Estes TRIBE: October 2009

Friday, October 16, 2009

Wall of Faith

The last weekend in September was a special time for me as I co-hosted an annual women's conference in New York City called PureLife with Lynette Lewis. This was our seventh year producing the event together. My emotions were running high as I reflected on the conference last year which was only three weeks after my miscarriage.

Sorrow may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning!!!

It was such a joy to share the news of our adoption with the hundreds of women in attendance. The celebration was so sweet. It was fun to see all the beautiful ladies wearing our t-shirts to help support us to bring our boys home.

We took a moment at the Saturday morning session to write a statement of faith on a fabric covered wall that lined the front of the stage. I asked my mother to write my declaration for me. It was simply the word "Mommy." I can't wait to hear those words!

Our home study has been completed, so we are one step closer to our life changing voyage to Ethiopia.

FAQ

When will you get the boys?

The time frame for adopting children in the waiting program from Ethiopia is about 6 – 9 months. The earliest possible date would be December ‘09, which would be amazing.

Are they full orphans?

Yes, both parents have passed away. They arrived at Hannah’s Hope Orphanage on May 19, 2009. It’s an amazing and wonderful place that provides a care-mother for every three children. We are confident that they are being well cared for during this process as they await their “forever home”.

Do you go to Ethiopia to pick them up?

Yes, we will need to be in Ethiopia for about 7 days to complete this process. We are not permitted to go to the orphanage or to see the boys until the Courts in Ethiopia approve our completed Adoption Dossier (which could possibly be in early December). Until that time, they are being lovingly cared for by the Caregivers at Hannah's Hope Orphanage in Ethiopia.

Do they speak English?

They can say their ABC’s and count-to-10 in English, but the language at the orphanage is Amharic. They are actually from the southern part of Ethiopia where the language is Wolaytta. There is no Rosetta-Stone program for Wolaytta, so we are learning a little Amharic. We will need to teach the boys English, so we’re learning how to do that as well.

How much will this cost?

The cost to adopt one child from Ethiopia is approximately $25,000. Due to the fact that we are adopting siblings it will be approximately $40,000 with travel. Because of a small family inheritance and all of our savings, we have about $10,000 towards this need. We will are raising an additional $30,000. So far, we have been blessed to raise about $18k, leaving us with a goal of raising an additional $12,000. We are rejoicing in faith as we watch God meet our needs!

Besides asking friends and family to help us, we are making T-shirts to sell, as well as making available some handmade African necklaces, all of which will help us toward our financial goal of bringing our boys home without incurring debt. We know that where God guides, He provides – so we eagerly anticipate His miraculous provision as we move forward in the direction of our two new sons.

For more info on the Waiting Children Program or Ethiopian Adoption, go to http://www.allgodschildren.org/

Estes TRIBE

Friday, October 16, 2009

Wall of Faith

DONATE

"STYLE B"

"STYLE C"

T-SHIRT LOGO

BUY T-SHIRT or NECKLACE

FAQ

Blog Archive

Followers

About Us