When you invited Emily and I to be a part of your adoption story, we didn't realize what an exciting adventure it would be, full of ups and down, and moments of disappointment and long periods of waiting and wondering. Now we know you have a son. And we know he's joined you in the waiting game. None of us can be sure how long you'll have to wait just to meet him, but we know it's going to happen.
There are still roadblocks of course, lots of paperwork and red tape to push through, meetings, travel, and any number of things that could make this whole process more difficult, most of which we can't control. One of those roadblocks, a very big one for most people, is money. It's simply daunting, even a little bit discouraging, to think about what it's going to cost to bring an orphan from Ethiopia into a family that loves him. But with God's help, that's actually a roadblock we can control, or at least make a little bit smaller, a little easier for you to get around. We decided about month ago that we were going to make it as small as we possibly could. Not only that, we wanted as many people as possible to share in the joy that this journey has already brought to us.
So, we basically invited everyone we could think of to send us money, which we would then match, dollar for dollar, to give to you. About 30 different families have responded over the past four weeks, and we are excited to tell you that we have received $3,500 for the sole purpose of bringing your son home. That means Emily and I, on behalf of all the people who got involved (and yes we have all their names for you), are overjoyed to be able to present you a total of $7,000 to help fund the journey for which you both have selflessly volunteered. It's not everything. But we all hope it will take a big enough bite out of the total to make the rest just a little bit easier.
We all love you. And, get this, some of these people don't even know you! Can you believe that? Matt and Lisa, thank you again for allowing us to be a part of your story. God bless you guys for what you're doing. And God bless your son who is waiting to meet you.
- Jeff and Emily and lots of people who love you...
The Hoffman family is so blessed to have you in our lives! We love you all and cannot wait for the Maxfields to have all 4 family members home!!!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are so amazing & so full of life. And it's so cool you are going out of your way to change 2 lives from around the world!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to meet your new son cause I know he'll be part of a home that is over flowing with love.
Lots of love & congrats on your son!
Andy
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-6
ReplyDeleteYou are living out the Word, great example to all.
Justin and the future Mrs. Rose Caspar
Your family is still one of the coolest I have ever known. You love Jesus, you're from Cali & you love your kids!! Can't wait to meet the little dude!
ReplyDelete-Eric (Frost)
Love you guys! Your story is so inspiring and I can't wait to meet the little dude (and i'm already volunteering to babysit!). :)
ReplyDeleteKoral is going to be a great big sister!
-Lauren Ramsey :)
You all are such amazing people! I did not realize how difficult a journey you have faced until reading this blog. Just remember to take joy in your trials and let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, laking nothing. (james 1:2-4). Being patient is never easy, but you are one day closer and a few dollars, too.
ReplyDeleteLove ya,
Steve, Nicole, Corgan & Cassidy
what an exciting adventure for you guys!!!!! i'm glad to be able to watch God working to bring your son home!!!
ReplyDeletepraying for him and you guys!
Rachel
Thanks, Jeff and Emily, for inviting all of us to join you in being a blessing and being blessed in the process! We are so excited for a new little baby boy to love on and to watch the Maxfield family expand with joy. Lisa and Matt, we were blessed the day you needed to find a new church home and so glad to share in this journey with you! We love you all and pray often with Katelynn for your whole family!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Clyde, Jenn, Katelynn and Claudia
We are joyfull to have a small part in bringing your son home. God is doing wonderous works through the two of you. You guys are such a blessing to two very lucky and loved children. God Bless
ReplyDeleteLancaster Family