Married 5 years!!!
October 28, 2006
Sunday, October 30, 2011
our support raising process
We feel like God has called us not just to the ministry of adoption, but to raising support. We are confident that God will provide ALL that we need for this adoption, which will be about $25,000 when all is said and done. Not because we are deserving. Not because we are "good" people. But because God is a big God. God is all about adoption. He's the best Daddy in all of Eternity. There's no one like Him. He will not command us, and then not provide. For many people, being generous is a joy. It's not like pulling teeth. It's what many people love to do. We love to see God provide!
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 corinthians 9:11
Taking baby steps...
Application fee ($250) paid!
***What we are trusting God for now: First payment before homestudy can begin ($2200)
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 corinthians 9:11
An orphanage in the democratic republic of congo (drc)
God has provided so far...
$500
$150
$150
$100Taking baby steps...
Application fee ($250) paid!
***What we are trusting God for now: First payment before homestudy can begin ($2200)
why adoption? why international?
We've been asked this a lot. And it boils down to 1 thing: it's what God has told us to do! I can't explain it any other way.
Adoption is not for everyone. International adoption is not for everyone.
BUT we have been commanded to "look after the orphan and the widow" (James 1:18)
International adoption is the best way we can come up with to obey this command. All other doors have been closed for us.
Peripheral/secondary reasons for international adoption...
- As believers in Jesus and children of God, we have been adopted into God's family. When we were God's enemy, we were not included into His family. When we became born-again, we were adopted into God's family. Our adoption is only an overflow of joy for what God has done for us! God the Father is our Daddy!
- There are millions of orphans in the world- no family, no hope, many without clean water or food, no opportunity to hear the Good News.
- God has given us every grace that we need. He's given us the power we need. There is nothing that is impossible with God.
Adoption is not for everyone. International adoption is not for everyone.
BUT we have been commanded to "look after the orphan and the widow" (James 1:18)
International adoption is the best way we can come up with to obey this command. All other doors have been closed for us.
Peripheral/secondary reasons for international adoption...
- As believers in Jesus and children of God, we have been adopted into God's family. When we were God's enemy, we were not included into His family. When we became born-again, we were adopted into God's family. Our adoption is only an overflow of joy for what God has done for us! God the Father is our Daddy!
- There are millions of orphans in the world- no family, no hope, many without clean water or food, no opportunity to hear the Good News.
- God has given us every grace that we need. He's given us the power we need. There is nothing that is impossible with God.
- When God commands, He doesn't leave us hanging out to dry, left to ourselves to figure it out. He gives us what we need to help us to obey.
- As far as why international, I think it also boils down to the fact that it's what God has called to. It's what we're most passionate about. It's how God has gifted me (Kim).
Micah and Elijah- 1 1/2 and 3 1/2
Monday, October 24, 2011
we're in!!!
I got word tonight that we are officially accepted by Lifeline and in the adoption process!!! I can't believe it. We've been talking about it for so long, I can't believe the time has arrived. I wonder about the child that God has for... has he/she even been born yet? What's going on with the biological Mother and Father? Boy or girl? So many questions at this point. God knows. He has the perfect one picked out for us already :)
Also, we are celebrating our 5 year anniversary! What a sweet anniversary gift from the Lord!
-Anticipating
Also, we are celebrating our 5 year anniversary! What a sweet anniversary gift from the Lord!
-Anticipating
Friday, October 21, 2011
Our adoption timeline
So this is kinda what has led us to this point...
198?- Todd became born-again. Shortly after knew that God was leading him to "make disciples"
199?- Todd spent 18 months in Kazakhstan and his heart was burdened for the nations
2001- I (Kim) became born-again. Shortly after became burdened for kids that have no hope
2002- On a Summer Beach Project with Campus Outreach, God began working in my heart for the nations. Also where Todd and I met
2006- Todd and Kim married and international adoption became a "dream" for us as a married couple
2008/2010- Micah and Elijah born
October 2010- Got "more serious" about adopting but God kept the doors closed. We were given $1000 by 4 different friends for adoption costs. Started filling out paperwork for international adoption but none of the countries met our guidelines, or we didn't meet any 1 countries guidelines. So we started pursuing adopting thru the local foster care system. But we had scheduling conflicts and not able to attend their certification classes.
October 2011- "Just happened" to be looking on Lifeline's website again. Saw Congo and CHA-CHING! It meets all of our guidelines and we meet all of their guidelines!!! We wanted a country that had a short travel time and has young/healthy children available. This is the only country that Lifeline works with that meets these guidelines for us.
October 20, 2011- Got in appplication
October 28, 2011- Our 5 year anniversary
198?- Todd became born-again. Shortly after knew that God was leading him to "make disciples"
199?- Todd spent 18 months in Kazakhstan and his heart was burdened for the nations
2001- I (Kim) became born-again. Shortly after became burdened for kids that have no hope
2002- On a Summer Beach Project with Campus Outreach, God began working in my heart for the nations. Also where Todd and I met
2006- Todd and Kim married and international adoption became a "dream" for us as a married couple
2008/2010- Micah and Elijah born
October 2010- Got "more serious" about adopting but God kept the doors closed. We were given $1000 by 4 different friends for adoption costs. Started filling out paperwork for international adoption but none of the countries met our guidelines, or we didn't meet any 1 countries guidelines. So we started pursuing adopting thru the local foster care system. But we had scheduling conflicts and not able to attend their certification classes.
October 2011- "Just happened" to be looking on Lifeline's website again. Saw Congo and CHA-CHING! It meets all of our guidelines and we meet all of their guidelines!!! We wanted a country that had a short travel time and has young/healthy children available. This is the only country that Lifeline works with that meets these guidelines for us.
October 20, 2011- Got in appplication
October 28, 2011- Our 5 year anniversary
Its been a long time
Well, its been 2 years since I've been on here. We had a blog (http://www.thepatefamilyblog.blogspot.com/) but my old email address, which is the log-in, is no longer in existence, so I can no longer access that blog. Sooo, I made a new one! Here's the latest on us....
Todd- Still works for Sides Drywall Inc, a family business in Auburn, AL. He is enjoying it. He wears a lot of hats- a project manager, the safety coordinator, does some of the bidding and works out in the field a little. He is also teaching a night class at Southern Union. He's been teaching the Newlyweds Sunday School Class at Lakeview and has really been enjoying that too. He's a sweet husband to work hard for our family, spend quality time with the boys and take me on dates.
Kim- Well, I stay busy with Todd, the boys and the house. I do a couple things with the church, mainly the womens bible study and helping Todd with Sunday School stuff. We've had our house on the market for about 6 months. No offers yet, still waiting. Want to stay closeby to Auburn. We've been "Dave Ramsey-ized", so just trying to pay down some debt. We started in October '09 and have payed off ~$25,000 in debt. About halfway there. We are pumped!
Micah- He's 3 1/2 now. He loves playing outside, building towers with blocks, reading books and going to the park. I have to brag on him...he knows all of his numbers and letters, can almost count to 20, knows 2 bible verses and is beginning to read!
Elijah- 1 1/2 now. Loves eating anything and everthing, following Micah, talking on the phone and climbing. He's talking a little and can do some sign language. He loves big brother. We've had a PT working with him because he has "hypotonia" (low muscle tone AKA squishy) ... he's making really good progress. We have special exercises to do with him everyday. He hates it (and I hate it too because he screams) but I know it's for the best.
So, that's what's been going on with us for the last 2 years. God has taught us so much about waiting on Him and trusting Him for little stuff and big stuff. He has been so good to us. We are so thankful for the good news of the gospel that gives us hope, peace and a purpose for our lives, our marriage and our parenting.
Todd- Still works for Sides Drywall Inc, a family business in Auburn, AL. He is enjoying it. He wears a lot of hats- a project manager, the safety coordinator, does some of the bidding and works out in the field a little. He is also teaching a night class at Southern Union. He's been teaching the Newlyweds Sunday School Class at Lakeview and has really been enjoying that too. He's a sweet husband to work hard for our family, spend quality time with the boys and take me on dates.
Kim- Well, I stay busy with Todd, the boys and the house. I do a couple things with the church, mainly the womens bible study and helping Todd with Sunday School stuff. We've had our house on the market for about 6 months. No offers yet, still waiting. Want to stay closeby to Auburn. We've been "Dave Ramsey-ized", so just trying to pay down some debt. We started in October '09 and have payed off ~$25,000 in debt. About halfway there. We are pumped!
Micah- He's 3 1/2 now. He loves playing outside, building towers with blocks, reading books and going to the park. I have to brag on him...he knows all of his numbers and letters, can almost count to 20, knows 2 bible verses and is beginning to read!
Elijah- 1 1/2 now. Loves eating anything and everthing, following Micah, talking on the phone and climbing. He's talking a little and can do some sign language. He loves big brother. We've had a PT working with him because he has "hypotonia" (low muscle tone AKA squishy) ... he's making really good progress. We have special exercises to do with him everyday. He hates it (and I hate it too because he screams) but I know it's for the best.
So, that's what's been going on with us for the last 2 years. God has taught us so much about waiting on Him and trusting Him for little stuff and big stuff. He has been so good to us. We are so thankful for the good news of the gospel that gives us hope, peace and a purpose for our lives, our marriage and our parenting.
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