This commercial brings me to tears every time I watch it...just makes me think about our little princess so much more...I can't wait to have her in our arms!
Btw, I LOVE this idea!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
ApPERUve it
Friends,
It's been a while but that doesn't mean things haven't been happening. Allow me to bring you up to speed on where we stand in the process.
Michelle was able to host a fundraising opportunity through a Thirty-One party. The party consultant graciously passed on her portion of the profit towards our adoption, netting us $300. This took care of the remaining balance towards the $2,000 necessary for the home study process to begin.
Also during this time (June to present), Jonathan also interviewed for and accepted a management position at Sorenson VRS. We praise the Lord for that as it has allowed our family to get a much better health insurance program and a more steady income. We are truly grateful for this and how it will in turn help us in regards to the adoption.
As referenced earlier, we have now begun the homestudy process. The actual home visit is complete and now we have moved on to the paperwork portion. We have been fingerprinted in order to receive clearance by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to adopt. We have a few additional steps remaining in this stage of the game and our prayer is that this stage will be complete within 30 to 60 days.
Perhaps the most exciting news is that we received word just a few weeks ago that our little princess has been 'cleared' to be adopted. This is a process that in and of itself can take years to complete but God obviously had other plans. This essentially means we need to continue to move swiftly as the longer she is available for adoption, the more likely it is someone else could pursue her. With thousands of children on the list in Peru this may not occur but there's always a chance. We are continually reminded that God has led us to do this and will continue to open doors as He sees fit.
Items to pray about:
-Speedy Conclusion of Home study
-Favor with State/US government in retrieval of needed reports (child abuse records etc.)
-Locating a Licensed Psychologist to complete a necessary Psych evaluation.
-Wisdom as we strive to follow God's leading every step of the way.
It's been a while but that doesn't mean things haven't been happening. Allow me to bring you up to speed on where we stand in the process.
Michelle was able to host a fundraising opportunity through a Thirty-One party. The party consultant graciously passed on her portion of the profit towards our adoption, netting us $300. This took care of the remaining balance towards the $2,000 necessary for the home study process to begin.
Also during this time (June to present), Jonathan also interviewed for and accepted a management position at Sorenson VRS. We praise the Lord for that as it has allowed our family to get a much better health insurance program and a more steady income. We are truly grateful for this and how it will in turn help us in regards to the adoption.
As referenced earlier, we have now begun the homestudy process. The actual home visit is complete and now we have moved on to the paperwork portion. We have been fingerprinted in order to receive clearance by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to adopt. We have a few additional steps remaining in this stage of the game and our prayer is that this stage will be complete within 30 to 60 days.
Perhaps the most exciting news is that we received word just a few weeks ago that our little princess has been 'cleared' to be adopted. This is a process that in and of itself can take years to complete but God obviously had other plans. This essentially means we need to continue to move swiftly as the longer she is available for adoption, the more likely it is someone else could pursue her. With thousands of children on the list in Peru this may not occur but there's always a chance. We are continually reminded that God has led us to do this and will continue to open doors as He sees fit.
Items to pray about:
-Speedy Conclusion of Home study
-Favor with State/US government in retrieval of needed reports (child abuse records etc.)
-Locating a Licensed Psychologist to complete a necessary Psych evaluation.
-Wisdom as we strive to follow God's leading every step of the way.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
31 Fundraising Opportunity
Dear friends & followers,
Its hard to believe we're over half way through the year now. God has been so good to us and we eagerly anticipate what God will do in our lives the remainder of this year and beyond. We serve a faithful God!
Since our last update, God has blessed tremendously by providing the funds necessary for the Homestudy portion of our adoption process! Some dear friends were led by God to donate a large sum of that and we are both humbled and grateful.
We continue to pray that God will provide the funds necessary through whatever means He chooses to use. Just to give you a picture- the adoption will cost nearly $28,000 by the time all is said and done. God is a big God and it's not a problem for Him! To that end- we've been blessed yet again with another fund-raising opportunity that YOU can be a part of. The best part is, you'll get something tangible out of it!
Here's the deal, go to http://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/eventhome.aspx?eventId=E709510&from=MYEVENTS to make a purchase. When you do, they will donate 30% of your total purchase towards bringing our little princess home! A win-win for everyone. The sale began a few days ago and will be closed out on the 20th of June. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you for your prayers and support during this process!
God bless!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Why adoption?
Dear Friends,
Let me introduce to you our little Princess. She is so precious! Although she is three years old and deaf, she is full of life. She resides in the Efata Orphanage in Lima, Peru. In addition to being deaf, she has Cerebral Palsy, a disease that often involves brain and nervous system functions such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking. Although all signs point to a mild case, only time will tell the extent of it. As you may have assumed by now, being in a third-world country their capability to fully diagnose and treat such diseases are limited. Her name is Claudia.
You may ask what this little child has to do with us and why she is so precious. It started when we almost lost our youngest son- Levi. Sparing many details, Michelle walked into his room on December 16, 2009 to find him barely breathing and blue in color. We rushed him to the hospital where several doctors and nurses frantically worked for 45 minutes to get his oxygen level back to normal and get an IV started. Tests would later reveal that the feeding tube which had been placed in his abdomen just 48 hours prior had dislodged and therefore caused his stomach to leak all its contents into his abdominal and chest cavity. When all said and done, this required two subsequent surgeries, two-PICU stays and 16 total days(including Christmas) in the hospital. It was during this time, after realizing how much God had blessed us by sparing our youngest son's life that we decided we wanted to adopt a child that might be less fortunate medical-wise. This decision was confirmed just a few months after Levi's ordeal when we were advised by a Geneticist that we should consider not having anymore biological children since both of our boys were born with digestive issues that required feeding tubes for the first few years of their lives.
It is our heart's desire to adopt Claudia. There are many details that came about in the early stages of this process that pointed us directly to her. We have decided that we are going to do this no matter how long it takes. We have made several financial decisions in our lives to try and bring this about sooner such as becoming a one-car family. The total amount financially is quite staggering, but thanks to some dear friends hosting a yard-sale they raised $2,000 in just one weekend.
Our intent in writing this letter is to ask you to consider making a tax-deductible donation towards bringing our princess home to her forever family. If just 100 of our family and friends would sacrifice the cost of one dinner out we could make a huge stride financially. You can donate online by going to www.opendooradoption.org and clicking on the "donate now" link on the left side of the page. In order for the donation to go towards us, you must enter "Jonathan & Michelle Walterhouse-Peru Adoption" in the Designation box on the donation page.
Let me introduce to you our little Princess. She is so precious! Although she is three years old and deaf, she is full of life. She resides in the Efata Orphanage in Lima, Peru. In addition to being deaf, she has Cerebral Palsy, a disease that often involves brain and nervous system functions such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking. Although all signs point to a mild case, only time will tell the extent of it. As you may have assumed by now, being in a third-world country their capability to fully diagnose and treat such diseases are limited. Her name is Claudia.
You may ask what this little child has to do with us and why she is so precious. It started when we almost lost our youngest son- Levi. Sparing many details, Michelle walked into his room on December 16, 2009 to find him barely breathing and blue in color. We rushed him to the hospital where several doctors and nurses frantically worked for 45 minutes to get his oxygen level back to normal and get an IV started. Tests would later reveal that the feeding tube which had been placed in his abdomen just 48 hours prior had dislodged and therefore caused his stomach to leak all its contents into his abdominal and chest cavity. When all said and done, this required two subsequent surgeries, two-PICU stays and 16 total days(including Christmas) in the hospital. It was during this time, after realizing how much God had blessed us by sparing our youngest son's life that we decided we wanted to adopt a child that might be less fortunate medical-wise. This decision was confirmed just a few months after Levi's ordeal when we were advised by a Geneticist that we should consider not having anymore biological children since both of our boys were born with digestive issues that required feeding tubes for the first few years of their lives.
It is our heart's desire to adopt Claudia. There are many details that came about in the early stages of this process that pointed us directly to her. We have decided that we are going to do this no matter how long it takes. We have made several financial decisions in our lives to try and bring this about sooner such as becoming a one-car family. The total amount financially is quite staggering, but thanks to some dear friends hosting a yard-sale they raised $2,000 in just one weekend.
Our intent in writing this letter is to ask you to consider making a tax-deductible donation towards bringing our princess home to her forever family. If just 100 of our family and friends would sacrifice the cost of one dinner out we could make a huge stride financially. You can donate online by going to www.opendooradoption.org and clicking on the "donate now" link on the left side of the page. In order for the donation to go towards us, you must enter "Jonathan & Michelle Walterhouse-Peru Adoption" in the Designation box on the donation page.
Another option you may consider is buying something for your home. A very generous friend of ours, who is a Pamper Chef Consultant has arranged an awesome deal for us. You can buy some incredible stuff for your home and a portion of what you spend will be donated toward the adoption of our little princess.
If you would like to check out this awesome deal, please click on the following link:
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/sarahmccullough?page=host-search-results&showId=3095758
As much as we wanted to attach a picture for you to see her, we are unable to do so due to strict guidelines set forth both by the Peruvian government and our adoption agency. However, when all is said and done I assure you that there will be plenty of pictures for your perusal.
Thank you for your consideration and most of all your prayers.
Blessings, Jonathan, Michelle, Jaiden, Levi & Little Princess Walterhouse
If you would like to check out this awesome deal, please click on the following link:
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/sarahmccullough?page=host-search-results&showId=3095758
As much as we wanted to attach a picture for you to see her, we are unable to do so due to strict guidelines set forth both by the Peruvian government and our adoption agency. However, when all is said and done I assure you that there will be plenty of pictures for your perusal.
Thank you for your consideration and most of all your prayers.
Blessings, Jonathan, Michelle, Jaiden, Levi & Little Princess Walterhouse
Friday, April 15, 2011
Amazing Fundraising Opportunity!
It's Springtime!
Well, today at least. Here we are just a week away from Easter. Hard to believe that we are already over a quarter of the way through the year already! Time flies, or does it? Last time I checked a minute is still 60 ticks of the second-hand. We just get so busy that we don't have the time we once had to relax, slow down and enjoy the good things in life. Take a minute, just ONE minute, today and reflect on how blessed you are. If you are alive and breathing then you are blessed. I am sure that you'll find yourself with a slightly different perspective than you had before you took that time to reflect.
Since we've last written the Lord has allowed us to finalize the application/acceptance process with the agency that will be doing our home study. In the process of doing so, we learned that Peru is one of the stricter countries when it comes to Post-placement home studies. That being the case, the home study alone will cost approximately 30% more than we initally planned for. However, we are not concerned because the same God that provided $2,000 in one yard sale knew about this need before we did. We are trusting God that He will continue to lead and provide in His way and His time.
That being said, we have a friend, who is a Pamper Chef Consultant and she has arranged an awesome deal for us. You can buy some incredible stuff for your home and a portion of what you spend will be donated toward the adoption of our little princess.
If you would like to check out this awesome deal, please click on the following link:
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/sarahmccullough?page=host-search-results&showId=3095758
This link goes directly to our fundraising page and all purchases made will bring us that much closer to bringing our lil lady home to her forever family!
*TODAY ONLY (April 15, 2011) - you can receive free shipping on orders over $75...don't want to spend that much...get together with some friend and place an order together! :)
Well, today at least. Here we are just a week away from Easter. Hard to believe that we are already over a quarter of the way through the year already! Time flies, or does it? Last time I checked a minute is still 60 ticks of the second-hand. We just get so busy that we don't have the time we once had to relax, slow down and enjoy the good things in life. Take a minute, just ONE minute, today and reflect on how blessed you are. If you are alive and breathing then you are blessed. I am sure that you'll find yourself with a slightly different perspective than you had before you took that time to reflect.
Since we've last written the Lord has allowed us to finalize the application/acceptance process with the agency that will be doing our home study. In the process of doing so, we learned that Peru is one of the stricter countries when it comes to Post-placement home studies. That being the case, the home study alone will cost approximately 30% more than we initally planned for. However, we are not concerned because the same God that provided $2,000 in one yard sale knew about this need before we did. We are trusting God that He will continue to lead and provide in His way and His time.
That being said, we have a friend, who is a Pamper Chef Consultant and she has arranged an awesome deal for us. You can buy some incredible stuff for your home and a portion of what you spend will be donated toward the adoption of our little princess.
If you would like to check out this awesome deal, please click on the following link:
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/sarahmccullough?page=host-search-results&showId=3095758
This link goes directly to our fundraising page and all purchases made will bring us that much closer to bringing our lil lady home to her forever family!
*TODAY ONLY (April 15, 2011) - you can receive free shipping on orders over $75...don't want to spend that much...get together with some friend and place an order together! :)
Monday, March 7, 2011
Speechless
That describes Michelle and I at the end of the day Saturday after some dear, gracious friends had hosted a yard sale to benefit our adoption. Words don't even exist in the English (or American Sign Language) vocabulary that describe our heart-felt gratitude towards both Ginger Armstrong and Diana Stanley for all of their hard work in organizing what turned out to be a HUGE yard sale.
As the news spread, furniture, small appliances and clothing came from three counties in two states and as far as 40 miles away. Things came from friends, from family of friends, from friends of friends, and from people we've never even met. An upright piano was even donated towards the sale. When all was said and done we had a two-car garage FULL of things to go through and set out for the sale.
The sale began at 6:00 A.M. on Friday when two gentlemen showed up before the advertised start of 7 AM. We had sold just over $100 in the first transaction. We had prayed for nice weather, and besides heavy wind gusts at time, it was a perfect day. By the time we wrapped up- around 5 PM, the sale had netted $1,300. In ONE day! We prepared for the next day by bringing EVERYTHING indoors- to our garage. Things were going to be tight as we were anticipating a near 100% chance of rain all day Saturday.
Saturday was, just as we had anticipated- WET. It rained, for the most part, the entire time. However, praise the Lord the rain was not as heavy as was originally expected. This allowed for a decent amount of shoppers to the sale. By the time it was said and done the sale- including monetary donations (one from a dear HS friend of Michelle's) had netted just over $2,100. Can you say 'AMEN?!'
Many people donated items, money and time to help make this awesome event happen. We are truly humbled and grateful.
Now we move on to the next stage of the process- the Home Study. We made contact today with an agency in Nashville that will help us with that. After a brief phone conversation, the director graciously waived the initial fee required for the home study, again- SPEECHLESS. Praise the Lord!
We also spent time talking with our case worker today and found out that we didn't have the most up-to-date fee schedule with all of the price breakdowns et cetera. Of course it would just so happen to be more than we originally expected, but that is okay- God has provided to this point and we know that He will continue to do so. We are excited to watch Him work!
We will have more fund-raisers coming in the future and will be sharing those with you as they come to be.
To all those who came, saw, bought, gave, donated, hung-out, and/or prayed. We are truly humbled and grateful. May God bless each and every one of you ten-fold.
James 1:27,
Jonathan, Michelle, the boys, and our Princess-to-be.
As the news spread, furniture, small appliances and clothing came from three counties in two states and as far as 40 miles away. Things came from friends, from family of friends, from friends of friends, and from people we've never even met. An upright piano was even donated towards the sale. When all was said and done we had a two-car garage FULL of things to go through and set out for the sale.
The sale began at 6:00 A.M. on Friday when two gentlemen showed up before the advertised start of 7 AM. We had sold just over $100 in the first transaction. We had prayed for nice weather, and besides heavy wind gusts at time, it was a perfect day. By the time we wrapped up- around 5 PM, the sale had netted $1,300. In ONE day! We prepared for the next day by bringing EVERYTHING indoors- to our garage. Things were going to be tight as we were anticipating a near 100% chance of rain all day Saturday.
Saturday was, just as we had anticipated- WET. It rained, for the most part, the entire time. However, praise the Lord the rain was not as heavy as was originally expected. This allowed for a decent amount of shoppers to the sale. By the time it was said and done the sale- including monetary donations (one from a dear HS friend of Michelle's) had netted just over $2,100. Can you say 'AMEN?!'
Many people donated items, money and time to help make this awesome event happen. We are truly humbled and grateful.
Now we move on to the next stage of the process- the Home Study. We made contact today with an agency in Nashville that will help us with that. After a brief phone conversation, the director graciously waived the initial fee required for the home study, again- SPEECHLESS. Praise the Lord!
We also spent time talking with our case worker today and found out that we didn't have the most up-to-date fee schedule with all of the price breakdowns et cetera. Of course it would just so happen to be more than we originally expected, but that is okay- God has provided to this point and we know that He will continue to do so. We are excited to watch Him work!
We will have more fund-raisers coming in the future and will be sharing those with you as they come to be.
To all those who came, saw, bought, gave, donated, hung-out, and/or prayed. We are truly humbled and grateful. May God bless each and every one of you ten-fold.
James 1:27,
Jonathan, Michelle, the boys, and our Princess-to-be.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Benefit Yard Sale
"Out like a lion, in like a lamb"
Those were the words of a local meteorologist yesterday in reference to the bad storms that sent the Month of February out and the beautiful weather that has ushered the month of March in today here in Chattanooga.
We just wanted to share a quick note with you all. Thanks to some dear friends and their hard work, they have put together a benefit yard sale at our home this Friday and Saturday from 7 AM to ?
The weather looks to be right on target temperature-wise for this event, but there is some rain in the forecast. We ask that you pray with us, not that the rain will 'hold off,' but that whatever God ordains- we will be thankful and adjust accordingly.
If you live in the area, and you'd like to stop by- we'd love to see you! If you have 'junk' that may be another man's treasure that you'd like to donate, we'd love to take that off your hands as well. You can email us at: jmjwalt@gmail.com and we'll make arrangements to pick it up.
We are humbled by those friends who have worked so hard on this yard sale and for those who have donated some things already.
Blessings,
The Walterhouses
Those were the words of a local meteorologist yesterday in reference to the bad storms that sent the Month of February out and the beautiful weather that has ushered the month of March in today here in Chattanooga.
We just wanted to share a quick note with you all. Thanks to some dear friends and their hard work, they have put together a benefit yard sale at our home this Friday and Saturday from 7 AM to ?
The weather looks to be right on target temperature-wise for this event, but there is some rain in the forecast. We ask that you pray with us, not that the rain will 'hold off,' but that whatever God ordains- we will be thankful and adjust accordingly.
If you live in the area, and you'd like to stop by- we'd love to see you! If you have 'junk' that may be another man's treasure that you'd like to donate, we'd love to take that off your hands as well. You can email us at: jmjwalt@gmail.com and we'll make arrangements to pick it up.
We are humbled by those friends who have worked so hard on this yard sale and for those who have donated some things already.
Blessings,
The Walterhouses
Friday, February 4, 2011
Legacy of An Adopted Child
I read this on an adoption blog that I have been following and it really touched my heart so I thought I would share!
Thank you Lord for the wonderful opportunity you have given our family!
~Michelle
Legacy of An Adopted Child
Author Unknown
Once there were two women,
Who barely knew each other.
One is in your heart forever,
The other you’ll call mother.
Two different lives,
Shaped to make yours one.
One became your guiding star,
The other became your sun.
The first gave you life,
And the second taught you how to live it.
The first gave you a need for love,
And the second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality,
The other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed of talent,
One gave you the seed of talent,
The other gave you an aim.
One gave you emotions,
The other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile,
The other dried your tears.
One gave you a family,
It was what God intended for her to do.
The other prayed for a child,
And God led her straight to you.
And now you ask me
Through your tears,
The age old question through the years.
Heredity or environment…
Which are you a product of?
Neither, my darling… neither,
Just two different kinds of love.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
January Update
Well, it has been a little over a month since our last post. Let me share with you what has happened.
Not much. The reason for this is mainly because we are trying to get things in order to send off the next set of paperwork (about 30 pages.) Along with that is a certain amount of money that we don't exactly have sitting in the bank. However, we know that God has burdened us to do this and that in God's time- He WILL provide. Some have asked questions regarding the time frame of the adoption- this all depends on us getting our end of it done (what I've already mentioned) and then the adoption agency working hand in hand with the Peruvian government for their part. For anyone that has done this before, or knows someone that has- you know how daunting of a process this can be and we've just begun to scratch the surface.
The exciting news is that God has sent some work to our side business- At Hand Interpreting, that will not only allow us to give some work to some local interpreters but also make some extra money we hadn't expected to. We praise God for this opportunity because it is DIRECTLY from Him.
In addition to that, there are some other things in the works currently as far as fundraisers. We hope to get that information out soon to everyone in case there is any interest out there to help out. Also at some point soon we will share how one can make a tax-deductible gift if they choose to do so.
Daily our prayer is that God will give strength and patience in this process, and ultimately that He will bring our little girl home in His time.
Blessings,
Jonathan, Michelle, Jaiden, Levi & our little angel.
Not much. The reason for this is mainly because we are trying to get things in order to send off the next set of paperwork (about 30 pages.) Along with that is a certain amount of money that we don't exactly have sitting in the bank. However, we know that God has burdened us to do this and that in God's time- He WILL provide. Some have asked questions regarding the time frame of the adoption- this all depends on us getting our end of it done (what I've already mentioned) and then the adoption agency working hand in hand with the Peruvian government for their part. For anyone that has done this before, or knows someone that has- you know how daunting of a process this can be and we've just begun to scratch the surface.
The exciting news is that God has sent some work to our side business- At Hand Interpreting, that will not only allow us to give some work to some local interpreters but also make some extra money we hadn't expected to. We praise God for this opportunity because it is DIRECTLY from Him.
In addition to that, there are some other things in the works currently as far as fundraisers. We hope to get that information out soon to everyone in case there is any interest out there to help out. Also at some point soon we will share how one can make a tax-deductible gift if they choose to do so.
Daily our prayer is that God will give strength and patience in this process, and ultimately that He will bring our little girl home in His time.
Blessings,
Jonathan, Michelle, Jaiden, Levi & our little angel.
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