TOMS??? Donations for COLOMBIA

To all my followers, I sent an email to TOMS Headquarters last evening to see if they would donate shoes to children in the Cali Region and allow us to deliver them when we return to adopt our daughter (hopefully in Spring of 2012). Pray with me that we can take donations to help the children of Colombia both at the ICBF and the street children near where we visited in 2009!

A few people on Facebook agreed to buy a pair of TOMS if they donated... With every pair of TOMS you purchase, they will give a pair to a child in need! Love the concept! Please consider checking them out and purchasing your pair today!

Massage Anyone?

Darren and Kelly Calhoun have donated their time and skill to help us bring our daughter home! Many thanks to the Calhoun Family for their kindness and generosity shown to us as we journey through our second adoption. They are both fabulous people! If you are local to our area, Kelly practices out of the Red Salon in Lucedale, MS. Look her up and schedule a massage! You can also friend me on FB and bid on current massage that's being auctioned to support our adoption! Thanks for supporting us and cheering us along!

Flower Headbands, Anyone? Check Me Out on FB and Bid on Our Latest Adoption Fundraiser Efforts

This auction will run thru January! Check it out and bid often! We will be adding items throughout the weeks of January! Right now, we have a few gorgeous headbands and a massage (must be local to receive the massage, though). We have some great items donated that we will be adding... Our fundraising goal for this auction is $250. This would help us pay for right over one plane ticket from Bogota to Cali.

So, questions, shoot me a comment! Be sure to friend ME to bid... Wendi Acklen Wood on Facebook! Thanks for all your support!

Mini Session Foto Fundraiser

Another beautiful family who participated in the Mini Session Foto Fundraiser!

Thanks to the N family! Appreciate your support!

Mini Session Foto Fundraiser

Got to get a few Christmas pictures of this beautiful baby before the holidays!

Thanks for supporting our adoption C family!

Anticipated Provision

Looking ahead, looking forward to the new year and what God has in store for our family... We wait expectantly for our new addition. As we continue to prepare, we are looking for more ways to raise money to help deflate the ginormous cost of adoption. I am very excited to see how God has provided for other adoptions and believe he will help us find ways to pay for this adoption as well... I look forward to announce a few more fundraisers very soon.

For now, since we know what region our dossier was sent to, we can guesstimate the cost of our in-country flights from Bogota to Cali. The estimated cost of each ticket is $200. That's $1200 for the entire family. I will be updating the sidebar of estimated fees/travel expense to complete our adoption.

The costs of adoption is one thing that often deters people from considering to adopt. We believe, though, with God all things are possible. He has provided opportunities for us to save and ways to fundraise creatively to help us already pay for many of the upcoming adoption fees! He is faithful to provide. We invite you to watch and see and believe with us in how he provides...

Expecting a referral by Spring 2012!!!

Sent to Region!!!

Where you ask???

CALI, COLOMBIA!!!

We have friends in this area who operate a mission to feed, school, and help a community right outside of Cali. When we first sent our dossier, we requested this region, but because of the longer wait and just other things going on in general, we decided to rescind that request and leave it open to any region of Colombia. Ben made the comment, let's just see what happens. If God wants us to go to Cali, it will happen. Look what happened!!! =)

So, what does this mean? We wait at the Regional Office for a referral!!! We have requested a healthy 7 year old female. Nichole, from CHI, says that it is reasonable to think we should get a referral by spring next year! Please continue to pray for us. Things around the house are hectic as most households. However, there are a few things that must be put in order in our house before we can bring our daughter home; so please pray for some "divine" intervention so we can bring our daughter home!!! Thanks in advance!

After Christmas Auction... Coming Soon!

We have a massage... must be local Jackson County; headbands, shabby chic mirror, matted frames and wall art donated by graphic arts designer, and more!!! Make sure you look me up on Facebook and Add Me as friend if you want to help us meet our goal!

Our goal for this auction is $250.

Check US out on Facebook!

Hi, all! Please be sure to look me up on Facebook @ Wendi Wood Photography. The proceeds made from photo shoots will go toward our adoption. Once our adoption is complete, I plan to take pictures for Help Projects and to support others who are adopting (not limited to Colombia). I'm learning more and more about photography and have really enjoyed it! I plan to go to Imaging USA in New Orleans next month. Can't wait! I have two more sessions planned before the end of the year. If you're local and interested in custom photography session, look me up! Even if you're not local, look me up anyway, and be sure to "Like" the fan page. It is a great opportunity to show your support to those in the Adoption Community and raise the banner of Adoption! Happy Tuesday!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Are you ready for the holidays? What traditions do you share with your family? Can you name something you'd like to do different this year? Things are a little crazy around here, but that's the usual at our house! We wish you all peace, love, and all the good stuff that comes with it! Be blessed and celebrate God and what He's done for YOU!

Next Fundraising Goal... AIRFARE!

We've estimated $5400 for airfare for a family of 6. I just priced tickets and found them for $903! Let's pray the rates only get cheaper, and we raise that money! 903 x 6= 5418, not far off...

So... Where are we now? We need about $3,275. That means, we have the money to pay for TWO tickets!!! I really don't want to leave the children behind. That would be terribly difficult to be continents away... I do understand many families do that, though. May be a decision we have to make.

So, we haven't heard of when ICBF in Colombia shuts down, but it is reported that sometime in December they shut down. Doubtful that we will get a referral by end of the year. I'm hoping by spring, though! Looking for NEW beginnings in 2012!

So, send in your ideas on creative fundraising! Thanks in advance!

Another Mini Foto Session!

Had the pleasure of working with the Etheridge Family this weekend getting some family photos for Holiday cards! Beautiful family.

The proceeds earned go directly to our Adoption account! We are still over 8k away... We need to be inspired on more creative ways to earn/raise money. Ideas?

Photos Since the Workshop...

(This pic was taken by friend, Bill P. at the surprise party!)

(Andrew, 9 y/o, and Diego, 7 y/o)

(Tatiana, 8 y/o)

Nataly and Tatiana!!!

Oh, and a SURPRISE birthday party thrown for me by my husband... we had some special friends from TENNESSEE come down along with my Uncle and his wife from Louisiana! It was so much fun!

Well, not sure anyone follows the blog much any more. Life has been crazy around here. Hopefully, soon, I can sit down and write more. As of now with the adoption... we're STILL waiting.

We still need about $8,000 to pay for in country and travel. That's ALOT! Please pray with us to find creative ways to earn that money, to be frugal and use more and more coupons and sales in order to save more.

For those who have stuck around thanks for your support. Love!!!!

Lightenupandshoot.com

At Workshop in New Orleans. Having so much fun. Miss family, but learning alot. Learning about lighting, manual mode, and approaching strangers about taking their pics! Plus meeting fabulous people from Miami (Mikey), Houston, New Orleans, Jackson, MS, and in Colorado!!! Will post pics when I can! =) Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

Another Mini Session This Weekend!!! Yay!

Another family participating in the photo fundraiser! This family was such fun! Thank you all for supporting our adoption! I hope you like the images you receive. You have some beautiful children, A!

Diego #7

We had another Birthday celebrated in the Wood Home! Diego turned SEVEN! It's hard to believe that when we first met him he was only 2.5! We have really seen his personality bloom. He is so full of joy! Love our Diego!

Photography Fundraiser

Proceeds toward photos go toward adoption costs!

I had the awesome opportunity to capture this beauty this past weekend. I've had only a few photo opportunities, but hoping for more. My schedule at the hospital is hectic. I do work extra hoping to catch up on things here and save money for the adoption. We recently had our sewage pump replaced and that hit us hard, but now we are on the positive side once again! Ha! Isn't that how it goes? I have made several trips back and forth to North Louisiana recently due to my uncle's diagnosis of cancer and my grandmother's death. I hate being so far away from family. SO... good news would be nice! Adoption news would be nice... Would love to get our approval finally... anyone else out there wishing the same?

Still no news.

Still. NO. News. on the adoption front. Have requested a 7 year old female. STILL waiting for approval second time around. Maybe we should have stayed on the 5-6 y/o list...

Photo Mini Session Fundraiser!

Jump, Jump, and JUMP SOME MORE featuring the BenWooDue Krew...

We had a blast meeting up with our friends the Bennetts' and Duewels' this Labor Day while Tropical Storm Lee hit the coast! Ben left with some sinus gunk and I came back with it! But otherwise, we had a blast!!!

Awesomeness! This family rocks! Love them!

I prayed, and the Lord heard my prayer... My sister died in 2006. I thought I would have no one to share the ups and downs with like my sister... and then God networked me with two awesome women who have forever changed my heart! I am blessed to call them friends... and even sisters... Love you both!

The boys represented here! Hard to get the wiggly guys to jump at the same time, or maybe it was my fault as I didn't count to the same cadence each time! =) But fun, nonetheless!

Bennett Family, Two of the funnest sisters around! Always ready for a good time... It happened to be Jenn's birthday. We started a new birthday hat tradition. But no, she didn't wear it this year, either... somehow, her memory fades her when it's time to go, and she just forgets! It was a pretty cool hat, too! She says she has something special in mind for me...haha, can't wait to see!

We had so much fun! Check out my facebook page for more pics!

Also, if you have adopted and know other adoptive families, take time to get to know them. It does you and your children good to mingle with others who have or are journeying through similar paths/challenges and even successes. Let us rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn!

Jounral Entry by Ben: A Child is Born

June 20, 2011

A child is born. Halfway across the world a child is born into complete poverty. A child is born. Across the sea a child is born into war and chaos. A child is born. No wait- he never made it out of his mother's womb before he was scratched out. A child was born and then sold as a slave then she was six. A child was born and taught how to hate! A child was born for what? You see the man was lost--even before he grew up!! A daughter to love, a son to cherish thrown away with words of hate, guilt, anger and aggression. A child is born already rich with nothing to cry for only to be left for others to care for her. The village can't raise a child when the village is full of kids who were never raised by the village they happened to be a part of. Who you become will determine "who" you will make. A child is born. Halfway across the world-- BUT WHO CARES!

Wow! I read this and thought- how powerful! I had Ben's permission to post a few of his journal entries. He began journaling after starting an English class. Sometimes journaling seems so hard, but when we put a pen to paper or begin to type on a blank doc, we can really become amazed at what's inside our little heads! So, what's your thoughts on A Child is Born...?

Updates...

Adoption News? Nope. None yet! Bummed & disappointed, but resting... or trying to rest in knowing that His time is best, even though I may want it NOW! =)

Family Update: In the past month, our sewage grinder pump went out and is still out, hope to fix next week; our A/C unit went out, and the Suburban broke down... oh, and my Uncle was diagnosed with Stage 3, Lung Cancer! I could look at life and think of how much it SUCKS! Really?!

But then, I see the smile on my son's face; I see the hope in a patient. I talk with my Uncle who says he's not scared of dying... I see beauty all around me... even in the midst of chaos... that is- when I stop and take a minute...

It can be really hard sometimes to see that "something beautiful," especially when bombarded with the negativity all around us and on tv/internet. I'm pressing in and pressing forward. I want to be happy. I want peace and joy... I want to, really want to "rest" in His presence, in His peace... I want to do more than just say I'm resting in him...

Please pray for our family, my uncle, whom I adore, my daughter, whom we are yet to meet in Colombia, and the family unit as a whole, that these "little" things like the sewage issue, and all the other stuff be resolved quickly... that we might be able to bring others hope and peace... that God could use us like Ben mentioned in his journal entry in the previous blog post...use us to bring hope to someone else today, tonight...right now. We pray blessings over you all and all that might read this blog and be encouraged... thanks so much!

"I thought God had forgotten me, but..."

Colombia Mission Trip

Journal Entry dated June 28, 2011

by: Benjamin Wood

Tuesday Morning: I don't think I will ever get accustomed to watching hungry children saving their food to take home to the rest of their family. Yesterday, we fed one hundred and fifty children and another twenty or so adults. How it is painful to know that we can't do more but also comforting to know that yesterday they ate, even if it was only for a day. This morning, we will deliver bags of food to families. Our plan is to give some physical food, as well as; some spiritual food. First, the natural, then the spiritual. We have a mile walk and we will carry 25 pounds each. That's around 100 pounds for each male team member to carry on their back. They don't know it yet. I hope the load gets lighter when they see the faces of the people they meet. Faces are so important in these types of situations. They're real people with real dreams and hopes. What would I do if I had no food to feed my family and someone showed up at the door with enough food to feed us for 2 weeks? I think I would thank God for not forsaking me. We gave food to a lady yesterday and she broke in tears. She said, "I thought God had forgotten me." But He hadn't...he sent us to help.

There is hope. God has given us His light to share to others. We have so much... We can do so much! Make a difference in someone's life today! Father, I pray for that woman this team encountered. I pray peace over she and her family. I pray that you meet their needs and let her know without a shadow of a doubt that You are near... and You will never leave nor forsake her...

Depressing News...

I'm so sick of all the depressing news on the local news channel! Another soldier-dead- only 19 years old! A robbery- A teen assaulted... what else? I'm just wondering what if... news stations all over the world took just ONE week and did nothing but report the POSITIVE news stories happening in their towns/cities... What if they captured the beautiful people and landscapes all around us, locally even...and highlighted those? Would it change our attitude? Would it make a difference? Would it inspire us to do more? Be more to others?

Thoughts?

Any positive news stories in your family life lately? Do share.

Day 5: Final Day of Tatiana's Bday Pics

Today, Tatiana gets to pose with her father! Ben turned 35 today!!!

Whoops, Where's My Day 4?

No more pictures, Mami!!! Oh, but Tati, you're just such a cutie... just one more!

DAY 3: TATIANA'S BIRTHDAY WEEK IN PHOTOS

HOW I WISH I KNEW WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH HER MIND AT THIS TIME!

OUR BEAUTIFUL GIRL...

FEATURED HERE: AN ADOPTION SHIRT WE PURCHASED TO HELP ANOTHER FAMILY BRING HOME THEIR NEXT SIB GROUP...FROM COLOMBIA! WILL ADD THEIR LINK SOON (IT'S ON MY OTHER LAPTOP- SORRY, BETTY!)

WHILE WE CELEBRATE OUR DAUGHTER, WE ALSO CELEBRATE IN SPIRIT OUR DEAR FRIEND IN NASHVILLE, NATALY B!!! CHECK HER OUT AT ANDTHENTHEREWERE2.BLOGSPOT.COM

Day 2: Tatiana's Birthday Week in Photos!

She's EIGHT! and oh so cute!

Stay tuned for more pics tomorrow!

My Princess...

There's an EIGHT year old in the house again!

Our beautiful daughter, Darly Tatiana, will turn EIGHT years old tomorrow morning. It's hard to believe! What a precious gift God gave us when he blessed us with her and her brothers! We are so very blessed... this girl has the most genuine heart; she is so compassionate and loving... I love her so much... to the moon and back, we say! Love my girl!

To celebrate and honor her this week, her birthday week, I'm going to make an effort to post a picture of her the next five days... gives me an excuse to capture a smile and brag on my girl while celebrating her birthday!

A success AND a blessing!

Our FIRST Foto Fundraiser, and I was really nervous, because it was a BABY/Newborn Session! We got some really great shots though, and I think the parents and grandparents are really pleased!

What's more exciting is that the Mom has someone else who wants to book a session! Thanks for prayers and thoughts! Wouldn't it be exciting if I could earn enough money to pay for a plane ticket with just taking photos??

The sessions are only $50 for Mini-Sessions... but this first session, I was blessed by the family and they donated $125!!! So, if airline tickets are about $1000 a round trip flight to Colombia, I need to raise $875 more... Oh, wow, that's alot of photos... well, never underestimate Jesus! =)

On the other hand, WHERE OH WHERE-- is our APPROVAL from Colombia?!?!!

Foto Fundraiser!

$50 for a Mini Session!!!

Includes 30-45 Minute Session

10-15 Images on CD for YOU!

I have 2 families that have expressed interest in setting up a session. Please pray that our schedules sync and we can arrange a time to meet. Also, that God give me wisdom, patience, and talent to get some great shots! =) We really need to get this airfare in the bank. Uncertain if we'll get a referral or even approval in August, but our fingers are crossed! Praying God's will!

Our THIRD grader

Tatiana, my princess, is about to be EIGHT years OLD!!! It is hard to believe in JUST 16 days...I will have an 8 year old, again! Tear drop!

It's been just over five years since we've been united as family. It's crazy how fast the time flies. Life is an amazing journey of ups and downs, and we are so very blessed to have been able to and continue to have the privilege to share this with them. We are so blessed for ALL OF YOU as well that have joined us on this journey and have been a part in our life. Thank you!

The pics are some of the first in manual mode I've taken. I know a little dark. I am learning all about the shutter speed, aperture, ISO, DOFE, and flash exposure. Jacqueline from GA introduced me to this neat organization called Creative Live that offer photography workshops online. This weekend they featured two guys who described themselves as "two gringo photographers" who moved to--guess where-- COLOMBIA, to take pictures! They live in the Medellin area! What a qa-winky-dink! It was a really great workshop. I listened in when I could. It was three 8-hr days with tons of information! Hopefully, I will grow as a photographer and I can take pics to help orphans by contributing to others who are adopting after we finish our adoption...which at this point, still no word from CHI. (dislike!!!)

Our FOURTH GRADER!

It's hard to believe he's in FOURTH grade already!!! There are some days that I want them to stay babies forever.... and well, there are OTHER days! LOL.

These are pictures of Andrew reading. He does NOT like to read. What do you or have you done to inspire your children to read? Tatiana can get lost in a book, but the boys... they are a different story!

Have a beautiful day!

Celebrating Uncle Mike's 51st Birthday!

Tatiana and Diego came with me to Louisiana a few weeks ago to celebrate our Uncle's 51st birthday. It was a great time. The kids had lots of fun. Uncle Mike was surprised. Love that man! We also got to spend time with Kaleb and Ainsley. I took lots of pics of Kevin's family, John's family and then the whole bunch!