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Well…

Well, I am excited to announce that we are in our second trimester–of adoption.  We are adopting, bringing home one more child.

I can’t believe it, yet also, I guess I can.   The five of us feel in a state of great excitement, we eagerly anticipate bringing one more little one in our home, into our lives and begin the process of loving, learning, filling in the gaps, and whatever may be ahead of us, whatever is required.

We know it will not be without difficulty, yet our hearts are eager despite.

Difficulty, you ask?  I want to direct your attention to this picture.  Although it was taken after 22 hours of no sleep, cramped in an ‘upright airplane position’ while having a dead-arm, because we were carrying a teeny tiny, sick, malnourished baby home, to his home, and I was exhausted and it was taken 1.5 years ago, I look about 5-7 years younger than I do now, hah!!  Adoption is not easy.

Eli

We both look inversely better to each other, lol

So why are we doing it again?  (No–seriously, really, someone tell me…)

Adoption–is not easy.  But, adoption is worth it.  (And that is easier to type than to do…  #Holdme)

Adoption has brought us to our knees, brought tears to our eyes, had us sacrifice, and that was just the first day–yet, through it, we have discovered what is worth more than money.  Worth more than things.  Worth more than vacations, grandeur or accomplishment, and that one thing, we have learned, is people.  God’s children.  I think although we would have agreed with that in the past with our minds, we now can say it, and really mean it.  We now see it everyday we wake up, in our own house.  And it has become our joy, despite the hard.

Although I wish I could have something beautiful to share with you, something inspiring, I don’t.  We are adopting again because we have room, because we have room in our hearts to love a child, to build them up, to provide for their physical, and emotional needs.  Because it’s more through our weakness than our strength that God can use us for what he has in store for one of his children who right now, has no family.

And the moment that I feel like I may just flip, I remember, even for half a second,

//It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself.//

We can bring this little one home, we can change her titles from abandoned, forgotten, burden, a sad statistic, a pity, to worthy.  Chosen.  Loved.  One more bowl, one more spoon at our table each day, one more stocking over the fire, yet with these changes, her title will be daughter.  Delighted in. Hopeful, loved, made new.

Oh did I mention,

“It’s a Girl!!”

Oh, and did I ever mention I would never adopt a toddler again, cause I meant it–yet she will be about the same age Elijah was when we first brought him home. #irony

***

In short, there are two quotes that swirled in my head when we were first thinking about, ‘one more time.’  One for each of our adopted children.  These two things said to me continue to shift my priorities, when I feel them slipping,

Sometimes I feel brave.

And sometimes I don’t, but these are two examples of why, two reasons that make us brave–

1.  “You know, because I can never get married,” my daughter told us.

“What, what do you mean?  You can get married if you want t0.”

“What?  I can!!?!” she said, her eyes filled with hope and joy.  “In the orphanage they told me that I would always be alone, live by myself, that no one would ever love me…”

“They told you that?”

“Yes…”

She has spent the past 1.5 years learning, for the first time, that she is loved, and she is not alone, unraveling that lie scarred deep in her heart.  And the transformation has been priceless.

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2.  Casually, almost sterile while scribbling on a time sheet, “Yes, I think that in less than one year, he will be completely caught up speech wise,” before briskly capping her pen and tucking it in her binder, waving goodbye after her speech session with Elijah, who crawled into my lap.  My son.  Severely neglected, in every sense for 18 months, hungry, alone, untouched, not spoken to, not held.  All before he even starts kindergarten, will be completely caught up to his peers.

Well, shoot….

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They make us brave, because, yes

***

So…the details are this; We are flipping excited.  We honestly, seriously are so excited.  We were told that we were one of two families open to this special need (She has a special need, something that I am wondering about sharing here, a voice for others?) and when I look at her sweet face, I always can’t believe she will be ours.

The kids are through the roof, well, except for Elijah, who is oblivious.  Finley reserves one extra everything, “For little sister.”  “One for me, one for ‘lijah, and one for my little sister, cause I love her!”

Maria nearly lost her mind when we told her, she totally flipped out when we told her walking home from school one day.

“Honey, are you sad she won’t be older, you know, like a sister closer to your own age,” and she looked at us indignantly, throwing her hands up, “WHO CARES!!!  It’s a sister, a girl!!”

We pray for her at dinner, they ask about her situation often.  “Mommy,” Finley told me, “Little sister has no mommy and no daddy, but, you’re a mommy…”

“True son,”  “And I think she would like my daddy, too.” he added.

“Who wouldn’t” I say.

Sooo….here’s to, um, cutting back in every area, and embracing it.  The adoption process isn’t forever. #Holdme  To not choosing to stress about the thorn of fundraising, and instead get creative, use our efforts to praise and remain steadfast.

I can’t share her picture with you right now, but we are hoping to travel to Africa this year to bring her home.  THIS YEAR!

***

So, this huge, please know, adoption is a humbling place to be.  No one wants to be in a place of need, I for one, would rather 100% to be self sufficient.  But I remember that God used others to help us bring two of our kids homes, just one month before Russia closed their doors.  I think about that often, the timing of it all, as we are so grateful.

Someone remind me how to fundraise, just tell me what to do.

We are working on trying to sell, you know, everything.  Does anyone need a wedding dress?

If you would be willing to donate to our little girl, and to helping to bring her home, we would be so grateful, I don’t even know what to say more than that.  To unite us with her, there could be no words to thank someone for doing that.

We have two places to fundraise, one through our awesome Reece’s Rainbow, all donations are tax deductible:  http://reecesrainbow.org/77719/sponsorbrockhaus-2

And one via YouCaring that is not tax deductible, but there are no small percentages taken out: http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/bring-little-c-home-/186162

Ok, so what did I leave out, let me know?

Thank you for taking the time to read.  Share if you feel led, we would so love to bring her home asap and begin her new life in a family.  We have already talked to Elijah’s current developmental specialists and we can request the same ones for her, as soon as she gets home!

Ok, we’re ready, let’s do this…#HoldMe….

xooxoxoxoxxooxooxoxoxo

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it’s destination full of hope.” -Maya Angelou

 

 

 

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  • Lucy June 2, 2014, 5:13 pm

    Dear Amy,
    I almost screamed with excitement when I read your news. Your blog was one of the biggest catalysts that gave my husband and I the courage to begin our adoption process last year. And it speaks volumes that you are willing to do this again, even after the difficulties you’ve been through. Thanks for giving me another dose of courage. I can’t wait to follow your journey – and I especially can’t wait to see her face!

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:32 pm

      You’re so fun! We are excited, and even the hard parts are all ok, good even! Yay, excited for your family, too!

      Thank you!

  • pat June 2, 2014, 5:28 pm

    Oh happy dance she is going to be so loved!!! All of you will be blessed by this little one.
    Cannot wait to watch her come home.

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:33 pm

      She is SO loved! Can’t wait to bring her here so she knows it!

      Thank you!

  • Lauren Disel June 2, 2014, 6:15 pm

    The most powerful thing is the why- because you have room. That’s amazing. Congratulations, you guys. We will be thrilled to support your growing family.

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:33 pm

      Thank you Lauren. Kiss Oli from us

      xo

  • Jillian Burden June 2, 2014, 8:22 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m so happy for you- all of you! Praise God for providing direction in your lives and it is incredible to see you respond in faith. Can’t wait to follow the rest of your journey!

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:34 pm

      Thanks mama! And almost Happy Birthday to Ari!

      xoxo

  • Katrina June 2, 2014, 9:33 pm

    Hi Amy,
    I haven’t checked in on your sweet family in a while and look at what happens when I’m gone! I’m sure you don’t recall but we chatted a while back via e-mail when I found out we have a hometown connection 🙂 I wanted to let you know we will absolutely be praying for you and are SO EXCITED for you! Tell Maria I have 2 sisters and they are my beloved treasures. My younger sister was born when I was 10 and we are the greatest of friends now. Much love to all of you! Praying for peace and strength to get through the difficult parts….you know, so that He “holds you”. I know He will. God bless, Katrina

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:35 pm

      Oh I love what you said about your sisters, I know maria will feel the same!

      Thank you for the encouragement, it is priceless

      xoxo

  • Marina June 2, 2014, 10:53 pm

    Oh, Amy! I follow your blog since Maria and Elijah just got home and now… you are a mama of 4! I’m so happy for you! best wishes! can’t wait to see her sweet face ^__^
    Love from Spain

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:36 pm

      Hola! Y gracias! She is SO SWEET AND CUTE! Can’t wait to share 🙂

  • daniellem02 June 3, 2014, 4:43 am

    Such wonderful news! I can’t wait to read all about it : )

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:36 pm

      Thank you!

  • Marissa June 3, 2014, 5:01 am

    Congratulations! I have loved reading about your journey with your littles so far, and I can’t wait to see you welcome another new child!

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:36 pm

      Thank you!

  • Jenny Leong June 3, 2014, 6:26 am

    Amy, I have always enjoyed your posts and would love to contribute towards the wee one #4. However, I don’t do online donations and prefer to send a cheque to your attention. Kindly e-mail me and I will be happy to provide my home phone as well. Looking forward to hearing from you~~Jenny

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:37 pm

      Thank you Jenny!

  • Melissa June 3, 2014, 7:20 am

    Love you guys so much.

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:39 pm

      Thanks, love you back!

  • Fatcat June 3, 2014, 7:21 am

    Wonderful~!!

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:39 pm

      Hey! I remember you from our first adoption! Nice to see you again! xoxoxoxo

  • Anna June 3, 2014, 8:41 am

    Congratulations!! I’m excited to learn about your journey towards your newest family member.

    Are you comfortable sharing other ways that Maria has had to adjust, from the absolutisms she was taught about herself in the orphanage? Of course, her grief and growth are her own story to share; but I was wondering if you had more insight into the bumpy road for an older child’s adoption.

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:40 pm

      It really isn’t to bumpy, we just listen and talk to her as things come up. She is so resilient and full of love despite everything!

      xoxo

  • Wendy Talley June 3, 2014, 8:51 am

    Yipee!!!! Awesomeness!

    Wendy

  • Kathy June 3, 2014, 9:46 am

    I am over the top happy for you, not surprised because I know your family has a lot of love that you want to share!!

  • Laura June 3, 2014, 10:19 am

    You guys are amazing and such an inspiration! I can’t wait to follow you on yet another journey!

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:40 pm

      Thanks, Laura! You guys, too!

  • Lauren Flynn June 3, 2014, 11:48 am

    Wow how exciting. I love seeing families grow through adoption. I have followed your blog since I saw Maria had moved to the family found me section (back when I was in high school). Now I’m a college student counting down the days until I graduate and can start foster parenting and someday adopt a child of my own. In the meantime it’s wonderful to be able to read your story. I will definitely be donating to your adoption thank you for reassuring me that it’s possible for a family with a modest income to adopt! (I will be a special education teacher after I graduate so the budget will always be tight).

    • tinyteam June 3, 2014, 4:41 pm

      What!? That’s so cool! I love that!

      Yeah, tight budget is an understatement, but we gotta get creative!

  • Tiffany June 3, 2014, 4:17 pm

    SOOOOO Excited for you!!!!<3

  • Jenna June 3, 2014, 5:20 pm

    So excited for your family!! Looking forward to following your journey to Africa to bring this precious one home. Your blog has been an inspiration to my own family as we determine when and where our adoption journey will take us. Many prayers headed your way as you continue on this new adventure!

  • Gina June 3, 2014, 8:25 pm

    Oh Amy, I’m in tears I’m so happy for you all! What excitement! I know you must be feeling a million things right now, some of which is — like you said — AAAAIIEEE what are we doing?! But one look at the light and joy in the faces of your kids answers that question. You’re amazing. Your family is amazing. Such great news!

  • Diana June 4, 2014, 9:12 am

    Congratulations on a new member of the family! I really enjoy reading your blog, I started reading right after you brought Maria and Elijah home. Thank you for serving and loving in this way!

  • Tiffany June 4, 2014, 12:49 pm

    I forgot to ask, is it better to donate through one page then the another? Does the money all come out the same to you or are there surcharges?