Vacation & Adoption Fundraising

I feel like I have to explain myself -- I don't know why, but I do. We are going on vacation in a couple of weeks. We will be driving to FL for a little fun in the sun. I am NOT looking forward to this vacation for a couple of reasons. The drive will be horrible for Brayden & Parker, and I feel guilty for spending any money on a vacation when I know that I will be asking people to support us in our adoption fundraising over the next few months. I would cancel the vacation, but we were already in the "no refund on the beach house" period before we even decided that we were really going to adopt again, and definitely before we knew that we were adopting 2 boys. Fortunately, we are splitting the beach house with my mom & sister, so it is a relatively cheap vacation. . . and we will only be participating in free activities and eating IN a lot!

Now for the adoption fundraising -- I am still trying to pull all of my thoughts together and get some things planned. Again, I will explain myself. . . many of you have been through, are going through, or plan to go through this so you know about it all too well, but some of you might not understand. So if you are confused by the fact that we need to fund raise for this adoption, here is my explanation:

You're right, we are not poor. We live a nice life. BUT there are a lot of expenses with an adoption (let alone two) . . . home study fees, agency fees, immigration fees, attorney fees for professional services, fees for the care of the children during the process, travel expenses, etc. Last time, we were able to save the money to cover these expenses, but that was with Michael working a full-time job + his self-employment and no kids. This time we are down a full salary, and we have 2 kids in diapers. . . the ability to save isn't quite the same. So, we are going to try to raise some of the money needed for the adoption through e-bay sales, a yard sale, a Pampered Chef fundraiser, magazine sales, and possibly through a spaghetti dinner & silent auction (any volunteers?).

We are not in a desperate situation. We do have the financial resources to raise these children. . . it is just hard to come up with the money to cover the upfront expenses sometimes ;) We are deliberately trying to choose fundraisers that provide a benefit to our supporters, and we only want people to support us in the way that they feel is most appropriate. What are some ways that you can provide support?? Here are a few that I can think of:

• Praying for us and our children. Pray that God gives us the strength, courage, and patience to make it through this process. Pray that He keeps Gerson and Elviz safe, healthy, and happy and that He prepares their hearts for their new family.
• Participate in a fundraiser (aka buy something!)
• Volunteer to help organize one of our events.
• Donate items to our yard sale or silent auction.
• Leave a comment on our blog just to say that you hope everything goes well or that you are thinking of us.
• Give us another possible fundraiser idea.

We really do appreciate all of the love and support that our family and friends have provided us (especially over the past couple of years)! And we know that there are already so many people who are supporting and celebrating our decision to adopt! THANK YOU!