I had no sooner posted about the 2 new fundraisers and we got an offer of an additional one. This is for all you scrapbookers out there. My Creative Memories friend, Debi Paratore, has offered to do an ongoing fundraiser. Just go to her website (see the blurb on the right side of the blog) and place your order. Be sure to mention that your order is to benefit the Ritter Adoption Fund. I'll be sending out a general email when we return from vacation.
Speaking of vacation, we are leaving Sunday after church. We'll be picking up our two children at Pinebrook along with one of Edward's friends, and heading to Indian Lake, NY in the beautiful Adirondack Mts. This is the 5th summer that we have gone there and it is the most peaceful, quiet, relaxing vacation that we could have. So, I won't be around to be posting any updates, especially since there won't be any! :-)
Have a blessed week. I'm sure that there will be lots to tell when we return (I may even post some pictures!).
Friday, August 17, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
A Few Fundraiser Options
God is truly blessing our adoption experience in ways that I never even imagined. I knew the the funds needed for the adoption were not available to us, but I also knew/know that God is in control and can meet those needs before I even ask or think. We have been blessed by offers of fundraisers from friends and family and people that neither Ralph nor I have ever met. Our first fundraiser was a success -- a Tupperware fundraiser raised about $285.
We are now beginning 2 new fundraisers: Avon and Silpada, fine sterling silver jewelry. You can click on the links on the side of my blog to get to the websites of the two ladies that are heading up these events. Details are posted there, too. And remember, I'm still trying to sell my retired Stampin' Up! stamp sets. Some of that will be going to our adoption also.
Our family, as mentioned in a previous post, has decided to hold a yard sale with proceeds to go toward the adoption. If you live near Hatfield, PA or near me and want to donate something for the yard sale, drop me an email at stamphappymomma and I'll see that the item(s) get where they belong.
My mind keeps whirling about ways that we can raise the needed funds. I keep trying to think of things that I could do at home to earn some extra money. I have some options that I'm considering and praying about. So, if you think of it, please pray that God would give me the right ideas and the right people to contact. Thanks!
Thanks for dropping by today. Don't forget to leave a comment or two. :-)
We are now beginning 2 new fundraisers: Avon and Silpada, fine sterling silver jewelry. You can click on the links on the side of my blog to get to the websites of the two ladies that are heading up these events. Details are posted there, too. And remember, I'm still trying to sell my retired Stampin' Up! stamp sets. Some of that will be going to our adoption also.
Our family, as mentioned in a previous post, has decided to hold a yard sale with proceeds to go toward the adoption. If you live near Hatfield, PA or near me and want to donate something for the yard sale, drop me an email at stamphappymomma and I'll see that the item(s) get where they belong.
My mind keeps whirling about ways that we can raise the needed funds. I keep trying to think of things that I could do at home to earn some extra money. I have some options that I'm considering and praying about. So, if you think of it, please pray that God would give me the right ideas and the right people to contact. Thanks!
Thanks for dropping by today. Don't forget to leave a comment or two. :-)
Monday, August 13, 2007
It Begins . . .
. . . the home study, that is. We mailed the application (and fee) to the agency that will be doing our home study. There are still some things that need to be accomplished, like fingerprints (Ralph, Edward and me -- yes, Edward, too since he is now 18). We are waiting for one reference letter and then I think that we have all the paperwork that we need to get going. Our social worker's name is Roberta Kalmar and she has been extremely helpful so far via email and the phone. We will schedule our first visit when we return from vacation and Johannah has returned home from her summer ministry at Pinebrook Bible Conference. Since our children fully understand what we are doing, Roberta must talk with them, too. I'm not worried about that at all, since both of our children are in favor of the adoption. I'm more concerned about the dog and what Roberta will require us to do with him. It may mean a vet bill of several hundred dollars to make sure that he is up to date on his shots, etc. We will see!!
BTW, we were able to get the reduction in the fee (see my last post). Praise God for His love and watch care over us and the finances!!
BTW, we were able to get the reduction in the fee (see my last post). Praise God for His love and watch care over us and the finances!!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
And It Begins in Earnest
It's extremely hot and muggy today. Thank God for the air conditioning in the living room and bedroom or I'd be even more frustrated than I am. We finally got the paperwork and application to begin our home study only to find out that the agency fee went up $100. Our social worker is asking about a one time exception so that we can get the original fee of $300 that we were quoted. Once that application is filed with the appropriate fees, we can finally begin the home study. I thought that we'd never get here.
It's amazing the information that is required for this step -- addresses for both of us since we turned 18, fingerprints for us and Edward (who turned 18 on Sunday), reference letters and the list goes on.
Our biggest struggle right now is the financing of the home study and INS fees. The $$ just aren't there to proceed with any speed. If we don't get this accomplished in a relatively decent amount of time, all of our other paperwork for our Ethiopan dossier will be out of date. I seriously want to change our country to Zambia, but Ralph just isn't as certain since we already sent the initial fee to CWA and it isn't refundable, although Ralph wants me to ask. I don't feel comfortable with that however, so he'll have to do that.
The heat is really getting to me and the computer, so I best be going. Hopefully tomorrow will be cooler and I can post again.
It's amazing the information that is required for this step -- addresses for both of us since we turned 18, fingerprints for us and Edward (who turned 18 on Sunday), reference letters and the list goes on.
Our biggest struggle right now is the financing of the home study and INS fees. The $$ just aren't there to proceed with any speed. If we don't get this accomplished in a relatively decent amount of time, all of our other paperwork for our Ethiopan dossier will be out of date. I seriously want to change our country to Zambia, but Ralph just isn't as certain since we already sent the initial fee to CWA and it isn't refundable, although Ralph wants me to ask. I don't feel comfortable with that however, so he'll have to do that.
The heat is really getting to me and the computer, so I best be going. Hopefully tomorrow will be cooler and I can post again.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Our Week is Over
Our week of vacation/service has ended. It was a great week -- we got to see old friends, talk, and relax. We had many opportunities to talk about our adoption. So many were interested in what we are doing. They can't believe that we are crazy enough to even want to start another family. We aren't crazy at all!! When God calls you to do something, you have to do it. We really don't have a choice, but it's something that we are really looking forward to.
Even though today is our last day here, we get to hang around for a while. Tonight is parent's night for the summer staff. Since our kids are on staff again this year, we are here for that event. We'll leave later this evening when everything is over. We're not sure when that will be, but we're here for as long as possible.
It's hard to believe that the summer is almost over. Edward only has two weeks of his summer service left, a week of vacation and then college!! Johannah is here until Labor Day minus our week of vacation. In so many ways this summer has flown by and in many other ways it's been a looooooong summmer. I'm just so excited to get to Africa and bring our child(ren) home. The Lord knows the desires of my heart and it will happen in His time!
Even though today is our last day here, we get to hang around for a while. Tonight is parent's night for the summer staff. Since our kids are on staff again this year, we are here for that event. We'll leave later this evening when everything is over. We're not sure when that will be, but we're here for as long as possible.
It's hard to believe that the summer is almost over. Edward only has two weeks of his summer service left, a week of vacation and then college!! Johannah is here until Labor Day minus our week of vacation. In so many ways this summer has flown by and in many other ways it's been a looooooong summmer. I'm just so excited to get to Africa and bring our child(ren) home. The Lord knows the desires of my heart and it will happen in His time!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Pinebrook . . . in the beautiful Pocono Mts.
Our annual week at Pinebrook Bible Conference started yesterday. It's great to see our kids again and spend some time with them. This year is a little different for us, though. We've decided to spend the week serving as line monitors during the meals. This means that our week is free and the $$ that would have been spent to spend the week here can be put toward the adoption. What a blessing that is!! Our church usually pays for most of our week here, but this year it will be to bring our children home. I am thrilled!! :-) Since we know almost everyone here this week, it's been a great way to get to see everyone.
One of my friends that I met 12 years ago here at Pinebrook has decided that she will be going to Zambia with us if that's where we ultimately end up. Our stay there could be any where from 3-6 weeks. Ralph will only have to stay until we meet our children and then he can head home. Carol will be with me to keep me company and help with the children. It will be great to have a companion after Ralph leaves. And then Ralph will be able to get all of the necessary "stuff" that we will need -- carseats, stroller, winter clothes, etc. We'll hold off getting any of that until we know the ages and sex of our children. More excitement if building. I can't wait to get my children home!
One of my friends that I met 12 years ago here at Pinebrook has decided that she will be going to Zambia with us if that's where we ultimately end up. Our stay there could be any where from 3-6 weeks. Ralph will only have to stay until we meet our children and then he can head home. Carol will be with me to keep me company and help with the children. It will be great to have a companion after Ralph leaves. And then Ralph will be able to get all of the necessary "stuff" that we will need -- carseats, stroller, winter clothes, etc. We'll hold off getting any of that until we know the ages and sex of our children. More excitement if building. I can't wait to get my children home!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Rest of the Story
Well, that was a long dinner! LOL!! Life happened and I haven't been able to get back to this until now. Where did I leave off? Hmmm, I better go back and check my last post. Be back in a moment.
Now, the rest of the story . . . We were married on October 15, 1988 and I immediately got pregnant! So much for wondering if we could have children. Our wonderful son was born in August of 1989; what a joy he is!! We still wanted more children, but didn't have as easy a time the second time around. In September 1991 our daughter was born; she, too, is such a joy! Now we had the perfect family, or so everyone was telling me. However, we wanted 4 children. It was a while 'til I wanted to try to have another child, but when I finally did, pregnancy did not come. We talked about domestic adoption but knew that a private adoption would be the best for us because of expenses.
We became aware of a chaplain in a women's prison that counseled pregnant inmates to give their child up for adoption. One particular inmate was in prison for child abuse and was pregnant with her sixth child. She agreed to let us adopt her child; however, while in she was in jail she lost the baby at 8 months. The baby, a beautiful little boy, we are told, strangled on the umbilical cord. We were heartbroken.
We still tried to conceive but weren't having much success. In 1997 I lost about 40 pounds and wouldn't you know it, I got pregnant! We were thrilled, but from the very beginning I sensed that something was not right. I miscarried on November 1st. Needless to say, we were devastated. We didn't know what the Lord was trying to teach us, but we were willing to learn. During this time, adoption never left our minds.
In 2000 we moved and once again I felt the urge for another child. My dh gave me the go ahead to do the research on adoption agencies. I was floored at the cost and knew that we just couldn't afford it. Adoption was once again put on the back burner and we decided to try to have another biological child. However, that was not to be. I was told in the spring of 2001 that I had pre-cancerous endomitrial cells (official diagnosis was stage 1 uteran cancer) and need to have a hysterectomy asap.
Fast forward to 2007. My heart ached for another child, however biological children were no longer a possibility and in my mind, neither was adoption. God had other plans for us. My cousin and his wife were in the process of adopting from Guatemala and I followed their adoption story with great interest. Often I felt very jealous because they were living my dream. So, I once again brought up the subject with my dh. His response, was as always, do the research, choose the agency and we'll sign. We found our agency, Christian World Adoption (the same agency that my cousin used), filled out the application and waited. We were waiting for the funds to send in the application. I finally asked Ralph when we could send the application in and his reply was, "When the tax return comes back". My thought was, "And that will be when?" I put the form aside and prayed and waited.
We didn't have to wait long. Guess what was in the mail the next day -- you guessed it, our first tax return. There was great rejoicing that day! The check was deposited into the bank, another check was written to CWA and we were on our way. Our country of choice is Ethiopia and we are hoping to get a child between the ages of 6 and 18 months. We are willing to take a sibling group of 2!!
The Lord is amazing! I am finally learning to wait on the Lord and not to run ahead of His leading. Why has it taken so long?!? I wish I had the answer for that, but at least I'm finally learning.
This has gotten long, but I wanted to finish the story before another month went by. I'll try to post some more this week and let you all in on some updates.
Now, the rest of the story . . . We were married on October 15, 1988 and I immediately got pregnant! So much for wondering if we could have children. Our wonderful son was born in August of 1989; what a joy he is!! We still wanted more children, but didn't have as easy a time the second time around. In September 1991 our daughter was born; she, too, is such a joy! Now we had the perfect family, or so everyone was telling me. However, we wanted 4 children. It was a while 'til I wanted to try to have another child, but when I finally did, pregnancy did not come. We talked about domestic adoption but knew that a private adoption would be the best for us because of expenses.
We became aware of a chaplain in a women's prison that counseled pregnant inmates to give their child up for adoption. One particular inmate was in prison for child abuse and was pregnant with her sixth child. She agreed to let us adopt her child; however, while in she was in jail she lost the baby at 8 months. The baby, a beautiful little boy, we are told, strangled on the umbilical cord. We were heartbroken.
We still tried to conceive but weren't having much success. In 1997 I lost about 40 pounds and wouldn't you know it, I got pregnant! We were thrilled, but from the very beginning I sensed that something was not right. I miscarried on November 1st. Needless to say, we were devastated. We didn't know what the Lord was trying to teach us, but we were willing to learn. During this time, adoption never left our minds.
In 2000 we moved and once again I felt the urge for another child. My dh gave me the go ahead to do the research on adoption agencies. I was floored at the cost and knew that we just couldn't afford it. Adoption was once again put on the back burner and we decided to try to have another biological child. However, that was not to be. I was told in the spring of 2001 that I had pre-cancerous endomitrial cells (official diagnosis was stage 1 uteran cancer) and need to have a hysterectomy asap.
Fast forward to 2007. My heart ached for another child, however biological children were no longer a possibility and in my mind, neither was adoption. God had other plans for us. My cousin and his wife were in the process of adopting from Guatemala and I followed their adoption story with great interest. Often I felt very jealous because they were living my dream. So, I once again brought up the subject with my dh. His response, was as always, do the research, choose the agency and we'll sign. We found our agency, Christian World Adoption (the same agency that my cousin used), filled out the application and waited. We were waiting for the funds to send in the application. I finally asked Ralph when we could send the application in and his reply was, "When the tax return comes back". My thought was, "And that will be when?" I put the form aside and prayed and waited.
We didn't have to wait long. Guess what was in the mail the next day -- you guessed it, our first tax return. There was great rejoicing that day! The check was deposited into the bank, another check was written to CWA and we were on our way. Our country of choice is Ethiopia and we are hoping to get a child between the ages of 6 and 18 months. We are willing to take a sibling group of 2!!
The Lord is amazing! I am finally learning to wait on the Lord and not to run ahead of His leading. Why has it taken so long?!? I wish I had the answer for that, but at least I'm finally learning.
This has gotten long, but I wanted to finish the story before another month went by. I'll try to post some more this week and let you all in on some updates.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
The Beginning of the Story
Where does one start to tell the story of how God has led us to adoption? I guess the best place is at the beginning. I have always loved children and wanted to have four of my own. However, even in high school I thought that adoption would be a wonderful way to have children. After all, God adopted us, so adoption is just another step in our walk with Him.
I wasn't sure that I would ever be married so I considered the idea of single parent adoption but with my parent's teaching, I came to realize that this is not what God intended for children. His intent was a 2 parent family; so I prayed for my life partner. I just assumed that he would be found while I was in college, but that didn't happen. After many years of singleness (and hating every moment of it) God taught me that I needed to be happy in my singleness. Boy what a hard lesson to learn. Shortly after coming to terms with be single for the rest of my life, I met Ralph, my dh, at the age of 29. Doesn't God have a sense of humor?
We got engaged after dating only a few months. One of our first conversations was about children. He loves them as much as I do, but we realized that we might not be able to have our own biological children. Ralph mentioned adoption and I immediately responded with a hearty, "you bet"!
Gotta run, dinner is calling. I'll be back later to continue on with the story.
I wasn't sure that I would ever be married so I considered the idea of single parent adoption but with my parent's teaching, I came to realize that this is not what God intended for children. His intent was a 2 parent family; so I prayed for my life partner. I just assumed that he would be found while I was in college, but that didn't happen. After many years of singleness (and hating every moment of it) God taught me that I needed to be happy in my singleness. Boy what a hard lesson to learn. Shortly after coming to terms with be single for the rest of my life, I met Ralph, my dh, at the age of 29. Doesn't God have a sense of humor?
We got engaged after dating only a few months. One of our first conversations was about children. He loves them as much as I do, but we realized that we might not be able to have our own biological children. Ralph mentioned adoption and I immediately responded with a hearty, "you bet"!
Gotta run, dinner is calling. I'll be back later to continue on with the story.
Adoption Fundraising
We are trying to raise the funds to take the next step in our adoption journey. The church received 2 gifts today for the adoption fund. PTL!!
A cousin suggested an idea for a fundraiser -- a family yard sale at our picnic on Labor Day. We loved the idea! I'm sure that the family will help out in this area since we all have lots of stuff to get rid of.
One other way that I'm trying to raise the funds is to sell my retired Stampin' Up! stamp sets. If you are interested in seeing what's for sale, take a look at Stamphappymomma. You'll be able to click on each thumbnail to get a larger picture that will also show the price I'm asking. 50% of what I get for each set will be going to our adoption fund. The rest will help to pay off some bills.
A cousin suggested an idea for a fundraiser -- a family yard sale at our picnic on Labor Day. We loved the idea! I'm sure that the family will help out in this area since we all have lots of stuff to get rid of.
One other way that I'm trying to raise the funds is to sell my retired Stampin' Up! stamp sets. If you are interested in seeing what's for sale, take a look at Stamphappymomma. You'll be able to click on each thumbnail to get a larger picture that will also show the price I'm asking. 50% of what I get for each set will be going to our adoption fund. The rest will help to pay off some bills.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Trying my hand at this blogging thing
I thought that this would be a great place to keep everyone updated on our adoption journey. I'm new to this blogging stuff, so please bear with me. Keep checking back for updates.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
