Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Update

In my last entry we had just found out that Amani Baby Cottage had received our affidavits....

Well, shortly after that, we found out that our affidavits had one too many signatures and because of that, it could not be filed with the courts. So we had to do that part of the process over! We had to reprint the affidavits, sign and re-fedex (another $130)!! The most discouraging part was that it would take another week for the affidavits to arrive in Uganda. It felt like we had just wasted a week. I have to remember that there will be hiccups along the way--that's a given! It's amazing how many circumstances God can use to continually remind me that He is in control, His timing is best, and patience, patience, patience!

Our papers finally arrived last Tuesday, Jan. 22. The affidavits were filed with the high court on Wednesday, Jan. 23. We rejoice that this part of the process is done. We are officially waiting for a court date. One of the other families in our group got a Feb. 11 court date, so we are praying for a Feb. date as well. But again, God is in control, His timing is perfect, and He has a day appointed already, and it will not be delayed from that.

We also found out recently that Amani had to increase their prices for adoption. We now need to come up with an additional $3000. Again this was discouraging news, but this is no surprise to God. When we heard this news and shared it with some close friends, God began bringing his purposes to light. God gave an idea to our friend Erryn, and the motivation to bring it to completion. That night Erryn brainstormed and developed plans for a dinner and silent auction fundraiser!
This Saturday, February 2nd, we are having a "Crazy Chili Cookoff Dinner" at Hope Church on 56th and Grand from 5 to 9 pm. It is $5 per person, all you can eat chili, drinks and dessert. We will be having a silent auction and raffles. We have had an enourmous response from businesses who are lavishing us with support and generosity for this event. Our goal is to raise $5800 which will cover the increased adoption fees, travel expenses for me and the children, and costs while in Uganda.
We believe God has big things planned for this event Saturday. This is about God accomplishing His purposes and may all the glory go to Him. He is wonderful!

This journey has been long (two years in April) and we are tired. The finish line looks so close but we know that it requires a great deal of emotional and physical endurance. Please pray for us that we finish well. We want to be willing and obedient to God wherever and whenever he chooses to direct us.
We appreciate your prayers, support, encouragment, and friendship. God has richly blessed us through you. We are rich indeed.

3 comments:

Rachel and Arielle said...

Hi Todd and Jenny!
We have 5 people here in Uganda that would love to attend your "Crazy Chili Cookoff"- Auntie Rachel, Auntie Arielle (me), Auntie Renee, Christopher, and Katie! Although we won't be there physically, we'll be celebrating with you from here at Amani. We'll make sure C and K have their first taste of chili, or the closest thing to it!
Please let us know where we can send a check and who to make it out to. We'll be sending you an email with pics of Christopher swimming and Katie out for icecream.
Hope to see you really soon!

Jenn said...

Jenny and Todd,

I sooo wish that I could be at your chili feed, how fun! I will be praying for you to receive the funds you need and more!

Of course, we know that God will provide, we just have the priviledge of seeing it happen.

I have tears in my eyes, thinking of you home with those precious babies. I cannot wait until our beautiful brown babies can meet at last.

What a journey! I feel so blessed to have been able to see all of this happen.

Oh, what's that I see ahead? Swint Jenny and Todd!! It's the finish line!!! Run strong, finish well...I am so proud of you.

Much much love,
Jenn

Brooke said...

Hi!
My name is Brooke and my husband and I are currently in the adoption process- we are adopting 2siblings from Ethiopia. We are in desperate need of fundraising efforts and I had found your blog from an aquaintance (Melissa and Richard's Pearls of Africa blog). We are inspired by your fundraising efforts and have some questions to ask you about them, if you don't mind. If you would, please email me at el_lauren@yahoo.com Thank you so much! -Brooke