{Stuck} An International Adoption Documentary

Have you heard about Stuck?  Watch this trailer. 


STUCK TRAILER from Both Ends Burning Campaign on Vimeo.
 From Both Ends Burning:

STUCK steps into the complex human experience of adoption, exploring the challenges faced by birth parents, prospective adoptive parents – and children.

The film follows Tihun from Ethiopia, Nate from Vietnam, and Erickson and Therline from Haiti on their individual voyages from orphanages in their native countries to their homes with families in the United States. Filmmaker Thaddaeus Scheel tracks the chapters in the lives of these four children, and the three couples seeking to be their parents, revealing along the way the intense hope and disappointment they experience on the odyssey to unite as families. Some stories are heartwarming, showing incredible examples of kids who blossom after joining their families, while others offer insight into the emotional and physical impact institutional life can have on these kids.
Through the lens of personal, real-life stories the film asks how the global community can take care of these children, safeguarding them from the very real dangers of child trafficking and corruption while also answering their need to move from institutions into loving homes and a normal life.
STUCK is a testament to the power of human love and the inexplicable connection between parent and child – even when separated by thousands of miles and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is a love story of a different kind that celebrates the indefatigable human spirit, the loyalty and the devotion that bonds these parents and kids together as families.
  

Find out more about this movie, and find out how you can help.  It's showing in 60 cities in the next 3 months.  Pray that people will get involved, that change can happen, and that God would be glorified through this film.

Liebster Award: 11 Things

I was nominated for the Liebster Award by a new blog friend, Ashley. She blogs over at Expecting Miracles so go show her some love. Thanks for thinking about me, Ashley!

  This award is given to new or up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers...the award is then passed along to other bloggers in the same category to help spread the word and support one another.

11 Things About Me:
1.  I don't like eating meat from a bone. 
2.  I love to travel and learn new things about different people and cultures.  
3.  Fall is my favorite season because I can wear sweaters and flip-flops at the same time.
4.  Matt and I met in 1997 when he was in 7th grade and I was in 9th.  When we first met, he was scared of me because I was kind of a punk. We had band together that year in school. 
5.  My best friend is Ginger who I met when we spent the summer together on 'Summer Project' with Campus Crusade for Christ in Gatlinburg, TN.  
6.  I used to love riding horses and hanging out at a horse barn and everything that involves.
7.  I have super sensitive smelling powers. 
8.  We've lived in our house for almost 3 months and haven't done anything in our yard.  I'm afraid we're going to get kicked out of the neighborhood. 
9.  I love being a big sister to my 2 younger sisters... and so thankful that we have all become close friends. 
10. I am NOT a plant person.  Every plant that has ever been under my care has met an early demise... 
11. I confuse myself by being an introvert who loves people and a task-person who is not nearly as organized as I used to be. 


Ashley's Questions For Me:
1. If you had to choose one of your 5 senses to give up, which would you choose?
    This is hard, but I think I would give up smell. 
2. What is one thing on your Christmas wish list this year?
     A Pyrex dish with a cover and a carrier so I can make stuff and transport it easily.
3. What was your favorite subject in high school? Least favorite?
     English was my favorite... anything science was my least favorite.
4. If you were a crayon, which color would you be?
    Purple Mountain Majesty... why?  I have no idea.
5. What is your favorite home cooked meal?
     "Mrs. Judy's Chicken" which is Parmesan-crusted chicken in small pieces. 
6. What is your favorite movie of all time?
     Way too hard to choose just one... favorites are LOTR trilogy, Gone with the Wind, 
    Sound of Music.
7. Do you have any tattoos?
     No. I'm a chicken. Matt has 4 or 5, and I've been with him for 2.  Does that count? :)
8. Have you ever traveled out of the country?
     Many, many times.  My earliest trip was when I was 9 months to London.  My longest 
    time overseas was 9 months in Central Asia.
9. What is your dream vacation?
     Alaskan cruise.
10. What scripture or quote has been the most encouraging/inspiring to you in life?
     Ephesians 2... especially the first 9 verses. 
11. What is one of your goals for 2013?
    I don't really do goals. (Maybe I should.) But one of my hopes is to complete our first
    adoption!




My questions for my Nominees:

1.  What is your favorite thing about the Christmas Season? 

2.  Do you like shopping? 

3.  Where is the farthest you've been from home? 

4.  Aside from your spouse or child(ren) (if applicable), who is the family member you are closest to? 

5.  Would you rather eat out for a week straight or have someone make you meals at home for a week straight? 

6.  Who are your top 3 non-profit organizations to joyfully give money to?  (In other words, is there an organization you enjoy giving to?) Why? 

7.  Describe yourself at the age of 16 in 3 words. 

8.  What's your favorite part of a beach vacation? 

9.  Last movie you saw in the theaters?

10. Most helpful thing you could pass on about money management? 

11. What's your favorite Christmas song? 

My New Nominees*:
Mindy at Mindy's Non-Adventures

Jeannene at La Casa de Pacheco 

Rachel at Jonathan and Rachel

Kristin at Kristin With an I

Debbie at the Lowthers

Brooke at Livin' on the Edge

Ginger at A Little Ginger Goes a Long Way

Holly at Crabtree Chronicles

Carrie at the Random Thoughts of Carrie

Kelley at Our Adoption Journey... and Life with Kate

Gracia at A Committed Follower

If you receive the award, there are a few rules to follow...

1) Each blogger nominated must post 11 things about themselves.

2) Then answer the 11 questions the tagger has asked

3)Blogger must then create 11 questions of their own to ask the bloggers they decide to nominate

4) They must choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate and link them on their blog post

5)Bloggers must be notified of their award!

6) No tag backs!

*I understand everyone is busy, especially during this time of year. Don't feel like you have to participate if you can't find the time. I would love to learn more about you, though, if you can!

 

LoveGave Hope

$100,000 in 58 hours?!

The LoveGave organization, which is awesome in itself since it's a collaboration of multiple churches in the Charleston area is taking on a cause that's dear to our heart this year... the fatherless. 

PLEASE take time to check out LoveGave Hope between now and December 8th.  If you're local, you can go to the West Ashley or Goose Creek Wal-Mart to be part of it.  You can also always watch online (always entertaining!) as they are live-streaming, and you can give online as well.   

Our goal is to raise $100,000 in 58 hours to provide hope for the orphans in our area. You know what?!
God can do it.  

Will you be part of it? 

Online Auction has Started

Hey Everyone!  The online auction for our BBQ & Bids Christmas Adoption Fundraiser has started!  The online portion will continue through noon on 11/29.  

Please help us spread the word!!

Our Church and Orphans

Yesterday, Matt and I had the opportunity to share briefly about our adoption with our church.  Yesterday was orphan Sunday, so we were asked to share our story and spend time praying for orphans from stage.  (We were far down the line of people asked, but it was cool anyway!) 

I can't explain the JOY and passion that I felt while hearing Matt talking with the Lord about orphans, adoption, and the parts we play.  His heart has changed so much, and I'm beyond thankful!  It's further proof that GOD is doing this... not us.

We are so grateful to be part of this church.  There are 3 other families who have adopted in our church.  Of those 3 families, we've been in Community Group with two of them.  What a blessing!  And one other family (that we know of!) is starting the process.  It means so much that we have this support system... that our child(ren) won't be the only one(s) who don't look like Mommy & Daddy. :)

Even more awesome is that our church is doing a HUGE event in December to raise awareness and funds for local orphanages.  Check out the video below.

LoveGave Hope Trailer from LoveGave on Vimeo.

National Adoption Month, Day 4

This says it all.  

Thanks to my friend Tanya for passing it along to me.
It can be purchased here.

And if you want more along these lines, read this book:

 

Compassion Children

The last weekend of August, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Compassion International at a Beth Moore conference in Charleston.  

I was soooo excited to go and get to serve in this way.  We have come to love Compassion and our sponsored girl, Gift, over the past 2+ years since we started sponsoring her.  

During a worship song that I snuck into the auditorium for.

There was something special about being at a conference with 9,000 (mostly) women worshiping God and learning more about Him.  It was also very special that the conference planners know that giving is a huge part of worship.  They had opportunities for people to give to other great organizations like Samaritan's Purse as well.  The worship leader shared about his heart for Compassion, how he has gotten to meet one of his sponsored children and how sponsoring a child helps him teach his children about perspective.  They also showed a video of lives who had been changed as a result of the ministry of Compassion. 

After that section of the conference, we were very busy at the Compassion booth.  We got to help ladies find children with the same birthdays as their child, or children who were in a certain part of the world, or who had certain physical traits.  It was very special.  After my second shift, I learned that there were about 400 children who got sponsored that weekend... wow!  What a blessing!  

a small portion of the available children

But my mind was truly blown by just how many children still need sponsors.  Sponsors in places like America, where people pay $60 to go to a conference for 10 hours.  Sponsors who probably get to go on trips and eat out at restaurants while there are children in other places of the world without the basics.  We're talking basics, like regular food and clean water.

Click on this picture to be taken to the Sponsorship Page.

 

I'm not judging.  I'm just challenged.  I'm asking:  How do we balance the blessings we've been given with the needs of many in this world?  Would love to know your thoughts on this.  I am well aware that there's no one-size-fits-all answer.  What does Scripture say, and how does that fit into our modern-day culture?

I've been in a VERY similar hut.  This was not just for show.  It's reality for a LOT of people. 

Seriously... I'm asking. :)

Praying for This...

Source: pin4fun4666.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

As we rejoice with TWO families we know who have been united through adoption in the past couple of weeks, we look forward to when it will be our turn.  In His time.

Until then, we pray...

...And tear-up when I find heart-tugging things on Pinterest.  

Do you have anything to add to my Pinterest Adoption board? 

P.S.  You can read about one of the families here. 

TV Show "I'm Having Their Baby"

Our adoption agency posted about a new tv show called "I'm Having Their Baby" which is a reality show that follows birth mothers through the adoption process.  The first episode even featured our agency and was very informative on how the process works.   I watched it yesterday and was overwhelmed by the emotions involved.  

If you have 40 minutes and are interested in this process, you can watch this show on hulu.  I think the show airs a new episode tonight on Oxygen.  (I'll have to wait for it to be on hulu.)  

Some of my thoughts:
1) I know they couldn't show EVERYTHING in such a short show, but I would love to know how these ladies got connected with Bethany to begin with.  
2) I love knowing that Claudia has an ongoing relationship with her son's adoptive family. 
3) It was very helpful to see Mary's response to the prospective adoptive parents being in the ultrasound.  I made some notes on how not to act if we're ever in that position (though I'm sure everyone is different).  
4) This made me appreciate our social worker SO MUCH MORE!  Not only does she have to deal with all of our questions, forms, and legal stuff, but she shows so much love to the birth mothers and walks with them through their decisions.  
5) Again, I know they can't show everything, but I'd love to see more of the faith-focus that Bethany has with the birth parent(s).  (Though I guess it doesn't necessarily fit into the show's purpose either.  It doesn't have Bethany every week and from previews looks like it even does same-sex household adoptions which is not something our agency does.
6) It was good to see the social worker support Mary in her decision and check in with her so often throughout the process to make sure she still thought adoption was the best choice for her.  When she changed her mind, she didn't push the issue.  This is not the kind of decision to be pressured into making.

Would love to know your thoughts!   

Another Giveaway!

We want to support the companies who have been supportive of our adoption AND get closer to bringing home Baby Flagler, so we're doing another fantastic Giveaway... this time with 3 prizes!  

Grand Prize:  $250 Amazon.com Gift Card
2nd Prize:  $75 Amazon.com Gift Card
3rd Prize: $25 Chick-fil-A Gift Card

Here's how you can enter: 

• $5 donation gets 1 entry (through WePay or in person).
• $10 donation gets 3 entries (through WePay or in person).     
• 2 entries for each CoupAide ($25 Restaurant.com certificate) purchased. 
  *Must leave a comment here letting us know how many you purchased and when.*
• 1 entry for each time you share this entry on your blog/website.  **Must leave a comment with your name and blog/email here each time so it can be tracked.** (Limit 3 entries through this method.)
• $100 donations to Lifesong for our Account will receive 35 entries and a tax-deductible receipt.  Must be mailed by July 11th.

We will stop taking entries at 5pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012 (EST).  A random number generator will be used to select the winner from the number of entries we have in this raffle.  The winner will be announced by 7pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012 (EST), and we will deliver the gift cards by Friday, July 20th.  

Occasionally, we may offer opportunities to get an entry by "sharing" about our Giveaway on Facebook, so stay tuned to our Facebook Page.   

Please help us spread the word about this exciting fundraiser!  

Special Note:  If you attend the Chick-fil-A Fundraiser on Thursday, July 5th and donate at that time, all entry methods will be doubled!

Adopting Without Debt

As part of our 3rd place prize package from the Coupaide contest you helped us win, we got a copy of Adopt Without Debt by Julie Gumm.  

If you are considering adoption, read this book.  It's not a long in-depth read but a great book filled with a wonderful adoptive story and LOTS of ideas for fundraising and resources for budgeting and grants.  I read it all in about 2 hours...

At the heart of this book is a simple message that God continues to whisper in our ears, “Follow me, I will provide.” Mark and I have experienced that truth countless times in our marriage, but never as profoundly as during our adoption process. I am amazed and humbled that He would use me to share that message with others. A line in one of my favorite songs echoes in my heart “Forever, You are the God of my story. Write every line for Your glory.” That is my simple prayer.

Julie Gumm. Adopt Without Debt: Creative Ways to Cover the Cost of Adoption (Kindle Locations 46-49). Julie Gumm.

Check it out.   

You Helped Us Win!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!  

You all helped us win 3rd place in a Facebook contest with CoupAide.  On CoupAide's Facebook page, we had 138 friends and friends of friends show their support for our adoption in a contest.  

We won the 3rd Place Prize Package which includes: 

• $100 to our adoption fundraising campaign
• Digital Copy Of “Adopt Without Debt” by Julie Gumm
  
• $20 Blurb.com Gift Card  (I love Blurb. I used it to make our profile book!)
  
• $20 Amazon.com Gift Card

And, we've had 15 folks buy a Restaurant.com voucher from our CoupAide page.  So far, that's an additional $150 toward our adoption.  
If you like good deals and eating out, you should definitely purchase a CoupAide!  You pay $20 for a $50 voucher to Restaurant.com, and we get $10 toward our adoption.  

Also, until June 10th, for each CoupAide purchased, you get one entry into our iPad 2 Giveaway!  

Because Orphans Matter

Last night in our James Bible Study, my heart started beating a little faster when we read James 1:27...

Source

Orphans matter.  Widows matter. And we can all play a part in these things.  

I have seen this woman's blog posted several times, but I've only skimmed it.  I knew if I read much of it, then I would feel like I needed to do something. I knew my heart would break for these children.

Last night in our James Bible Study video, Beth Moore shared a similar story.  Just because we are afraid we will get convicted, get hurt, or get burdened, doesn't mean we can be callous about something.  We can't turn away and pretend it's not there.  This woman's blog came to my mind when she shared that story.  And, of course, there was another post this morning from Holly on Facebook.

Please read this woman's blog.  Please donate to bringing home Hasya.  Even if it's just a few dollars, it all adds up.  And join me in praying for the other children at this orphanage.

Restaurant.com Fundraiser

Another awesome fundraiser that's going on right now-- spend $20 for a $50 Gift Card to Restaurant.com.  We get $10 for each one purchased.  These make great gifts and are eligible all over the country at over 18,000 restaurants.  

Also, on Facebook, if you "LIKE" their page, and leave a comment/post with our last name, you could help us win a Prize package from them which includes some great adoption resources and even some cash towards our adoption.  We have appreciated all the help so far but still need lots of votes.  Please help us spread the word. 

Mary Kay Fundraiser

When we lived in Texas, I had the honor of working with Misti Bauman on a Cares event.  Since then, we have kept in touch, and she has graciously offered to do an adoption fundraiser for us!  

So, if you need some Mary Kay or could use some or could give some as a gift, order from her!  Leave our name in the comments.  She will take care of shipping it to you ASAP, and she's giving us all of her proceeds!  

I also have an "evite" I can send you if you want to make sure to order the right way.  Just leave your email in the comments, and I'll get one to you ASAP. 
 
Thanks Misti!  

 

Credit Card DEBT FREE!

Source

We cut up our credit cards in 2009, after we used them to buy our plane tickets to Thailand.  BUT, there was still a hefty combined balance at that point... 

A combined balance that equaled more than the cost of a car... more than a year at each of our private colleges... more than one of us made in a year.  A HEFTY combined balance.  

First, we paid off our personal loan (also taken out for us to move to Thailand.) 
Second, we paid off our smaller credit card. 
And last week, we paid off our largest, LAST credit card!!! 

We are officially credit-card-debt-free! 

We did it in our own way.  Not exactly Dave Ramsey style.  But we did learn some things from his class, that we halfway took in 2009. (Remember?)  

These are some specific things we did to knock out our credit card debt. (And you can too!)

• Spent less money than we made.  Not too easy at first.  Took some getting used to. (Shocker!)
• Both got second jobs. (This was hard for awhile, not gonna lie.) 
• Got together an emergency fund.
• Cut WAY back on eating out. (We both LOVE eating out and still do occasionally but not near what we used to. We also went through a few slumps in this area but with Matt's leadership, got better.) 
• Became a Cares team. 
• Cancelled our Cable. 
• Cancelled our Internet. (Thankfully, we can get the apartment's free wi-fi!)
• Sold our body for medical research. (Well, Matt did.) 
• Put "extra" money (like school loan 'refunds', bonuses, babysitting money, gifts) toward debt. 
• Refinanced car loan for much lower interest than our credit card interest.  Put the 'extra' toward credit card.  

Even with the new car and student loans for Matt's grad school, our net worth has increased due to us getting the credit cards paid off.  The next step will be the cars (mine first, then Matt's), then Matt's student loans.  


Bottom line is: if we can do it, you can do it!  Talk to us if you have any questions.  We are both big advocates of not using credit cards anymore.  And so are both of my sisters!  Go Tyndall girls!

The Daniel Fast

I shared on Facebook that I recently completed the Daniel Fast for 21 days.  Just want to share a few more of my thoughts.  If anyone is considering checking it out, feel free to contact me with any questions.  If I can do it, you can do it!
 

(Sorry no pictures.  Was having formatting issues. Thoughts are in list form because that's how I'm thinking right now.)

• The Holy Spirit used some posts on Facebook to prompt me to do this.  I'm thankful I was obedient.
• I mentally prepared myself for about a week. (This might have been the hardest part.)
• Stocked up on produce at Costco.  This was not necessary since I am just one person and even though I was eating exponentially more produce than normal, it did not justify buying grapefruits, grapes, strawberries, apples, cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, peppers, lettuce and the mini oranges in bulk. I will remember this next time. 
• The hardest part for me was drinking ONLY water.  Prior to this, water would, 95% of the time, truly make me nauseous.  Just never drank a lot of water.  And I can get unlimited coffee, sweet tea, and lemonade at work for free.  But, guess what?  It IS possible to drink ONLY water.  For me, I definitely needed the Lord's help the first few days. 
• The first couple of days, I had crazy headaches and was super tired.  Obviously, this came from going to coffee/tea drinker all day to no caffeine at all.  Also, I had very limited protein at first.  Went home from work and took loooooooong naps the first couple of days. 
• Tried a lot of new foods.  This is a big deal for me.  New likes: quinoa and peppers.  Other things I ate: PLAIN oatmeal (added cinnamon and raisins for texture), beans (once I realized these were a good source of protein), dried apples, dried strawberries, dried bananas, chips & salsa, mushrooms & onions sauteed with olive oil, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, fruit smoothies.  
• Survived eating out on the Daniel Fast: ordered side salads with no dressing/no cheese.  Used oil & vinegar, salt & pepper to flavor.  (Realized it IS possible to eat salads without Ranch dressing.)  Also ordered sides of steamed veggies and a sweet potato without butter/brown sugar.  Macaroni Grill for my Mom's birthday was a challenge. The yummy bread and cheesy pastas were very tempting. :)
• Survived baking a couple batches of chocolate chip cookies.  (Did you know that it IS possible to bake cookies without eating one or two fresh from the oven?)  :) 
• Survived a road trip without coffee.  This one is a neat testament to the Lord.  I drove up to Columbia for a bridal shower for my sister.  It was a cold, rainy day, and I usually get tired when driving for longer than 20 minutes. So, I had sorta already pre-meditated that I would get Starbucks in Columbia for the ride home.  I had a gift card, and it was really for my safety (at least, that's how I justified it.)  When it came time for me to go through the drive-thru, my car just didn't stop.  It was almost like God whispered to me you can do it.  That was a very special ride home.  :) 
• A major key to this being successful was having prayer partners. My special friends Shari and Ginger were praying with me throughout the fast.  At times, I could honestly feel it.  Even got some special texts with sweet encouragement.   
• To be completely honest, I can't say that I got any major spiritual revelations.  I definitely could have found more time for concentrated prayer.  Did spend more time in the Word with more journaling than I've done in ages.  But, next time, I will be more intentional with time in prayer. 
• I am honestly still a little shocked and surprised that I actually did it.  I learned that God has given me much more self-discipline than I thought.  With Him, I truly can do more than I think I can.  The only other time I've had an extended time of fasting was giving up chocolate for Lent in 2006.  
• I don't think I lost weight.  Though this wasn't the goal, I wouldn't have complained if it had been a side-effect.  I was sorta expecting it because of the water thing and eating smaller meals throughout the day.  Not disappointed, but just throwing it out there. I think a lot of people EXPECT to lost weight, so I will just go on record saying that I didn't. 
• Several take-aways from this fast:
• Drink more water.  Now that I know it's possible, I plan to drink some everyday. 
• Eat more produce.  Feels pretty good. 
• Cheese, bread, chocolate are not necessary to survive.  Remember this. :)
• God is bigger than cravings, and He has given me self-control as one of the fruits of His Spirit. 

Okay, so that was a lot of writing.  But hopefully it will help me to be able to look back on this and remember this season.   And it may even be encouraging to you. 


If you are interested in learning more about the Daniel Fast, you can visit this website.  You can also listen to this webinar.  


Has anyone else done it?  Anyone have any questions?

More Adoption Perspective

Love this article here.  Have watched the John Piper video a couple of times.  Still processing it.  I'm so thankful we get to be part of another adoption story! 

 What are your thoughts? 

American Girl Doll Giveaway

Our friend, the Hyatts, are in the process of adopting a little girl from China.  They're doing an American Girl Doll Giveaway to help raise money.  Head over to their blog for details and to enter! 

 

Best 40 Minutes of the Week

If you've been around this blog for awhile, you've seen posts and reposts from my friend Zack.  Zack is a dear friend who God often uses to pass things along to me.

The sermon (below) that Zack shared on his blog this week was right.on.time for me.  Not only relating to the adoption stuff but even providing an answer for why I wrestle so much with not feeling quite right with the world (minutes 20-25).  From Zack's blog:

Dr. Russ Moore of Southern Seminary came to visit our church this week.
He gave what was probably one of the top-five best sermons I’ve ever heard.

Carve out an hour and check this out:

Dr. Russel Moore - Adopted for Life from The Summit Church Sermons on Vimeo.

God also used the sermon at our church this week to have been searing His Truth into my heart.  It has been much needed. 

Please take some time and watch the video above, and listen to the podcast from our church this week as well.  Would love to have some discussion about these things.