Lots of Updates!

Updates: Our second home study visit went SUPER well!  Our social worker is really, really a precious lady. We found out the next day that even though we thought we were finished,that Nightlight needs more paperwork...a lot more paperwork...to finish the homestudy:)  So we are furiously working on that.  As frustrating as delays are though we are truly trying hard to trust the Lord's timing.  He is in charge of each moment and it only wastes energy to become frustrated.

This week our agency also has been sending us updates because one of the children in the orphanage has bacterial meningitis and is now hospitalized.  Her condition was quite serious but thankfully she is slowly showing signs of improvement.  However, this means all of the children were potentially exposed and this little one will likely be in the hospital for possibly three weeks.  This just makes us even more keenly aware of the need to be praying for our little one. Psalm 17:8 says, "Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings." And that is what we are praying.  That the Lord will cover and protect our child...or children.  Will you please pray too!
*** We received an email this morning that the little one with meningitis went to be with Jesus during the night. We are all so, so sad and I cannot imagine what the caretakers at the Baby Home are feeling.  She had a forever family in the United States that was waiting for a court date to bring their little one home. Life is indeed fragile.  We heard a statistic today that there are 8 doctors for every 100,000 people in Uganda. Please pray that God speeds the days so we can bring our babies home!***

At this last home study visit we officially requested two children.  All along we have been open to siblings but we officially asked to be considered for two children, whether they are siblings or not.  Big breath...this is a big step for us but we really feel that we are being obedient.  We still may only be referred one, but the Lord knows what we need and can handle!  We are definitely anxious to speed the days for our referral and then to get to our little ones!

Also!!!  This past Saturday, Crystal and Tim Bausmith held a multi-family yard sale at their house for us.  Many people donated things and it was SO successful!  The Bausmiths are expert yard salers:)  They built/installed hanging racks in their garage and hung up ALL of the clothes!!  People showed up and shopped from 7am until almost 3pm.  It was amazing:)  We earned over $1200!!  That was so awesome and we are SO thankful!!

Now our newest bit of news, which I am super excited about!  We are also selling Uganda necklaces as a fundraiser!  We purchase them from a wonderful organization, 147 Million Orphans.  It is run by two moms with 13 children between them, 7 of which are adopted.  These women sell items that promote adoption but also help families fundraise for their own adoptions.  These necklaces come with a neat little bio with info on it.
"147 is honored to share the story of our sisters in Uganda who hand make these necklaces from recycled paper.  They roll the beads by hand, dip them in varnish, and thread them onto the string.  Prior to learning how to make these beads, most of the women 'picked trash' or turned to prostitution to provide for their children.  By purchasing the necklace, you help a mother make a sustainable income to provide for her family.  This purchase also helps feed a child in Uganda."

BAM!! So how awesome is that!?! I love these necklaces. They have a clasp so you can use them as bracelets, belts, or necklaces.  Each one is unique in color and patterns.  They are so fun:) We are selling them for $20.  We make $10 and $10 goes back to the women in Uganda:)  They will make great birthday gifts, teacher gifts, Easter basket surprises, Mother's Day gifts, graduation gifts, bridesmaids gifts...you get the idea!!  So you can leave me a message on the blog, Facebook me or email me if you are interested in buying one or some!!

The boys wanted to model:)

So there you have it! Things are progressing...even though at times it feels like it is slowly:)  Thank you everyone for your prayers and support!  We are so, so blessed and so thankful for what the Lord is doing IN us along the way!  More on that, next time!