WE HAVE ACCEPTED A REFERRAL!!!

The entire time we have been on this adoption journey we have known that it would be a possibility for us to adopt 2 children. Quite honestly, we knew that this option was “out there” but I guess we never expected it to actually happen. Our agency contacted us in August about adopting a 3 year old healthy boy while awaiting the referral of an infant. We prayed about it for a couple weeks. We applied the same 3 questions that we worked through when we began the adoption journey. Those questions were, “Does this glorify God?, Does this make me look more like Jesus? And Does this help others see God’s truth?” The answers that we found were, YES, YES, and YES! We emailed our agency and within a matter of a couple days we received the information for this 3 year old boy. Kevin and I waited to open the referral together while our friends Brad and Elicia recorded and photographed this awesome moment! 

Opening E's referral! 

E was found in the capital city of the DRC abandoned and has been in his current orphanage since May. We are so thankful that we have accepted his referral and that he is our son and permanently a Weldon. He is healthy and handsome and smart. We have enrolled him in a program called Jump Start at the orphanage. This program is for children 3 years old+ who are being adopted. They are learning basic English and what life in America will be like. Also, they are receiving counseling on what it means to be adopted and what to expect. We have received a couple progress reports on how E is doing in his classes. His teacher says he is doing well in school and that he is a very smart little boy. Our agency (Children of All Nations-CAN) has been awesome every step of the way and we are blessed to have chosen them! It is easy to get frustrated with timelines, contracts, and adoption unknowns but our hope is in the Lord! We have confidence and assurance that we have made the right decision with our agency! For more info on CAN then click here for our review! 

Here are a couple cool stories about how E's story coincided with ours! 

*We received a $3,000 matching grant from Lifesong for Orphans! May 12 and 13, 2012 on Mother’s Day weekend we received word that we exceeded our Lifesong goal by over $2,000!!! Read the blog post from that weekend here! This mean’t that we had received all the funds we estimated we needed to complete our adoption. E came to the orphanage that same weekend. Coincidence?! Nope! It was God! 

*Kevin and I received our monthly email update from our agency about how the DRC program was going, etc. Our adoption counselor attached a couple photos of the children at the orphanage. Kevin and I both looked at a little boy in these photos and were immediately in awe of how precious he was. We talked about how cool it would be to have a little guy like him running around our house! When we opened our referral of E we immediately recognized that HE was the little boy we were so in LOVE with in that email update! Coincidence!? Nope! It was God! 

We will are still awaiting a referral of an infant from the DRC. We have been told that we will probably travel twice. Once to get E and once to get our baby! We will be fundraising again for our second set of travel fees! Please pray that we receive an infant referral soon along with God’s continued financial provision! Pray for E's health, safety, and transition! We are excited to be parents of this sweet boy! 

God can move mountains! Total: $33,068

So, if you read my last blog post then you can see that life for the Weldons has been a little bit crazy and busy but good nonetheless! God has been doing some seriously awesome things and we are so blessed by his goodness and kindness towards us. We have gotten past the busyness of summer and now we should be able to catch our breath. I know that I haven’t posted very much onto our blog so I am going to try to make up for lost time!

God has been so kind to us and we are so blessed by his constant provision. We have seen God move mountains in this adoption process! Do you want to know how much he has provided since we began this process in October 2011?!? Drum roll please......$33,068. We believe that this is all the money we need to bring home our child or children!! When I calculated the total I cried! This is another confirmation that God is orchestrating this adoption for His glory and His purpose! We thank the Lord for all the generous donations and for the grants we have been approved for! I am reminded that God is faithful and good despite difficulties in life. One of the hardest things for Kevin and I was making the decision to move to KY. We had a comfortable life with good jobs, friends, and family. Our church was great. Our needs were provided for. We had an awesome support system that supported us in our adoption. We left not because there was anything wrong but because we felt the Lord calling us out of our comfort zone. We knew that moving would be difficult and that ministry would look significantly different than what we were used to. We went from living in a small rural town to living in the city. Over the past few months God has taught us so much about following him. Being a follower and not just a fan. Francis Chan said this,"Following Christ isn't something that can be done halfheartedly or on the side. It is not a label we can display when it is useful. It must be central to everything we do and are." It is our prayer that we live life completely sold out to Christ. We pray that we pour out our lives for Christ’s namesake. There are people all around us who are in need. Helping to feed and clothe these people only minister to their physical need. Their greatest need is spiritual. They need Christ. They need to know the love, peace, forgiveness, and redemption that can only be found in Christ. We know that our love for Christ will eventually carry us overseas to Africa to meet our child. The child that God has ordained to be a Weldon will be safe in our arms. A once orphaned child will be rescued and carried to safety and peace. The life of a true believer is lived out of gratitude for what Christ has done for them. I was once an orphan. Poor, dirty, and hungry. Jesus poured out His life to feed and clothe me. We pray that we would be a reflection of Christ as we live here in Kentucky and travel overseas to bring home our child. 

Our church went to Churchill Downs to serve dinner to 150+ workers.
We had a ton of fun hanging out and serving!

Fun scrapbooking with some of the girls at church!

WHERE WE ARE IN THE PROCESS RIGHT NOW:

OUR HOME STUDY ADDENDUM IS COMPLETE AND WE HAVE RECEIVED OUR APPROVAL FROM IMMIGRATION FOR OUR NEW ADDRESS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO WAIT FOR A REFERRAL! PRAY THAT GOD WOULD KEEP OUR CHILD SAFE FROM DISEASE, HUNGER, AND HARM. 

What’s Happening with the Weldons?

It’s been a while since my last blog post! The last couple months have been nonstop and it doesn’t look like it will slow down until summer comes to an end.  We have done 3 summer camps in 5 weeks and right now we are in the middle of the 3rd. We are in South Carolina at Camp Bob Cooper fellowshipping with some fun adults and students. I am so proud of my husband and the awesome job he is doing in his nightly sermons. We pray that the Lord’s Word penetrates the hearts of the students and that they would consider Jesus! 

It’s been a busy time trying to balance family, summer camps, church, and daily life. In the last couple months we have had family visit us in KY, a couple family emergencies, 3 trips to TN, 3 summer camps, a wrecked vehicle, a home study addendum, our adoption counselor changed, we received over $11,000 as a result of our Lifesong fundraiser, we were approved for a $4,000 grant from Show Hope, and we have had a ton of activities that go along with church! We are exhausted but we know that God is working in our lives so we cling to him! There have been plenty of times that I have had some great things to share but I have failed to make it to the computer! 


One highlight of the last couple months was being able to meet a sweet couple in Louisville that adopted two boys from the Congo. It was the neatest experience and a total God hug! We went to a restaurant with some friends after church a few Sunday’s ago and the couple seated next to our table had their 2 Congo babies with them. I was able to talk to their mother and ask her questions. My heart melted when I was able to hold one of their sweet children. He was beautiful! I just keep thinking, “They’re real! Congo children really do exist!” It was the ray of hope and encouragement that I needed that week. Sometimes the adoption process is so difficult because it almost seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. We have no photo, no gender, and no due date. Many times I think about this stuff when my heart isn’t fixed on Christ and I start to doubt. I become forgetful of the promises of God. That random meeting of that dear couple and their sweet children was just the kick in the rear that I needed to turn to Christ and say “Thank you.” Thank you for choosing us for this journey. Thank you for providing. Thank you for loving me so deeply that you would orchestrate a totally random meeting so I could hold a real life baby from the Congo. So, fellow adoptive mothers, don’t lose hope! Don’t forget the blessing of the journey! Fall into the lap of your Heavenly Father and be reminded of Isaiah 40: 31, “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Kevin and I with his nephew, Jacob.  

Kevin and I with his brother, sister, and nephew.  

Kevin's wrecked truck.
We were attacked by a gate during a storm! :(

Ladies Night at Carlisle making bears for
Operation Christmas Child boxes!

Carlisle Avenue student camp!

The girls of Gum Springs student camp!

Kevin speaking in S.C. for Pray's Mill Baptist Church. 

Me hanging out next to the lake in South Carolina!

WHERE WE ARE IN THE ADOPTION PROCESS RIGHT NOW:

OUR HOME STUDY ADDENDUM IS COMPLETE AND WE WILL SUBMIT OUR ADDENDUM TO THE USCIS FOR APPROVAL. WE ARE CURRENTLY WAITING FOR A REFERRAL WHICH IS SAID TO BE 6-12 MONTHS. WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN WAITING 4 MONTHS! PRAY THAT THE LORD’S FAVOR FALLS ON OUR PAPERWORK AND THAT WE WOULD RECEIVE A REFERRAL SOON!

Lifesong Fundraiser Final Total....$5,414!

Did you read the title of this blog post!? Can you believe it!? Our original goal was $3,000. God totally blew that goal out of the water when he abundantly exceeded that goal by over $2,000!! When I received the final total I was absolutely speechless at God's kindness towards us. The beautiful thing about God's sweet heart is that He allowed us to learn of our grand total over Mother's Day weekend. Mother's Day has not been an easy day to endure the last couple years. Walking through the halls of church on Mother's Day  knowing that there would be cheerful "Happy Mother's Day" chatter always made my heart hurt. I knew that none of those "Happy Mother's Day" greetings would be given to me. This year was different. I don't have a child to hold in my arms but I am a mother. I am a mother to a little brown baby in Africa. I don't know their face. I don't know what they sound like when they laugh. And I don't know if they will be a boy or a girl. But I do know that the beautiful creator of the universe has provided the money we need to bring them home. He has allowed me to experience a sweet part of His heart for orphans. He has grown my faith. He has held my heart when I celebrate the pregnancies of dear friends. He has confirmed time and time again that He has a plan for Kevin and I. That plan doesn't look like what we imagined but nonetheless it's beautiful. The generous and sacrificial giving of our friends, family, and church is greatly appreciated and we could never express our gratitude. Thank you so much for your continued support and the eternal impact you are making in the life of our African child. Lifesong will match our total up to $3,000 and another donor is going to give $3,000 as well! So, let's do the math! $5,414 + $3,000 + $3,000= $11,414!! A little over a month ago we estimated that we still needed about $11,000 to pay the remaining adoption and travel fees. We joyfully celebrate and send God the glory for providing this money! 

I wanted to share this video with you of a dear couple who adopted their little boy from Ethiopia! Here's their video when they met him.  Every time I watch it I get so excited that we will get to experience the same joy! Check out their blog and help them bring home Baby #2 from Ghana! 

WHERE WE ARE IN THE PROCESS RIGHT NOW:

WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF UPDATING OUR HOME STUDY SINCE WE MOVED FROM TN TO KY. OUR AMENDED HOME STUDY SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT MONTH. WE ARE CURRENTLY WAITING FOR THE REFERRAL OF A CHILD. HOPEFULLY IT WON'T BE LONG TILL WE CAN SEE THE FACE OF OUR CHILD. 

Drum roll please....Lifesong running total $2813.06

The final day of our Lifesong matching grant is approaching on May 14th and it looks like we are going meet our $3,000 goal!! Right now the running total is $2813.06! At this moment, Kevin and I are full of thankfulness and gratitude towards the families that have given towards our adoption! We are so thankful for those of you that continue to pray for the protection of our Congo baby. Thank you for supporting us and loving us when it seemed like all hope was lost. Our faith is stronger because of our brothers and sisters in the faith. God has proven himself faithful time and time again. Sometimes I plop down on the couch at night with an empty heart and deep longing to meet our sweet brown baby. I ask the Lord why it's so hard to wait. But, the Lord hugs my heart and grants me the patience to continue to wait. In the waiting I meet the heart of God. In the waiting my faith builds. In the waiting my love for this child grows deeper. In the waiting my husband supports and gently loves me. When we travel across the world to gather our child into our arms we will see the glorious heart of God in our child's face because we had to wait. I praise the Lord for the path he has chosen for us! Our "plan" was gloriously ruined. Ruined only to be built back better.

Click here to see how you can help us meet our

$3,000 Lifesong goal by May 14th! 

WOW! Lifesong total so far.....$2238.06!

God's kindness and faithfulness continues each day! His beauty and love shines in our lives each moment! We are so excited to share that our total for our Lifesong matching grant is.....$2238.06! The donations have continued to flow in and we are excited to see how much more God provides for our grant! Each dollar brings us one step closer to our baby! May 14th is the last day for Lifesong to accept donations for our family! Please consider helping us reach our $3,000 goal. Once we reach this goal then Lifesong will give $3,000 and another matching donor will give $3,000! We deeply appreciate those of you who have already given to our adoption fund. Our hearts are so full of gratitude because of each family's generous and sacrificial gift. Your support is making an eternal impact in the life of the child that God has chosen to be our son or daughter. Even though we have never seen or met this precious African child we know that God is hand picking him or her. We are so grateful and privileged to experience God's special heart towards the orphans of the Congo. Click here to see how you can donate to our Lifesong Grant! 

I love everything Africa!

God is Good! Lifesong Grant total so Far! $1984.74

Seriously, can I brag on my God a little bit right now!?? Our grand total right now for our Lifesong Matching Grant is $1984.74! We are a little over a thousand dollars shy of our $3,000 goal that ends May14th! Praise the Lord God Almighty for His loving kindness and mercies! So.....when we reach this $3,000 goal then that means Lifesong will give us $3,000 and then our matching donor will give us $3,000 so that is a total of $9,000 towards our adoption!!! My heart is so full of joy and thankfulness because the Lord has chosen Kevin and I to grow our family by adopting a sweet child from Africa. There have been so many times in the last few months that Kevin and I have looked at each other and laughed and said, "What in the world are we doing?" Maybe we aren't sure about a whole lot in our lives right now but there is one thing we know for sure. We know that God is Good and that He has a plan for us! We know that He is worth our time, our lives, and our energy. So, all the chips are on the table and we are ALL IN! Please pray for us and our sweet African babe. Pray that God provides the rest of the money we need to meet our matching grant goal!

I found this video on another adoption blog! I thought it was so cute! It made me want a sweet and sassy little brown skinned girl! :) 

  

God is faithful, and He is still Good!