End of the Year post

My dad made it in safely from Tulsa despite all the bad weather so suffice it to say we have hit the ground running. Since Brian and I hadn't even started shopping and my dad does it when he gets here, it's all we've been doing. Not much to report on the Adoption front. The adoption agreement was sent in a while ago so now the fun part. Paper chasing (as it's known) and we will begin our home study in the new year. Not to mention all the fund raising that will take place. If you ever think of us, please do not forget to forward us to anyone you come in contact with also on this type of journey. Or anyone willing to donate to a good cause. wink wink! In all seriousness we are looking forward to sharing lots of exciting news in '08. Thanks for being with us so far, it's been a blast. Here's a little end of year funniness...

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Not Alone

Today our family had the privilege of finally meeting our agency liaison Cathi. Cathi is our contact person here in Florida. We have been speaking with her for over a year now and she has walked us through every step so far. She has answered every question and listened to every fear. She is amazing. Cathi and her husband have adopted 4 girls from China so she has plenty of hands on experience. Sadly, Cathi will be leaving at the end of the year to pursue other things and even though this is the beginning for us, we will really miss her. Every year they host a picnic for all the families who have adopted or are in the process of adopting with Children's Hope International (Florida). It's a great time to meet others who have been there done that and those who are waiting like us. Its awesome to be able to ask questions and its also really inspiring to be around these precious little ones who have finally found forever families. One couple we spent quite a while with are Paul and Karen. They are 19 months in and waiting patiently just like all of us. They are aware the time could be as long as 3 years before they receive their referral. That said, they are so positive and were such a joy to get to know. They are making a difference in their church and their community as they wait to bring their daughter home. I was inspired. It was a great time and it really helps to know there are others in this process and we can all be an encouragement to each other.

National Adoption Month

As some of you may know November is National Adoption Month. November 17th was actually National Adoption Day, I thought that was pretty cool since it was the day we had our first fund raiser. Anyway, I realize adoption is not for everyone however there are ways to be part of the solution without bringing a child into your home physically. Something we can all do is sponsor a child to give them a chance at a better life right where they are. About a year ago while Brian and I were waiting to begin our adoption my grandfather sent me a photo and information regarding a little boy in China. Zijian is his name and he was abandoned when his parents discovered he had cerebral palsy. As we looked into it more we realized this was an amazing way to be part of the solution. To make a difference in his life as we waited for Grace. If this is something you might be interested in doing you can click here. Of course there are lots of different places to do something like this but my hope is just to create more awareness and remind people we can make a difference.

Major Success

Since I have almost no time left before we leave town, just wanted to take a moment to tell you what an amazing day it was for us on Saturday. We had HUGE success with our garage sale and made just over 300 dollars for our adoption. We wanted to once again thank all of you who sent our email to others, prayed for us, donated items, the sign makers (we had the greatest sign), the amazing people who not only donated their driveway but also made us breakfast and lastly the special person who stayed up really late helping me get it all priced and sorted through. You guys all know who you are and you are totally amazing and we are honored you are partnering with us. We cannot do this without you. We pray Thanksgiving Blessings for you all and look forward to updating you more after the holidays. Don't forget to check the website when you have time!! Love you!!!

Oh and by the way, since this was just the first of many garage sales to raise money please remember us when you are getting rid of anything, we will be happy to come and get it. Remember, one man's trash is another man's treasure. :-)

Milestone 2

Our garage sale is tomorrow and we are so excited. We had so many people donate stuff, we are overwhelmed by the blessing. As of yesterday we were 50 dollars short to submit our adoption agreement until another 100 dollars unexpectedly came in, so going into the garage sale we have 50 dollars towards the home study fee. This fee will be anywhere from 1,000 to 1,600 dollars. I will be making the call for our first appointment on Monday. Obviously there will be somewhat of a delay for certain things now the holidays are upon us but that will not stop our efforts to get our information out to people who are interested. We hope you all have an amazing weekend and pray for our garage sale to go well. I will post some pics next week.

October/November Fun in Pics

We interrupt this adoption blog to bring you some fun family pics. Halloween was a blast. The boys were both pirates for their Character book parade at school but for the trick or treating Jayden decided to be an '80's skater. Go figure. At this one house there was a pug dressed just like Jack (Captain Jack Sparrow) so I couldn't resist a pic. The dog seemed less than impressed. There's also a less than flattering pic of Jared and I but it is Halloween, a time to scare people. The beginning of November brought Jared's first Homecoming and his last race of the season (video to come). I think I was much more excited about homecoming than he was. He allowed me to be a chaperon which was so much fun. I tried to stay in the Cafeteria and away from him as much as possible so he wouldn't think I was trying to spy. He looked so amazing. His little friend who went with him was just too cute. Funny thing was, besides the initial pic the photographer took they went their separate ways the rest of the evening. Kids.







Our car wash did not pan out as expected due to the fact all the good gas stations get booked months in advance. Who knew? Plus since we are not a school or church we are going to have plead our case and hope they will still allow it. However, all is not lost. Our friends in the next neighborhood over are having a community garage sale next weekend so that is plan B. Pray things go well. Thanks for checking in and please don't forget to sign our guest book. Blessings.

Will the mystery guest please sign in...

As you can see from the side bar it shows we have raised 730 dollars, take away the monies spent of 100 dollars from our application fee and we are just 70 dollars from being able to send in our adoption agreement. The 200 dollar donation we received this morning has brought us even closer. We are blown away by all the money donated but I think this one really moved me b/c we don't even know this person. The fact someone somehow found us and believes in what we are doing and trusts we will do with the money what we say is amazing to me. It also reminds me of God's goodness. Thank you so much Maitland, FL.

Not Wavering

Once we knew we were approved I called our agency to ask about how long it would take to receive our adoption agreement. She explained it would be in the mail right away and so me, being the impatient one I am got frustrated when it didn't show up the next day. Is this in God's hands or not ? I reminded myself it was and even though I looked for it daily I was fine when it didn't come.

More donations came in and Brian and I tried to sync our calendars to have our first fund raiser but between all the baseball games, cross country meets, church responsibilities and work it seemed like we never going to get started. Finally, a date worked for both and so we are happy to say Saturday November 10th we will be having our first fund raiser. YAY! Don't know where or what time yet but we'll let you know.

So, one of the main reasons for this blog was to help us somehow network with other families also on this journey and to tell you the truth this was my main concern. I know we have people who are supporting us and are praying us through etc. but there is something about being on the same road as someone else and having that connection no one else quite gets. So, here's the exciting part...one of my Starbucks regulars Kelli, and her husband Dean are on this journey also. They already got their LID (log in date, meaning their dossier has been accepted by the Chinese gov and they are on the list for their referral) so they are about 6 months ahead of us but that doesn't matter. Kelli and I have spoken a couple of times and it's so refreshing to hear of someone else's journey and to know we can walk the road together. Thank you God.

Ok, back to waiting. Saturday it came and I was thrilled. It's huge, so much paperwork. We only have 60 days to get it back to our agency and still haven't raised the rest of the 700 we need to sign the agreement. Not only that but since I allowed my permanent residency card (green card, which by the way is pink) to expire I just had to spend 370 dollars to apply for a new one. I was so angry with myself. But as Brian constantly says...IT IS WHAT IT IS!!!!! I talked to our agency and they said it wouldn't hold us up at all.

What does this have to do with the title? I'm not going to lie, I was wavering. Yes, already. I was upset with myself I had to spend money we didn't have and wondering if I was making all this up in my head. Last night during my quiet time the Lord led me to this scripture
Romans 4:20-21 ~ Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. I am not going to waver, His promises are true and His desire has become our desire to bring our little girl home. I was reminded of this again in our devotion with the kids this morning. It spoke of a tightrope walker and asked the question why didn't he fall when everyone was screaming and applauding for him? The answer- because he was focused and therefore able to keep his balance. It's the same for us or anyone on any kind of journey. Our focus has to be on God and what His promises have already told us not on the circumstances of money or time.
Jeremiah 29:12-14 ~Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.

I know I say this a lot but thanks for being on this journey with us. Blessings.

And Baby Makes Three.

I have just heard/read the news, my precious friend Shannon and her husband Adam have finally been given the go ahead to go and pick up their baby girl, Analise Jade from Guatemala. I have known Shannon for 7 years and I can't think of anyone who deserves this more than her. It's been such a joy and inspiration to watch this whole process unfold and my heart is jumping for joy for them. We love you Shannon and can't wait to meet baby Analise.

One Word...APPROVED!!!

Well, the first approval has come in. Our application is approved!!! We are thrilled. So, this is where we go from here.

~ Our agency will send us our adoption agreement which among other things states we will not use any other agency but them. It's also the first set of pages of our dossier.

~ $700.00 and our signatures seals the adoption agreement deal and allows us to proceed with a local social worker and begin our home study.

~ From what I understand our home study will cost anywhere from $1200.00-$1600.00 and will take approximately 90 days.

During this time I am sure there are mounds of paperwork to collect, fill out and send in.

So, what now??? Well, in just over a week you have sent in $350.00 and we are so thankful. Now we have been officially approved the fund raising can and will begin. Any ideas? The standard car wash and garage sale are a given but I am open to any suggestions. Please help us out.

Alright, guys here we go...we are so excited you are on this journey with us. We can feel your prayers and can't thank you enough. Keep checking in...

Guestbook

I know there are several of you out there who are not into leaving comments but if you would, please go and sign our guest book to let us know you stopped by. We would really appreciate it. Thanks!

One Week and Counting

Today is Monday and it's been a week since we submitted our application. I know, only a week. I know what you are thinking...if she's having problems after only a week God help her and us. No, I am fine I was just letting you know. Things have been going really well and last week was such a great week. Let's see if I can catch you up.

Thursday Jayden and I had to get our eyes checked and that was a totally new experience for me. They put a local anesthetic in my eyes in order to do this certain test and then proceeded to dilate them. Let me tell you, I have a whole new appreciation for my sight. I felt blind for what seemed like hours. And whats worse
is my sunglasses weren't enough so they shoved these black film looking things between them and my eyes. Yeah and stupid me thought well how bright can the sun be. I shouldn't have checked. It made things much worse. It seemed unfair b/c Jayden's went back to normal after only an hour. Needless to say I am thankful to see as well as I do. Later that evening we met a friend of mine who's an amateur photographer to take some pics since we are long overdue for a family photo. We got a couple good shots but I'll save those for another time.

Friday was really fun. Jayden was picked for one of the authors of the month so we went to hear him read his story to his peers. His story was about One Wish he had and his was how he died and got to go and meet God. He talked about how God looked really responsible and intelligent and how he worshipped at his feet. About how he read the bible to God and how amazing He was. Then it talked about how we were sad b/c he had died and him and God were looking at us. WOW! It finally ended with him saying he hadn't really died but he did wish he could go and see God. I have to say I was pretty impressed he'd been chosen considering its a public school.

So, that same day my son invited me to have lunch with him. My 14 year old. Can you believe that? And he didn't invite me to pick him up and take him to lunch, he invited me to actually come to his school and eat with him in the cafeteria with all his friends. I, of course did not say no. I felt so cool. His friends were so nice although I tried not to talk too much just in case I embarrassed him. We talked mainly about what they were all involved in, the different cliques and of course the upcoming Homecoming Dance which Jared informed me he wants to attend. Since I didn't attend school in the US of A I am really not sure what this is about so they all explained.

The weekend was packed with cleaning, homework, baseball games, church and youth. Not to mention a beach party and baptism and a Bucs games for Brian. All in all a fun filled week and weekend. How was yours?

A Little Rusty

Yesterday was a looooong day. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I babysit a little girl named Kylie. She is 3 and a half months old. She is a really good baby. Yesterday, not so much. Now this wouldn't have normally bothered me except I was also babysitting another little girl who was only 16 months old. Let me tell you, I was so out of my element. It's amazing to me how quickly we forget. I mean, I did that. They weren't quite that close but I had to juggle the baby and toddler thing. It wasn't that the day was hard per se but I was exhausted. Right when I thought I had got them both settled one would wake up. I would get one fed and then the other would be hungry. It was non-stop. WOW, I have so much more respect for people who do that everyday in daycares and such. I'm sure glad I'm only adding one more and not two.



A massive THANK YOU to my precious friend Betsy Leeuwner for re-designing our template. I cannot thank you enough for all you did. Just like our first time around with this blogger thing huh?








Quick donation update (which you can also see in the sidebar) we have had 2 more come in. Thank you thank you thank you!! God is faithful.

Officially Official (Long Post)

Well, the papers are on their way to St. Louis as I type these words. There really aren't words to describe what I feel knowing we have started the ball rolling. If I'm honest some of the words that come to mind are words like ~ fear, trepidation, insecurity, doubt and while this is the truth of what I sometimes feel the words that truly describe the nature of this journey are passion, love, hope, faith, amazement, joy and excitement and so you see those words out number the first set. Thank you for being on this road with us. We could never do it without the support of all of you.

I get have a devotional sent to my email everyday and today's was entitled Discipline or Regret?

This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
— Hebrews 12:1-3

In the 1968 Olympics within the stadium in Mexico City, the stands had gone dark after an extremely busy day of some of the finest track and field events in the history of the Olympics. All that remained inside the stadium were a few judges, the clean-up crew and a handful of reporters who were filing their reports. All of a sudden out of nowhere, a runner in his country’s track uniform half hobbled and half ran into that great stadium. He was a marathon runner who was literally hours behind the official last place finisher. He ran around the track and crossed the finish line. One of the reporters ran down to the field to ask this runner why he bothered to finish the race since he was obviously hurting and no one would even count him as a finisher. The injured runner looked up at the reporter and said, “My country did not send me over 5,000 miles to start the race but rather to finish it.”

This man persevered, endured the pain and finished the race. What a hero! What do you need to do today to sustain your life, your faith, family, or health over the long haul? Is there something in which you need to wholeheartedly persevere to finish the race of life well?

Remember this great piece of advice offered to me by my good friend Bill Hall, “When the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of changing, you will change.” The way I figure it is that in life, we either choose the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. Choose today the pain of discipline.

This was really interesting to me b/c I know it will take major discipline to get through this adoption. And the part about when the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of changing... For some months now I have been asking God what is it you want me to do with my life, what is my purpose? What is OUR purpose? I know I'm a mom and a wife and I'm striving to be the best I can be but I knew there was something more. I had a sense of dissatisfaction. Little by little He's been showing me and Brian and guiding us. This adoption is just the beginning. There is so much more to come that has been birthed b/c of our passion to adopt a child in China. I thank God He is opening our eyes to it and as things progress will be sharing with you what else God has placed in our hearts.

Be blessed and please check back often.

Blessed beyond measure, already

I am moved to tears. The donations are already coming in. We feel so incredibly blessed. There aren't words. Our first donation came in from my sister and her family in Oklahoma. WOW!!! God's goodness is all over this. Thank you just doesn't seem to cut it. As soon as I can I will post some pics of the fab peeps already helping us.

For Shannon

I have been reprimanded for not posting enough. I honestly thought since there was nothing going on with the adoption why post? Well, Shannon told me I was wrong and people wanna know what's happening. We are still set to send our app in this week. Waiting for the pics to submit with the app. Anyway, thought I would share with you the pics we are submitting. We had to show 4 of the house, one of the outside and 3 of the inside. One of mom and dad and all the kids. I won't bother with the ones from the house but here are the ones of us.
















I know unless you have gone through or are going through this, you can't possibly imagine what an undertaking it is just to get the application in the mail. This is going to change our entire lives for the better. I can't tell you the peace we have in doing this.

Oh, side note: I know you are a bunch of smart people and I am counting on you all! Any fund raising ideas you have please send our way. We are looking for lots of innovative ideas. We've got several to start with but need lots more so I'm looking for those comments. Thanks!

Seriously?

Alright it has been almost 24 hours since this post and while I would like to say it was a great success... Not.
So, how about this?
Be the first?
Yeah, maybe you can be the first to give $1 and for that I will post your picture and short story of what a great philanthropist you are?
Or not?
Either way somebody be the first!
Lets get it started!

A SIMPLE PLEA?

THIS IS A SIMPLE PLEA FOR $1
YES YOU HAVE A DOLLAR AND BUY DONATING THAT DOLLAR TO GRACE YOU ARE PART OF BRINGING YOUR DAUGHTER HOME. THAT IS RIGHT YOU DONATE AND YOU BECOME PART OF THIS MIRACLE ADOPTION AND YOU SHARE A PART OF A LIFE GOD CREATED TO DO SOMETHING BEYOND OUR OWN HOPES AND DREAMS!

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? PLEASE HELP, FOR GRACES SAKE!

OBVIOUSLY IF YOU GIVE MORE WE WONT HOLD IT AGAINST YOU EITHER!!!!!

Finally getting started

As most of you know, Brian and I posted SEVERAL months ago that we were beginning our adoption journey. Allow me to clarify. At that moment we decided yes this was something we knew we were supposed to do and made the call to the agency and they mailed us the paperwork. The packet came in a bright yellow folder and right away I tore through it. Then, it kind of just sat. And sat, and sat some more. Then one evening out of the blue I thought well the least I can do is start filling it out. Then it sat again. Then February came and we moved. So, it went from sitting on a table to sitting in a drawer. I would think about it frequently and wonder was this something we were still called to do? It still burned in me. I thought about her all the time, prayed for her. Hoped for her. I had doubts. We didn't and don't have 20 grand sitting in the bank. Was this God? Did I dream this? No, I couldn't have. Then one day another package, only I wasn't expecting this one. I opened it and burst into tears. My dear sweet friend Shannon who is also waiting with expectancy for her little girl to come home, had put herself aside for me. She made me a gift, a beautiful gift and had Grace's name embroidered on it. She said in her card she wanted me to have something to hold onto while I waited to hold her. That little gift now sits on my dresser as a constant reminder she is coming home. As we all know God's timing is everything and now is that time. I am thrilled to say our application will be in the mail by the week's end. Tonight at dinner we brainstormed on fundraising ideas and all the kids were on board. I cannot tell you the peace I feel about this. I know there are tough times ahead but I know God would not have birthed this in us if He wasn't going to walk through it too. Thank you for praying and don't stop. I would also encourage you to please point anyone you know our way if they have gone through or are going through a chinese adoption. We would love to connect with anyone we can on this. Be blessed and stay tuned.

It's been way too long...

No excuses. Well, except life. So, here we are, summer is over and the kids are back in school. Here's the latest in the life of maciaszek. First off, we had the greatest summer. I quit my full time job and went back to Starbucks part time in order to be there for the kids all summer. We spent most of it at the beach or someone's pool. Skateboarding and playing outside with the 5,0o00 other boys who live on our street and of course now we have a house with a backyard, grilling out. Yeah baby. There is nothing like dinner on the grill. We also spent time with friends from back home who decided to visit the new place. The Beckley's, The Pybas', The Daigle's and The Leeuwner's. Did I forget anyone? Sorry if I did.

So for the update. Jared's a freshman!!! Are you kidding me? I really thought God was not going to back out of the deal. Which was...we get raptured, I don't have to deal with highschool. Not sure which part was supposed to benefit God but never the less it has happened. He also turned 14 the week prior to school starting which was very emotional for me. He is attending a school in our neighborhood that is brand new this year which means NO SENIORS!!!! He is loving it. He is already part of the cross country team and then will play baseball in the fall. Jackson is in 4th grade now and Jayden is in 3rd grade. They also attend a brand new school in our neighborhood. They both have awesome teachers. Jayden is playing winter ball (that's a joke, winter in Florida) and Jack will start basketball in January. Brian is still selling food and recently won a trip to Atlanta to see the Braves play. No wives however, so it wasn't as good as it could have been. ;) I am now working part time at Starbucks, nannying 2 and a half days a week and cleaning an office. Yes, I am aware I am nuts. We are still very involved at our church and will start yet another home team in September. Hopefully it will be a way to connect more with our neighbors here where we live since we moved 30 minutes north of church. Are you bored yet?

Since we moved into a brand new house everything was white. I'm not talking pretty nice white either, this white is nasty and can't even keep clean white. So, that had to be taken care of and fast. Everyone knows paint is the cheapest way to spruce things up so away I went. I picked colors and we did half the kitchen, half bath, living room, up the stairs and part of the loft. Anyone who knows me knows I HATE TO PAINT!!!!! But I gotta tell ya once I got into it and started seeing the results, I was hooked. I can't wait to finish the rest of the house. I have to admit though we were so beat when we finished (we did all of that in 1 week) we have yet to touch up and as I look around I know it will take just as long to do that.

Now for the info that has been on everyone's mind. J/K. The adoption papers are being filed this week and to tell you the truth, I am terrified. They have been filled out for over 6 months but for some reason I have not been able to send them in. I know this is something we are called to do and I know this is something we want desperately but still the unknown is scary. We need your prayers to take this step and put our faith out there for something we can't see. Thanks.

Well, I think that about covers it for now. Know you are all welcome here anytime. I will try not to leave it so long in the future.

P.S. Will have more pics and hopefully another house tour. Love to you all!