arms because God used the Griffith family.... BRING IT ON!
Hope this shed a little light on where we are. Please feel free to ask me questions or voice your opinion, we are okay with it.... at the end of the day we are living our lives to Glorify our God and we know that makes us Crazy to some... we can handle it ;o)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
OOOHHH HAPPY DAY(s)
4 snow days in a row is every kids dream. Wearing their pj's backwards, flushing ice down the toilet and sleeping with a spoon under their pillows...and you can't forget the all too important snow dance. Well, every kid in Tennessee must be onto the rituals because this snow has been hanging around for days...
Our yard is still fluffy white. Our snowgirl is still alive! Our schools are still closed. Laundry is overflowing. Scarves, hats and gloves are never put away. The vanilla extract (that last forever) is empty due to snow cream the girls made. Sleepovers. Sleep aways. Sleeping in. Sledding. Snowballs. SWEET! So here's to fingers being crossed for no school on Friday; Monday is already a scheduled day off ... every kid in town is full of hope.
Hope... Is a beautiful thing! It is:
~Expectation, something yearned for and anticipated eagerly
~Something for which one waits, to wait for, to look hopefully
~Reliance on God’s blessing and provision; the expectation of future good
~Anticipation of a favorable outcome under God’s guidance
~Trustful expectation, particularly with reference to the fulfillment of God’s promises
Caitlin turns 18, going to her first prom, graduation... Lauren learning to drive... Emily becoming a teenager...James turning 40.... my 20th class reunion...and all of us meeting our little man.
So while we wait and dream, we will pray and seek. While we prepare, we will pray. While we celebrate milestones in our lives, we fall deeper in love with our son who is miles away. We will eat cake, get dolled up & don a cap & gown, swerve, bit nails, get emotional, eat more cake, reminisce, and hold our son ~
Our yard is still fluffy white. Our snowgirl is still alive! Our schools are still closed. Laundry is overflowing. Scarves, hats and gloves are never put away. The vanilla extract (that last forever) is empty due to snow cream the girls made. Sleepovers. Sleep aways. Sleeping in. Sledding. Snowballs. SWEET! So here's to fingers being crossed for no school on Friday; Monday is already a scheduled day off ... every kid in town is full of hope.
Hope... Is a beautiful thing! It is:
~Expectation, something yearned for and anticipated eagerly
~Something for which one waits, to wait for, to look hopefully
~Reliance on God’s blessing and provision; the expectation of future good
~Anticipation of a favorable outcome under God’s guidance
~Trustful expectation, particularly with reference to the fulfillment of God’s promises
Caitlin turns 18, going to her first prom, graduation... Lauren learning to drive... Emily becoming a teenager...James turning 40.... my 20th class reunion...and all of us meeting our little man.
So while we wait and dream, we will pray and seek. While we prepare, we will pray. While we celebrate milestones in our lives, we fall deeper in love with our son who is miles away. We will eat cake, get dolled up & don a cap & gown, swerve, bit nails, get emotional, eat more cake, reminisce, and hold our son ~
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Sunday, January 9, 2011
A Sincere Request
 |
| One of the Ugandan ladies who will make an income |
Hi friends! I am so giddy right now; I could cry tears of joy, dance a little jig & fall to my knees & give thanks. I sent out a request 1 week ago.... and at this time are 1/2 way to our goal. Thank you Jesus!
I am looking for 100 people to commit to selling 10 Ugandan magazine necklaces for our adoption. I am asking you to purchase one for $25- and then get 9 other people to buy one as well. I know it's easy to do, I have literally sold them of my neck many times, just because someone was admiring it. They sell themselves!
*$25-
*One of a kind
*sell provides a lady in Uganda an income, it feeds a child for a week and it helps to bring my son home
TRIPLE BLESSING!!!
Over the years most of us have attended a party and made a purchase to help our friend get free make up, plastic containers, candles etc... SO I really believe helping a friend to ADOPT HER SON is the "better than best" reason EVER... and you don't have to clean your home & put out a spread, lol.
Just collect the money up front... and I will give your the necklace(s). EVEN better have them come to our Adoption kick off night on Jan. 17th @ Community Christian Day School and I can hand it to them personally, hug their neck and say Thank you!
Hope you will consider it! the necklaces are beautiful and so are the women who make them. I met them in June on my trip to Uganda, I attended their weekly bible study and fellowship. I was able to see a small glimpse into the life of the Karamonjong tribe~ it changed my life, just as the purchases of these necklaces have/will change their lives.
Believing in 50 more!
Beth
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| Katie w/ Amazima purchasing the necklaces |
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| here is one way to wear it |
Saturday, January 8, 2011
A hearfelt "Joy"rney
Yesterday was Christmas in Ethiopia, known as Ganna. I couldn't help but to think of the traditions in Africa and how the day's celebration takes place.... and if our son celebrated. It's hard as a mom or just as a human being, I dont' know the details yet, but take great comfort in knowing my Saviour does. That he created our son and loves him more than we ever could.
We are in the process of having our home study approved and getting our paperwork in order to submit our dossier. All of this takes time. I am thankful I can take peace knowing my Heavenly Father knows the EXACT moment our child will be held in our arms; make no mistake he is held deep within our hearts.
We have had to wait a few times on important paperwork, had to reschedule appointments due to oversights, and know it's just the first of many set backs. I start to get emotional, I need everything to line up and hurry up... and then I remember (or James reminds me) God is in complete control and every single piece of paperwork, every step along the way, and every person we encounter has a purpose in this journey.
We just announced our adoption a week ago midnight and we have seen first hand the movement of God amongst his people. Too many wonderful things have taken place and lined up perfectly... encouragement from people who struggle with racism & nationality issues ~ wanting to change their views for our son, 45 people willing to step out and invest in our journey by selling necklaces & t-shirts (only need 55 more) to raise the money needed, friends willing to donate their precious items to our yard sale, a wonderful location for our indoor sale, an amazing ministry teaming up with us for fundraising, 3 local business' partnering with us for fund raising events, countless prayers and well wishes, young kids generously giving us $65.00 from their change pitcher and another $50.00 from voluntarily cleaning their rooms/playroom. I could keep going..... thank you friends and thank you Jesus!
In 1 week's time, I have had several individuals mention to me they have considered adoption or one day hope to adopt... I believe timing is of no mistake and God will use our son to capture another's heart. We have fallen in love with many children who at one time were an orphan and with their forever families... it changed me, it has changed our family.
We are in the process of having our home study approved and getting our paperwork in order to submit our dossier. All of this takes time. I am thankful I can take peace knowing my Heavenly Father knows the EXACT moment our child will be held in our arms; make no mistake he is held deep within our hearts.
We have had to wait a few times on important paperwork, had to reschedule appointments due to oversights, and know it's just the first of many set backs. I start to get emotional, I need everything to line up and hurry up... and then I remember (or James reminds me) God is in complete control and every single piece of paperwork, every step along the way, and every person we encounter has a purpose in this journey.
We just announced our adoption a week ago midnight and we have seen first hand the movement of God amongst his people. Too many wonderful things have taken place and lined up perfectly... encouragement from people who struggle with racism & nationality issues ~ wanting to change their views for our son, 45 people willing to step out and invest in our journey by selling necklaces & t-shirts (only need 55 more) to raise the money needed, friends willing to donate their precious items to our yard sale, a wonderful location for our indoor sale, an amazing ministry teaming up with us for fundraising, 3 local business' partnering with us for fund raising events, countless prayers and well wishes, young kids generously giving us $65.00 from their change pitcher and another $50.00 from voluntarily cleaning their rooms/playroom. I could keep going..... thank you friends and thank you Jesus!
In 1 week's time, I have had several individuals mention to me they have considered adoption or one day hope to adopt... I believe timing is of no mistake and God will use our son to capture another's heart. We have fallen in love with many children who at one time were an orphan and with their forever families... it changed me, it has changed our family.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Future...Plans...Do you need the bus schedule?
Today has been a wonderful day! I keep finding myself saying things like "really", "no way", "I can't ask you to do that". Then I'm reminded this journey is so much bigger than me; I can't truly trust in God to provide and then not take the gift offered me.
I am so eternally grateful for your willingness to step in and take us on "like family." I keep getting sweet little comments on my FaceBook, in my e-mail and through phone calls. It makes my heart smile! Now, I'm partial and I think I have a pretty great family but we are nothing special. Sorry James, Caitlin, Lauren and Emily~we couldn't keep it secret forever. So friends, don't get offended if I don't reply to the "extremely generous claims", they just leave me speechless, lol.
This wasn't a choice for us that took place over night. Being real here, we ignored it, ran from it, 20 questioned it, and flat out said "no way!" We had a scenario played out of our future, afterall, we got married young, had children young, and our reward ~ we'd still be young when our kids were grown~ ooh yeah! We love our girls, love our lives, love being their parents. We are blessed with such a crazy beautiful life!
Since the girls are older now, James and I have had the opportunity to have lots of date nights, weekend get aways and a glimpse into what our future would be like. Let's just say it was looking pretty inticing. So, when we started feeling that we might be called to add to our family, it threw us for a loop, a panic or maybe just under the bus.
Are you kidding me, my kids are old enough to wake themselves up and put themselves to bed AND every step required in between. That is a nice place to be, I can hear the Dave Ramsey "FREEDOM" screaming in my head as I type this. The funny thing with life, as you get older perspectives change. Same with your faith, the more you "know" the more you grow, the more your views change and the more you DO.
I guess that's why grandparents always say grandchildren are so great, if they knew it was going to be so wonderful they would of had them first (or are mine just wierd~ tell me you've heard that). I think with life experience and maturity we get the bigger picture. The seasons in life we hope will past quickly, DO, before you know it you're asking where has the time has gone? Where is my little girl?
Maybe I'm just rambling, I am on emotional overload these days. Let me make myself clear, I adore my girls. They are the bomb diggity. I would go back and do it all over again, even the colic, the being woke up and threw up on in the middle of the night, the terrible two's, the emotional roller coasters, the girl drama ~ ooh wait I'm still doing alot of this... somewhere between going to Africa.living in the moment. planning a future ~ focused onl mine and James' dreams and happiness...
We were hit right in the face, with the fact, we try daily to live our lives to Glorify God. That our lives here on earth are temporary, and at the beginning & end of every day it flat out wasn't about us...
then one day I had a check in my spirit one day during my quite time:
Beth, you would give your life in a moment to save the life of a child but you won't live your life and do the same?
That is true I believe for most people. I think we'd donate an organ if needed, If a child was in the street we'd risk our lives to get them out of harms way, you get the idea. So we decided to be obedient to the passion God placed in our hearts and trust in Him to work out the details.... God is so in the details.
So please, don't think our family is any different that yours. We are just a family who have been blessed to see adoption up close and personal and we liked what we seen. So for those of you have considered it, thought about it, wondered...don't run from it cause the bus will just keep on comin' ~might as well get on board.
love, Beth
I am so eternally grateful for your willingness to step in and take us on "like family." I keep getting sweet little comments on my FaceBook, in my e-mail and through phone calls. It makes my heart smile! Now, I'm partial and I think I have a pretty great family but we are nothing special. Sorry James, Caitlin, Lauren and Emily~we couldn't keep it secret forever. So friends, don't get offended if I don't reply to the "extremely generous claims", they just leave me speechless, lol.
This wasn't a choice for us that took place over night. Being real here, we ignored it, ran from it, 20 questioned it, and flat out said "no way!" We had a scenario played out of our future, afterall, we got married young, had children young, and our reward ~ we'd still be young when our kids were grown~ ooh yeah! We love our girls, love our lives, love being their parents. We are blessed with such a crazy beautiful life!
Since the girls are older now, James and I have had the opportunity to have lots of date nights, weekend get aways and a glimpse into what our future would be like. Let's just say it was looking pretty inticing. So, when we started feeling that we might be called to add to our family, it threw us for a loop, a panic or maybe just under the bus.
Are you kidding me, my kids are old enough to wake themselves up and put themselves to bed AND every step required in between. That is a nice place to be, I can hear the Dave Ramsey "FREEDOM" screaming in my head as I type this. The funny thing with life, as you get older perspectives change. Same with your faith, the more you "know" the more you grow, the more your views change and the more you DO.
I guess that's why grandparents always say grandchildren are so great, if they knew it was going to be so wonderful they would of had them first (or are mine just wierd~ tell me you've heard that). I think with life experience and maturity we get the bigger picture. The seasons in life we hope will past quickly, DO, before you know it you're asking where has the time has gone? Where is my little girl?
Maybe I'm just rambling, I am on emotional overload these days. Let me make myself clear, I adore my girls. They are the bomb diggity. I would go back and do it all over again, even the colic, the being woke up and threw up on in the middle of the night, the terrible two's, the emotional roller coasters, the girl drama ~ ooh wait I'm still doing alot of this... somewhere between going to Africa.living in the moment. planning a future ~ focused onl mine and James' dreams and happiness...
We were hit right in the face, with the fact, we try daily to live our lives to Glorify God. That our lives here on earth are temporary, and at the beginning & end of every day it flat out wasn't about us...
then one day I had a check in my spirit one day during my quite time:
Beth, you would give your life in a moment to save the life of a child but you won't live your life and do the same?
That is true I believe for most people. I think we'd donate an organ if needed, If a child was in the street we'd risk our lives to get them out of harms way, you get the idea. So we decided to be obedient to the passion God placed in our hearts and trust in Him to work out the details.... God is so in the details.
So please, don't think our family is any different that yours. We are just a family who have been blessed to see adoption up close and personal and we liked what we seen. So for those of you have considered it, thought about it, wondered...don't run from it cause the bus will just keep on comin' ~might as well get on board.
love, Beth
Monday, January 3, 2011
Asking and Believing
Today has been a wonderful day! I marked a couple of things off my to do list (yeah me!!!) and added about 7 more. It's all good! Just knowing it will all be worth it and I need to be more efficient, so it's a great resolution for a new year.
God keeps showing us that He is in control. I have 15 people willing to commit to selling 10 necklaces for our adoption. I am just giddy! only 85 more peeps to go. You know, over the years I have sold more than 10 off my neck to strangers. They are a conversation starter and people love what they represent, so as much as I <3 my necklaces I never have the same one for long.
I am working on getting a location for an indoor yard/garage sale. I would love to have the sale in a few weeks, I know folks want to clear out the clutter this time of year and we'd love to reap the benefits of their generosity. IF you have stuff you have to get off your hands immediately, PLEASE let us know. We can always make room somewhere.
We are teaming up with http://www.147millionorphans.com/ for a fundraiser. SO EXCITED!!! We will be having our kick off event MONDAY Jan. 17th. 5-8 @ Community Christian School (off Enon Springs in Smyrna). It's a drop in, when you can, function... no excuses... run in & out. You can buy our adoption shirts, necklaces or bracelet/cuff. You can just come by and hug my neck and see my great kids & hubby ;o)
A few other things are in the works... so stay tuned...
I have to share a couple of blessings. I do believe God funds what He favors. I do believe not everyone is called to adopt but everyone is called to do something. In my prayers last night I specifically asked God to send me a stranger. NOT that I don't love my friends, lol, You know how women are, we have to put stipulations on our requests. Just to make sure they're paying attention.
I received an e-mail today from a gentleman, I have never met. He heard that we are adopting and his family wanted to bless us with a check. I still get goosebumps... and can only say "Thank you Heavenly Father!"
My sister received a call from a friend who has a garage full of stuff she want to give us, another friend cleaning out her attic and offered babysitting services, I hear that my hairdresser wants to put a necklace out at her shop and new consignment store, a message from IRAQ from my 2nd cousin who wants to help...
Never under estimate the power of prayer! John 14: 13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Thank you for caring about us! It means the world to us.
Beth
God keeps showing us that He is in control. I have 15 people willing to commit to selling 10 necklaces for our adoption. I am just giddy! only 85 more peeps to go. You know, over the years I have sold more than 10 off my neck to strangers. They are a conversation starter and people love what they represent, so as much as I <3 my necklaces I never have the same one for long.
I am working on getting a location for an indoor yard/garage sale. I would love to have the sale in a few weeks, I know folks want to clear out the clutter this time of year and we'd love to reap the benefits of their generosity. IF you have stuff you have to get off your hands immediately, PLEASE let us know. We can always make room somewhere.
We are teaming up with http://www.147millionorphans.com/ for a fundraiser. SO EXCITED!!! We will be having our kick off event MONDAY Jan. 17th. 5-8 @ Community Christian School (off Enon Springs in Smyrna). It's a drop in, when you can, function... no excuses... run in & out. You can buy our adoption shirts, necklaces or bracelet/cuff. You can just come by and hug my neck and see my great kids & hubby ;o)
A few other things are in the works... so stay tuned...
I have to share a couple of blessings. I do believe God funds what He favors. I do believe not everyone is called to adopt but everyone is called to do something. In my prayers last night I specifically asked God to send me a stranger. NOT that I don't love my friends, lol, You know how women are, we have to put stipulations on our requests. Just to make sure they're paying attention.
I received an e-mail today from a gentleman, I have never met. He heard that we are adopting and his family wanted to bless us with a check. I still get goosebumps... and can only say "Thank you Heavenly Father!"
My sister received a call from a friend who has a garage full of stuff she want to give us, another friend cleaning out her attic and offered babysitting services, I hear that my hairdresser wants to put a necklace out at her shop and new consignment store, a message from IRAQ from my 2nd cousin who wants to help...
Never under estimate the power of prayer! John 14: 13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Thank you for caring about us! It means the world to us.
Beth
Sunday, January 2, 2011
1 step at a time = 1 second closer
My mind is in overdrive but my body feels like it's in slowmo. Do you ever get that way? I know I have a to do list that literally would take me days to even write out. It's the start of a new year and I'd love to get my life organized... new filing system, clean junk drawer, actually put my Christmas bins in the attic (not all over the garage floor~actually that would be more James), loose a few pounds, you get the idea.
However I know none of those things will get accomplished, well the garage will, cause my sweet husband will do it. My focus will be learning how to create a blog, learning how to ask people for help and accepting it, gathering every piece of vital information on my family so we can adopt our son, re-arranging some bedrooms, doing whatever possible to raise the money required to adopt our son, celebrate my Caitlin's 18th birthday and finding the best ever prom dress EVER!
Now, I am not complaining - AT ALL. I am so stinking excited I feel like a kid at Christmas who knows they are fixing to get the best gift ever, like it's the night before the first day of school and every scenario is playing out in my head and the mom who is daydreaming of what their child will look like and what it will feel like to hold him in your arms.
So excited you are on this journey with us. So thankful God has blessed us with some amazing friends! We have already had several families willing to donate their possessions for us to sale at our Adoption yard sale. We are humbled!
We are teaming up with 147 Million Orphans, they are allowing us to sell their Magazine necklaces, cuff bracelets and their brand new Adoption T-shirt (never worn). So start placing your orders. We will have an official kick off the evening of Jan. 17th so go ahead and save the date, official announcement to follow.
I am giddy to announce 2 folks have already committed to selling 10 necklaces for our son. ONLY 98 more friends to go.... that is huge!!! they sell themselves! they benefit our adoption,provide substainable income for the women in Uganda whom make them and it will help to feed a child. Can we say triple Blessing!!!
So here is that asking for help part. If 100 folks will sell 10 (ten) necklaces.... OUR SON'S ADOPTION WILL BE FUNDED..... we have all sold many things over the years that TRULY didn't have the impact this does. Hoping you will follow us on this journey and literally invest in our son's future.
Again, thanks for the prayers and please leave a comment. Share our blog with your friends and family; you never know who might want to rescue an orphan, pray for us or want to start their own journey.
Beth
However I know none of those things will get accomplished, well the garage will, cause my sweet husband will do it. My focus will be learning how to create a blog, learning how to ask people for help and accepting it, gathering every piece of vital information on my family so we can adopt our son, re-arranging some bedrooms, doing whatever possible to raise the money required to adopt our son, celebrate my Caitlin's 18th birthday and finding the best ever prom dress EVER!
Now, I am not complaining - AT ALL. I am so stinking excited I feel like a kid at Christmas who knows they are fixing to get the best gift ever, like it's the night before the first day of school and every scenario is playing out in my head and the mom who is daydreaming of what their child will look like and what it will feel like to hold him in your arms.
So excited you are on this journey with us. So thankful God has blessed us with some amazing friends! We have already had several families willing to donate their possessions for us to sale at our Adoption yard sale. We are humbled!
We are teaming up with 147 Million Orphans, they are allowing us to sell their Magazine necklaces, cuff bracelets and their brand new Adoption T-shirt (never worn). So start placing your orders. We will have an official kick off the evening of Jan. 17th so go ahead and save the date, official announcement to follow.
I am giddy to announce 2 folks have already committed to selling 10 necklaces for our son. ONLY 98 more friends to go.... that is huge!!! they sell themselves! they benefit our adoption,provide substainable income for the women in Uganda whom make them and it will help to feed a child. Can we say triple Blessing!!!
So here is that asking for help part. If 100 folks will sell 10 (ten) necklaces.... OUR SON'S ADOPTION WILL BE FUNDED..... we have all sold many things over the years that TRULY didn't have the impact this does. Hoping you will follow us on this journey and literally invest in our son's future.
Again, thanks for the prayers and please leave a comment. Share our blog with your friends and family; you never know who might want to rescue an orphan, pray for us or want to start their own journey.
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| one of a kind Ugandan Magazine Necklace $25- |
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A Year of Blessings!
Whow! I personally have been waiting for this day for a few months, well actually years. "Adoption" has been a word that has flown freely in the Griffith household for over a year now and the word "Orphan" has been on our hearts for several years.
James and I have known for quite some time "there is something more" intended for our lives. We have seeked, prayed and waited. We don't claim to have all the answers, or even the right questions to ask.
What I can tell you... I know firsthand what it means to have a parent adopt you (I love and miss you daddy~thank you for your unselfish example in my life and giving me the security of always knowing I was chosen to be your daughter).
I have seen with my own eyes the lonely. I have feed with my own hands the starving. My arms have held and hugged the homeless. Look, it's all around.
We are only one family. We know we won't change the world. We can however change the world for 1 little man ~ Our son! God knows, he had already rocked our hearts and our home.
So PLEASE follow along with us. We need the support! emotionally, spiritually and yes I will say it Financially. We will be selling 147 Gear (t-shirts, necklaces ~pics coming soon), we are taking any one's "clutter" for our Adoption Yardsale and flat out monetary donations (wow, I can't believe I typed that).
WHATEVER IT TAKES! because the Griffith gang is saying "Here I Am"
James and I have known for quite some time "there is something more" intended for our lives. We have seeked, prayed and waited. We don't claim to have all the answers, or even the right questions to ask.
What I can tell you... I know firsthand what it means to have a parent adopt you (I love and miss you daddy~thank you for your unselfish example in my life and giving me the security of always knowing I was chosen to be your daughter).
I have seen with my own eyes the lonely. I have feed with my own hands the starving. My arms have held and hugged the homeless. Look, it's all around.
We are only one family. We know we won't change the world. We can however change the world for 1 little man ~ Our son! God knows, he had already rocked our hearts and our home.
So PLEASE follow along with us. We need the support! emotionally, spiritually and yes I will say it Financially. We will be selling 147 Gear (t-shirts, necklaces ~pics coming soon), we are taking any one's "clutter" for our Adoption Yardsale and flat out monetary donations (wow, I can't believe I typed that).
WHATEVER IT TAKES! because the Griffith gang is saying "Here I Am"
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