WOW! What a day!! Let me just go ahead and update all of you faithfuls:)
First of all, I spoke with the owner of The Sugar Bear in Paw Paw, all of you Van Buren County folks know that place...best ice cream shop around...not to mention the food (Zesty Chicken Feta Wrap, TRY ONE!), and the service is second to none..anyway..she was generous enough to agree to let us set up a table on their property for the Wine & Harvest Festival (Sept. 10-12)..we will be presenting info, and getting Dasha's story out to the public...thank you Courtney!! Your support is amazing!
Secondly, the Courier Leader Newspaper contacted us, and I am meeting with them on Thursday. They will be doing a story on Dasha! Thanks to our local paper for your support!
Thirdly, we partnered with a non profit organization called Orphan Justice Mission today. We will be working with them to bring Dasha home, and help orphans across the world. Al and I believe in this cause, and long after Dasha is home (and you bet she will be!) we will be working with this group of caring people to reach orphans. From now on, all donations will go through them (and yes they will be tax deductible..for those who have already donated, you will be receiving a receipt too!) I encourage you to check out their website...we will be part of it soon! http://orphanjustice.org/
We will have more details soon on the sale, and other fundraisers in the works. Those of you who have items you want to get rid of, think about donating them to our sale....we will even pick them up so you have no worries! Everyone who donates will be entered into a drawing to win some pretty cool prizes!
On a side note, a friend of mine has a big day tomorrow. Her 6 month old daughter Violet, has some tests tomorrow that will determine her future (she has cancer). The short story is that they need her results to show NO blast cells, so that they may proceed with a bone marrow transplant. If they do find blasts, the chance to cure baby Violet is very slim and her mommy and daddy might have to make the choice to simply give her the best quality of life while she is here. I am asking everyone to pray for Violet right now as you read this, pray for her tonight & tomorrow, continue to remember her every time you pray. The power of prayer is STRONG! I believe in it, and I ask you to do the same...
We want to make this a forever smile...
We want to make this a forever smile...
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
work work, all day long...
Not too many updates right now.
Al is extremely sick, I am on my own.. so I am trying to get as much paperwork done as possible in between playing with the girls, feeding the girls, and changing some awesome diapers!!:)
I have a checklist that needs to be completed for our home study on Sept. 10...I LOVE when I get to cross something off of it! What a great feeling...
We are applying for a few different loan options, even though we know the chances are slim. I guess good credit really doesn't matter if your ratios aren't adding up. Hmmmm:) We joined a co-signer service..sounds crazy, I know. But we were told that because our credit is good, if we can get someone to co sign, chances are high that we would be approved. Basically we pay this person an upfront fee..usually a few thousand dollars, and then we also pay them a monthly fee (on top of the loan payment). Not our favorite solution obviously, but for Dasha, we would do it in a heart beat. So far there isn't a match..they pair you based on loan needs and what the co signer is willing to sign for. But we remain hopeful..keep your fingers crossed!!:)
We are having a big sale at the Cornerstone Church parking lot on Romence Rd...sometime in September, more details to come soon!!
We cannot wait until we are allowed to write to Dasha...
Al is extremely sick, I am on my own.. so I am trying to get as much paperwork done as possible in between playing with the girls, feeding the girls, and changing some awesome diapers!!:)
I have a checklist that needs to be completed for our home study on Sept. 10...I LOVE when I get to cross something off of it! What a great feeling...
We are applying for a few different loan options, even though we know the chances are slim. I guess good credit really doesn't matter if your ratios aren't adding up. Hmmmm:) We joined a co-signer service..sounds crazy, I know. But we were told that because our credit is good, if we can get someone to co sign, chances are high that we would be approved. Basically we pay this person an upfront fee..usually a few thousand dollars, and then we also pay them a monthly fee (on top of the loan payment). Not our favorite solution obviously, but for Dasha, we would do it in a heart beat. So far there isn't a match..they pair you based on loan needs and what the co signer is willing to sign for. But we remain hopeful..keep your fingers crossed!!:)
We are having a big sale at the Cornerstone Church parking lot on Romence Rd...sometime in September, more details to come soon!!
We cannot wait until we are allowed to write to Dasha...
Friday, August 27, 2010
How much fun
was tonight!! Allie held a prayer group at our house, and it was powerful! Thanks to Allie, Bess, Mich, Scott, Shaelie & Cliff for coming out to support and pray for Dasha...really, prayers went out to her, and ALL orphans in the world..we prayed for the Bruski & Lambarth babies on their way, we prayed for baby Violet, Amy & Justin, we prayed for some friends of ours who are desperately trying to have a baby, and dealing with a lot of heartbreak along the way. We all prayed for Mich, Lucy & Max, and we also praised God for giving Mich the strength to breath, when she otherwise might not.
Our specific prayers for our Dasha include the following:
That God would provide the resources to get her here, in time. Not that He "make people give us money"...but that he provide us the strength to keep working hard to raise it. That he would open our eyes, and open our hearts, to work through Him and figure it out!!
That God would provide understanding to those who do not support us in this journey..that He would find his way into their lives, so that they too, could feel what we feel.
That God would give us a gentle nudge, when we feel discouraged or stressed. That when we feel too tired to fill out that next form, He would remind us that we are never as stressed or discouraged as Dasha might feel.
That God would help our daughters to understand why mommy and daddy have to go away for a few weeks, and that they would feel God in their hearts, and feel the extreme amount of love that we have for them...that they would be thankful for everything that they have, and want to give back to others (namely Dasha in this case:)
Our biggest (if you can say that about a prayer) prayer is that God be with Dasha, and give her peace and comfort until we get there. She has no idea whether or not we are following through with our promise...we have had no contact with her since she's been back in Ukraine..we pray that God holds her heart together, until we get there to hold her in our arms.
Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support...
Our specific prayers for our Dasha include the following:
That God would provide the resources to get her here, in time. Not that He "make people give us money"...but that he provide us the strength to keep working hard to raise it. That he would open our eyes, and open our hearts, to work through Him and figure it out!!
That God would provide understanding to those who do not support us in this journey..that He would find his way into their lives, so that they too, could feel what we feel.
That God would give us a gentle nudge, when we feel discouraged or stressed. That when we feel too tired to fill out that next form, He would remind us that we are never as stressed or discouraged as Dasha might feel.
That God would help our daughters to understand why mommy and daddy have to go away for a few weeks, and that they would feel God in their hearts, and feel the extreme amount of love that we have for them...that they would be thankful for everything that they have, and want to give back to others (namely Dasha in this case:)
Our biggest (if you can say that about a prayer) prayer is that God be with Dasha, and give her peace and comfort until we get there. She has no idea whether or not we are following through with our promise...we have had no contact with her since she's been back in Ukraine..we pray that God holds her heart together, until we get there to hold her in our arms.
Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support...
Just have to say..
Our to-do list is about a mile long today...and the ONLY thing I can focus on is how Dasha is touching people's hearts, everywhere. People she doesn't know, people WE don't know...I am humbled, truly.
In our mail today was a donation from a high school friend of mine, who is literally living at a hospital in Kansas, because her BEAUTIFUL baby girl (6 months old) is fighting cancer, and has been, since before she was even born. My friend and her husband have every reason to shut out the entire world, and focus on nothing but their angel..but instead, they took the time to be unbelievably caring and generous. You can't imagine our emotions when opening up their card.. We ask you every day to pray for Dasha..with that, I ask that you also include baby Violet (or as Bella likes to call her, Biolet..and yes, she can say her V's:) We say that God will never give us more than we can handle...He must know that Violet is like superwoman or something, because that little sweet-pea has had a rough start..she will undergo a transplant very soon...please remember her when you pray to God. I am in awe every day at the strength shown by Violet, and her mommy & daddy.
We also opened up a donation from our sister in NY...we haven't always been there for each other, and it has been awhile since we've spoken. It's amazing how something like this, puts everything else into perspective. What an amazing young woman she is, to donate even when she is trying to make it financially herself. I have no words (which is not common for me:)..
All of our donations are equally important, and equally valuable. I just felt compelled to mention these two, because of circumstances surrounding them. It is consuming my mind!
Thanks to all of you who have donated, made suggestions, and helped in any way possible...we value and love you all, whether or not we have ever met.
In our mail today was a donation from a high school friend of mine, who is literally living at a hospital in Kansas, because her BEAUTIFUL baby girl (6 months old) is fighting cancer, and has been, since before she was even born. My friend and her husband have every reason to shut out the entire world, and focus on nothing but their angel..but instead, they took the time to be unbelievably caring and generous. You can't imagine our emotions when opening up their card.. We ask you every day to pray for Dasha..with that, I ask that you also include baby Violet (or as Bella likes to call her, Biolet..and yes, she can say her V's:) We say that God will never give us more than we can handle...He must know that Violet is like superwoman or something, because that little sweet-pea has had a rough start..she will undergo a transplant very soon...please remember her when you pray to God. I am in awe every day at the strength shown by Violet, and her mommy & daddy.
We also opened up a donation from our sister in NY...we haven't always been there for each other, and it has been awhile since we've spoken. It's amazing how something like this, puts everything else into perspective. What an amazing young woman she is, to donate even when she is trying to make it financially herself. I have no words (which is not common for me:)..
All of our donations are equally important, and equally valuable. I just felt compelled to mention these two, because of circumstances surrounding them. It is consuming my mind!
Thanks to all of you who have donated, made suggestions, and helped in any way possible...we value and love you all, whether or not we have ever met.
It's Go TIME!
Good Morning all!:) As if we weren't annoying you enough, we are about to get really aggressive in our efforts to raise money!! We have discovered that when we go to Ukraine to legalize, finalize, and bring Dasha home (required that both parents go), Al will have to take an unpaid leave of absence...it will also affect our health insurance. So if we pay for this adoption within the next few weeks, there is a chance we can make the trip over Christmas Break..not to mention that doing it this way, Al wouldn't have to miss too much of his first love, wrestling!:) Al is coming up with every idea under the sun...and we are getting great ideas from our friends! All suggestions welcome!:) We are researching different loan options too..
Tonight at 6:30 our friend Allie will be holding a prayer group at our house (feel free to attend). A special thanks to her, as she is about 39 weeks pregnant, with a toddler, and still working hard getting Dasha's story out to everyone she can think of! Her help has been just amazing!
Tonight at 6:30 our friend Allie will be holding a prayer group at our house (feel free to attend). A special thanks to her, as she is about 39 weeks pregnant, with a toddler, and still working hard getting Dasha's story out to everyone she can think of! Her help has been just amazing!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Fun!
After a week straight of nothing but phone calls, emails and paperwork, I decided to concentrate on something fun for Dasha. So Gracie and I picked out her bedding, sheets, and decorative pillows...we had a great time!! Gracie also gathered up several of her treasured belongings, and said she wanted to give them to Dasha...do we have the sweetest girl or what??! I nicely informed her that I don't know if Dasha would be too interested in her owl beanie baby, that could probably use a swirl through the washing machine:)...Gracie is SO excited to bring Dasha home, we all are!
Thanks for two more donations today...I continue to be amazed by the generosity demonstrated!! Also have people offering fantastic fundraising ideas...super helpful!!:)
We are partnering with Orphan Justice Mission, and your donations will start to go through this organization. They will all be in Dasha's name, and will benefit her 100%. However once we have her home, safe and sound...Al and I will continue working with this organization to help them raise money for orphans everywhere! Anyhow, more info soon!!:)
Please say an extra prayer for us today...we MIGHT have a financing option working out tonight...will know more later.
Thanks to everyone, for everything!!:)
Thanks for two more donations today...I continue to be amazed by the generosity demonstrated!! Also have people offering fantastic fundraising ideas...super helpful!!:)
We are partnering with Orphan Justice Mission, and your donations will start to go through this organization. They will all be in Dasha's name, and will benefit her 100%. However once we have her home, safe and sound...Al and I will continue working with this organization to help them raise money for orphans everywhere! Anyhow, more info soon!!:)
Please say an extra prayer for us today...we MIGHT have a financing option working out tonight...will know more later.
Thanks to everyone, for everything!!:)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Technical difficulties!!
Elizabeth, writeaway & Chase~ for some reason, my blog is not allowing me to respond to comments, so it looks like my response to each of you will be front & center:)
Elizabeth~thank you SO much for your generosity..I could go on forever about how much it means to us, but since you've met Dasha, I would guess that you already know:) I can't wait to send you pictures & Skype when she is a Michigander:) Would be amazing to plan a trip to visit Raleigh at the same time!! Can you please email me your address? daniellelittel@yahoo.com
Writeway73~THANKS so much! We can definitely arrange to pick them up!! We have an Envoy and a trailer, so no problem! Can you email me, and we will figure out a time?? Thanks a ton! daniellelittel@yahoo.com
Chase~Great ideas!! Thank you so much, we will be praying for you as well!!
Elizabeth~thank you SO much for your generosity..I could go on forever about how much it means to us, but since you've met Dasha, I would guess that you already know:) I can't wait to send you pictures & Skype when she is a Michigander:) Would be amazing to plan a trip to visit Raleigh at the same time!! Can you please email me your address? daniellelittel@yahoo.com
Writeway73~THANKS so much! We can definitely arrange to pick them up!! We have an Envoy and a trailer, so no problem! Can you email me, and we will figure out a time?? Thanks a ton! daniellelittel@yahoo.com
Chase~Great ideas!! Thank you so much, we will be praying for you as well!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Pass on any funding ideas please!
With each donation we receive, I am amazed by the generosity! Many have been from people we don't know (thanks Allie & crew, your hearts are HUGE), and most have been from people who have bigger hearts than bank accounts!! Just goes to show that God is good, and I believe He wants to bring Dasha to Paw Paw!
The last 2 days have been pretty stressful for me..Al is doing more than his share to try and keep my spirits up. I am realizing the gravity of this whole situation, and I am nervous that we won't raise the money in time. I saw pictures of homeless teenagers on the streets in Ukraine, and I have been down ever since. BUT...Al keeps reminding me that we told Dasha we were coming for her...so it keeps me focused:)...I am looking for an evening or night job if anyone has any suggestions..my daycare will close about 5:45pm.
It has been suggested that we get Dasha's room set up for the home study...we have a frame/mattress and I believe a headboard now (a woman on craigslist was SUPER generous and cut her asking price in 1/2!!). We still need a desk, dresser and nightstand..they can be old because we LOVE to paint and restore...adds character to the bedroom!
Thanks everyone!:)
The last 2 days have been pretty stressful for me..Al is doing more than his share to try and keep my spirits up. I am realizing the gravity of this whole situation, and I am nervous that we won't raise the money in time. I saw pictures of homeless teenagers on the streets in Ukraine, and I have been down ever since. BUT...Al keeps reminding me that we told Dasha we were coming for her...so it keeps me focused:)...I am looking for an evening or night job if anyone has any suggestions..my daycare will close about 5:45pm.
It has been suggested that we get Dasha's room set up for the home study...we have a frame/mattress and I believe a headboard now (a woman on craigslist was SUPER generous and cut her asking price in 1/2!!). We still need a desk, dresser and nightstand..they can be old because we LOVE to paint and restore...adds character to the bedroom!
Thanks everyone!:)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Hard at work..
2 more donations came in the mail this morning:) thanks so much for opening your hearts to help us, help Dasha! We are back to work this morning...I am on the phone with about 100 different people:) and Al is setting up the egress installation...that should be in Thursday! Keep the prayers coming!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Emotional Day
Today, we realized just how invested our hearts are...after church, we went into the prayer room and WOW...that was a gut check. We stayed up last night, researching different stories about girls after they are released from the orphanages in Ukraine..the pictures and articles we found will never be forgotten. I hate thinking about Dasha living anywhere but here, with our family.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Thank you...
Can we please just say THANK YOU!! How wonderful to go to the mailbox this morning and receive 4 donations...two from people we don't know (thanks Adelphic Brothers, you do know how to stick together), one from some awesome friends of ours (mama is in school and they have two teenagers!!) and another from one of my great friends who is currently unemployed, and they have two children...your hearts are HUGE!! Thank you so much...thank you thank you thank you!!
Friday, August 20, 2010
All smiles..
We thought we would burst from excitement at yesterday's success! So imagine my heart when I went to the mailbox this morning and opened up two donations...and then I came in to check my email, and I have someone from Paw Paw who has been praying for a solution to their daycare dilemma...God is working through those around us...you people rock my world!!
Dasha has landed safely in Kiev! The children are now in vans headed back to their orphanages...praying it's the last time Dasha ever heads BACK...next trip, she will be headed AWAY!
Dasha has landed safely in Kiev! The children are now in vans headed back to their orphanages...praying it's the last time Dasha ever heads BACK...next trip, she will be headed AWAY!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Wish we could tell Dasha
what an amazing day this has been for her! GENEROUS donations, thank you all SO much!! Thanks Uncle Jorge & Uncle Scott for working with Al on her bedroom...those boys can work fast! All we have left is to mud and paint!! I will fall asleep tonight feeling unbelievably grateful! God is oh so good!
We've got a challenge!
Here we go people!
Barb & Gordon Miller have GRACIOUSLY offered to match a $1,000 donation! So you know what that means...we need to work together to raise $1,000!
We just received a $200 donation from an Adelphic Brother of Al's so we are on our way!
Al will also be doing some work for friends of ours this weekend, in exchange for a donation...fabulous!
Let's do this!!
Barb & Gordon Miller have GRACIOUSLY offered to match a $1,000 donation! So you know what that means...we need to work together to raise $1,000!
We just received a $200 donation from an Adelphic Brother of Al's so we are on our way!
Al will also be doing some work for friends of ours this weekend, in exchange for a donation...fabulous!
Let's do this!!
Amazed..
Today, I had a YOUNG AND SINGLE mom, who works as a waitress, offer to donate her earnings for Dasha. WOW!! Someone who could use financial help herself??! How selfless is that! A colleague that Al works with also gave us a bed and frame for Dasha...One of my best friends is going through an extremely stressful time right now, and she is still working to collect money in every way she can imagine...I am thankful, and amazed..
Open your heart..
We got to talk with Dasha on the phone last night! For almost an hour, we listened to her show off the English that she has learned while she's been with her host family in Raleigh for the past 3 weeks...she was so proud! Dasha can go through the entire deck of cards, and when one is shown to her she can tell you what number it is! Her favorite word is AWESOME...those of you who know me well, ahemm! I say that word 100x a day:) She said all of our names and "thank you very much" which was my personal favorite to hear her say! She has such a beautiful voice...
Gracie talked to her for a little bit, and she was overjoyed. This situation has made Gracie start to realize just how lucky she is...our little lady is SO eager to help save Dasha. She talks about what they will do together when Dasha arrives..We are so proud of her.
Please everyone, if there is any way you can help...we truly are begging! We are not asking anyone to write a $36,000 check...but imagine how much money we could raise if every single person gave $5!! Spreading the word helps too..pass on our blog, talk about our situation. Al and I will be selling items of value, and we will post the links to those on here..tell your friends and family. I can work off donations by watching children...my schedule is quite open and I will be licensed in mid-September..I can clean..Al is all about physical labor! Please keep us in mind if any of these pertain to you...and again, if you don't want to donate, and don't need anything to be worked off, but you would be willing to loan...we will have a legal agreement drawn up!!! Please, don't forget about Dasha...don't let this be another young girl who is forced into an unimaginable life.
Al said to me last night that he believes his treasures are in Heaven. I think that he and I have 4 treasures right now, and that God just blessed us with another...
Gracie talked to her for a little bit, and she was overjoyed. This situation has made Gracie start to realize just how lucky she is...our little lady is SO eager to help save Dasha. She talks about what they will do together when Dasha arrives..We are so proud of her.
Please everyone, if there is any way you can help...we truly are begging! We are not asking anyone to write a $36,000 check...but imagine how much money we could raise if every single person gave $5!! Spreading the word helps too..pass on our blog, talk about our situation. Al and I will be selling items of value, and we will post the links to those on here..tell your friends and family. I can work off donations by watching children...my schedule is quite open and I will be licensed in mid-September..I can clean..Al is all about physical labor! Please keep us in mind if any of these pertain to you...and again, if you don't want to donate, and don't need anything to be worked off, but you would be willing to loan...we will have a legal agreement drawn up!!! Please, don't forget about Dasha...don't let this be another young girl who is forced into an unimaginable life.
Al said to me last night that he believes his treasures are in Heaven. I think that he and I have 4 treasures right now, and that God just blessed us with another...
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
God is on our side!
Great things already happening...THANKS BEYOND WORDS to those who have already contacted us to contribute..you are so generous! Scott and Al are starting work on the basement tonight!! Thanks to Uncle Jorge for "constructionally guiding" us last night!! We are filling out the VERY long home study application, and are hoping to have enough money to pay for that by next week!
The girls and I Skyped with Dasha yesterday...we put Al on speaker phone, as he has a work conference all week. We were counseled to tell her that we are doing everything in our power to adopt her. We had to be careful, as the adoption process can sometimes be difficult. We don't want to falsely get her hopes up...usually it is easier to adopt older children, so that will hopefully work in our favor!! We have 6 months before she is released from the orphanage though, so we have to HURRY!
Dasha had a huge smile on her face...if I was able to see it through all of my tears, I know it was a big one!:) What an emotional conversation...the way we already love her, with such limited contact, is thanks only to God. Al and I both said it feels like she has always been a part of our lives...with the grace of God, we will be saying that in 3 years too...when she has become a typical teenage girl and is pushing all of our buttons!! I truly pray for that day, so that Dasha may have normal concerns, such as which college to attend, or what color to paint her nails...NOT "where will I get my next meal?" Or "please don't let anyone else hurt me today"...
Dasha needs us everyone...I mean, she really really needs us...
The girls and I Skyped with Dasha yesterday...we put Al on speaker phone, as he has a work conference all week. We were counseled to tell her that we are doing everything in our power to adopt her. We had to be careful, as the adoption process can sometimes be difficult. We don't want to falsely get her hopes up...usually it is easier to adopt older children, so that will hopefully work in our favor!! We have 6 months before she is released from the orphanage though, so we have to HURRY!
Dasha had a huge smile on her face...if I was able to see it through all of my tears, I know it was a big one!:) What an emotional conversation...the way we already love her, with such limited contact, is thanks only to God. Al and I both said it feels like she has always been a part of our lives...with the grace of God, we will be saying that in 3 years too...when she has become a typical teenage girl and is pushing all of our buttons!! I truly pray for that day, so that Dasha may have normal concerns, such as which college to attend, or what color to paint her nails...NOT "where will I get my next meal?" Or "please don't let anyone else hurt me today"...
Dasha needs us everyone...I mean, she really really needs us...
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Beginning our new journey..
Last weekend, I traveled to Raleigh, NC to be with my sister as she went to thank Hope Community Church for their enormous financial and spiritual support following Paul's death. Little did I know, my life was about to be changed forever...
Hope became involved with a host program for Ukrainian orphans. For three weeks, these amazing kids got to live in homes, with families, and enjoy fun activities galore! The goal was to find a forever home for each of the orphans...is most cases, this is exactly what happened.
But not in Dasha's case.
Enter God, through me...
Dasha is a 15 year old girl who has never known her father, and whether or not he is even living. Her mother is an alcoholic who physically abused Dasha, and has since lost all rights to her. Dasha's older siblings have no interest in caring for her. She is in an orphanage for "slower" children...namely children who suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. However, Dasha's teacher and translator both say she is a bright girl!
Dasha LOVES music. She is anxious to participate in family time. Dasha is initially quite reserved when engaging in new activities, but she opens up if you are willing to join her the first time. She is very nurturing...when she went to the lake to feed the ducks, she made sure to feed each duck an equal amount.:)
UNICEF compiled these statistics regarding the orphanage Dasha belongs to..
Of the children left unadopted:
70% of the boys will be imprisoned
60% of the girls will become prostitutes
10% of the children will commit suicide.
Dasha has never had the nurturing love of her mother. She has never had a father to help her build a secure, and confident identity. She is desperate to be loved and cared for...this is our chance to do God's work and make a miracle. If we do not step in, I fear Dasha is headed for an awfully tragic life...
It is because of God that I had a blessed childhood, with parents who loved me and set my path toward an amazing life. It is because of God that our daughters have an amazing childhood, with parents who love them and are setting their paths' toward an amazing life. It is because of God, that our daughters are here, in America. They are safe, happy, secure, and loved. And it also because of God, that Al and I plan to call Dasha our daughter, and share with her, all of the gifts that we have been blessed with, through Him.
Now, let me be quite blunt in what we are searching for!! We need financial assistance...fundraising ideas, donations etc. We have to come up with $36,000 (top to bottom with the adoption process). As most of you know, Al is a teacher and I stay home with our daughters. On his income alone, we have our home loan, our Envoy loan (van is paid for) and two student loans. So quite obviously, a bank will not be loaning us a sum this large! At this point, and with the HUGE time crunch we are under...I feel the best way to get this moving is to be open and honest, direct, with exactly what we are looking for. We have the means to provide for Dasha once she is here...she will have everything she needs and MOST:) of what she wants.
Needs are as follows:
1) a total of $36,000...until about 6-8 weeks into the process we only need about $5,000...so that $5,000 is an immediate need to BEGIN the process. It takes care of the home study...
2) we need to have an egress window put into the basement, so that there is a bedroom with 2 exits for Dasha...this is a requirement for the home study. We are looking for someone who has experience with this, and would be able to give a financial break.
3) looking for help with finishing rooms in the basement...right now we have a family room and a toy room that are completely finished..we need to add a bedroom, also a requirement for the home study (that Dasha have her own bedroom)
4) looking for anyone who might need work done for them...or cleaning/watching children..anything we can do that you are looking to pay someone else for...HIRE us!! It's a win win situation!
5) looking for donations, fundraising ideas/assistance, churches willing to ask for donations, businesses willing to donate...anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of what could truly be a miracle for this beautiful girl..
6) Al and I would be more than willing, and unbelievably appreciative, to have a legal contract drawn up (at our expense) that would commit us to paying back any money that someone is willing to loan...it does not have to be donated...we would LOVE to pay money back monthly. We are are selling my wedding rings, and Al's brand new golf clubs to raise money. We would also give that to someone willing to loan us money, as collateral.
I know financially, everyone is struggling right now. It is such a tough subject to approach...but God has put this upon Al and I, to save this Ukrainian girl who honestly, without us, is EXTREMELY likely to head toward tragedy. I am praying that this is God's will, and I am literally begging help from you. Please help Dasha...please become a part of bringing her home.
file:///C:/Users/Littel/Downloads/Budget%20Projections%20for%20Adopting%20from%20Ukraine-one_hosted-Summer%202010.pdf
Hope became involved with a host program for Ukrainian orphans. For three weeks, these amazing kids got to live in homes, with families, and enjoy fun activities galore! The goal was to find a forever home for each of the orphans...is most cases, this is exactly what happened.
But not in Dasha's case.
Enter God, through me...
Dasha is a 15 year old girl who has never known her father, and whether or not he is even living. Her mother is an alcoholic who physically abused Dasha, and has since lost all rights to her. Dasha's older siblings have no interest in caring for her. She is in an orphanage for "slower" children...namely children who suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. However, Dasha's teacher and translator both say she is a bright girl!
Dasha LOVES music. She is anxious to participate in family time. Dasha is initially quite reserved when engaging in new activities, but she opens up if you are willing to join her the first time. She is very nurturing...when she went to the lake to feed the ducks, she made sure to feed each duck an equal amount.:)
UNICEF compiled these statistics regarding the orphanage Dasha belongs to..
Of the children left unadopted:
70% of the boys will be imprisoned
60% of the girls will become prostitutes
10% of the children will commit suicide.
Dasha has never had the nurturing love of her mother. She has never had a father to help her build a secure, and confident identity. She is desperate to be loved and cared for...this is our chance to do God's work and make a miracle. If we do not step in, I fear Dasha is headed for an awfully tragic life...
It is because of God that I had a blessed childhood, with parents who loved me and set my path toward an amazing life. It is because of God that our daughters have an amazing childhood, with parents who love them and are setting their paths' toward an amazing life. It is because of God, that our daughters are here, in America. They are safe, happy, secure, and loved. And it also because of God, that Al and I plan to call Dasha our daughter, and share with her, all of the gifts that we have been blessed with, through Him.
Now, let me be quite blunt in what we are searching for!! We need financial assistance...fundraising ideas, donations etc. We have to come up with $36,000 (top to bottom with the adoption process). As most of you know, Al is a teacher and I stay home with our daughters. On his income alone, we have our home loan, our Envoy loan (van is paid for) and two student loans. So quite obviously, a bank will not be loaning us a sum this large! At this point, and with the HUGE time crunch we are under...I feel the best way to get this moving is to be open and honest, direct, with exactly what we are looking for. We have the means to provide for Dasha once she is here...she will have everything she needs and MOST:) of what she wants.
Needs are as follows:
1) a total of $36,000...until about 6-8 weeks into the process we only need about $5,000...so that $5,000 is an immediate need to BEGIN the process. It takes care of the home study...
2) we need to have an egress window put into the basement, so that there is a bedroom with 2 exits for Dasha...this is a requirement for the home study. We are looking for someone who has experience with this, and would be able to give a financial break.
3) looking for help with finishing rooms in the basement...right now we have a family room and a toy room that are completely finished..we need to add a bedroom, also a requirement for the home study (that Dasha have her own bedroom)
4) looking for anyone who might need work done for them...or cleaning/watching children..anything we can do that you are looking to pay someone else for...HIRE us!! It's a win win situation!
5) looking for donations, fundraising ideas/assistance, churches willing to ask for donations, businesses willing to donate...anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of what could truly be a miracle for this beautiful girl..
6) Al and I would be more than willing, and unbelievably appreciative, to have a legal contract drawn up (at our expense) that would commit us to paying back any money that someone is willing to loan...it does not have to be donated...we would LOVE to pay money back monthly. We are are selling my wedding rings, and Al's brand new golf clubs to raise money. We would also give that to someone willing to loan us money, as collateral.
I know financially, everyone is struggling right now. It is such a tough subject to approach...but God has put this upon Al and I, to save this Ukrainian girl who honestly, without us, is EXTREMELY likely to head toward tragedy. I am praying that this is God's will, and I am literally begging help from you. Please help Dasha...please become a part of bringing her home.
file:///C:/Users/Littel/Downloads/Budget%20Projections%20for%20Adopting%20from%20Ukraine-one_hosted-Summer%202010.pdf
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