Today we spent going building to building finishing up adoption paperwork. We started with our adoption certificate which made Joey officially a Jarrett. The guy signing the certificates said in Mandarin which was then translated to English... "From today on, you are this boys parents". We gladly accept!
After we had the adoption certificate we had to go get Joey's picture taken for his passport then go to the government office to apply for his passport. We just spent a lot of the day going place to place!
We had a few power struggles today, but we've expected these! Joey likes to run off and when I chase (to try to keep him from going into traffic or something!) he thinks it's funny. We've had to get pretty stern with him which led to some crying but he gets over it pretty quickly. He has also been hitting when he gets mad so we're trying to deal with that too. When we yell at him he folds his arms across his chest with a "Uuggg" and glares from the tip of his nose. One of the other adoptive moms asked me how we are going to discipline him when he is so stinking cute, lol. He is definitely going to keep us on our toes!
He's definitely a little sour patch kid though. So stubborn at times then 2 seconds later he's sweet as pie. We just love him and Jeff and I just look at each other when he's being so sweet and silly and we just smile. This kid has the ability to change the world one person at a time <3 He waves at anyone who will look at him too!
We had the funniest thing happen when we were sitting in a waiting area at the one government building. There was a Chinese lady sitting in front of us and Joey decided he was going to poke her in the back to try to get her attention. I was trying to get him to stop because I didn't want her to get annoyed with him. Telling him to stop made him want to do it more of course, so eventually she turned around and looked at him. With perfect timing he smiled at her and pointed to Jeff accusing him of being the one who was poking her. It was classic and we were cracking up laughing, which of course made him want to continue poking her so we had to pull ourselves together pretty quickly. Lol. This boy <3
We were able to go to a classic Chinese restaurant for lunch, with our guide this time so she could order for us, and it was pretty good. Joey LOVES to eat and Jeff recorded him eating because he eats...well....like he's from China. Lol It's so funny to watch him.
After lunch and some more office visits we came back to the hotel for a quick nap then went across the street to walk around in the mall for a little while. It was overall a really good day, again!
Tomorrow we will go to a park in the morning then visit Joey's orphanage and Foster family in the afternoon. This is a day that I am in a way dreading. I'm so happy to learn more about where he comes from and meet the people that have loved him, but very afraid that he will see them and want to stay then we will have to pull him away. Please pray for his heart tomorrow. And for me and his Foster Momma!
Goodnight from China!
~Tammy
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Monday, October 10, 2016
First Day with our son...
It's 2:00am China time and I finally got enough sleep to think straight! I want to get everything about this past 24 hours in writing before I add on more thoughts tomorrow :)
First I have to tell you how amazing our God is!! There is something about each of the kids that, as I dreamed of our first few moments with them, scared me. With Joey, I was really afraid that he would be so scared and that he would hate us and we'd be trying to carry around a kicking and screaming child. As I prayed for our "meeting" I prayed that he would accept us quickly, that he would have peace with us, that we would have patience in understanding his fear and grief, and that God would show us how to give him the love that he needs and that Joey would feel it as love.
As well as our meeting, and entire day went..... God answers prayers as I have learned in new ways over and over again!!
In my previous post I told how we first saw Joey. It was amazing, and sweet, and PERFECT! Like I said before too, Joey is very social and waves and talks to EVERYONE. And tries to share their food and toys and crayons, etc. lol We spent hours at the Civil Affairs office following him around and trying to keep him at a good distance from the other families so they could have some privacy as they met their kids. It was a challenge, and honestly they all really didn't mind him intruding in their gatherings ;-)
Speaking of the other families meeting their kids... when we adopted Jasmine and Jewel they were brought to our hotel so we were the only family there when they were handed to us. This time we went with another couple with our agency, plus there were other families from other agencies there as well. Probably 10 families in all meeting their kids for the first time. The loss and grief and fear in the room was soooooo horribly sad. Nannies crying, more like sobbing as their kids were handed over to strangers... one nanny had to be taken from the building as she sobbed and had to be held back in the parking lot so she wouldn't go back in at which point she collapsed to the ground. The kids were equally as scared and sad as they tried to hang on to their nannies necks and were torn away to be handed to their new parents. It was heartbreaking. Adoption is a beautiful thing... in the "end", when the dust settles I guess you would say. But adoption comes from great loss and that was never more clear to me than today
Joey was brought to us by a worker from the orphanage. He came with his backpack that we sent to him as a care package. It is so evident how loved he is by his Foster Mom. His backpack had everything in it that we sent him, but also was packed to the edges with food and a few other things by his "mom". I can't image how she felt as she packed his last bag, wanting to make sure he has what he needs. The love was so strong to me as I opened his bag and saw all of the stuff. Amazing.
And boy does Joey know that this is HIS backpack. There was no way we were taking it from him anytime soon!! So sweet ;-)
After several hours we were finally able to head back to our hotel. Joey was happy to jump in the van, with his backpack on of course, and go with us. He sat between Jeff and I and just smiled and "talked" the whole ride. When we got to the hotel he got out, grabbed my hand happily, we said goodbye to our guide and into the hotel we went. As we reached our floor it really hit me. This boy now has a forever family! Just a few hours ago he left an orphanage and now he is walking down the hall to his room at the Hilton! That thought has a mixture of emotions attached to it but praise God that this is our SON!!
After getting to the hotel and secretly unpacking Joey's backpack (just because it was heavier than he is and I was so afraid he was going to fall over with it on) we decided to head out to lunch. Hand in hand, with Joey and his now empty backpack and as happy as can be, we walked. We found a Pizza Hut and had a much easier experience ordering this time. And boy can this kid eat!! Jeff and I have been saying that he and Jonathan are neck and neck in how much food they can put down!! lol. As we were waiting for the food, Joey entertained himself (and us) with a small cup, as spoon, and some water. I would pour a small amount of water into the cup and he would sip it out of the spoon Chinese style lol. Since I was only pouring a little water into the cup at a time he was frequently needing more. I'm not sure if I mentioned yet that Joey doesn't speak (not even in Chinese), only gestures and grunts to let you know what he wants. He's good at it though! Anyway, he kept pointing at the water and grunting when he wanted more, so I showed him the "sign" for more. After only 2 times of me showing him, unprompted he did the sign for more when he ran out of water. This kid is smart <3
We did some walking around and spent some time at WalMart. There is an escalator that goes up to a walking bridge to cross the street then and escalator to go back down on the other side. I'm pretty sure Joey have never seen this before but boy did he think this was fun! :)
All in all, besides just a couple of moments of breakdowns about not getting what he wants, we had a GREAT day. We were able to video chat with the kids and Grandma at home which was perfect as well. We're going to have our hands full with this little guy but we're so happy to be able to be his parents!
As we got closer to bedtime I began to prepare myself for the worst, the big freak out and breakdown. I gave him a bath that he wasn't real happy about and put PJs on him. He went to the bathroom (he is truly potty trained which I wasn't expecting) and climbed into bed with me. We read some books, played on the tablet for a little bit, and around 8:00p I just couldn't stay awake any longer. I patted on the bed for him to lay down, which he did without hesitation. I gave him some kisses and cuddles which caused him to giggle then he put his hands behind his head and fell asleep next to me, literally with a smile on his face.
I'm still preparing myself that reality eventually may set in with him that he is staying with us forever and he may freak out, but for now I'm just soaking in this sweet happy little boy that is laying in my bed. He has even giggled in his sleep a few time ;-)
Tomorrow we have to go back to the Civil Affairs Office to finish the adoption process. We have been given approval to go visit Joey's Orphanage and his Foster mom on Wednesday afternoon. This will be a very emotional time I'm sure as Joey will say his final goodbyes. We are also hoping to visit the place that Joey was found abandoned when he was just 3 years old. That will also be a very hard time for me.
Thank you all so much for your love and prayers. They truly are felt here on the other side of the world!!
We are BLESSED
~Tammy
First I have to tell you how amazing our God is!! There is something about each of the kids that, as I dreamed of our first few moments with them, scared me. With Joey, I was really afraid that he would be so scared and that he would hate us and we'd be trying to carry around a kicking and screaming child. As I prayed for our "meeting" I prayed that he would accept us quickly, that he would have peace with us, that we would have patience in understanding his fear and grief, and that God would show us how to give him the love that he needs and that Joey would feel it as love.
As well as our meeting, and entire day went..... God answers prayers as I have learned in new ways over and over again!!
In my previous post I told how we first saw Joey. It was amazing, and sweet, and PERFECT! Like I said before too, Joey is very social and waves and talks to EVERYONE. And tries to share their food and toys and crayons, etc. lol We spent hours at the Civil Affairs office following him around and trying to keep him at a good distance from the other families so they could have some privacy as they met their kids. It was a challenge, and honestly they all really didn't mind him intruding in their gatherings ;-)
Speaking of the other families meeting their kids... when we adopted Jasmine and Jewel they were brought to our hotel so we were the only family there when they were handed to us. This time we went with another couple with our agency, plus there were other families from other agencies there as well. Probably 10 families in all meeting their kids for the first time. The loss and grief and fear in the room was soooooo horribly sad. Nannies crying, more like sobbing as their kids were handed over to strangers... one nanny had to be taken from the building as she sobbed and had to be held back in the parking lot so she wouldn't go back in at which point she collapsed to the ground. The kids were equally as scared and sad as they tried to hang on to their nannies necks and were torn away to be handed to their new parents. It was heartbreaking. Adoption is a beautiful thing... in the "end", when the dust settles I guess you would say. But adoption comes from great loss and that was never more clear to me than today
Joey was brought to us by a worker from the orphanage. He came with his backpack that we sent to him as a care package. It is so evident how loved he is by his Foster Mom. His backpack had everything in it that we sent him, but also was packed to the edges with food and a few other things by his "mom". I can't image how she felt as she packed his last bag, wanting to make sure he has what he needs. The love was so strong to me as I opened his bag and saw all of the stuff. Amazing.
And boy does Joey know that this is HIS backpack. There was no way we were taking it from him anytime soon!! So sweet ;-)
After several hours we were finally able to head back to our hotel. Joey was happy to jump in the van, with his backpack on of course, and go with us. He sat between Jeff and I and just smiled and "talked" the whole ride. When we got to the hotel he got out, grabbed my hand happily, we said goodbye to our guide and into the hotel we went. As we reached our floor it really hit me. This boy now has a forever family! Just a few hours ago he left an orphanage and now he is walking down the hall to his room at the Hilton! That thought has a mixture of emotions attached to it but praise God that this is our SON!!
After getting to the hotel and secretly unpacking Joey's backpack (just because it was heavier than he is and I was so afraid he was going to fall over with it on) we decided to head out to lunch. Hand in hand, with Joey and his now empty backpack and as happy as can be, we walked. We found a Pizza Hut and had a much easier experience ordering this time. And boy can this kid eat!! Jeff and I have been saying that he and Jonathan are neck and neck in how much food they can put down!! lol. As we were waiting for the food, Joey entertained himself (and us) with a small cup, as spoon, and some water. I would pour a small amount of water into the cup and he would sip it out of the spoon Chinese style lol. Since I was only pouring a little water into the cup at a time he was frequently needing more. I'm not sure if I mentioned yet that Joey doesn't speak (not even in Chinese), only gestures and grunts to let you know what he wants. He's good at it though! Anyway, he kept pointing at the water and grunting when he wanted more, so I showed him the "sign" for more. After only 2 times of me showing him, unprompted he did the sign for more when he ran out of water. This kid is smart <3
We did some walking around and spent some time at WalMart. There is an escalator that goes up to a walking bridge to cross the street then and escalator to go back down on the other side. I'm pretty sure Joey have never seen this before but boy did he think this was fun! :)
All in all, besides just a couple of moments of breakdowns about not getting what he wants, we had a GREAT day. We were able to video chat with the kids and Grandma at home which was perfect as well. We're going to have our hands full with this little guy but we're so happy to be able to be his parents!
As we got closer to bedtime I began to prepare myself for the worst, the big freak out and breakdown. I gave him a bath that he wasn't real happy about and put PJs on him. He went to the bathroom (he is truly potty trained which I wasn't expecting) and climbed into bed with me. We read some books, played on the tablet for a little bit, and around 8:00p I just couldn't stay awake any longer. I patted on the bed for him to lay down, which he did without hesitation. I gave him some kisses and cuddles which caused him to giggle then he put his hands behind his head and fell asleep next to me, literally with a smile on his face.
I'm still preparing myself that reality eventually may set in with him that he is staying with us forever and he may freak out, but for now I'm just soaking in this sweet happy little boy that is laying in my bed. He has even giggled in his sleep a few time ;-)
Tomorrow we have to go back to the Civil Affairs Office to finish the adoption process. We have been given approval to go visit Joey's Orphanage and his Foster mom on Wednesday afternoon. This will be a very emotional time I'm sure as Joey will say his final goodbyes. We are also hoping to visit the place that Joey was found abandoned when he was just 3 years old. That will also be a very hard time for me.
Thank you all so much for your love and prayers. They truly are felt here on the other side of the world!!
We are BLESSED
~Tammy
Gotcha Joey!!
I hope what I am about to type makes sense because I am EXHAUSTED!! I will post more pictures to Facebook tomorrow sometime :)
We left the hotel this morning around 9:45a to head to the Civil Affairs Building where we were to meet our kids. This was the first adoption where we met our child with a group of other people meeting their children. I was very busy, and very emotional!
As soon as we pulled up to the building I started video taping because I saw there were some kids inside the building and I wanted to have the moment we first saw him recorded. As we all got out of the van another van pulled up behind us and our guide says, "this is Zhengzhou Orphanage's van". Sure enough the driver lifts out Joey who comes waking toward us with absolutely no fear. The orphanage staff who was with him says, "Momma" and points to me and Joey just walks right up and gives me a hug. I started crying but quickly stopped myself because I didn't want to scare him off, lol. After a long hug and a couple of pictures I handed him to "daddy" and he get hugs too! Such a sweet little guy!
We quickly found out that Joey is very social as he went around talking to EVERYONE! He also has a VERY stubborn streak and a bit of a temper! We are in love though and will share more about him hopefully tomorrow. I am literally falling asleep as I type though so I think this "blogging" is going to have to wait for now ;-)
I really REALLY want to thank everyone for praying for us today. We couldn't have asked for our day to go any better and that is only because of God. We also appreciate you continuing to pray as we have our power struggles and try to figure out who is in charge, him or us! Lol We love you all!
~Tammy
We left the hotel this morning around 9:45a to head to the Civil Affairs Building where we were to meet our kids. This was the first adoption where we met our child with a group of other people meeting their children. I was very busy, and very emotional!
As soon as we pulled up to the building I started video taping because I saw there were some kids inside the building and I wanted to have the moment we first saw him recorded. As we all got out of the van another van pulled up behind us and our guide says, "this is Zhengzhou Orphanage's van". Sure enough the driver lifts out Joey who comes waking toward us with absolutely no fear. The orphanage staff who was with him says, "Momma" and points to me and Joey just walks right up and gives me a hug. I started crying but quickly stopped myself because I didn't want to scare him off, lol. After a long hug and a couple of pictures I handed him to "daddy" and he get hugs too! Such a sweet little guy!
We quickly found out that Joey is very social as he went around talking to EVERYONE! He also has a VERY stubborn streak and a bit of a temper! We are in love though and will share more about him hopefully tomorrow. I am literally falling asleep as I type though so I think this "blogging" is going to have to wait for now ;-)
I really REALLY want to thank everyone for praying for us today. We couldn't have asked for our day to go any better and that is only because of God. We also appreciate you continuing to pray as we have our power struggles and try to figure out who is in charge, him or us! Lol We love you all!
~Tammy
Sunday, October 9, 2016
We're here!!
I can't believe this time has finally come!! I got teary at the airport as we were leaving on Friday evening because I have been working for that day, full time, for a year straight. Every night, for a year, as I lay down and try to sleep I would think about the day we leave for China and the day we meet the kids for the first time. On the plane I felt so happy, so much so that my smiling and laughing may have annoyed Jeff a little. Lol. Truth is though, as supportive as he has been in this adoption, he doesn't know how much actually went into it, so in no way would he be able to know the relief and peace I have in finally being on the road that I have dreamed of over and over again. So I just continued on, annoying him ;-)
We left home at 12:00pm and flew to Chicago where we had a long 4 1/2 hour layover. We got so many questions asked about why we had 2 strollers and no kids. We were happy to be able to brag over and over that those strollers will not be empty when we come back home!! At 5:00p we boarded our LONG flight to China, about 13 hours. The plane was full, all 226 seats, and maybe 10 of us were Americans. As far as I was concerned the flight went smoothly and quickly, watching movies and sleeping some. Jeff would most likely DISagree, seeing that he was in the middle seat next to the stinky sausage eating, snoring, no concept of personal space Chinese guy. LOL
We landed around 8:30p China time (exactly 12 hours ahead of Ohio). We smoothly, although not so quickly, made it through customs and found our driver holding the sign with our agency's name on it. We made it to our hotel around 10p probably and waited in the lobby for a while as we're not sure if we were or weren't on the reservation list and our driver, who spoke no English, argued with the front desk people. After a quick phone call to someone with our adoption agency, we were indeed on the reservation list and were given keys to our room. The room was nice, with Rock Hard beds and Wifi that would barely stay connected. We were very happy to be able to be connected long enough to "talk" with our kids at home and get a quick picture of Jonathan getting ready for Homecoming! He looked so handsome <3
This morning, 10:30am after breakfast that included fried rice, "ham" (spam) and "breakfast sausage" (a hotdog) we were picked up by another driver in his minivan with red shag carpet and love pillows on the seats (You can't make this stuff up). There was another couple and their daughter already in the van so we really REALLY had to cram to fit ourselves and everything in. We were taken to the train station where we would catch our train to Zhengzhou in Henan Province, where Joey is from. We pulled up to this huge area, the driver helped us get all of our luggage out of the van then waved Goodbye and left us standing on the curb. Signs everywhere, in Chinese. We started walking and found a little tiny, winding entrance that we could barely fit though let alone our luggage so Jeff just decided to throw our luggage over the Gate so we could get in. Once we were inside the gate we still had no idea where we were going so we follow a group of people through a TINY metal spinning door which we again barely got all of our stuff through. (Any of you that know Jeff well will understand that by this point he was NOT enjoying this, lol). We go though the spinning entrance and immediately inside there is a luggage belt to scan our luggage. There's tons of people as well so we just throw our luggage on as we can. We make it through the metal detector and gather our selves with the other family only to realize we have just entered the area to buy tickets, which we already have. Sigh... back out though another TINY spinning metal door. Eventually we found our way to the actual entrance and to the waiting area. It was an adventure for sure!!
Once it was time to load the train everything went pretty smoothly. The seats were nice and big with plenty of leg room. We got served some Chinese "snacks" and were brave enough to try them! This was a bullet train that went about 180MPH. We made to Zhengzhou in about 3 hours with no issues. Our guide, Danielle, met us at the train station and took us to the bank (which took literally and hour to exchange money) then to our hotel. We've been dragging this luggage around with us for about 36 hours so it was nice to be able to put it somewhere where it will be staying until Friday!!
We really like the couple we are with, Cherri and Paul, so after getting settled into our rooms and saying goodbye to our guide for the night we decided to venture into the streets alone, without our guide. We walked a ways and found a "steakhouse" which was the only place we could find that had any sign of English. Come to find out, that sign was the only English about it. Not a single server or cook spoke any English but they did have a big picture menu that we used to pick our meals. The food was decent and besides them not understanding we wanted something to drink besides the hot tea they gave us (Jeff and Paul ended up running across the street to get us drinks) and not understanding when we were done that we were ready to pay, it went ok. After dinner we ventured into WalMart and got a few things to munch on plus a few snacks and drinks we're hoping Joey will like. We just got back to our hotel around 9:30p. We will unpack and head to bed because.....
Tomorrow, at 10:30am, we will meet our son!! Our guide is meeting us at our hotel at 9:30a to take us to the Civil Affairs office and we will take custody of him there. We are so excited!! We're already talking about the things that we saw tonight that we can go out and do with him later this week! I can't believe this is happening!! Cherri and Paul are adopting 2 children also and they are both here is Henan Province so they will get both of them tomorrow too!
So please, PLEASE pray for us and for Joey tomorrow (tonight Ohio time). He will be so scared and confused as I'm sure they will take him from his Foster Mom first thing in the morning. A lot of times when older kids are taken by their new parents they feel as if they are being kidnapped so that's how they react to it. Please pray for peace for him and pray for us to have patience and understanding, and the ability to be able to offer him love and comfort. We need that prayer now more than ever! We'll post again tomorrow, ASAP!!
PS: I didn't have a way to post pictures on this blog tonight but I'll put them on Facebook
We left home at 12:00pm and flew to Chicago where we had a long 4 1/2 hour layover. We got so many questions asked about why we had 2 strollers and no kids. We were happy to be able to brag over and over that those strollers will not be empty when we come back home!! At 5:00p we boarded our LONG flight to China, about 13 hours. The plane was full, all 226 seats, and maybe 10 of us were Americans. As far as I was concerned the flight went smoothly and quickly, watching movies and sleeping some. Jeff would most likely DISagree, seeing that he was in the middle seat next to the stinky sausage eating, snoring, no concept of personal space Chinese guy. LOL
We landed around 8:30p China time (exactly 12 hours ahead of Ohio). We smoothly, although not so quickly, made it through customs and found our driver holding the sign with our agency's name on it. We made it to our hotel around 10p probably and waited in the lobby for a while as we're not sure if we were or weren't on the reservation list and our driver, who spoke no English, argued with the front desk people. After a quick phone call to someone with our adoption agency, we were indeed on the reservation list and were given keys to our room. The room was nice, with Rock Hard beds and Wifi that would barely stay connected. We were very happy to be able to be connected long enough to "talk" with our kids at home and get a quick picture of Jonathan getting ready for Homecoming! He looked so handsome <3
This morning, 10:30am after breakfast that included fried rice, "ham" (spam) and "breakfast sausage" (a hotdog) we were picked up by another driver in his minivan with red shag carpet and love pillows on the seats (You can't make this stuff up). There was another couple and their daughter already in the van so we really REALLY had to cram to fit ourselves and everything in. We were taken to the train station where we would catch our train to Zhengzhou in Henan Province, where Joey is from. We pulled up to this huge area, the driver helped us get all of our luggage out of the van then waved Goodbye and left us standing on the curb. Signs everywhere, in Chinese. We started walking and found a little tiny, winding entrance that we could barely fit though let alone our luggage so Jeff just decided to throw our luggage over the Gate so we could get in. Once we were inside the gate we still had no idea where we were going so we follow a group of people through a TINY metal spinning door which we again barely got all of our stuff through. (Any of you that know Jeff well will understand that by this point he was NOT enjoying this, lol). We go though the spinning entrance and immediately inside there is a luggage belt to scan our luggage. There's tons of people as well so we just throw our luggage on as we can. We make it through the metal detector and gather our selves with the other family only to realize we have just entered the area to buy tickets, which we already have. Sigh... back out though another TINY spinning metal door. Eventually we found our way to the actual entrance and to the waiting area. It was an adventure for sure!!
Once it was time to load the train everything went pretty smoothly. The seats were nice and big with plenty of leg room. We got served some Chinese "snacks" and were brave enough to try them! This was a bullet train that went about 180MPH. We made to Zhengzhou in about 3 hours with no issues. Our guide, Danielle, met us at the train station and took us to the bank (which took literally and hour to exchange money) then to our hotel. We've been dragging this luggage around with us for about 36 hours so it was nice to be able to put it somewhere where it will be staying until Friday!!
We really like the couple we are with, Cherri and Paul, so after getting settled into our rooms and saying goodbye to our guide for the night we decided to venture into the streets alone, without our guide. We walked a ways and found a "steakhouse" which was the only place we could find that had any sign of English. Come to find out, that sign was the only English about it. Not a single server or cook spoke any English but they did have a big picture menu that we used to pick our meals. The food was decent and besides them not understanding we wanted something to drink besides the hot tea they gave us (Jeff and Paul ended up running across the street to get us drinks) and not understanding when we were done that we were ready to pay, it went ok. After dinner we ventured into WalMart and got a few things to munch on plus a few snacks and drinks we're hoping Joey will like. We just got back to our hotel around 9:30p. We will unpack and head to bed because.....
Tomorrow, at 10:30am, we will meet our son!! Our guide is meeting us at our hotel at 9:30a to take us to the Civil Affairs office and we will take custody of him there. We are so excited!! We're already talking about the things that we saw tonight that we can go out and do with him later this week! I can't believe this is happening!! Cherri and Paul are adopting 2 children also and they are both here is Henan Province so they will get both of them tomorrow too!
So please, PLEASE pray for us and for Joey tomorrow (tonight Ohio time). He will be so scared and confused as I'm sure they will take him from his Foster Mom first thing in the morning. A lot of times when older kids are taken by their new parents they feel as if they are being kidnapped so that's how they react to it. Please pray for peace for him and pray for us to have patience and understanding, and the ability to be able to offer him love and comfort. We need that prayer now more than ever! We'll post again tomorrow, ASAP!!
PS: I didn't have a way to post pictures on this blog tonight but I'll put them on Facebook
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
And Now Introducing......
I am so excited to finally be able to write this post!!
We haven't always thought we would adopt 2 kids at one time, but after attending a special needs camp over the past 2 summers my kids have really formed some close relationships with some boys with Down Syndrome. When hearing we were planning to adopt again, they really hoped to have a sibling with Down Syndrome.
I also have had my life changed by a child with Down Syndrome.... When we were working toward adopting Jewel, I decided to pick up a second job to increase our income. I was hired by a company that employed nurses to work with children, in their homes, that need extra medical care. There was a little 2 year old boy named Truman that had Down Syndrome and he had a full time nurse during the day. I started working with him a couple of days a week and completely fell in love with him! The sweetest little guy. Truman passed away in 2014. He is the reason I switched my career path to working with special needs children, and now the reason I feel comfortable changing my parenting path as well...
We had already committed to try to adopt Teagan, but knew it was possible to adopt 2 kids at one time from China. We decided to add a child with DS to our family as well! :) After talking and praying about it, we found a little boy who we were interested in who had DS. We submitted our letter to our adoption agency, asking to be approved to adopt 2 kids...
Not to much later, we began to talk about a name. I had a name in mind, but Jeff said what about “Joseph”? This was the name I was thinking too! Joseph means “God will add…a son”. So we decided yes, his name will be Joseph and we will call him Joey!
Shortly after deciding on the name, the little boy we were interested in was chosen by another family. I was sad, and prayed. I asked God to please make it very clear to us if a boy with Down Syndrome is supposed to be our son. I literally prayed, “Please lay OUR Joey in our lap so we know he is ours”. The next day I posted on and advocacy site asking for people to list their favorite boys with DS, under the age of 7. One of the very first responses was from a young lady who volunteered at a summer camp in China. She added the most precious picture of a boy, 5 years old, who is advocated for by the name “Joey”. OUR JOEY, set right there in our lap!
We are so excited to say that TODAY we have been preapproved by China to adopt Joey!
Introducing Joseph Truman Jarrett...
And just a side note, Truman LOVED bubbles. And one of the first pictures I saw of Joey was him blowing bubbles. I'm so blessed that Truman's parents are allowing me to name my son after their angel, Truman!
Below is Truman blowing bubbles and our Joey with his bubbles <3
We haven't always thought we would adopt 2 kids at one time, but after attending a special needs camp over the past 2 summers my kids have really formed some close relationships with some boys with Down Syndrome. When hearing we were planning to adopt again, they really hoped to have a sibling with Down Syndrome.
I also have had my life changed by a child with Down Syndrome.... When we were working toward adopting Jewel, I decided to pick up a second job to increase our income. I was hired by a company that employed nurses to work with children, in their homes, that need extra medical care. There was a little 2 year old boy named Truman that had Down Syndrome and he had a full time nurse during the day. I started working with him a couple of days a week and completely fell in love with him! The sweetest little guy. Truman passed away in 2014. He is the reason I switched my career path to working with special needs children, and now the reason I feel comfortable changing my parenting path as well...
We had already committed to try to adopt Teagan, but knew it was possible to adopt 2 kids at one time from China. We decided to add a child with DS to our family as well! :) After talking and praying about it, we found a little boy who we were interested in who had DS. We submitted our letter to our adoption agency, asking to be approved to adopt 2 kids...
Not to much later, we began to talk about a name. I had a name in mind, but Jeff said what about “Joseph”? This was the name I was thinking too! Joseph means “God will add…a son”. So we decided yes, his name will be Joseph and we will call him Joey!
Shortly after deciding on the name, the little boy we were interested in was chosen by another family. I was sad, and prayed. I asked God to please make it very clear to us if a boy with Down Syndrome is supposed to be our son. I literally prayed, “Please lay OUR Joey in our lap so we know he is ours”. The next day I posted on and advocacy site asking for people to list their favorite boys with DS, under the age of 7. One of the very first responses was from a young lady who volunteered at a summer camp in China. She added the most precious picture of a boy, 5 years old, who is advocated for by the name “Joey”. OUR JOEY, set right there in our lap!
We are so excited to say that TODAY we have been preapproved by China to adopt Joey!
Introducing Joseph Truman Jarrett...
And just a side note, Truman LOVED bubbles. And one of the first pictures I saw of Joey was him blowing bubbles. I'm so blessed that Truman's parents are allowing me to name my son after their angel, Truman!
Below is Truman blowing bubbles and our Joey with his bubbles <3
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Adoption IS Uncomfortable
We had a wonderful sermon at church today! I feel renewed and today is a new start. A rededication of sorts of my life, this adoption, to GOD. I'm doing this for HIM.
I want to make the reasons for this adoption perfectly clear. We are not adopting these 2 little children because we feel incomplete as a family. We aren't adopting again because we want more children, believe me!! We definitely aren't adopting again because we're bored and have time to spare! We are bringing these two precious children into our family because we are GOD's hands and feet and that is what He would do. It isn't easy and it isn't comfortable. And honestly, I'm scared to death of what we are getting ourselves into! BUT,Jesus loves all children and if He was able, He would adopt them and give them a home. WE ARE ABLE, because Christ is in us, so that is what we will do. We are adopting Teagan and Joey as our children, because GOD adopted US as His. THIS is what WE are called to do!!
In the "adoption community" it is said over and over... never decided not to adopt because of the money. If your heart is right with GOD and you are adopting to glorify HIM, HE will provide!
We have taken a HUGE leap of faith here. We have the money to provide for our kids on a day to day basis once we get them home, but getting them here is the hard part financially! I want to be completely open an honest in this post, so I'm telling you right now... this adoption is going to cost us around $45,000 to bring both Teagan and Joey home. $45,000!!!! That is a crazy amount of money to come up with in a very short period of time! But with GOD, we know it is possible. We know that somehow, crazy as it sounds, we will get the money that we need right when we need it.
And sometimes God uses the people in our lives to provide for the children that HE so deeply loves.
Asking for money is VERY uncomfortable. I struggle with it everyday. It's embarrassing honestly. Money is a hard thing. I don't want to ask, so a lot of times I don't. But the only thing holding us back from our children is time (and paperwork), and unfortunately MONEY. So I'm asking you to pray. And if you feel led, I'm asking you to donate to help bring Joey and Teagan home. I'm asking, and it's uncomfortable. But I'm asking for my kids. I'd do anything for them.
I also want to lay out our Payment Schedule so anyone who is interested can see where their money is going specifically. Please don't be afraid to ask if you have any questions or concerns. Also, if you'd like your donation to be Tax Deductible, I have a way to do that as well. Thank you all in advance. I promise you, anything you can give will be appreciated!
WACAP Application Fee $250 Paid
Homestudy Fee $3000 Paid
Preapproval Deposit $500 Paid
Homestudy Review Fee $350 Paid
US Immigration Filings: Jeff $805 Due before sending Dossier to China
US Immigration Filings: Tammy $805 Due before sending Dossier to China
WACAP Fee + 2nd child fee $3500 Due at Homestudy Approval
WACAP Processing Fee $1500 Due at Homestudy Approval
CCCWA Charge: Teagan $1450 Due at Homestudy Approval
CCCWA Charge: Joey $1450 Due at Homestudy Approval
Dossier Processing Fee $500 Due after Dossier Completion
Doccument Expences $250 Due after Dossier Completion
WACAP Fee $500 Due at Referral
WACAP Processing Fee $500 Due at Referral
WACAP Fee $2000 Due at Child’s acceptance
US Entry Visa Processing Fee: Teagan $350 Due at Child’s acceptance
US Entry Visa Processing Fee: Joey $350 Due at Child’s acceptance
Post Placement transmittal: Teagan $660 Due at Child’s acceptance
Post Placement transmittal: Joey $660 Due at Child’s acceptance
Orphanage Donation: Teagan $5800 Due in China
Orphanage Donation: Joey $5800 Due in China
In China Legal Expenses $3000 Due in China
Round-trip Airfare: Jeff $1800 Due prior to travel
Round-trip Airfare: Tammy $1800 Due prior to travel
In China Travel, lodging, translator $5500 Due prior to travel
In China expenses: Teagan $600 Due in China
In China expenses: Joey $600 Due in China
Airfare to US: Teagan $800 Due prior to travel
Airfare to US: Joey $800 Due prior to travel
Total Adoption Cost: $45,430.00
I want to make the reasons for this adoption perfectly clear. We are not adopting these 2 little children because we feel incomplete as a family. We aren't adopting again because we want more children, believe me!! We definitely aren't adopting again because we're bored and have time to spare! We are bringing these two precious children into our family because we are GOD's hands and feet and that is what He would do. It isn't easy and it isn't comfortable. And honestly, I'm scared to death of what we are getting ourselves into! BUT,Jesus loves all children and if He was able, He would adopt them and give them a home. WE ARE ABLE, because Christ is in us, so that is what we will do. We are adopting Teagan and Joey as our children, because GOD adopted US as His. THIS is what WE are called to do!!
In the "adoption community" it is said over and over... never decided not to adopt because of the money. If your heart is right with GOD and you are adopting to glorify HIM, HE will provide!
We have taken a HUGE leap of faith here. We have the money to provide for our kids on a day to day basis once we get them home, but getting them here is the hard part financially! I want to be completely open an honest in this post, so I'm telling you right now... this adoption is going to cost us around $45,000 to bring both Teagan and Joey home. $45,000!!!! That is a crazy amount of money to come up with in a very short period of time! But with GOD, we know it is possible. We know that somehow, crazy as it sounds, we will get the money that we need right when we need it.
And sometimes God uses the people in our lives to provide for the children that HE so deeply loves.
Asking for money is VERY uncomfortable. I struggle with it everyday. It's embarrassing honestly. Money is a hard thing. I don't want to ask, so a lot of times I don't. But the only thing holding us back from our children is time (and paperwork), and unfortunately MONEY. So I'm asking you to pray. And if you feel led, I'm asking you to donate to help bring Joey and Teagan home. I'm asking, and it's uncomfortable. But I'm asking for my kids. I'd do anything for them.
I also want to lay out our Payment Schedule so anyone who is interested can see where their money is going specifically. Please don't be afraid to ask if you have any questions or concerns. Also, if you'd like your donation to be Tax Deductible, I have a way to do that as well. Thank you all in advance. I promise you, anything you can give will be appreciated!
WACAP Application Fee $250 Paid
Homestudy Fee $3000 Paid
Preapproval Deposit $500 Paid
Homestudy Review Fee $350 Paid
US Immigration Filings: Jeff $805 Due before sending Dossier to China
US Immigration Filings: Tammy $805 Due before sending Dossier to China
WACAP Fee + 2nd child fee $3500 Due at Homestudy Approval
WACAP Processing Fee $1500 Due at Homestudy Approval
CCCWA Charge: Teagan $1450 Due at Homestudy Approval
CCCWA Charge: Joey $1450 Due at Homestudy Approval
Dossier Processing Fee $500 Due after Dossier Completion
Doccument Expences $250 Due after Dossier Completion
WACAP Fee $500 Due at Referral
WACAP Processing Fee $500 Due at Referral
WACAP Fee $2000 Due at Child’s acceptance
US Entry Visa Processing Fee: Teagan $350 Due at Child’s acceptance
US Entry Visa Processing Fee: Joey $350 Due at Child’s acceptance
Post Placement transmittal: Teagan $660 Due at Child’s acceptance
Post Placement transmittal: Joey $660 Due at Child’s acceptance
Orphanage Donation: Teagan $5800 Due in China
Orphanage Donation: Joey $5800 Due in China
In China Legal Expenses $3000 Due in China
Round-trip Airfare: Jeff $1800 Due prior to travel
Round-trip Airfare: Tammy $1800 Due prior to travel
In China Travel, lodging, translator $5500 Due prior to travel
In China expenses: Teagan $600 Due in China
In China expenses: Joey $600 Due in China
Airfare to US: Teagan $800 Due prior to travel
Airfare to US: Joey $800 Due prior to travel
Total Adoption Cost: $45,430.00
Valentine's Day Drawing
Happy Valentine's Day!! I'm sorry it has taken me so long to upload this video, but here is the video of our drawing for the private Valentine's Day dinner. Winners were Tara Stultz and Katrina Homer! Thank you so much to everyone who donated. <3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)