November is National Adoption Awareness Month

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing."  Deuteronomy 10:18

November is National Adoption Awareness Month.

Many people wonder how they can be a part of this wonderful movement when they are not in a position to adopt.  The ways are countless!

Here is a great blog post from Lifeline Children's Services (the adoption agency we are using) about ways to get involved.

You can also read my blog post from National Adoption Awareness month 2011.

Here are just a few of my suggestions:

PRAYER - Our God listens to us!  Hallelujah!  Isn't it amazing that The Creator cares for us, and wants to hear the cries of our hearts?  It blows me away!  The name that we have chosen for our little girl is Eliana, which is Hebrew for "My God Answers."  And yes, He does answer our prayers.  So commit to praying about adoption this month.
Pray for the children who have no family.
Pray for the children that wait for their families to bring them home.
Pray for the families in the adoption process.
Pray for the families who are transitioning to life with a newly adopted child.
Pray for God to show you other ways that He wants you to be involved in feeding and clothing the fatherless.

DONATE YOUR TIME - Time is something that we all wish we had more of these days.  We all have busy lives full of appointments.  However, when you take the time to help a friend in need, the blessing comes back to you.
Take a meal to a family who has recently welcomed an adopted child.
Send a text, email or make a phone call to encourage a friend in the adoption process (whether in the waiting stage or in the newly home stage)
Help organize a fundraiser for a family who feels called to adopt.
Spend time with foster children in your area.  There are many organizations that you can get involved with that will facilitate this for you.  If you are in East Alabama check out http://www.ourbighouse.org/.

DONATE YOUR RESOURCES - Unfortunately, the adoption process does not come without cost.  There are agency fees, government clearances, and travel costs associated with adoption.  Many adoptive families fund raise to aid in bringing their child/children home.
Donate sky miles to a family who will be flying as a part of the adoption process.
Attend adoption fund raising events (yard sales, in home parties, etc.).
Give money to a fund raising family, and include a note of encouragement (now you've donated your time & resources!).
Donate items to your local foster care outreach organization (it's easy to find out what they need, just ask).
Donate to a reputable organization that cares for the fatherless.  A personal favorite of mine is http://thesoundofhope.org/.


There are a million other ways that you can get involved, all you have to do is pray and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.

"Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed."  Psalm 82:3

It was a Semester of FUN!

"The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord." 2 Chronicles 5:13

Today was Big D's last day of Music Class for the semester.

It is a sad day, because we have enjoyed spending this one-on-one time together so much.
But more importantly, it is a day that I am filled with pride because of the growth I have seen in my little guy over the last eight weeks.

Big D has learned so much during his time in Music Class.  He has learned more about following rules and being a part of the group.  He has also learned about making a joyful noise, and he does it so well!

Thanks again, GiGi, for giving us this opportunity!

Trick or Treat!

The Stoves family had an awesome time playing dress up and collecting treats on Halloween!

We took the costume thing to the next level this year with a fun pirate theme.

Both of the boys dressed up as adorable, lovable pirates.

 They set sail in their pirate ship to collect some yummy treasures throughout our neighborhood.

And yes, we even had our own soundtrack!