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. 

Caitlin Elizabeth Griffith ~ you are beautiful inside & out~

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!

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)

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 ~

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





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




Katie w/ Amazima purchasing the necklaces

















here is one way to wear it





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.

       "...once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."     Proverbs 24:12

 

Thank you for acting on our behalf.  I can't wait to introduce our little man to you.  For you to look into his eyes knowing you played  a role in his journey to us.  We appreciate the prayers, the stuff, the purchases, donations, well wishes, etc... Please keep them coming & share this site with your friends and family.

 

Remember to mark your calendars... Monday, January 17th  between 5 & 8 @ Community Christian Day School.... drop in and check out the gear we are selling to raise money, come by and just celebrate with our family the first event in honor of our son...

 

Beth

 

 

Depraved Indifference

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