6.18.2008

Some BIG News!

Some of you may or may not know about some excitement here in our family. We are so thrilled to announce that we are starting the process of adopting a son from Ethiopia. This has been something God laid on mine and Clay's hearts years ago. Through many things we were lead to have a heart for Africa. Throughout our 6 years of marriage we have never experienced anything as exciting as having children. We have always talked about how neat it would be to have a large family. Our little girl turned one in January and this is when we started to really pray about baby #3. We were then bombarded with confirmation that we were to adopt. Then the question went from not if but when. We prayed about this decision and again we felt God preparing things very quickly. It is amazing how much confirmation we have received from God's word, friends, our finances and a sermon at our church. . I would love for you to listen to this sermon
http://www.longhollow.com/messages/series/13

It will bless and convict!
It is wonderful. Here are some points the speaker made that spoke to us:

**Jesus is hungry in Africa, Jesus is hungry in Sudan.........b/c Jesus says whatever you do to the least of these you are doing to me. (Matthew 25:40)

**Who is going to sing all of those children lullabies and tuck them in at night?

**What are you doing with your spare bedroom?

After all of these things Clay and I were blown away by how personal God is in answering our prayers.
God began revealing his heart for the fatherless to us.


“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27

“Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.” Psalm 82:3

"When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” Deut 24:19

"Do not move an ancient boundary stone, or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; He will take up their case against you.” Prov 23:10-11

We felt how much He cared for orphans and the command that we have to take care of them.


I began to research countries in Africa that adopt internationally as well as adoption agencies. We soon found out that our daughter had to be 18 months old before we could even turn in an application to start the process. So here it is almost July and we are turning in some intial paperwork to get the "paper pregnancy" started. Through my research I have found that it will be "on average" a year long process before we fly over to get him. The cost of an international adoption from Ethiopia ranges from $20,000-$30,000 which is much larger than us but not our God. God has confirmed over and over that we are to step out in faith and he will provide.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

We are very encouraged and cannot wait to see what he does. I know that God has great plans for this child and we feel privileged to be able to do this.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

It has been interesting the reactions that we have already had in sharing our hearts with friends and family. Some negative and many positive. We understand many people have concerns but when you are called by God to do something you can't ignore it. We ask for your prayers as we proceed with this journey. We hope that our blog will open eyes to the needs of orphans from all over the world and encourage people to ask God what their role should be. I have been blessed by many blogs that have also adopted. I want this blog to be a resource for those who are interested in adopting and also allow people to see the adoption process step by step.

How can you help?

#1 Pray for us!!


Pray that we stay in the midst of God's will for our family and that we don't make a move without Him.

#2 Buy a T-Shirt


If you are interested in a shirt they will be $20. The shirt is a dark gray like in the picture. All of the profit will go straight to our adoption fund. On the right side bar of this blog there is a T Shirt order button through paypal. The shirts are on the press and I should have them within a week to a week and a half so you can go ahead and order now if you are interested!



#3 Donations

We are so humbled that many people have asked about donating money towards our adoption. If you are interested in this there is also a donation button on the right side bar.


If you are interested in a tax deductable donation email me directly:
tracyleev@yahoo.com we will have to do this through our agency.

We will post as often as there is news.

<><

Clay and Tracy

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

:)

Anonymous said...

I like your new blog. I am so happy for you guys. Can't wait to hear more details.
kristen demura

jon. said...

Tracy - I think this blog is such a great idea. I am so excited for you guys. I have such a heart for Africa - specifically the AIDS epidemic - so it is such a blessing to see one more child taken care of. My family will definitely pray for you guys and the new Cornett! I can't wait to have him at playdate!!!
Katy

Laura Kelley www.pitterpatterart.com said...

Tracy
Your blog looks great! And you said you could't figure out how to work it. I can't wait to hear all the new news about your new little guy.

Melanie said...

so excited for you!

Anonymous said...

Awesome! We're looking forward to walking with you guys on this journey. We are praying!

ChristinK said...

AWW!! I can't wait to meet this sweet little boy and I'm already praying for him! Great BLOG!!

The Stottmans said...

The blog looks awesome!! Josh and I will be praying for you as well. I am so excited to see where this journey takes you and to meet my new nephew! Love y'all!

Carpenter Family said...

So excited for ya'll and thrilled to know we will have this connection. Please feel free to give us a call if you ever have any questions (202-290-2895). It is a long road but a good one!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful news guys! We are proud for you and know that God has hand-picked you all to be loving parents not only to your children, but this new baby boy as well. Can't wait to hear all about this great adventure!
The LeMays

Anonymous said...

much love

Audrey said...

we're so excited for you guys.

Carpenters said...

I'm so excited for you both! I can't wait to follow your journey to your newest addition. God speed.

With Love,
Penelope

LISA said...

Saw your blog on another...congrats on beginning your journey to Ethiopia.We are waitng for a referral of young siblings.6 1/2 month wait so far.
Enjoy the journey to your son!
Lisa :)

Erica said...

Awesome! I'm excited to follow along on your journey.

Anonymous said...

So excited for you guys. This is going to help others who may be interested in adoption. Keep us posted on your blog!
Laura Frost

Happy #adoptionday2017

                        ADOPTION HAS FOREVER CHANGED OUR SWEET FAMILY!