September 1, 2015

Jim and I are so excited to announce that our home study has finally been approved! We are now on the home stretch of our paperwork and preparing to file our immigration documents!  We continue to feel incredibly blessed throughout this entire process. It's hard to believe that we started this journey just 5 months ago!!! We need to make our next payment when we file our paperwork. We're sooooo close! We still have 140 puzzle pieces that are looking for sponsors for $30.00 a piece. Let us know if you want to help out! 

                     Love,
                Jim and Kelly

August 17, 2015


Jim and I are working hard to get the rest of our paperwork finished up. We are working on the final corrections for our home study, so this piece of our adoption process can be completed! All God's Children International (AGCI) has a goal for our paperworDok and 2nd payment to be submitted by September 14th. We are on track with the paperwork and getting there with the payment. We excited to announced that we have raised/saved $11,000 of the $15,500 needed for that payment thanks to the generosity of many of our friends and family as well as the diligent saving and cutting back that we've done.

2 Corinthians 9:15   Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

We, well I should say I'm getting  beyond anxious for this process to keep moving! Jim continues to keep me grounded on the realistic length of our adoption process. We feel so incredibly blessed that God is giving us the opportunity to be parents to some little Burundian girl or boy across the ocean! It's almost surreal to think the hardest part of our adoption process is almost over! Our paperwork has taken a lot of time and dedication. This is the largest of the three payments that we must make! (Praise the Lord!)

We ultimately know our adoption process is in his speed. We appreciate the continued prayers and support as we approach our big deadline of September 14th.

 Philippians 4:6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God

Love,

Jim and Kelly

August 9, 2015

Wow!

I've been meaning to sit down and blog for about two weeks now, but things have been hectic! Jim and I have been busy finishing up our paperwork for our home study and dossier. We are on track to submit our paperwork around September 14th as long as we can secure our next LARGE payment. We hosted a prayer night for Burundi we some of our friends. We're happy to announce that the election has concluded. The gentleman that the citizens were upset about running did win; however, the climate of Burundi seems to be calming over the matter. We are hopeful for continued peace surrounding the topic. We've also been told that adoptions are moving quickly in Burundi right now. Around this time next year, we could be traveling to Burundi to get our little bundle of joy! I tell you that we're getting more and more anxious. We'll be happy when all our paperwork is officially completed even though that will mean wait time. We'll be excited to get organized and our little ones room ready for them during that time!

We continue to ask for prayers as we travel down this path to parenthood. There was so much I wanted to blog about, but now I can't remember! We'll continue to keep everyone posted on the progression or our paperwork and next payment.


Love,
Jim and Kelly

                              All Our Guests for Prayer Night!

July 18, 2015

Today is going to be a full post because our internet has been out for awhile with all the amazing storms we've had! I need to catch up, since a lot has been going on with our adoption lately!

Last Sunday at church our pastor spoke with inspiration from Genesis 22: 1-18. He emphasized that if you obey God, he will bless you! But you have to be willing to say God, here I am! I'm yours..... Boy, is this true. When we start to feel overwhelmed or stressed about our adoption is when we stray from prayer and remembering that this entire adoption process is in HIS hands. We have to stand for him and he will bless this process as much as possible. We continue to find little blessings along this journey whether it be a donation, a nice gesture, or even extra money seems to find it's way into our checking account. We know that we stand for him and that he is and will continue to bless us through this process and help us overcome all the obstacles that stand in our way.

We hosted our small group over for a prayer night for Burundi because of their upcoming election. We prayed for Burundi's government leaders, Mugisha Children's home, and the future of adoption in Burundi. The election has been postponed again until later this month. We just pray that the election happens soon and the citizens of Burundi find peace in the outcome no matter what!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7

Our paperwork coordinator from All God's Children International really believes that we're on track to submit our completed paperwork to them by September 14th. Wow! I can't believe that we might actually complete all these tasks in 4 months! If we are able to make this happen financially then after immigration and the Central Authority in Burundi accepts our application to adopt the waiting begins!!!!! We may only have to wait 8-9 months from that point which would be about a year from now that our little one would get to join our family!

Please continue to pray and help us spread the word regarding our puzzle piece fundraiser! Each piece gets up closer to our $12,000 that's needed for our next payment! 

Thank you again for everything!

                  Love,

            Jim and Kelly 

July 7, 2015

Good Afternoon!

Jim and I are excited to show everyone pictures of our first puzzle that has been pieced together thanks to all the wonderful donations. We truly appreciate everyone that has opened their hearts to help us make this adoption possible!

 Front of the Puzzle

                                          Back of the Puzzle

I can't wait to hang this and two more puzzles in our child's room! Thank you again to everyone that has sponsored a piece of our puzzle!!!!!

                     Love,
               Jim and Kelly

June 30, 2015

Back to Reality after my 12 day trip with students and families from Goshen High School to Europe. We traveled through Eastern Europe. It was an amazing opportunity, and one that I hope Jim and I can provide to our future son/daughter someday! I foresee trips to Disney World and the Grand Canyon in our near future, post adoption! Oh, those will be the days!

We have been working hard today to continue the paperwork journey. We accomplished a lot today and hope to get more completed tomorrow. We officially have 1 of our 3 puzzles put together as well. I will post a picture once it's sealed next week! :)

We want to thank everyone for their continued support and prayers! This is one of the most rewarding yet exhausting processes, we've ever been through.

        Pause thinks she's helping with the paperwork!


Love, 
Jim and Kelly

June 12, 2015

Today Jim and I went to have our medicals and local background checks completed. Our goal is to get the first round of paperwork to our Home Study Agency before I leave Tuesday on a 12 day trip with students and families from Goshen High School. Jim always loves an opportunity to get shots and have blood drawn, so you can just imagine how much he enjoyed himself today! (Insert Sarcasm)
I will tell you that it's the little things that get you along this journey. The wonderful news of our adoption is beginning to spread throughout Goshen! I love being able to share our journey with family and friends. Today we went to the Goshen Police Department to get our local background checks completed. As I was getting my $14.00 out to pay for them, they continued to tell me that there would be no charge. It just made my heart smile. Every penny counts at this point as we are saving for our next HUGE payment of $11,000. Goshen is such a unique community and definitely an excellent place to grow a family! The picture below truly describes the place I love Goshen, Indiana.



           Love,
    Jim and Kelly 

June 3, 2015

Good Evening everyone, today our adoption process really got REAL! Jim and I traveled to Indianapolis today for our home study orientation with St. Elizabeth/Coleman Pregnancy and Adoption Services. Then on the way home, we had a conference call with All God's Children International in the car to discuss our dossier process. Wow, we certainly have a lot of work ahead of us! Our social worker at St. Elizabeth/Coleman called this our paperwork pregnancy, and trust us she's not lying! We went into these meetings with an open mind knowing that there would be a lot to complete. Their goal is for all of our paperwork and next payment to be submitted by September 14th. That is a bit stressful, but we love their optimism. Ultimately, this part of the process has to be completed by November 14th. Our next payment is $11,000 not counting our home study fee and other expenses that will come up during the paperwork process. Jim and I need to start spreading the work regarding our puzzle fundraiser. If you feel led to help us with this, please contact Jim or I. You can email us at kwhittker217@gmail.com or jwhittake727@gmail.com 


Love,
Jim and Kelly

May 31, 2015

Most of you like Jim and I have never heard of Burundi, Africa until our adoption process started. Well lately, Burundi has been making headlines. The citizens of Burundi are upset because Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza placed a bid for a third consecutive term. This has sparked weeks of civil unrest. The presidential election is set for June 26th. Our contacts in Burundi through our adoption agency are stating that this normal in a 3rd world country around election time. They do not see this ultimately having any effect on our adoption process. All we can do is pray for the country of Burundi and our little one that is living there waiting for us! 

       Love,
Jim and Kelly 

May 25, 2015


Operation Organize and prepare for our home study officially began this weekend! We took time to organize and downsize as much as possible. I know it's early, but I'm excited for the day when we can paint and prepare the little ones bedroom! It's fun to purge and organize when there is a purpose of another human that will be joining your family! The journey of Operation Organize is not complete, but the goal is to have it completed by the time I leave for Europe this summer with Goshen High School. We shall see!

                                 Love,
                                Jim and Kelly

May 20, 2015


Today is a day Jim and I are definitely relying on our relationship with God. The journey of adoption is full of ups and downs just as life is. Our process is still moving smoothly we are just in a situation where we need to make a big final decision. Prayers for peace of mind would be greatly appreciated!


Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.     Proverbs  3:5-6

                                              Love,
                                              Jim and Kelly 

May 10, 2015

Happy Mother's Day!  Jim and I want to continue to thank everyone for their support through this journey. We're thrilled and excited to be parents. I can't help but reflect on my excitement of becoming a mother on this special day.
                            
                                                              Love,
                                                      Jim and Kelly

May 3, 2015

The last few weeks have been busy. Jim and I are in the process of finalizing the agency that we'll use for our home study. We will be getting our contract and first payment mailed to All God's Children International this week! We feel so blessed by all our family and friends as well as our cut backs that have made this possible! We then hope to get our home study process started in the next few weeks. The roller coaster is moving and on track so far. :)

 Love one another with brotherly affection, giving precedence and showing honor to one another.   Romans 12:10

Love, 

Jim and Kelly

April 19, 2015


Today we decided to post something on Facebook regarding our fundraiser. This is a HUGE step for us because we hate asking for help especially when it's financial help. But after many prayers, thoughts, and considerations we know that we can't do this alone! We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers as the paper chase begins! The next 6 months will be stressful, but so worth it in the end.

                                           Love, 
                              Jim and Kelly

April 15, 2014

We're excited to announce that our application for the Burundi Program through All God's Children has officially been accepted! We have a conference call scheduled for Friday afternoon to go over the orientation packet and ask some questions. Let the process begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


                    Love,
              Jim and Kelly

April 11, 2015

Jim and I just submitted our application to All God's Children International today. We will anxiously await their decision. Once we get the Green light, we'll start the paper chase and home study process! I keep getting more and more excited! I'm pretty certain that I'm driving Jim CRAZY, but he loves me and our future child! 

                                                Love,
                                      Jim and Kelly

April 5, 2015


Happy Easter! 
                    Easter Changes Everything!
               1 Corinthians 15:17-22


Today seems as good as any day to simply say thank you to everyone that has and is supporting Jim and I through our journey towards grafting in the missing piece into our family. We have been absolutely blown away by all the kind words and support as we announced our decision to everyone! After 390 likes on Facebook and comments as follows:

•  You'll be fantastic parents.
• I can't think of two better parents.
• Exciting news!
• Awesome!
• This child will be lucky to find you!
• What a blessed child he/she will be.

One can assume that we are both humbled and terrified to live up to these expectations. ;)  Please continue to pray for us as this journey continues! We are beyond thankful that our puzzle pieces are beginning to receive donations! Each donation helps us move one step closer to making our first payment.

"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"
                                                                                        1 Thessalonians 5:18 


                                       Love,
                     Jim and Kelly

Help with Puzzle Fundraiser

We appreciate our friends and family as well as all the support you're providing us as we begin our process of grafting in a new human into our family! If you'd like to help us receive donations for our puzzle pieces, let me know. We can use all the help you're willing to offer!!!! Our goal is to get donations for 500 pieces! Please email Kelly at kwhittaker217@gmail.com for more information!

Love, 

Jim and Kelly

 

 Puzzle 1 

Puzzle 2

So the Journey Begins.........

The journey to graft in our missing piece has begun. This process has already become a roller coaster of emotions, but we know that at the end of this process our hearts as well as the heart of someone else will be filled! Today while reading a book by John Wooden, Jim came across the following prayer:

Father, thank you that you work all things together for my good. Help me exhibit patience and courage in my life as I wait on your perfect timing.

His Patience and timing is something that we definitely need to keep in mind as this journey proceeds. Jim and I love talking about how amazing it will be to raise a child! I just hope and pray that we can keep up the enthusiasm through this loooong process!

Love,

Kelly and Jim