Last night, we made it official. While we had unofficially accepted our referral at the beginning of August, the adoption could not move forward without payment. We sent off our notarized referral form along with a pile of checks to cover the first half of our referral fee, and the first month’s payment for the children’s care in the orphanage, which totals $6900.

Altogether, nearly $14,000 of the $28,000 total has been spent on our adoption in just over two months. Our process is moving more quickly than we ever could have imagined!

So many of you have helped make this step possible. Some of you have hosted us in your home for a fundraising party. Some of you have quietly sent checks in the mail, or laid one on my seat in church. Some of you have told stories of God’s goodness, and wanting to pass that goodness along. Some of you heard God whisper to you before you even knew we had an urgent need. Some of you have eaten chicken for dinner, brought friends, and come back later for dessert. Others did all of that, and slipped a check into our hands as well. Someone even dressed up like a cow to remind others to go to Chick Fil A.  Someone else gave up haircuts until our children come home, and donated the money she would have spent on haircuts to our kids. Some of you have shared produce and meals to help keep our grocery budget low. Some of you have had no financial resources to give, but have interceded fervently on our behalf.

For everyone who has read, written, prayed, grown food, cooked meals, skipped out on other plans, dressed up, grown your hair out, eaten chicken, and listened to God, thank you. We are humbled by your generosity, and excited that God is not only moving our hearts, but yours as well.

We’ve got a long way to go before we reach our goal, but we’re well on our way. But we’re especially thankful for those of you who have joined us on our journey!