Mulah and a little craziness

Now that you know I am addicted to blogs (see previous post), you will not be surprised to hear that I stopped by one of my favorite blogs this morning and read a post on a crazy love party. Linny has an amazing story--her banner alone will make you do a double take!! Yes, they're all hers! A beautiful family, amazing story, and she's a wonderful writer and encourager...

Which is why I'm sure none of her readers are surprised by her latest request. She is encouraging others to give (and receive) with "reckless abandon" (I personally love her choice of words...: )). And she's set up a link so those with needs can post, and those who are so led, can give. So I'm posting here for two reasons...

1. Go to the post. First, just so you can meet Linny, she's a cool lady. Second, there are so many with needs, and even the little bit can help. I was blown away by some of the stories...single moms adopting children...families who's dads are out of work and struggling but who's hearts want to adopt...young ladies and families stepping out in faith to go on mission trips...who knows, maybe God will use you to be a part of their stories.

2. And, yes, we have a need. No greater, really, than any of the others who have posted links, but we do have one. We are adopting and fundraising for it all, right now specifically for our dossier fee ($4100). So for those of you stumbled here via link, and who want to hear our story, I recommend reading here:

• Meet the fam
  
• Why we are adopting
• Why Ethiopia
• The cost
• I hate money
  

Because Linny asked~ yes, we do attend church, Lifebridge Church that we planted here in Florida a little over two years ago (www.lifebridgechurchpinellas.com). We are faithful tithers not only of our money but our blood, sweat, and tears as well. We have had rough patches, and have struggled to just pay our bills, but God has always provided. Joe is currently bivocational, a huge shift after 11 years in full time ministry. And then, God called us to adopt, right in the midst of it all. We figure He who calls will provide in His way, in His timing. We are committed to doing all that we can to raise the funds for our adoption. Our next fundraiser will be a dinner & raffle/silent auction on May 15th (stay tuned because there will be a raffle item that even you, our long distance friends, can participate in!!) (If you want to contact me, you can email me here.)

So there you have it! If you're new to these here parts...nice to meet you! Friends who have been patient with my posts on missions trips and other people's blogs, but have been wondering what's up with our adoption process...we're just STILL finalizing paperwork, raising funds, and hoping to have our dossier in before summer. That could mean a homecoming sometime around early next year. Keep praying and we'll keep you posted!