The High Courts Decision!

This morning has left us in a flood of emotions! At approximately 8am I received information that a cholera outbreak had hit the Kimondo Village where we sponsor 2 beautiful children. Early this morning one little boy from the orphange died from this illness. My husband spent time with him last summer and our dear friends T.J. and Allison are his sponsors. This has been difficult for all of us, and now we simply pray for health and protection for the remaining children. Medical supplies are being brought in and distributed today.

On the other side of Kenya, where Benjamin lives, the High Court began proceedings regarding the adoption of Benjamin.  A judge in a nearby village was appointed to the case and determined that we would be eligable to adopt him!!! What an exciting moment for our family! We still have a long road of paperwork and details to complete but this has a been a huge step in the right direction.

We are so thankful for all of your prayers and words of encouragement. I look forward to continue to provide good news as it comes!

Benjamin's Package From His Family

A couple of weeks ago we were told that we could send Benjamin a package . I asked for guidence in sending appropriate items for him. The box contained: 2 pairs of pajama's, crayons, coloring book, pictures of the family and a Thomas the Train blanket. Today I learned that he had received the package and was very excited to show off all of his new stuff. The pajamas were the first pair he has ever owned and fit quite well!
The blanket was a favorite, he proudly showed it to his grandmother telling her that "his family had sent it, and not to touch it"! This cracked me up, his 3 year old american cousin tells us not to touch his stuff all of the time. This confirmed that he will fit right in and they should be fast friends!!!

At the end of last week, I received photos of him at church. I noticed that he was the only boy in the church photo without a suit on. I asked if it would be possible to send money for a suit to be purchased. Today I received this cute photo of him sporting his new duds! Looks a little big but, so handsome!

Benjamin is very excited about his new family and repeatedly speaks of us and his new American home. When Benjamin speaks of his new home to his grandmother he tells her that "there will be lot's of food there. WOW, how unimaginable that wealth for them is food.

In two days, the families adoption petitions will be presented to Kenya's High Court. Please be praying for the right judge to be assigned to our case and that we will have favor in the Kenyan courts. This will be a day of many decisions and an outline of the required steps we must take to complete this adoption will be determined.

I look forward to receiving more good news!

A New Home for Benjamin

We were asked to email a photo of our home to Benjamin so that he and his family could see his new home in America. There were several thoughts that went through my mind at that point. "Will Benjamin be confused or scared"? How would his 3 year old mind understand?
Since homes in America are usually larger than homes in Kenya I wondered  laughingly, " will he think this is a palace"?

Well, I didn't have a photo of our home but, fortunately, since I'm a photographer, I rushed out in the snow with camera in tow and snapped a few pics! I came inside with my family all laughing at me and decided to edit the image (of course) and add his photo to the front of the house. I hoped that it would be a way for him to see that this would be his new home.

Eagerly, I sent the image. A few days later I received a phone call from our friend and liason for the adoption saying that Benjamin had been showing the photo to everyone in his village and saying " this is my new home in America"! My eyes teared-up and heart leaped imagining the whole scene.

We continue to be encouraged by the progress of this adoption and hope to bring more good reports as they come.

Until next time...Jennifer

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Journey to Adoption

For  many years my husband and I have discussed the topic of adoption. Having four biological daughters, we have always considered adding a son to our family!  For the past 2 years we began conversation a little more seriously and began to research the many options that are available.

Last August my husband had the opportunity to take a missions trip to Kenya. While there, he spent time at a local orphanage where we sponsor a little girl. The experience of Kenya and the photographs captured both of our hearts and caused us to investigate the possibilities of a Kenyan adoption. With the connections God had placed in our life we initially thought we would look to adopt from the orphanage. In December, land was donated in Kenya to our church to build a kenyan church on. Unknown to us at the time, the grandmother who donated the land for the church also had an orphaned grandson. She had been praying that someone would be able to adopt him. Upon hearing that we were looking to adopt a little boy she asked if we would consider Benjamin for adoption. We were so overjoyed with this news that we immediately said "yes" and began pursuing the possibilities.

Benjamin turned 3 on December 21st. (my dad's birthday)We have exchanged pictures with Benjamin's family, and the family has signed the necessary documents to allow adoption proceedings to move forward. There are so many emotions that are tied to this journey. Through all the excitement there is also a guarded heart not wanting to feel so vulnerable to a possible rejection from the Kenyan government. We are hopeful to keep you updated with lots of good news regarding Benjamins journey to America. We are praying for favor and a smooth transition. Brett and I are in the midst of fund raising for a new missions trip in August. We hope that while on this trip we will also be able to finalize the adoption and bring Benjamin home with us.

I have posted a few photos and will update information as I have it.

To all of my client families who have adopted, thank you for all your support and invaluable information! Keep your phones on, I may have more questions!!!LOL

Optimistically looking for a happy ending,

Jennifer