Family Friday (on Monday!): Tom and Tiffini

Tom and Tiffini adopted two brothers from Ethiopia, Lukas and Yakob. (look at those smiles!)

Here, Tiffini shares a little of their story:

I had been praying about adopting for 3 years.  However, my husband was not feeling the same call from the Lord.  So, I waited and prayed.  In November of 2009 God moved my husband's heart at a church men's retreat.  He made it clear to us both that now was the time to adopt... siblings!

We started the process immediately, but when we found out how high the cost of adopting siblings was, I admit that I experienced some fear and panic.  But even though we did not have the money we knew that God had called us to this.  So we moved forward, trusting that God would provide.

When I found out about Lifesong and Both Hands I was so excited.  This idea was straight from God!  My husband and I were both sure that this was God's answer and His way of providing for us.  We told family and friends and applied to Lifesong to begin a Both Hands project.

Totally unexpectedly, on February 22nd, the same day I sent in our applcation to Lifesong, we received a referral of two precious little brothers... only two weeks after getting our paperwork done!  Wow.  We were overwhelmed and so amazed of God's plan.

But wait.  Now we had to come up with a huge chunk of money much sooner than we'd expected.  I contacted Lifesong and told them our story.  We no longer had time to complete a Both Hands project.  Our need was immediate.  On March 4th I was contacted by Lifesong to tell me that an anonymous donor had promised a $4,000 matching grant to our family!

We immediately began sending out fundraising letters and within 3 weeks the Lord had provided the entire $4,000 in donations!  Not only that, but donations continued to come, and in the end almost half of our adoption expenses were covered as a result!

Lifesong was extremely instrumental in making our adoption a possibility.  We cannot express our gratitude.  Looking back on this experience, we saw God's hand move in miraculous ways over and over again.  May He get all the glory!

Thanks Tom and Tiffini!  Lifesong is blessed to be a part of your story!

You can read more on their blog HERE!

Family Friday: Joel and Kristie

 

Both being raised in strong family environments, Joel and Kristie knew they wanted to someday have a family of their own.  But almost eight years into their marriage, after numerous treatments, surgeries, and miscarriages they were unable to have children biologically.

Kristie refers back to this difficult time in their lives:

I now believe that God has allowed me to experience such great pain and loss, so that I may better understand the pain and loss that these orphans experience."

Once their decision to adoption became a reality, they faced the struggle that so many other couples face in their situation: Cost.  Lifesong for Orphans was able to provide them with fundraising support and just this past month Joel and Kristie were able to pick up their little boy... born halfway across the world, selected by God to be their son.  What a reason for rejoicing!

We are back from the Congo with our sweet little guy, Kaden.  He is adjusting really well, although nap time is still the enemy.  Here's a picture our little one that you helped bring home.  

Thanks for all you do!"

-Joel

Thank you, Joel and Kristie!  The staff at Lifesong is blessed to be a part of your story!

God will use YOU mightily!

GOD WILL USE YOU MIGHTILY!

a letter to the children left behind in Africa 

Someday God will use you.  He will not leave you as orphans.  Please God, You can do it.  Oh yes, God, He will go to them someday and He will love them.

I know that it is hard for kids to go without eating food the way I was in Africa.  My life was very bad.  I know there are other boys and girls still without families.  God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son will give you grace and mercy and peace.  he will be with us because we love the truth.

I will not forget about you kids.  I've been praying for you every day.  My dream is you.

When I was in Africa, I was the one who cooks and cleans and everything and God told my mommy to come and get me and she wanted to be my mommy.  If you see me now I am having a good time with my family.  I am having a good life with my nice and beautiful family forever.  I have the best family forever and ever.  Maybe God has a place for you.  I am always praying for you kids.  

Whenever I think about you, you make me cry.  He is going to give you a new family.  God bless you." - Mercy Mihnovich, Age 9, Adopted from Ethiopia in 2010

"I love my family so much!  I remember that God has chosen us to be with my family - from bad life to good life.  I am thankful for everything that God gave me."

*To sign up to receive the Both Hands quarterly newsletter, please send an email to info@lifesongfororphans.org

Living James 1:27

I thank you so much for this opportunity to do this project.  Even if we weren't adopting I would love to be a part of something like this.  I thank you for helping us to see what living James 1:27 looks and feels like.  God has done amazing things for me today and He used us to bless Dorothy.  She was an amazing lady to serve and I pray that our relationship can continue after today. -Susan, Adoptive Mother

What a blessing it was to receive this email yesterday from a family in the process of adopting. They had their Both Hands project over the weekend and were amazed by the experience!

If you've never heard how Both Hands was started, I'd encourage you to watch the video below!

Both Hands Video from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.

there's still time...

If you're a central Illinoisan and are looking for something to do this weekend, there's still time to sign up for the 

Connecting Hearts

with the Forgotten 

 conference hosted by East White Oak Church in Carlock, IL.

The keynote speaker will be Ted Kluck (check out his website here), who i, honestly, know very little about but after looking a little over his blog and website have decided emphatically that he's a pretty cool guy.  PLUS he's an adoptive daddy of two little boys from Ukraine which *side note!* i am leaving for tomorrow morning!  (wahoo!)  This means that you might want to stay tuned over the next couple weeks for some "on location" blogging about what Lifesong is doing in Ukraine.  Can you wait?  I can't!

Other speakers include:

- our very own and well loved VP, Andy Lehman.  In all honesty, every time I have the privilege of hearing Andy speak I'm a little blown away, and suddenly start feeling very cool that I get to call him "boss."

PLUS

- my big sis (and adoptive/foster/biological parent of 6) Jami Kaeb (check out her blog here).  Can I just say how proud I am of her?  Cause I am.  In her life I have witnessed the struggles and the joys that come with both adoption and foster care.  I love listening to her speak, partly because I know the passion that comes across in her speaking is genuine and lived out in her daily life.  I could be biased... but I think she's pretty cool.

You can find out more about the other speakers at this event here.  And if you want to register click here!  Did I mention it's free?  Cause it is... just so you know.

Have a good one, all!  Next time you hear from me I just might be in Ukraine! ...or an airport.