Another Gift

We have received more donations in the last few weeks from friends that are just as excited about our son as we are.  I am so touched by the overwhelming response in support of bringing Jedidiah home.  Thank you will never be enough to express how grateful we are that you have given so generously!  You are all a gift.  A gift that will never be forgotten because every time I look into our sons eyes I will be forever reminded of the precious people that helped bring him home.

Praising God for you!

Here is a picture of our three precious girls!

A Charm For Jed

I have always wanted a charm necklace.  More specifically a necklace with a charm for each one of my children.  This may sound silly but I also wanted it to be a gift from someone.  Well, last Mother's Day a friend gave me a necklace with a white pearl and three heart charms on it.  Each charm had the initial of one of my daughters.  It is so beautiful to me!  Since the adoption process has begun I have thought many times about the fact that I will need another charm.  A charm for a little boy with the initial j on it.  I didn't know if I should buy one now or wait until he came home.  It didn't take me long to decide that I wanted the charm now and so I ordered one.  When I wear my necklace, now with four charms and a pearl, I think about the son we will soon have home with us, Jedidiah, my other child with the initial j.

Peaceful?

It was Julia's turn to pray on our drive to school today and as usual she prayed for Jedidiah, that he would be healthy and safe but she decided to add peaceful to her prayer request.  She verbally noted that she added peaceful to her prayer,-(we have been encouraging the girls to pray with meaning and not repeat the same thing over and over again)-, anyway, and then asked what that actually meant.  I began to explain peaceful by describing what it is not: when you don't worry, when you trust etc.  Then it hit me, the best way to describe peaceful is when you trust God completely.  It's a very good definition and Julia was content with that answer.  I love moments like this, when God opens the door to share His truth with our girls because with each one of these conversations they draw of deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ.

Blessings,

Moving Along...

I wish I could say that our home study has been scheduled but I can't.  Instead I received an e-mail with a few more things we need to send the adoption agency.  So we move forward trusting that God is in control and His timing is perfect.

Blessings,

Born of The Heart

"For a child does not have to be born of the womb to be born of your heart."-Rob Mitchell

Another Great Quote

The best index to a person's character is (a) how he treats people who can't do him any good and (b) how he treats people who can't fight back.By Abigail Van Buren

So Much To Be Thankful For!

Our family has so much to be thankful for.  God in all His splendor is the reason I say this.  I'm thankful for His character;  His faithfulness, generosity, provision, friendship, forgiveness and love for us, His Word that guides us through this life and His promises that come to fruition when we trust and follow Him wholeheartedly.

I have seen all of these characteristics of God in our adoption journey.  I see Him unfolding the path for each step just before He knows we need to be there.  My prayer from the beginning has been to be patient and wait for God's timing each step of the way.  This is usually a challenge for me because I so often want to be in control, knowing all the details and having a plan set.  In the the process of adoption I found that I have no control over many of the things that go on;  when they will process our paperwork, when we will have our home study and above all when we will go get our son.  This realization has brought a complete surrender to God on my part.  I have given God all authority and control on this journey and He has proven Himself faithful and sufficient at all times.  There is such a peace that overwhelms me as I watch how God is working everything out form the $2000.00 grant we received that was donated the night before we shared our story with a staff member at LIfeSong, to being at the lab and having my blood draw go smoothly(I have small veins and have been pocked four times in the past before a vein was found).  I see all this and think....isn't this how we are supposed to live, always in total surrender to God and His plans.

If we walked in this full surrender giving up all control, trusting and knowing that God is paving the perfect path for us we would see God's perfect plan come to fruition.  As we move forward on this journey I know that God will reveal the next steps as I need to know them and when the day comes when we set off to bring our son home I will see the whole picture of God's plan for this journey.  But I also know that bringing Jedidiah home is only the beginning of all God wants to do.  As we open the door to our house introducing Jedidiah to his sisters I will know that another journey has begun.

Anticipating God's next step.

GCOA Grant

PRAISE GOD!!!  I got news today that we have been given a $2000.00 scholarship from Gold Coast Orphan Alliance.  This is so exciting.  I love watching God is provide for our son to come home, but even more I love the confirmation each blessing brings with it. 
We serve a might God!

                                     

http://www.weheartorphans.org/#/about/

Quotes I Love

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
-Author Unknown

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away,"-Author Unknown

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."
-Author Unknown

"Those who are different change the world, those who are ordinary simply keep it that way."
-Author Unknown

"Courage does not always roar.  Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."-Maryanne Radmacher

Have a blessed day!

Maria

The Zuzunaga Family Fundraiser

 I told you about this family a few posts ago. I wanted to share Maria's picture with all of you and give you the opportunity to support them.  This family is adopting Maria from Russia and to help with the expenses they are doing many fundraisers including selling these beautiful Christmas ornaments(see picture).  These would be a great gift for anyone.  They are $6 each.  If you are interested please e-mail Genrty at muchamacha@hotmail.com.

Hello

I feel so bad about not updating more but right now there is not much to say.  We are busy getting forms filled out, waiting to do lab tests for our physicals and patiently waiting for everything to come together.

This morning I was thinking about being in Hong Kong and what it will feel like as we wait to see our son for the first time.  I imagine it will be a lot like being in the hospital with the epidural in, laying on the bed knowing your babies on their way but not being sure what hour you will see their precious face.  I look forward to finally being there and making that journey to pick our son up and hold him close.  It's hard to be patient with thoughts like this!

Blessings,

The Zuzunaga Family

The first Friday if every month I host a gathering for parents with young children who have Down syndrome.  It has been such a blessing to watch the children play together while the parents enjoy conversations with each other.  I really love being with these families!!!  At our last gathering I met a women, Gentry, whose family is adopting a little girl with Down syndrome from Russia.  They have three children already and are waiting for Maria to join her forever family!  This was so exciting for me.  Another precious baby will soon join a family that will love her forever.  I can't wait to meet Maria.  Like us, this family is doing some fundraising to help with the very expensive process of adoption.  I am attaching all the information you need if you feel led to support this family financially.  This family is amazing and I look forward to the many conversations we are sure to have in the near future.  Gentry is also blogging her journey so please visit her blog and see their precious Maria!  http://afamilyformaria.blogspot.com/

Fundraiser Info...

In support for the Zuzunaga family's adoption of Baby Maria, we are having a

FUNDRAISER Open House
featuring Premier Designs Jewelry [made in USA/Affordable/Lifetime Manuf Warranty]
Friday, November 19th 4:30pm-6:30pm
at the Zuzunaga's home: 102 W. Constance Avenue #4, Santa Barbara 93105

Helpers are Needed to help collect orders prior to the show.
Helpers earn 30% of Free Jewelry for orders collected for the fundraiser.  For example, $30 jewelry credit for every $100 collected.
[great way to get some of your Christmas gifts for free.]

If interested, please contact Gentry Zuzunaga: (805) 680-4376

or Sandy Goe (805) 452-3632

Please mark your calendar to drop in at the Fundraiser Open House. Bring a friend- Feel free to forward this to your friends!
Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.


From your favorite jewelry lady,
Sandy Goe
(805) 452-3632 / email: http://www.blogger.com/mc/compose?to=premiersg7@gmail.com

Orphan Sunday

Today is Orphan Sunday, a time to remember the children in the world that don't have a forever family.  Many organizations use this day to encourage families to pray and ask God how He would direct them to act, some may be called to adopt(like us), some are called to help financially but all are call to pray!  I heard a wise speaker once say, "It is more powerful to talk to God about man than to talk to man about God".  As we stand in the gap asking God to move, hearts are opened, transformed and ultimately lives are changed.  Because I believe this to be true I am committing to pray for the orphans of the world , will you join me? 

Expecting God to move in a mighty way!!!

Intake Interview a Success

Our intake interview went smoothly yesterday.  We had a great conversation with Gwen at the adoption agency.  She asked us to share our family life as children, give info about past abuses, if any (there were none).  We left this meeting feeling very blessed and grateful for the simple lives we have lived.  Because we both grew up in loving, caring homes we did not have a lot of the baggage that many people struggle with.  Thank you God for being so good to us, always!!!
We also talked more about Jedidiah and what issues we are willing to adopt him with.  We told them that we will take our son with what ever he comes with, with only one exception...a terminal condition.  This was a hard topic to discuss because although Josh and I would be willing to take a dying child we have three precious girls we must consider.  On the other hand, our decision to bring Jed home with any health conditions was easy to make.  When our girls were born we took them as they were, perfect in our eyes and we will do the same for our son.  We will love him for who he is and what he comes with knowing that God hand picked him for our family. 

James 1:27 "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."

God's Great Love

Lately I have been consumed with thoughts about how much God loves us, all of us.  God loves us in our imperfections. So often we allow the world to dictate what we should look like and be in order to be loved but God says I love you as you are.  He calls us to him with a longing to be close to us, to be in relationship with us not because of what we are but because of what He has for us!

I see this truth played out so vibrantly as I watch God prepare a little boy who lives thousands of miles away to be brought into a forever family where he will be loved and introduced to the God that planned his days even before he was born.  If Jedidiah knows nothing else he will know that his Father God loves him with an unconditional love!

Intake Interview

I am so excited!  We will have our intake interview this Monday morning!  This is a 2 hour meeting, or longer, to discuss details about our family and the adoption. 

Trying to be patient.

Treasure Sale Update

Thanks to all of you, the Treasure Sale was a huge success!  I had such a great time meeting new people and celebrating with those I know well.  It was a day full of blessings not just for me but for those celebrating this journey with us.  I hope everyone is enjoying their new Treasures!

An extra huge THANK YOU to MIA, my precious friend, for thinking this up and making it all
come together!!!  One of the greatest gifts that came form having Hannah is the friendship I found in Mia.  She is one of the most generous, kind hearted and caring people I know.  She loves the Lord with all her heart and it pours out in her love for others.  Thank you Mia for people who God has called you to be.

I also want to thank Ruthann, Josefina and Carmen for helping to set up for the day.  The room looked great!  And again to Josefina and Carmen for helping on the day of the sale.  All of you have been so generous with your time and I appreciate you all so much!

To those who made the yummy treats for the sale, thank you too.  We had so many delicious goodies for sale and many enjoyed eating them up.

P.S.  We have so many items left over that we are planning another sale in two weeks.  Stay tuned for a date.

Gods Plans Are Best!

I have faith that when God calls us to do something He will be present each step of the way.  The part I tend to struggle with is waiting to see how He will work everything out.  I want Him to send the resources and give the answers to all my questions now.  In my mind if He asks and I obey everything should just unfold to perfection on the spot.  What I fail to see in this mind set is how God wants to use our obedience to bless us and those around us. I am starting to see this as the process for fundraising comes along.  Some have donated $10.00 while an other $1000.00.  Many have given items for the Treasure Sale and others have given their time.  All of these pieces are needed and used by God so ultimately He can be glorified and those who give can see how God will bless them for their obedience.  It has been my prayer since the beginning that God would be glorified through the adoption of our son, Jedidiah.  I see that happening as I share all that God has done to make the homecoming for our son possible.  I thank all of you for every gracious gift you have given, we have been richly blessed!

We now have the funds to move forward with the next step, the Intake Interview.  I will let you know when we have a date.

To Travel or Not to Travel..That Was the Question?

I have great peace about traveling to Hong Kong ever since God spoke to me through a picture He gave my close friend. (Please read "God Speaks" if you want the full story.)  The peace has been great but I have not experienced the excitement that comes when you know something exciting is going to happen, that feeling of anticipation.  Not that I don't want to go or that I'm not excited about the idea of picking up our son, I just can't see us getting on a plane and traveling to Hong Kong.  I asked Josh what he thought and he instantly echoed my thoughts only he added that God will provide financially for what He wants us to do.  I decided to pray about this until I knew what God wanted us to do. 

I guess I should take a sidebar and explain that when you adopt from another country sometimes you have the option to have an escort travel with your child and bring them to you.  We could pick up our son in San Francisco if we wanted to.  I thought this would be fun because then the girls could go with us.

OK, so back to my story.  It was right before bedtime, prayer time, and I asked the girls what they would want to do.  Of course they wanted to go to San Fransisco.  I asked them to pray about it and tell me what God said to them.  The next day I had a conversation with Sarah that went like this....

Me:  Sarah did you pray about Hong Kong? And did you get an answer?

Sarah:  Yes. 

Me:  What did God say?

Sarah:  Not what I wanted Him to say.

Me: What did He say?

Sarah:  He said you should just go, you and daddy.

Me:  Did He say where?

Sarah:  Yes, you and daddy are supposed to go by yourself to get Jedidiah in Hong Kong.

I was blown away!!!  Many thoughts went through my head.  When I shared the conversation with Josh he just smiled. The neat part about this whole story is now I'm getting excited and can start to see us packing and getting ready to go and it's really fun!  I can't wait to bring our son home and share our travel experiences with all of you.

Blessings,

Blessings from Down Syndrome

Having a child with Down syndrome (Ds) has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.  I have so many reasons to be thankful for the gift given to us through Hannah's birth.  On a personal note I have grown in my understanding of unconditional love and learned the joy of patience.  I love all our girls deeply and cherish each one of them for who they are and I am thankful for the growth I have had as a parent.
Friendship with people who we might not have otherwise met has been a huge blessing as well.  From the team of specialist to other moms, who are now specialists, I have found great support.  We are, in many ways, a family brought together by two words, Down syndrome.  A family that understands and shares both the joys and challenges of raising a child with Ds.  I have to add, there have been more joys than challenges with our Hannah. 
If you have never known someone with Ds or any disability I would encourage you to get involved with a local organization like Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara, an organization that supports those living with developmental disabilities.  There are many areas that you could get involved and they would love to hear form you. I will give this one warning...you will be a changed person forever!!!!  It will be fabulous.
www.alphasb.org  or call 805-683-2145

Have a great day.

Friends of Jedidiah Treasure Sale

Our good friend Mia had a great idea, a way to allow the community to share in the joy of bringing Jedidiah home.  So we are having a Treasure Sale to raise funds to get our little treasure from Hong Kong to Carpinteira.  Join us...

October 24 from 8:00a-12:00p
4110 Via Real, Carpinteria
(Coast Community Nazarene Church)

Donated items can be dropped off at the church Sunday, October 17 from 12:00p-3:00p

For more info call Mia @ 805.637.1741

We'll see you at the Treasure Sale!

Thank You

I'm sure I will be writing lots of thank you notes because so many want to help us bring Jedidiah home.  First a big thank to whoever donated to the "Friends of Jedidiah" account, you are so sweet!  I also want to thank you, Helen, for the advice.  I sent Gold Coast Orphan Alliance a note to get more information.  We'll see what happens.

Did you know...many organizations that offer grants won't allow you to apply until your home study is done.  On one hand I think it's smart because they want to know that you have been approved to move forward but on the other hand what about those who can't afford the home study fees.  One of the main reasons people don't adopt is because of the cost.  I hate the thought that money stops children from having homes.

I am so glad to serve a God that provides all we need when He asks us to do something!!!!

Blessings,

Preparation Class 1b

On Tuesday we finished the second half of our class, Preparation Class 1b .  The classes we take are meant to educate us on the process of adoption and give us insight through the experiences of families that have already gone through the process.  The hope, I believe, is that we will have a full picture of what this journey will be like.  Tuesday a mother came in, with one of her two sons, adopted through FCCA, and shared her story.  She participated in the California Waiting Children program so a lot of the information did not necessarily fit what our journey will be like.  It was, however, a blessing to hear her story and see this little boy loving on his mom and obviously happy to be with his Forever Family!  We then went over all the paper work that will need to be filled out, finger printing for back ground checks, physicals, and questionnaires that have 19 pages!!!  And this is only the beginning.  There will be many many more forms that need to be filled out before this process is done.  Luckily for me I enjoy filling out forms.  It relaxes me  for some odd reason and give me a sense of accomplishment.  I guess that's what being a stay at home mom has done to me.=)

The next step is an "Intake Interview" with the manager at the agency.  We will go over some of the forms we have already filled out so they can get a better sense of who we are and what we are looking for.  This will be a 2 hour interview with both Josh and I.  Can't wait to get started!

Blessings,

How Our Girls Feel

Many of you have asked me how the girls feel about the adoption.  Excited does not begin to describe how the girls feel.  They are talking about him more and more and we pray for him each night.  Sarah prayed that Jedidiah would already know Him, meaning God, when he comes home.  I have the sweetest girls in the whole world!!!  A while ago Julia drew a family picture and guess who she added, yes our precious Jedidiah.  Hannah got to the picture and erased some of the picture but you can still see all of us.  Jed is the one at the bottom left.  Enjoy!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

In honor of Down syndrome awareness month a friend of ours is blogging everyday in October.  The Wiley's have four precious daughters, their youngest has Down syndrome.  Andrea is very real and honest about her journey which makes reading her blog enjoyable.  Check it out!

http://www.andreawiley.blogspot.com/

A Much Needed Explanation

Tonight while praying Julia made this request of God, " That Jed's mommy won't be sad when we take her baby from her."

Josh quickly recognized the need for some explanation about adoption and what it means.  He explained at a six year old level that we do not take a baby from his mommy but that his mommy will give him to us.  He told her that sometimes when a mommy has a child with Down syndrome she doesn't know what to do so she wants someone else to take care of her baby. 

Julia's response,  "Good thing we know how to because we have Hannah."

Julia then had this thought. "When you have 99 babies your going to have to give some away."

Josh realized Julia needed some reassurance that we would not be giving her or her sisters away.  He told her we were keeping her, Sarah and Hannah forever.

What a gift it is to share these little moments of understanding with our kids.

God Speaks

I have two stories I want to share with you.  If you don't believe God speaks, I hope you will after you read these stories.

Story #1
After reading our blog a friend called and told me about a chapter in this book, "Real Moms...Real Jesus, that she wanted me to read.  The title of the chapter is, "The Truth about Faith".  The  chapter begins with a mother's conversation with her daughter and how they will no longer be able to buy her a car.  They needed the money in the savings account for a new well.  The daughter was disappointed but rested on the fact that she would pray and ask God to provide her with a car if it was in His will to do so.  She even went as far as asking God for a car that had an automatic transmission, four doors and was blue.  Not long after they received an e-mail asking if they would like a car.  This person was getting rid of a car and the family came to mind.  He also mentioned that the car was blue.  WOW!  Is God good or what.  God provided for this family in many ways that echoed our own experiences.  The last story they shared was what God wanted me to pay special attention to.  God called this family to adopt .  What was most exciting was how God provided for the expenses of their adoption.  Their adoption costs where more than double what ours will be but God provided.  They had bake sales and other ways they raised funds but they still had a balance of $15,000 after all they had done.  They knew God would provide and He did.  This family received a check for the remaining balance.  What an amazing God I serve!  God used this chapter to remind me not only of how He has provided so many times before but that He would still provide in our present circumstances.  After all God is the one who called us to adopt.  I can't wait to see how He provides this time!!!



Story#2
Many of you don't know this but I have struggled for many years with a fear of dying.  After having children that fear grew.  I have grown to trust that God did not give me the family and calling He has so I can die.  Unfortunately, the thought of flying to Hong Kong, to pick up our son, had brought all those fears back.  I would literally feel sick thinking about dying and leaving our girls with no parents.  That's when I received an e-mail from a precious friend who had no idea what I was dealing with.  Here is what she wrote...
"Wanted to let you know how excited I am for you and your growing family. As I was praying the other day I envisioned seeing you holding this little bundle in a blanket, and you handed him to me and I just started tearing up and praising God. It was very emotional for me and it sparked a huge excitement in me that hadn't been there before. I have to admit that I was concerned with the huge hurdles ahead but that vision just confirmed that it is already done. That baby is yours and it is just a matter of time until God fulfills His promise to you. I can only imagine what it all means to you."
I started to cry because God once again spoke to me.  He knew my fear and wanted me to see that I would be back sharing our son with a friend. That He would complete what He has started.  I love how God knows our hearts so intimately and there's not a thought we have that He doesn't know about.  He cares for us and He will always be there to carry use out of our fears.

1 Thessalonians 5:24-The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.


Praising God Always,

Preparation Class 1a

Tuesday Josh and I went to our first preparation class with the agency.  We learned a little more about the home study process which is basically an intense inspection of our family.  We also discussed joys and challenges that come with adopting children with different issues and backgrounds.  This was really fun because I had the opportunity to share the many joys of having a child with special needs.  I love telling people how wonderful life is with Hannah.  We also went over appropriate and inappropriate language to use when talking about the child we are adopting. 
 
So now we wait two weeks for the second half of the class which will involve conversations with other couples that have adopted from outside the country.  I am looking forward to hearing about and learning from their experiences.

Blessings,

Thank You!

When we started this process I was not sure how people would respond.  I must admit I prepared my heart for the worst.  I was prepared to stand my ground with confidence no matter what anyone said because when God calls us to do something the only choice we have is to do it.  If we don't we are the ones who miss out on the blessing.  So with feet firmly planted I began to share this news with a few people and before I knew it I was telling everyone.  The responses I received confirmed what I knew already.  So many expressed their excitement and I felt such joy coming from each response, not only for us but for our son.   This is so exciting for me because I know that when Jedidiah comes home he will be welcomed by the loving embrace of our friends and family.  Thank you all for allowing me the gift of support.

Blessings,

What's In a Name?

Jedidiah Nathan was the name God gave Josh long before we had any children.  We thought Sarah was going to be a boy so we had a name ready to go but God had better plans.  Josh and I made a deal, before kids, that I would name the girls and he would name the boys.  So far I have been blessed with the honor of naming our three precious girls with a little help from Josh.  Now it seems that Josh will get to use the name given to him so long ago.  Jedidiah means loved by the Lord and Nathan means God has given.  What an amazing name for a child God knew we would adopt, a child He would give us.  I am so excited for the day I get to hold our son and tell him how much God loves him.  How God hand picked him for our family so that we could have the honor and privilege of teaching him how much God loves him, how God prepared a name for him even before we knew he would come into our family through adoption. What a gift we have in knowing a Savior that cares about each of us so much!

In case your wondering:

Sarah Belle means Princess Beautiful
Julia Rae means Gentle as a Doe
Hannah Jordyn means Grace Flows Down

Blessings,

Family Picture

Hello All,

Along with our first application for the agency we were asked to take a family photo that showed the faces of everyone in our family.  I must admit I was a little nervous about taking this picture because with three kids you never know who will and who will not be in the mood for their best smile.  Here is the picture we have decided on.

Moving Forward

We have just finished filling out our first official application for Family Connection Christian Adoption (FCCA) and will be attending our first adoption class on September 21st. 

It's amazing, this adoption process!  I don't mean finding an agency or filling out paper work but what happens in your heart.  I have never met our son and yet, even now, I am brought to tears when I think about the first time I will see him.  I have this longing for a baby that I will never carry in my belly or go to countless doctor appointments hearing updates on his growth or listen to his heart beat in my womb.  I won't feel his little kicks against the inside of my belly or anticipate his arrival date.  What I get to do is pray for him daily and trust that God is there watching him every step of the way and that excites me!!!  There are so many things we will miss but at the same time so many things we will learn as we walk through this process of bringing our son home.  I look forward to this growth.

Blessings,

Bethany Christian Services

Bethany Christian was the agency we first looked into after hearing some great things about their services.  It was while searching their site that I felt lead to Hong Kong.  We knew we wanted a boy with Down syndrome (Ds) but were not sure were to go.  Bethany description for Hong Kong basically said:  The Hong Kong program mainly has boys with Down syndrome.  It was an immediate confirmation for me and so we decided to pursue this program.  This program also only requires us to travel for about five days, a huge thing since we have three precious girls we need to be here for.
Now starts the paper work.  We began filling out some forms and received approval from Bethany to move forward.  Since Bethany is out of state we tried to find a home study agency close by that would work with us and Bethany,  none was found.  I then received an e-mail, from Bethany, suggesting we work with another agency that has the same Hong Kong program because they have offices close by.  And so we waiting about a month and a half to meet with this new agency. 
I must take a moment and share that when all this started I felt God telling me to be patient and wait for His leading at each step.  Waiting for the meeting was a bit frustrating but it helped to slow me down and focus on what God was teaching me.  I know Gods timing is perfect and I want to make sure I follow Gods lead in the process to finding our son.
After meeting with the new agency we decided to proceed with them, Family Connections Christian Adoption.

Here we go!

So here I am starting a Blog that I hope will bless those reading it!  I honestly don't know where to start so let's go way back to the beginning.

A few months ago I came upon a website that had many pictures of children with Down syndrome(Ds) that are in orphanages in other countries.  The websites goal is to connect families, looking to adopt a child with Ds, with one of these children and giving these children their own "Forever Family".  This organization also helps you raise funds to help with the cost of adoption.  This site is www.reecesrainbow.com, but be warned you will need a box or two of tissues while visiting this site.
After reading about all the children and seeing their precious little faces I began to feel like we had to do something.  So after crying harder and longer than I had in 10 years I decide to pray and seek God for what he wanted us to do.  Does God want us to give and support a child finding their forever family or are we to pursue an adoption?  By the end of the day I had my answer.  After sharing this with Josh he agreed and so here we are getting ready for our adoption journey.