BE A WINNER!!

The final fundraiser for bringing my beautiful baby girl home has finally arrived! I thought to myself, "Why not go ALL out!" This time of year brings joy to many homes because they are anticipating a new season of television shows: The Office, The Biggest Loser, the final season of Monk, or the new NCIS with L.L. Cool J (love him). I WANT TO HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR FALL SHOWS. You have the opportunity to win an APEX digital 32" HDTV flat screen television. At least, I have the attention of the guys reading this.

I need to raise about $5,000.00 for the final expenses of the adoption (plane fare, consulate fees, etc.). This is where I need your help. You can purchase tickets, possibly win a nice, big flat screen T.V., and help me bring Baby "B" Hope home.

Tickets are
1 for $10.00
5 for $25.00
15 for $50.00

You can purchase them by hitting the "Donate" button just below the picture of the T.V. w/ my adorable, little nephew sticking out his tongue (Thanks E). DON'T FORGET to leave your name and phone number when purchasing tickets. If you don't have a paypal account, you can contact me via email at lane_cassandra@hotmail.com (There is an underscore between last and first names) to make other arrangements.

If you would like the opportunity for free tickets, you can post ALL of this information on your blog and/or facebook for 1 free ticket (I would need to be able to view the post). If you personally want to sell tickets, for every $50.00 in tickets you sell , you will get 2 free tickets. If you are interested in either of these opportunities, contact me via email or point me in the direction of you blog.

The contest runs from August 1 to August 14. The drawing will be August 15-Don't Miss Out! Buy your tickets beginning this Saturday!! Watch for a video on Aug. 15 (Hopefully, I can figure out how to load it) to show the drawing. Remember: Don't Wait, and I need you name, phone #, and of course, your money. :)

I want to say, "Thank you," ahead of time. So many of you have been a great moral support to me throughout this entire journey, and with your encouragement, I am going to get to see my daughter in about a month. Please be praying for her August 13 Court Date. If she passes court, I will fly out by the end of August! Please be in prayer!

Realizing What's Important

Recently, I have been so concerned with, as my last post stated, getting organized. I have worried so much about the money, and I have even had thoughts that since I have been waiting to have a child for almost two and a half years, that bringing her home in October instead of August is just a minor detail. Along with that notion, I have also thought that it is not the best idea for a teacher to miss the first part of a school year because I will be taking six weeks of leave. I felt it is important for me to be in the classroom in August so I can get my new 6th graders acclimated to my style of teaching and my expectations.

After this past week, I realized the money, having the perfectly organized house, setting up my classroom management in the beginning days of school does, etc. does not matter anymore. This past Friday morning, July 10, I received a phone call from my agency informing me that "B" was very sick. She had been sick last week, but it had escalated. She wouldn't keep anything down, she had severe diarrhea, and a fever. They had to insert a feeding tube in her and IV's to rehydrate her and push antibiotics through. That evening I found out that another baby in the orphanage had passed away. I can honestly say this past weekend was the longest three days of my life. I felt so helpless, and I couldn't even see my child. I literally cried out to God and clung to certain scriptures, such as Psalm 121 and Hebrews 10: 35-38, 11:1.

Monday, I again received a call from my agency letting me know that "B" was doing much better, and that day the feeding tube and IV's had been removed. The nurses in the clinic were keeping her there for a while to continue to monitor her. To say I was elated, is an understatement. I have never felt such joy and relief. Another scripture that has been my stronghold throughout this adoption process is Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." I have a better understanding of that verse today than I did last Thursday.

Yesterday, I received news that my family's court date has been set for August 13. Praise the Lord! If "B" passes court, Mom and I will fly out in September. Please continue praying for her health and safety along with the other children in these orphanages. "B" and I also need your prayers that she passes court in August because there is a large percentage of families who do not pass court the first time around. I need to bring her home as soon as I can!

I also ask that you are in prayer for this family who lost their baby girl this past Friday. As I cannot imagine their grief, I do know what the unknown felt like. Through certain circumstances this past weekend, I had a lady tell me about a family who was "on their third child" because two of the babies had died. She was speaking about these children as if she was talking about how many pieces of cake this couple had eaten, "on their third...". She truly had NO connection to the fact that this family has lost two children, sons or daughters. To be honest, I wanted to smack her, but that probably wouldn't have been the most appropriate thing to do (Human nature creeps up in us once in a while). If you are wondering, I did give a "Christ-like" answer and told her she needs to be praying for that family. Again, these families who have lost their children, need to be lifted up in our prayers.

I do plan on having one more fundraiser before I travel. So, be paying attention! Thank you again, for ALL of the prayers you have lifted up for my little girl.

Just Trying to Get Organized

Now that I have a referral for my beautiful, little girl, I have a lot to do. There is a chance that my mom and I could fly out as soon as August. Yes, one month! If "B" gets a court date and passes court before the courts close (August and September), then I will be in Ethiopia in August. Otherwise, it will be October(ish).

Someone asked me today if I am panicking. There are a few issues that stand out right now that make me a little worried. I feel a sense of uneasiness when trying to find a pediatrician (I may have found one as of today), finding quality child care, and financing the last part of the adoption. It is definitely time to work on the nursery; that will require some rearranging of furniture before I ever begin setting up the bedroom. I also need to begin packing, because I already have some donated items for orphans and gifts for the workers. I will be getting an update about "B" at the end of this month. That will help know what size clothing to buy. Right now, I only have a few items for her that can be put in the suitcase (I definitely have the butt paste). :) Another minor concern is what shots to get or not to get. That is the question. I am sure I could ramble on about other worries I have, but I know that will not help me at all. So, I will end by saying that when I look at that perfectly round, little face with those chubby cheeks, I know it will be okay, and God has truly blessed me.

God's Grace and Love

Today, I have been overwhelmed by the promises of God. At 9:15 a.m., I saw my child for the first time. I received a referral call letting me know I am now officially a mom, and then I immediately looked at my email following the phone conversation (I sobbed through most of the phone call, so I guess it technically wasn't a conversation). When I opened up my daughter's (I love the sound of that) photos, literally my breathe was taken away. Gazing at my baby for the first time, made my heart ache because it was filled with so much joy. As cliche as that may be, there is no other way to describe that initial feeling. It was an incredible experience that is difficult to put into words.

Legally, I can't go into a lot of details about my daughter, not until she has passed court. I can share with you that I will be referring to her now as "B". "B" is a precious and beautiful 4 month old who has the biggest, consuming eyes. She will melt your heart when I finally get to share her pictures with you. Trust this mama when I tell you that.

Thank you, Father, for your grace and love you have shown me through your promise of allowing me to become a mom. Father, grant me the wisdom and guidance I need to be the mother you would have me be.

Summertime is Flying By

Tomorrow will be the last day of summer school. It seems as if June is just flying by. I was talking with another teacher a few days ago, and she made the comment that after the 4th of July, summer is basically over for teachers because of conferences, developing next year's lesson plans, and setting up the classroom. I laughed because I have to agree. I am making some adjustments to that schedule this summer though. Instead of July conferences, I am going to be setting up the baby's room. :) That is my priority this next month.

As for the adoption, I haven't heard any news in a couple of weeks. I am #3 in line for a girl according to my yahoo group. I carry my phone with me everywhere I go just in case I get the "call". Hopefully, when I get the "call", I will have access to a computer, because my agency will send me any information they have about her and a PICTURE.

So many times, I have tried to envision what she looks like. I think most moms do that. Sometimes I see her as an infant, not even ready to sit up, yet other times, I view her as being older and walking. A few months ago, I had decided to contact my agency to change my age request from up to 24 months to much younger. I had an email ready to send, and I couldn't send it. God has brought me this far, and he knows my child as he knows me. That wasn't a change I felt I was supposed to make. I truly will be ecstatic if she is 2 months or 22 months, because she is God given.

Enjoy your summer and don't wish it away. I just read my friend's blog about living in the present and enjoying life's little everyday gifts through family and friends. Okay, so if you live in the Midwest like I do, you may want to enjoy these moments inside, in the air condition. It has been a HOT June. :)

A Little Sentimental

Sometimes I don't express, as I should, my appreciation and love to my family and friends. If you know me, you know I don't have a difficult time expressing my opinion or thoughts about any given subject (whether or not it pertains to me). When I was younger, my mom would say that if I found a situation to be unjust, I would give my opinion, even at the expense of getting in trouble. I still have a tendency to do that. :) In my world of finding justice, I sometimes overlook life's everyday blessings. These blessings come individually wrapped...one family member or friend at a time.

If I forgot yesterday or forget tomorrow, I want to let you know tonight how much I appreciate and love you all.

A special "Thank You" goes out to some FABULOUS family and friends who helped serve A LOT of pizza last night (and I can't forget the ones who ate all of that pizza). Words cannot express my utmost appreciation.

#5!!!!

According to the spreadsheet on my Ethiopia adoptive family YahooGroup, I am #5 in line for a little girl. Whoo-hoo! That makes me nervous. :)

I ask that you remember in prayer the following needs as I get to this point in the adoption.
-Give me guidance and understanding as a first-time mom
-Keep Baby Hope out of harms way and healthy
-Lead me in getting the rest of the finances in order
-Continue to direct MOWA (Ministry of Women's and Children's Affairs) in Ethiopia as they
continue their investigation into illegal practices
-Continue to guide the judges when these children come before them