News Article Written in Local Paper

Click here to be taken to an article in a local newspaper that was written about us!! 

 VERY EXCITING!!

LOTSA UPDATES!!!

Okay, so here we go ... we have a lot of updates for our readers!!

Many things are happening and that is GREAT!!!

OUR CHINESE VISAS HAVE ARRIVED!!!

What does this mean?

It means that the Chinese Government has officially given us permission to enter China.  That is definitely a good thing!

New and interesting info on these visas is that we have permission to enter China as many times as we want to in the next 10 YEARS and each stay can be up to 90 days!

OUR QUILT GIVEAWAY IS UNDERWAY!!!

So far, we have SIX entrants with TEN entries totaling $90 towards the $350 value placed on this lovely quilt made by our good friend, Leah.

You, too, could have a chance at receiving this beautiful quilt.

Quilt measures 62" x 80" - like a very large lap quilt.

$10 Donation = 1 Entry

$25 Donation = 3 Entries

$50 Donation = 7 Entries

100 Donation = 13 Entries

Donate via our PayPal account (prenderbergs@gmail.com) OR our Reece's Rainbow account (http://reecesrainbox.org/?s=prendergast or you can also click on the link in the upper right of this blog to be taken directly to our family sponsor page)

ADOPTION LUNCHEON AND SILENT AUCTION!!!

This past weekend some lovely ladies at our church held a luncheon to benefit our adoption.  They had it decorated SO FESTIVELY!!

Doesn't this look so fun??

There were pinatas and sombreros because in a few weeks we are having a fundraiser at Hernandez' Mexican Restaurant.

Just LOOK at all that COLOR!!!

After the service we had time to do a presentation ...

We explained how we adopted for the first time and about our decision to adopt again, why boys this time and why ones with such serious special needs.  

We compared our knowledge and experience with Molly and Brynn's special needs with that of what we know about Jonah and Rees' conditions.

We gave some information about where the boys are located ...

... and our tentative travel plans when it comes time to go and get them.

It was so nice to be able to share what we're doing, where we are in the process and our heart for orphans of China.  

More people than we dared imagine came and shared the time with us!!

Look at all those people!!

The Silent Auction happened throughout the event and there sure were a lot of people in these hallways (when they weren't eating, of course)!

We sure hope that everyone had a nice time!!

We DID!!

We received our I800 APPROVAL on Monday!!

Now our file gets transferred to the National Visa Center and is assigned a special number that means it's ready to be sent to the Consulate in Guangzhou, China!!  We are getting SO CLOSE!!!

... an overwhelming sense of gratitude ...

To the Chinese people, bamboo is the symbolization of virtue. It reflects a person’s soul and emotion.  I like that it is here in this picture next to the Chinese characters for "thank-you" because it is with my deepest gratitude that I write this post.  No matter which words I use, I don't know that they will be adequate enough to express the emotions that have penetrated and overwhelmed us.  

At the beginning of this adoption process, we knew that we were taking a huge leap of faith and that we needed to rely on God to pave the way for us to accomplish this task.  We likened it to the crossing of the Jordan River when the waters would not stop flowing until the priests actually stepped their feet into the river.  Once they showed that they trusted what they were being told to do, God did what He said He would and he stopped the flow of the river so that the people could cross on dry land.  When we started this process, we took the first steps entrusting that the LORD would provide for us in the same way.  We determined to act in faith!

But I gotta tell you ... honest confession,… my biggest flaw is my LACK OF FAITH!!
Worry and doubt are ALWAYS lurking ... 

Sooo, I made a plan … well, of course, I forged a plan!!  You can’t blame me, right?  The responsible thing to do would be to know the costs and make a plan to be able to pay for it, right?

So, I had made plans to work full-time this summer, which is many hours above my usual part-time status, so that I could make extra money and put it all towards the adoption expenses.  That coupled with the typically long hours and overtime that Brian has throughout the year put my mind at ease that we would be able to financially sustain ourselves for the bulk of our adoption fees and travel expenses.

Guess what??  Brian’s extra-long hours and overtime practically came to a stand-still several months ago and he has barely had enough work orders to maintain a standard 40/hour week!  And as for me and my working all these extra hours, … well, I worked ONE full-time week at the beginning of summer and have only worked a couple hours extra each week since then due to various things coming up and medical appointments and dental check-ups … and truth be told, some days, I’m just too tired and I don’t want to work extra hours.

So much for MY PLAN, right??

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. ~Proverbs 19:21

So, we had other ideas in the works too … little fillers to help us along the way.

.We sent out letters inviting people to help us with the adoption fees.

(after 3 years of fund-raising for Honduras mission trips, we expected people to just toss those letters right in the trash saying, “Enough is enough!”)

.We have baked scones, Welsh cakes and pies to raise money towards the adoption fees.

(how many scones and pies can a person eat, really?)

.We sold necklaces.

(we couldn’t possibly sell enough of these to make a difference)

.We had a rummage sale.

(it rained all three days and we doubted enough people would come out)

.We sold items online.

(other people’s online sales seemed to be doing so much better than ours)

.We have taken sponsors for our daughter’s very long hair to be cut.

(does anybody REALLY care whether or not Molly gets her hair cut and why she let it grow so long anyway?)

.We have done ‘odd jobs’ for money from various people.

(I make “X” as much at my job compared to what we’ll get to do this job – is it really worth it?)

(did you note all those pessimistic responses after each point?  yep, that's my worry and doubt kicking in)

BUT ... for each endeavor, we honestly said, “It’s just going to be what it’s going to be … do our part and God will provide.”  That is true!  We’ve gone into each thing truly putting forth our best effort and knowing that the results will be because God has provided.  We truly believe that …

… but here’s where it gets all “wooky” …

… I literally just made that word up …

… to describe the realization that ...

I HAVE PUT LIMITATIONS ON GOD’S ABILITY TO PROVIDE, EVEN THOUGH I BELIEVE THAT GOD HAS AND WILL PROVIDE!

Why??

You see, sometimes, I have a GREAT FAITH in GOD but a very small faith in His people ...  

… even people with faith in God, saved by His Grace, and trying to walk in His Ways lose focus, miss the moment and fail to trust that God is in ALL the details. 

 (hmm, ... sounds just like me) 
And sometimes my perception is that is the case more often than not.

... and I knew that for all those little side-plans, "people" would either make or break them.

… but here’s what God has shown me …

.We sent out letters inviting people to help us with the adoption fees.

(20 people/families responded and donated, several with kinds words, cards and an interest to know more.  Of those, 10 went on to offer additional support)

.We have baked scones, Welsh cakes and pies to raise money towards the adoption fees.

(We have raised over $500 just for making baked goods that we enjoy making and it is so encouraging to see the excitement and interest in what we make.  Food is a “friend-maker!”)

.We sold necklaces.

(Many of the people who bought necklaces bought them as gifts … to brighten someone else’s day and to bring joy by giving a simple gift)

.We had a rummage sale.

(Quite a few people donated items to us so that we could have a great, big rummage sale.  We were really excited each time someone wanted to donate “stuff” to us!!  We made over $1,500 and made connections with people touched by the plight of two little boys.  We connected with some who were simply drawn to conversation … something so simple, yet providing a sense of engagement and acceptance.)

.We sold items online.

(Because of some of our sales, we connected with other adopting families in various states to share experiences, offer support and network through the process.)

.We have taken sponsors for our daughter’s very long hair to be cut.

(Molly has been affirmed in her efforts to help us with the adoption, to know that she has a part in bringing her younger brothers home and it has been a joy to see her excitement when others have donated on behalf of her.)

.We have done ‘odd jobs’ for money from various people.

(This has been the most rewarding endeavor, by far … though, completely unexpected!  I can’t even explain to you the magnitude of this piece because each instance has been personal and unique … but God has truly exceeded our puny expectations in this area!!  Starting out just trying to make a little extra money by simply helping somebody out has been extremely REWARDING in so many ways!!!  It has been greatly satisfying to HELP someone where it is needed and to get to know the person(s) at the same time.  Helping someone with a physical need is a lovely kindness … visiting them and getting to know them is a GIFT that is often needed much more than the physical service provided!  God showed me that … and that has become so much more important to me than receiving payment for services rendered.

We've done a lot of things in an effort to do our part in raising money for our adoption ... I call it "Faith-Action"but in the end, I know that we haven't done anything and GOD IS DOING EVERYTHING!!

.And.He's.Using.His.People.To.Make.A.Difference.

And I can see that RELATIONSHIPS matter to GOD!!

Between Us and HIM.

Between Us and People.

Because of this adoption process, a relationship with Relatives has just been rekindled after more than 20 YEARS!!

Because of this adoption, a relationship with Neighbors whom we’ve lived near over 5 years has JUST BEGUN!!

Because of this adoption, close friends are even closer … strong family ties are even stronger …

The majority of what God is doing in and through our adoption process is based in the interactions and relationships that we have created and are creating with other people.  What a tremendous and unexpected blessing!!!  Sometimes the “faith-action” is grand and obvious ... sometimes it's subtle … sometimes it’s even invisible … but sometimes, the “faith-action” of the people around us is a BOLD and BRAVE and BEAUTIFUL response to what they SEE IN US. 

And that’s the part that catches us the MOST!!! 

To think that someone may be looking, paying attention, and seeing the Glory of the LORD Jesus through my shaky tightrope attempt at “faith-walking” … in just that moment, the Spirit of the LORD strengthens and encourages and redeems me!!!

So while SO MANY PEOPLE step into our circle … writing checks, donating items, planning fundraisers, sending money, making things, praying … because our “Faith-Action” is inspiring to THEM … 

...WE ARE INSPIRED...

... as we observe the forest of bamboo all around us!!

And it is that inspiration that propels us to keep moving forward, confident that God is at work through His people, their "faith-action" surrounding us in love and peace and hope  for the rest of our adoption process and what lies ahead for us once our boys are home.

Upcoming Events and Fun Silent Auction Items

LOOK HOW FAR OUR HELPING HANDS TIMELINE HAS COME!!!

There is A LOT MORE on the door than in the beginning ... which is good ... that shows PROGRESS.  

PROGRESS IS GOOD!!

There sure are A LOT of hands on that door now!!  And we sure are thrilled about that!

But ... we REALLY want that empty space at the top of the door to be all filled in by the time our boys come home.  We can't wait to show them the door and, when they understand, explain to them the significance of 

ALL THOSE HANDS!

There are a variety of ways that you can be a "helping hand" in our adoption adventure:

Molly's Locks -for- Love

 

Molly is getting really close to reaching her goal of being sponsored for at least TWELVE INCHES to be cut from her hair.  She is getting pretty excited and she will probably get about 16 - 17 inches of her hair cut ... SO ... PLEASE keep the donations coming!!  We have $300 to go to reach the minimum goal but will gladly add to our list those who donate up to the 16 or 17 inch mark.  Every dollar up to $100 goes towards another inch of hair!!

Quilt Raffle

Stay tuned for this ... it's gonna be great!!  

Church Luncheon / Silent Auction

As you may recall, there are some very nice ladies at church planning a luncheon to benefit our adoption.  This will be held on August 23, 2015, beginning at 10:45am (or so) when we will give a presentation/update on our adoption process and the boys we are adopting and it will go until about 1:45pm (or so) to include a Silent Auction with LOTS of fun stuff to bid on.

Here's a sneak peek of some of the great items:

One of my cousins made these GREAT fleece tie blankets!!

Thank-YOU so MUCH, Mary!!

Thank-you, Mary, ... I L-O-V-E my blanket too!!!

She was so AWESOME that she made Molly, Brynn, Jonah and Rees blankets too!!!

Another cousin is making these FANTASTIC stained glass stars!!!  

Aren't they wonderful??? 

Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you, Michael!! 

  A very talented lady from church makes so many wonderful, crafty items and she has donated several of them for our silent auction.  Thank-you so much, Charlotte!!!

Hernandez' Mexican Restaurant Fundraiser

On Monday, September 14, we will be having a fundraiser at Hernandez' Mexican Restaurant.  Ticket's must be purchased in advance and are $10 each.  

Your 10 tickets gets you two tacos and sides of beans, rice, chips and salsa.  (Beverage and Gratuity not included)  $4 of every ticket sold will go towards our adoption fund!!  Woo-Hoo!!

Please let us know if you would like to purchase a ticket or two ... or three ... or four ... 

We're getting closer to bringing home our boys and it is starting to feel a little more REAL!!  We are so thankful for all the support and encouragement we have received and we can't wait to one day tell the boys their "adoption story" and how many wonderful people are IN IT!!

P.S. We are currently waiting for FINAL Immigration Approval and we've sent for our China Travel Visas.  YAY!!  Please keep praying us along, will you??  

Updates and Special Announcement

Our adoption agency is NO LONGER accepting payments via a check from donors. If you have thought about donating/contributing to our adoption fund, our Reece's Rainbow sponsorship page is the only Tax-Deductible way to do that going forward. We have GREATLY appreciated ALL the support we have received so far and we still want potential donors to have a way to make a tax-deductible donation. Reece's Rainbow is a wonderful organization that advocates and provides adoption grants primarily (but not solely) for the adoption of children with Down's Syndrome. They have provided us with a sponsor page in hopes of raising awareness and supporters for the adoption of our two special needs boys in China. We are just over half-way to our goal of $20,000!!!  To donate to our RR fund, go to our sponsorship page via the link in the top right of the sidebar.

The girls bedroom is basically complete and they are now officially "living" together in one room.  It's been a little bumpy so far but they have LOTS of time to adjust to the new arrangement.  We think the room looks great!!

This is Molly's "corner".  Can you believe her bed is messy??

And this is Brynn's corner.  The door is hiding her book shelf but she has her new little reading chair which she is very excited about.

And we're off to a very good start on the boys' room too!!   

That's great, isn't it ... because ... "sound of the trumpet before a special announcement" ...

WE GOT OUR LETTER SEEKING CONFIRMATION TODAY!!!

This is the official letter of approval stating that we are matched to the two boys that we want to adopt and they are requesting our confirmation of acceptance.

This approval came in RECORD BREAKING time, I think, especially as I've been a crazy stalking lady watching, recording and calculating the rest of the adoption community's timelines along with our own.  Our paperwork was registered with the CCCWA on 6/29/2015 and our Letter Seeking Confirmation was issued on 7/31/2015.  

We went through translation, review, matching and approval 

in 32 days!!!

I LIKE IT!!!  I REALLY LIKE IT A LOT!!!

And super thankful to God for this blessing today - I SURE did need it!!  Amen, LORD!

Then, last thing for now ... Some very nice ladies from our church are going to be hosting a luncheon for our family on Sunday, August 23, 2015.  The luncheon will be focused on our adoption: the adoption process, where the boys are from and their necessary craniofacial surgeries.  We will also share our experience(s) with the medical similarities of the boys and our daughters, Molly and Brynn.  We'll be doing a presentation with photos and video for anyone interested in viewing!

Anyone and everyone is welcome and additional guests with you also - go ahead and bring anyone who would be interested in learning more about the adoption of these precious boys!  All that is asked is that you RSVP so that the appropriate amount of food can be planned for.  

***We will be having a Silent Auction during the luncheon with LOTS of items available for bidding!!***  There will also be the opportunity to give a love offering if you feel led.

It will take place after our church service:

Presentation to begin at 10:45am

Silent Auction preview/bidding 11:15am

Lunch begins at 11:30am

Silent Auction bidding to end at 1:30pm

Community Church of Elkhorn, 4654 Briggs Rd., Elkhorn, 53121

PLEASE just let me know if you would like to attend and/or if you have any questions or need additional information.