Adoption Fundraiser Calendars - NOW ONLY $15!

Did I mention you have gotta getta calendar!?! We have about 38 more calendars to sell. When you purchase a calendar, the money collected will help go toward the cost of the Colombian Attorney Fee of $1500. Each family featured in the calendar have adopted from Colombia. I love flipping through the calendar and telling just a bit about each of the families. They are all so very unique. And to me, the stories are powerful and the families are beautiful!

We have families with siblings and older single children or infants; we have Colombians adopting Colombians, and we even have a gorgeous red-head Colombian! We have single moms represented, as well as the married folk! The calendar isn't just represented by Colombia and Children's Hope, our adoption agency. It is comprised of families from at least three different adoption agencies and there is one month where Guatemala and Colombian children are featured in a group picture.

Please consider buying a calendar or gifting one. Help us make our goal! Thanks so much for your consideration! God bless!

US Entry Visa Fee - PAID!!!!

The mail delivered an unexpected blessing on Friday! We received a $250 check from a friend from the hospital! With her check and our Christmas money we are putting toward the adoption, we will have the $400 needed to pay for our child's visa! Yay!

We are super excited to see how God opens more doors of opportunity to share and be a witness for Him through this second journey of adoption. He is SO good, and SO faithful! Some of you may not know that our wait has went from 6-12 months to possibly 2-3 years. Recently, ICBF deleted the 6 year old list and put us on a 5-6 year old list.

What does that mean? All the families on the 6 year old list also shifted with us to that same list and we aren't woven into the already existing list, but put at the bottom. We've been told there are OVER 150 people on THAT list!!!

Merry Christmas!

May you be blessed beyond imagination today and the coming year! Remember the "Reason for the Season" and give thanks to the Father for sending the "bestest" gift of all, Jesus, his Son.

John 3.16

Fun-Fundraiser!!!

We are only 16 days away from our "goal date!" We wanted to try to sale ALL our calendars by 12/31/10. We ordered 150 calendars. 11 calendars went to the families who donated a picture to the calendar and also agreed to help me sell 9 additional calendars. So, that means our goal is to sell 139 calendars! That's not a lot, right? Ben and I took 40. Had another family offer to sell 20!

With the numbers that I have gathered, it looks like we may have sold about 75. If this is all we sell, our fundraiser profit is only about $250. We are hoping to get the Colombian Attorney Fee paid through this fundraiser... Can we do it?

If you know of anyone interested in a calendar, please have them check out this blog, leave their email in a comment, and we will email them back and get them a calendar! They are ONLY $20, and each month features a different Colombian Adoptive Family! Great way to support adoption!

blog header

not happy with the pixelation, but it is a work in progress! one pic is missing! shane, i think i lost your pic. i will try to reload it from fb. sorry. if anyone else sent me their pics, please message me and i will double check my archives. sorry for the oversight.

from my photog friends, what's the blog header secret? are there certain dimensions/parameters i should save in ps? thanks for tips; im still learning...lol.

again, thanks to all those around the nation for wearing the MFA shirts. hope to bring more awareness to mentoring, fostering, and adopting. also, if you have not sent in a photo and you purchased a shirt, please do. i hope to correct the header and have a "sharper" look!

Mentor. Foster. Adopt. Do Something!

Here's another Hot Adoptive Mami who does what she says and has adopted a sibling group of two from Colombia. Beth is a great source of encouragement, and I love getting her comments on the blog/facebook/yahoo group. Thanks so much, Beth, for your shared thoughts and prayers! So proud of my network of mamis! So grateful of your support, as well, and must say you ALL look great sporting the MFA shirt! Let's get the word out!

There are over 147 Million children out there... not JUST babies that need homes, but great older children and sibling groups that need homes! If you can't adopt, do something! Do something today! You will be blessed!

Granny Acklen

A Visit with Granny - November 2010

We went to visit Granny while in Louisiana. She was so very happy to see us! It was a great visit. Recently, she has had a stroke. She is recuperating, but is very frustrated with the slow progress, learning how to read and speak again. I appreciate any prayers you would lift and remember her to the Father... her name is Katherine. She has always LOVED her grandchildren... so very much. And WE LOVE YOU, GRANNY!

Have I Mentioned that You Have Gotta Getta Calendar???

And how could you say "NO" to this adorable little guy?

Thanks to Sheila and David Derr for the photo featuring Jonatan! It's absolutely AMAZING to see how much he's grown!!! He's gorgeous, Sheila! (Sheila sold 9 calendars!)

Another Hot Colombian Mami Sporting Her MFA Shirt!

LOVE Janine and family, even though, I've never actually met her in person! Weird, huh? It was her family blog that I began reading before our first adoption that helped us so much! We went to Colombia not long after they did. She adopted two boys and a beautiful princesa, as well. They are also featured in our calendar. Thanks, Janine for ALL your support and encouragement! We appreciate you guys more than you know!

-Wendi

Gotta Getta Calendar!!!

Lookie! Lookie! The Childers Family are Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) who are expecting to adopt from Colombia. Please go to their blog and leave a comment of encouragement. They were so gracious, and bought TWO calendars that featured families with completed Colombian adoptions from three different agencies!

The calendar will help us pay for our Colombian Attorney fee. We hope to raise about $1500 from this fundraiser. Each family featured in the calendar agreed to help me sell 9 calendars. The Lohrstorfers' are having a special Orphan Sunday at their church and will try to sell 20! The Derr Family was the first family to sell all 9! Yay! Waiting for updates from the rest of the gang and will let you know... this is one of our biggest fundraisers, and we are excited! Ben and I had 40 calendars to sell. We have 14 left!

So details if interested in purchasing: $20 each and will ship with no S&H charges! Leave me a comment if interested in purchasing one!

Thanks to all those who have purchased one thus far! Thank YOU so much!!!

to the Leberts!!

we aren't fans, either. anonymous quote. i couldn't find ur blog address. sorry to post on the blog like this. thanks for the comment! =) send me ur blog addy again. i may have it in my reader bookmarked by a different name. my husband laughed...lol

the SECRET to BEING beautiful...

...is THINKING beautiful!

Hope you have a BEAUTIFUL day!

Another Photo Flash!

From My Friend, Angela!

God has blessed me with so many friends from around the nation. Angela is an awesome person! You can find her story here. Thanks for submitting the photo, A! You look fabulous!

If any of you out there bought a Mentor. Foster. Adopt. Tee, please email me a photo of you in the shirt. I would like to make a collage of submitted photos for the blog header! =) You can email at wendiacklen@hotmail.com. Thanks!

Our Projected In-Country Adoption Fees & Approximate Travel Expenses

This list is according to the Colombia Adoption Fee Schedule printed from the CHI Website when we began our adoption process. I believe it has been adjusted (increased) since we applied, but I think they must honor our contract as it was written in when we started. So, as titled, these are the "projected" costs/fees for the remaining portion of our adoption.

US Domestic & International Airfare - (Approx. $1,200/adult and $100-1000 per child, depending on age) -estimated total for our family, $5,800

In Colombia Travel - (Approx. $150-200 per adult, on way) -estimated total for our family, $300

In Colombia Accommodations (room & board for 4-5 weeks) - (Approx. $4,400 for two adults and 1 child) -estimated total for our family of six, $5,400

Child's Out of Pocket Adoption Expenses (passport, medical, etc.) -( Approx. $200 per child) -estimated total for our family, $200

Colombian Attorney Fee - Approx. $1,500

Colombian Interpreter Fee - Approx. $300

Child US Entry Visa - $400

So...that's a rough $13,900 we need. Wow! Seems like a huge amount...

...but then I think about the little girl I hold in my arms at night who I call Tatiana, who talks about her sister somewhere in Colombia, or Diego who clings by my side loving his Mami, finding security in his parents, and Andrew who hugs and wrestles with his father...and I think about how insignificant $13,900 is... we are bringing home a child! How do you put a value on a child, on a human life?

We thank the many of you who have helped us through donations and blessings. Our children and our family are part of YOUR legacy. You have helped give a child a home, security, love, and so much more!

(There are also other costs associated with adoption when we return such as our re-adoption expense with family lawyer and Mississippi Birth certificates, doctor visits, and more.)

They NEED you AND YOU NEED THEM...

Creation Groans from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

What will YOU do?

Colombian Adoption Calendar

COMING SOON!!!

2011 COLOMBIAN ADOPTION CALENDAR

EACH MONTH FEATURES AN ADOPTIVE FAMILY

(WITH EXCEPTION OF ONE PHOTO TAKEN AT COLOMBIA/GUATEMALA GRASSROOTS REUNION)

WOOD FAMILY ADOPTION FUNDRAISER

THANKS TO ALL THE PARTICIPATING FAMILIES WHO SUBMITTED PHOTOS & ARE HELPING SELL THE CALENDARS! GOD BLESS!

A Few Fall Fotos of My Favorite People...

The "STOP IT!" Technique

I am attending a workshop of LPC Supervision. Mississippi Standards are so stringent compared to other states. So, we are required extra training and certification. At any rate, today was one of the easiest conference/workshops I've ever sat thru in the past 8 years! The presenter did show a few youtube videos that were really funny! Here's one!

Now, tell me... do you think you can incorporate this technique when dealing with anxiety/depression/racing thoughts? Love it!

Another Photo Flash!

Muchas Gracias, Senor' Shane! Thanks, Shane for sporting our shirt! Shane and his family have been a great amount of support and encouragement to our family during this process. May God bless you and your family, and give you the desires of your heart!

Please send in your photo modeling the tee! This is so much fun!!! Hopefully, the tee will be a springboard for conversations to raise awareness of the orphan crisis!

NEW BEGINNINGS- PAID!

Sending check off tomorrow for our post placement reports! Yippee skippy! Now, we are focusing on our travel expense and in-country fees. We will need to sit down and re-calculate. That is going to be a chunk of money, BUT just like the other fees, we believe God will provide opportunities for us to save money, creative ideas to fundraise and/or earn the money through extra work opportunities! He is good, and He is faithful! Thanks to all who contributed to our T-shirt fundraiser! We hope to get our calendars out soon! More info on that coming soon...

Muchas Gracias "M" Familia!

If you're new to the blogosphere and don't know Rachel M, go here. Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to follow her and her family online and have just been blessed. Rachel shares from her heart her journey through infertility and adoption. She is candid, expressing her feelings in a most genuine way. As she writes, my heart cries with her...it's as if she's reading my heart... she is much more eloquent. If you're not familiar with this family, it would be one worth checking out. I have found it very encouraging. She and her husband also adopted a sibling group of four from Colombia. They are currently in the process of fostering with intention of adopting ANOTHER sibling group of THREE from their state foster care! AWESOME!!! Please keep her and her family in your prayers as they follow God's will in caring for the orphaned.

I have requested pictures of the people who purchased our adoption tees! These are my first pics submitted! I LOVE it! I hope you love the shirts as well! If you have a pic, please email me a picture to post! I hope to create a blog header with pics of the people who stand with me as we desire to bring awareness of the 147 MILLION ORPHANS who are searching for someone somewhere to care about them... thx.

Thanks, Rachel M & Family!

OMGOODNESS!!!

I was just updating the sidebar of contributions and the t-shirt fundraiser, and I can't believe it!!! We are ONLY $50 away from having our fees from New Beginnings Adoption Agency, PAID!!!! These fees will cover the costs of four post placement reports after our daughter comes home. How exciting is that??!?!

After this is paid, we will have an estimation of costs for in-country fees that we will work to save up so when we get "the call," we won't have any worries about dropping everything to go bring her home!!!

I hope to have a check for New Beginnings by the end of the week! How exciting is this!!! Jumping up and down! Thanks to all who contributed!!! You are a significant part of our story, and may God bless you and your family richly!

T-Shirts!!! Thanks to all who purchased shirts!

I hope that you really like your shirts! With the money received, we have made enough to actually pay for the shirts and some of you sent a surprise donation...and we are so blessed by your contributions!!! Thanks so much! Every dollar will help us get our daughter home!




I have a few shirts left that will try to sell around here, but most importantly, the shirts have paid for themselves, and even a bit more towards the adoption. We went in this knowing the t-shirts wouldn't be a big fundraiser, but we wanted to make an effort about making it more than just about "our adoption." We wanted to include everyone... the single parent, the foster mama, and even the adolescent who has a heart to minister to others and those who want to be a significant role model in the lives of others... that's really the point, y'all!



We can all make a difference! There are over 147 MILLION kiddos out there who desperately need someone like YOU to mentor them, possibly foster, or even adopt them... what will YOU do? Make a choice today and give back! Afterall, someone mentored you...

Yay!! It's my birthday! It's my birthday!!!

Guess Who's Turning Six!!!

My BABY boy is turning SIX! Wow! It has been such an awesome blessing to get to be a part of his life! God set him in our life and we have been FOREVER BLESSED by him. He is the little guy with JoY, JoY, JoY! He makes our hearts smile as his Beamie would say!

We love you, Diego and can't wait to celebrate!

October 9

"Beautiful Hair for a Beautiful Cause"

Yesterday, we took a trip to my fave salon, Splendor Salon...and Tatiana donated her hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Pantene takes donated hair (minimum 8 inches) and makes wigs for Cancer Patients. These wigs are given away free to patients. Recently, our Uncle Mike and Aunt Sally were diagnosed cancer. I've also had a co-worker and friend most recently go thru chemo. Cancer is the "dirty" word in our family. However, it doesn't have to steal away your dignity. With support from the community and family, people can fight this disease easier than alone.

More than likely, there is someone you know either in your family or network that has struggled or know someone who has struggled with this diagnosis. Please take a moment and pray for these individuals. It may be a simple act of kindness that gets them through the day. Think how you may can show them support today. It may be thru a hair donation in honor of that person. It may be providing a casserole for the family, or it just might be a phone call of encouragement that helps them get through the day. You can make a difference! Do something today! It could be your "Something Beautiful!"

Obba Returns!

"OBBA!!!"

Every time we'd go out for three days, we yelled Obba's name!!! Obba... where are you? We speculated what could have happened and hoped he didn't die, but if he had that it wasn't a painful death. Well, surprise, surprise. He was next door with the neighbors' poodles! Even though he was gone for 3 days, he didn't look like he missed a meal! So, our geriatric feline is back! We are so glad!

Remaining Shirts Available...

Thanks to all who have purchased a shirt! I have mailed all besides the orders I received today! We ONLY have 17 shirts left! Waahoo! If you have purchased a shirt, please email me a picture of you wearing your shirt. I would like to put together a new blog header page raising awareness of the need to mentor, foster, and/or adopt. I appreciate your support, and hope you like your shirt!

"Mami, we just need ONLY 100 hundreds!"

Andrew figured it out tonight on the way home. We ONLY need 100 hundreds! I like the sound of that better than $10,000 which sounds astronomical! Whether it is a play on the words or not, that's about all we need, we think! Looking at it from that perspective makes our goal seem doable. So, I hope to put some back from each paycheck at least one of those hundreds. I also intend on picking up more CIP shifts, which may mean more night (11-7) shifts so I can be available in the day time for the kids and Ben. Hopefully, we can get the calendar put together and sent out and sold and that could possibly 9 -one hundreds! The shirt fundraiser, I just hope to make my money back. Only need to sell 30-34 shirts.

Recently, Ben took on a new job at Pascagoula School District! We are super excited! He is working with emotionally disturbed children and gets to experience first hand on how to deal with the difficult child. This is especially important to me. It has allowed him to see things in a different perspective. It has opened his eyes to another group of hurting people. Another benefit is that our children will all get to go to ONE school instead of THREE which is SUPER challenging! The extra money (not sure how much this will be) will help us pay off some debt! We are so blessed and privileged with the opportunity to help speak into these little people's lives and at the same time our own family benefits from it! NOW, hopefully, we will get our referral in the summertime while there is no school, because we would like to stay at this school while living in our home! But God knows best...

Jenn's 40th Birthday

Jenn Bennett, September 2010

"Sister"-BFF Love my Girlie!

While in Memphis, we got to celebrate with Jenn! We had a blast! Dear Jenn, I hope our family can celebrate many more with you and Nat! Love y'all!

Mentor. Foster. Adopt.

Three Adoptive Mamis

who believe in...

Mentoring... Fostering... and Adopting...

Did you know there are over 147 million children out there with no one to call mom or dad; no place to call home...won't you consider mentoring, fostering, or adopting?

Sold Seven Shirts!

Yay! Plus I have two local people who are interested in buying one! God is good! I will try to post the number of grey shirts we have left, with an updated photo. But for now, here is one. We also sold a brown shirt with blue ink, but I had miscounted, so those numbers are still accurate in the post below.

Thanks Annie, Beth and Janine for purchasing a shirt!

Memories in Memphis - September 2010

We love our getaway weekends with our friends, the Bennetts' and Duewels'! They are more like family and we are so blessed to call them friends!

Tee Shirt For Sale - $15

This shirt is front and back, charcoal grey shirt with sapphire blue ink...it would look great on both guy and girl! The ink doesn't POP like we had hoped, but for those who like the subtle look more, this is the shirt for you! We have a LARGE quantity of these shirts. We must sell them all! Email or comment if interested in purchasing one!

ALSO, WE HAVE THE CHARCOAL SHIRT (UNISEX) WITH SAPPHIRE BLUE INK THAT IS ONE SIDED ONLY STATING "MENTOR. FOSTER. ADOPT." THOSE SHIRTS SELL FOR $12. IF INTERESTED, EMAIL/COMMENT!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR INTEREST! ALL BENEFITS GO TOWARD ADOPTION COSTS.

Tees for Sale!

Please consider purchasing a tee! $12 Special and only $3 shipping if outside of local area (Jackson County). If you buy 2 shirts or more shirts, free shipping! Shirts are Women-fitted shirts. Sizes modeled above: Medium Black Tee, Large Brown Tee

Great shirt to wear to the gym, on the weekend, on the go...anywhere! You can can spread the word, raise awareness for the need to mentor, foster, and adopt. This tee will be sure to bring awareness and provide an opportunity for you to share about the orphan crisis!