Barefoot Books Adoption Fundraiser

We are ringing in the new year of 2010 with a wonderful fundraiser! I will be selling multicultural books, Cd's, & gifts from Barefoot Books. This is a great company that gives back to the community. The commission earned goes towards our adoption costs. There is a Winter Sale going on until January 31, 2010 which offers 80% off select items! Please click on the picture to the left to browse my web page.

New Year Prayer For All

My daily devotional from Rev. G.: "I thank You for this day and everyday You bless us with. As we embark on a New Year, I pray for peace, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I pray that 2010 will be better than 2009. I pray that any hurt received in 2009 will be comforted in 2010. I pray that any sickness/illness encountered in 2009 will be cast out in 2010. And I pray that hopes and dreams will be renewed, restored, and revived in 2010.

God, I pray that You bless the ones reading this prayer. I pray that You will open up the windows of heaven and pour out a mighty blessing upon their lives and the lives of their families and friends. I pray that we may become more concerned with doing Your will instead of always asking, begging, and pleading for money and material things. I pray that You may show us that life is beautiful in the little things. Lord, I pray that You may strengthen our faith in trying times and allow us to rise above mediocrity and seek to be all that You have called us to be.

I pray that you may forgive us of our bad habits and anything that was and/is unpleasing to You. Continue to shower us with Your grace and mercy. I pray that we will become more focused on serving You and doing what You have called us to do. Strengthen us and guide us."

Happy New Year to all of you! May God bless you and tour families.

Out With the Old & In With the New

From my daily prayers: "Your life is too valuable to hold on to dead and boring things. God wants you to experience new blessings, fresh anointings, and powerful miracles; but you must first get rid of the old and accept the new. Once this is done, get ready to go higher and higher in your walk with God."

We know that in this journey, we will need to make some tough decisions if we want better. We are committed to our adoption in 2010! We will achieve all that God has planned for us!

God Has Everything Under Control

That is what I tell myself when I have a whole family sick during Christmas! Also when I am struggling to complete our home study. This adoption journey is so exciting and never dull. I do not want another Christmas to go by for any of these beautiful orphans without a famiy. My precious 4 year old Avery got upset one night because she did not understand why some children do not have a Mommy and Daddy. "What do they do when they are sick?" she said. "Who gives them kisses and hugs?" she wondered out loud. What more can we can say? How do you answer that? That is why we keep on going day in and day out.

Merry Christmas to All

What a wonderful example of our Heavenly Father here on earth - Derek Loux. Praying for his entire family and all his friends. He is holding all the orphans who never got the chance to have a father's love. I wish I could have met this amazing man. We hope to bring home as many as possible God willing.

Love and blessings to all of our family and friends!

Child Who Needs Your Help

I have just found out that a 15 year old girl from the Ukraine is in need of a family. If she is not placed by August 2010, she will age out and have no chance. When she does turn 18, she will be sent out on the streets where prostitution and drug use are typical. She has a very positive description and would make a wonderful daughter. If anyone knows of a family that would be interested, please let me know so I can share the contact information for this young girl.

Thank you to everyone for your help! Merry Christmas to all of you and God bless your families!

Daily Devotional Thoughts: "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. The more you praise God in the midst of the stuff you're going through, the less you worry about what you're dealing with."

Life Ain't Fair

Daily Devotional: "Life ain't fair. Whoever told you it was, lied to you. In this life, I've discovered the more you try to make sense out of something, the more confused you'll become. The more questions you ask, the less likely you are to find a solution. Instead of asking why you're in what you're in, ask God to give you clarity on how to deal with the issue. It's easy to say seek God in the midst of confusion, but it's difficult waiting on Him for an answer."

Today I pray for an open heart, open mind, and open ears. Let God prepare the way and lead us through this adoption. Stop asking questions and wondering how and why! Merry Christmas to all who are questioning as well!

Christmas Shopping & Wishing

This is a favorite time of year for our family. We love decorating, shopping for the girls, cold weather, and songs and movies! We are having better and better Christmases because we have taught our sweet little girls about the true meaning of giving rather than receiving. We are buying less "things" and focusing more on a couple of items they really, really want. Less is so much more! This year what is really getting to us is the fact that the beautiful angels abroad will spend another Christmas alone, hopeless, and sick. We ache for them.

As always during this time of year, appliances and cars break and funds must cover these. This year it hurts because we are trying so desperately to save for our adoption. We have faith, though. We have some items that we will begin offering as gifts for donations in 2010. Our fundraising can begin in full force once our home study is complete so watch out! If your heart leads you - please make a donation at the bottom of this blog site or sign up and shop through iGive or Onecause so that a percentage goes towards our adoption! Your prayers are the most important for us!

One last thought: As I read my devotional prayers this morning, I immediately knew that God was speaking to me about my dear husband. It said: "Unfortunately, many of us have adopted the mentality of saying 'I love you' without any meaning. Many have learned this behavior from dysfunctional family members and abusive relationships. The phrase, 'I love you' has taken on many meanings. In other words, allow the words of my mouth to please you instead of me showing you. Love is more than words; it's showing someone how much they mean to you through your actions. Your actions should show someone how much he or she means to you." This is what my Matthew does each and every day. I have always complained to him that I wish he would say "I love you" to me more often. I get very needy and want these words to make me feel better. However, what he DOES for me and our family every day is so much more important. Thank you for showing me how much you love us Matthew.

Another Emotional Day

Do not let anyone tell you that adopting a child is easier than carrying a child! I have had some anxiety problems while pregnant the last three times but nothing compares to these emotions! It really is a roller coaster ride, isn't it? My Christmas wish would be for people to understand the definition of true mental illness. I read this in my devotional for the day: "Confidence is realizing that God has given you a gift, talent, and ability to use for His edification. When you're confident in yourself and your ability to function in your calling, you won't settle for settling and you won't allow yourself to be played, disrespected, nor disregarded. When you believe in the words from the apostle Paul to the Philippians, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,' you'll be able to accomplish those goals you have set forth.

Scripture of the Day

"For with God nothing will be impossible." (Luke 1:37 -NKJV)

Impatiently Waiting

This is a very hard and emotional time for us. We are mid-home study and moving forward as quickly as possible. However, it is so difficult to hurry up and wait! It is so hard to look at pictures of children (especially one you really feel a calling to adopt)and know that you must follow guidelines and wait for the process. I have to confess that I have been selfish. I wanted to only pray for a child to come home with us. This is wrong. I have asked forgiveness and now I am praying for that child and every child to find a family - even if it is not ours. God has plans for us - big and important plans. I was just being tempted. Please pray for us - for patience, serenity, and peace. Please pray for the orphans of places like Torez. Pray for their little hearts to endure.

Trying to Conquer Fear

Am I afraid if I do God's will, I will go against the wishes of my family and friends? If I know God has been calling me to make a difference, why am I arguing and procrastinating? Anytime I choose to stand up in the face of fear, I am going to go through some difficult times. Difficult times will strengthen me. Whatever I want to do, I should pray to God for direction and guidance. Then, I will go full speed ahead! This was my prayer this morning. When I feel down and out - just tired of the battles every single day - I tell myself this! This adoption will not be handed to us on a silver platter. We will have to work and fight and let go. We will have to let God lead the way - even if it is a difficult, scary path.

More Thoughts on Faith

This is another daily affirmation that I would like to share because it just fits how I feel this week:

We all have the Power - God's Power - on the inside that will help us get through anything on the outside. Bad things happen in our lives. The reason why we are sane is because we didn't give up on God. No matter how bad the situation may be, always trust in God. When we remain faithful in what appears to be a hopeless and helpless situation, God steps in and does something awesome.

This is what I pray every day now. This adoption journey is not easy - on any level. Is anything really really important easy? I hope this experience makes me a stronger, more humble, more caring wife, mother, and friend.

Step Into the Winners Circle

This was in my daily affirmation and I had to share it with all of you:

When people around you tell you something's impossible because of your lack of expertise or experience, they have no understanding of divine intervention. Laugh at them because you can use their hateration as motivation for your elevation. It's about believing that God is able to use you inspite of your flaws. From family members, to friends and coworkers, and even to people who claim to be children of God, you'll have people trying to defeat you. But you must always rise above the negativity and shout 'I'm a winner today!' As long as you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you'll never be defeated.

I am so grateful that this fellow Christian shared these inspirational words. Today, I will begin praying for us to be winners! Winners in God's Circle!

Thought For Today (and Everyday)

"I'd like to ask God why He lets poverty and injustice exist, why there are so many orphans and why He does nothing about it.....but I am afraid He will ask me the same question".

Right in the Middle

We have now been finger printed! We will mail these and our other forms off so that we can have our background checks! I am also in the middle of lots of educational reading. Since I am a bookworm, I love it! Much of this information applies to all of your children, so it is very helpful to read. Keep our family in your prayers as we continue this adventure. It is a thrilling ride, and I become more "on fire" inside my heart for adoption! God is a show off sometimes! He never does anything small - what He is doing with us is amazing. We are in awe of His goodness and His precious children around the world.

The Next Steps

Finger Printing and doctors appointment tomorrow! Here we go! We are very excited and nervous! Please pray for us to have successful appointments. Our family has been sick with all sorts of fun viruses etc. so we are ready to get back on track and healthy again! We have been having dreams and thoughts about the children of Torez again. I want to share another wonderful quote that I read on a fellow adoptive parent's blog:

God does not call the equipped. He equips the called.

We are praying that this is true! For - we are truly unworthy servants, but we will fight just as hard as we can to save these children!

Passing Our Stories Along

A big thank you to our new web friend, Ali! It was so wonderful of you to include us and all of the following families on your blog. God bless you! Make sure to visit Ali's family blog at http://missionfielddesigns.com/mygodgivenmissionfield/
We are sharing these stories here as well:

Dawn is an adoptive mommy of two little girls from China, and is raising funds to bring home two more children from Ethiopia. She is selling handmade blankets and custom wooden growth charts in order to raise funds for their upcoming adoption. Her items would make wonderful Christmas gifts! Stop by her blog, and take a look!

The Langton Family is another family anxiously waiting to bring their child home. They have already been matched with a little boy name Alex. You can follow their journey of bringing Alex home on their blog. Like us, I am sure they are dreaming of the day when they will have their little Alex home with them. Their donation button can be found in their sidebar. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will get the Langton family one step closer to bringing their little boy home where he belongs.

I was very blessed to also visit the Sisemore’s family blog. Just as the Stever family has a heart for orphans with down syndrome, the Sisemore’s have a heart for orphans with cerebral palsy. They have one adopted child from China, and they are doing a bunch of other fund raisers so they can bring their little boy Jeremiah home from China as well. Jeremiah has cerebral palsy. You can take part in any of their fund raisers, and get them one more step closer to bringing Jeremiah home. Here are all the links you need to know about. Jeremiah’s Promise, tax deductible sponsorship, magazine fund raiser, and they are also selling coffee like us!
God has laid it upon the hearts of the Hodges family to pursue adoption. They too are going through the adoption journey. They were blessed with two biological children and are now praying that God will bless them with an adoptive child. You can follow the Hodges family as they do what they can to bring a child into their home. You can find their donation button in their sidebar.

Another family waiting to be united with their adoptive child, is the Calvaresi family. They are waiting, and raising funds so they can bring their little girl Ana-Sophia home. Ana-Sophia was diagnosed with developmental delays and autism. By sending a donation to the Calvaseri family, you are helping make it possible for them to bring Ana-Sophia home where she belongs. You can read their whole story, and leave a donation by visiting their site.

The Aus family is waiting to bring their son Chase home from China. They were blessed with two girls from China earlier, and now they are anxiously awaiting the day when they can add Chase to their family. You can follow their story, and even chip in a little toward Chase’s adoption by visiting their family blog.
The puzzle piece fund raiser, has been the most fun and rewarding fund raiser so far. We are not the only one’s doing it either! The Burgess family is also doing a puzzle piece fundraiser. Their puzzle is coming together really fast! They are doing an international adoption from China. You can donate through their chip in button, or you can make a tax deductible donation through Kingdom Kids Adoption Ministry. Just mention it’s a donation for Kevin and Karen Burgess’ adoption.

Adam, is an 11 year old boy in China, waiting for his family to pick him up. Beth and Mark are raising funds to be able to adopt this young man. It is very touching reading about their adoption journey, and the things they are doing to be able to scrape up the funds necessary to bring Adam home to them. You can help them to be able to afford their adoption by sending them a donation. By clicking their chip in button in their sidebar.

The Wibes family has two fund raisers going on so far. The are selling coffee through Just Love Coffee Roasters, and using onecause.com. Onecause.com (which I gotta look into for us!) is really neat! . You register and choose the national adoption foundation as the cause and then benefit crediting to babsie95@yahoo. com. Then you continue on with your online shopping like normal! Brilliant!

The Boettler’s are another family digging up financing. All of us families who are going down the adoption path, is familiar with bumps in the road. The Boettler’s have overcame obstacles, and are now waiting to be matched with a child from China! You can help the Boettler’s overcome the financial obstacle, by donating toward their adoption fund. Their chip in button can be found in their sidebar.

Taking in special needs children is a big undertaking. I was so inspired today by reading about the Boyd family. They have adopted 7 children from various places in Eastern Europe, and are now in a crunch trying to raise funds to bring home 3 more children waiting for them in Bulgaria. Their story is amazing!

These are just a small handful of families who have hearts for adoption. All of them are willing to go through this huge process, and spend all of their finances, in order to give a child a home. These children have the hope of having a forever family. There is no better way to support the orphans (James 1:27) than to help unite them with the families that are so desperate to reach them. Please consider helping some of these families!

Even if you are not able to donate to any of these families’ adoption funds, I do encourage you to at least stop by and read their stories. And if you are up to it, copy this blog post, and post it on your own blog! The more the word is spread the better. I pray that these families will be blessed.

Prayer Warrior Update

Oksana has a good start on the Christmas Angel Tree so far! Let's keep it up everyone! If you feel a special call, please contribute to our beautiful girl! She needs a family and a home soon!

Happy Birthday 2nd Noodle!

Tomorrow is Avery's 4th birthday - WOW! She is the spitting image of her Daddy with her Mommy's hair! Avery is every bit the "big sister" of our youngest three daughters. She is very stubborn and smart as a whip! We love her so much! She is so excited about finding a new brother or sister and bringing them home with us!
We are getting ready for doctor visits for all three next week - that means a few shots too. We are looking forward to Thanksgiving this year and are reminded that the sweet orphans in Torez will have no families to share it with. Please pray for these children and give thanks for all that you have.

Stay Away Negativity!

I do not want to waste valuable time complaining - but just one please. Negative people. GO AWAY! You do not have to understand, or give your opinions, or give advice. We are also a bit disappointed in the DHR system here. I am going to blame our experiences on an overworked and underpaid staff of State social workers and administrative staff. I wish they would not brush you off, refuse to return your phone calls, and have a generally rude attitude. We are people who are thrilled to be adopting and trying to give orphans homes, right? It is alright because God has called and we will not ignore Him! It will take much more than that to deter us! Blessings!

Moving Along

Now everything is really underway! We have begun our home study process. Fingerprinting is next, more forms, doctor's appointments, copies of everything under the sun, etc....... This is the fun part, right? All worth it because a precious life will be saved. When I feel overwhelmed and want to quit, I think about those sad little faces - blank stares. Then I am refreshed again. We will bring a child home to feel the love they never have experienced. We have several fund raisers coming up. We will be selling wristbands and bulbs/seeds for the gardening soon. Please support our cause if you are able. One of my noodles will be 4 years old on Saturday! Get ready Avery!

Happy Birthday Noodle!

Happy 2nd Birthday to our sweetie Kennedy! She is such a beautiful blessing. Her accepting, unselfish attitude is so special. She is so loving and touchy-feely! We love her dearly! The whole family is going to the girls' favorite - CiCi's! Thanks for the suggestion Grandma. Even "big sistas" Morgan and Alex are going along with Kevin - Morgan's husband-to-be.

Busy at Home

Things have been a little hectic since all 3 little noodles (and the 17 year old noodle) have colds! Daddy is losing his mind with cranky sniffling little girls plus a teething baby. He is the greatest! I am struggling with something that you will see pop up over and over in this journey - patience. We are waiting on a doctors letter to send to our home study agency. We pray that it will be well written and will be submitted soon so that we can get this show on the road! I have been thinking about the precious orphans in Torez with all of the illnesses going around. I pray every single day and night for their little bodies to be strong enough to endure. It makes me thankful yet again for my biological children's' good health.

Light In The Dark

Matthew> It is becoming clearer with each step we are on the right path. The support structure we are getting is finding us faster than we can find it. I have been thinking about my childhood. My father worked at Easter Seals and my mother was a R.N. My father pasted away when I was ten, but even in those few years I believe a foundation was laid for the journey we are on now. I was lucky to have a father who I saw as larger than life, my hero. I can still remember some of the people I met with my dad. Lucky for me I saw these people with the eyes of a child. I did not see the disability. It was not like there was any difference between the people there or the ones anywhere else. I remember a man who was about my age now and was in a wheel chair. He could pop-a-wheelie and spin around and do all sorts of tricks. I saw the things he could do and not the things he could not. The further we go the more I remember. The feelings from then awakening now. The lights are coming on and I the past is living again. I fumbled around in the dark only to find the light inside myself.

Date Night

We had a kind invitation to attend the Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Group meeting tonight. It is such a wonderful opportunity to meet some very nice families. We are too excited! Plus - this will be our first night out of the house alone together since...................hmmmmm When? We will still probably talk about and miss the girls the entire time! However, we hope to learn some new things and make some new friends so it will be great!
Maybe we can even volunteer to help in some way. We are praying for knowledge since we feel called to adopt a Down Syndrome / special needs child.

Happy Anniversary

Yes - today is the 5 year anniversary for Matthew and I. It seems like time has just flown by! We have been through so much in 5 years. I cannot think of anyone else that I would rather have by my side than my dear husband. He is the strongest and sweetest man ever. I love you. I look forward to parenting more children with you.

The Starting Line

Here we go! We are off and running on our journey! Our home study is beginning, so here goes all the background information and fun stuff! We are feeling very positive and thankful to God for His guidance and trust in us. Please pray for the Stevers - all of us. We have a strong family and good friends. Keep us in your prayers and pray for the children in the Ukraine.

Coming Soon

We are focusing our attention on raising awareness and donations for Ukraine orphanages and institutions - specifically Torrez. The situation here is beyond sad. These beautiful children are dying every day. They need homes and love. We will be organizing several fundraisers in the upcoming weeks, so be prepared to be informed! Please pray each day for these angels in our midst.

Happy Halloween!

Trick or Treating was a blast! The kids loved it of course. Matthew and I love it too! A big thanks to my phone buddy in Georgia - you are the best! Keep your fingers crossed for us to hear from our home study agency soon. Pray for acceptance and speed!

Renewed Hope

I am going to say that the most important thing to have during this exciting journey is someone who has traveled it and can offer support and wisdom. I have found so many new friends that have given us just that! My new friend from Georgia is wonderful! Our families have much in common. I hope that we will be able to live a life of service as beautifully as they are living. I am waiting on the home study agency that we applied with to call us and accept us! I am looking forward to Halloween with all my little cuties!

Have Faith

Isn't that the hardest thing to do? I am so weak sometimes! Even though it had been a disappointing morning, I talked with a very helpful person at a different agency, and she was very positive and encouraging! I think that we just have to choose the right country and program. This is the hardest thing I have ever done! It is difficult for a control freak like me to hand it over. Matthew and I will continue to focus on fundraising and donating and helping these beautiful children. They are what is important. My pride got in the way but not for long! We will adopt because we were meant to - just in His time. Thank you for all the prayers and support - especially all of my new friends from RR.

Frustrated

This is Matthew, Kelli's husband. It takes a lot of life experiance to get through life, some good and some bad. Why are the rough times the only thing people see? Without our pasts we will not grow and learn. This early rejection has a really different feeling than I would have expected. It is not just where you have been but what you made of it that makes us who we are. I am about the most stubborn person I know. Now I am going to be working twice as hard to succeed. Obsticals slow me down, but push my resolve as well. It is sad though, seperated by half the world and formalities.

Rejected

That is how I feel today. Sad and grieving almost. Funny - even though I have birthed 5 children and miscarried two, I feel so horrible right now. We were turned down by the adoption agency who works with Armenia, Bulgaria, and several other countries. Apparently, our past struggles and income are coming to haunt us. I mailed off the application and fee to the home study agency in Birmingham yesterday. Now, I wonder if that was a good idea. I left a message with them, so hopefully they will call me back and give me some advice on where to go from here. Just a sad feeling today. I know that I need to hand it over to God and move forward. Please pray for us right now.

Little Girls at Home

Just a quick note about my girls at home with Super Dad! McKinley is rolling over and over and trying to crawl! Kennedy and Avery are playing and running and learning every day! Alex is passing school (yay) and complaining (teenager!) and helping out a lot. Matthew is being a super stay at home Dad / contractor part time / housekeeper / cook etc..... He is the best! Morgan is loving her new freedom and her new house! And finally - Grandma is shopping for girls clothes and taking us out for pizza tonight! Thanks Grandma! No cleanup tonight! I love my girls! They are all so smart and sweet!

Ideas

My wonderful husband has been brainstorming some great ideas for fundraisers! This is one of his strong points, he says! He is creating flyers & postcards to raise awareness for Reeces Rainbow / international adoption. We are also going to sell bulb packets and wristbands that he has designed. The girls are going to help me bake some cookies and other goodies to sell also. We are also considering placing a Donation Jar in certain places that we spend money. Lots of ideas floating around in the Stever household! It gets us very pumped up about adoption! Trying to do anything and everything we can to make a difference. Still hoping to get a confirmation on the Armenian Program, though. Keep praying for our family!

New Friends

I want to say this: if nothing else comes from this new journey we are taking, I have corresponded with some of the most gracious, kind, caring, & friendly people ever! Thank you to all the moms that have welcomed me - especially from Reece's Rainbow. It means so much to have support during this difficult and exciting time! I am thankful for each and every one of you. God bless all of your families and your hearts. You are all in our prayers and thoughts, and I wish you the best in all you do!

Nerves & Impatience

We are waiting to hear if we have been accepted into the Armenian Adoption Program. We are waiting to send the Home Study application - need the fee which we will have in a few days. This is the hardest part for me! I know that I had better get used to it during this process! I have prayed every single day that He show us what we are to do. His will - very difficult for me.

We had a great weekend with the girls and Grandma. We went to breakfast and the zoo together - even in the colder weather! We had so much fun. She is a wonderful Grandma - the girls love her!

Please pray that we hear good news soon!

Getting all the kids ready for bed and thinking about our future son/daughter. Hopefully, we will be accepted into the adoption program. My husband and children are everything to me! I love being a wife and mother. Continue to keep us in your prayers.

OUR JOURNEY BEGINS?

We are the Stever Family. We consist of: Matthew & Kelli, Morgan, Alex, Avery, Kennedy, & McKinley. Oh, & our Golden Retreiver Bay. Matthew & Bay are the only males in a house full of estrogen! We have heard a calling to adopt. It is so strong that it is all we can talk about, think about and dream about. Our biological daughters' ages are: 21, 17, 4, 2, & 6 months. Now we have applied to adopt a child or children overseas - specifically Armenia - if things work out. They usually do not work out like we think, so we are trying to hand this over to God.

I have felt such an urgent call from God that I cannot even begin to explain the force. I have been estranged and away from God for a long time. Now I believe He is determined to make me listen! Everyone around us thinks we are crazy and does not understand our desire to adopt - especially since we wish to adopt a special needs child - preferably one with Down Syndrome. They are blown away!

Keep us in your prayers please! We need them so much!