"Birthday Bash" Update

HUGE thanks to the many people that took the challenge issued for our little girl's birthday last week. To date, that we're aware of (we're only able to get reports on specific days from Lifesong), we're at (drum roll please....) $701!!!!

That puts us that much closer to our goal!

That being said, we were informed of some that had tried to donate but had trouble with the PayPal link. After speaking to everyone we could, it appears that whatever issue there was- they assure us that it is no longer. So, if you had trouble donating last week, and you would be so kind as to try it again- we'd be eternally grateful.

Alternatively, the following link might also be used, however you need to provide some pertinent information so that it goes towards the correct adoption project. Please note that you're donating for the "Walterhouse Family, #2944"

Hopefully, we'll be able to announce some news soon about the status of our approval process in Peru. We're (trying to) wait patiently.

We're grateful to all of you for your prayers, donations and support! We love you.

Birthday Bash

So, this Wednesday, Feb 6th our Peruvian Princess (REALLY WISH WE COULD SHARE HER PICTURE) will celebrate her 5th birthday. We are trusting God that we'll be able to celebrate her next birthday together with a big party...and consider yourself invited! 

There's two things that stand between us being able going to get her and bring her home. The first thing, we can't do anything about, except Pray- and that is that the "powers that be" in Peru will finalize their review of our paperwork and return their observations. Normally, they come back "nit-picking" and ask for more documents (our Social Worker has anticipated this and had us get potential documents ready) however, we're trusting that God is big enough to guide these individuals toward making their final approval decision without asking for more documentation. The other thing that stands in the way is the funds needed for travel, lawyer/government fees and expenses while there in Peru for 30 (yes, T-H-I-R-T-Y days) when we ARE approved to get her. 

Here's a question- maybe you've kept up with our process, maybe this is the first time you've read our blog. Perhaps we're good friends, or maybe you are a friend of a friend reading this. Would you consider giving $30 towards our final expenses in honor of our Princess' birthday this Wednesday? "Why $30," you ask. Well- she turns 5 on the 6th, 5x6=30, hence $30. Perhaps you can't do $30, but you can do $20 or $25 or even $5, maybe you could spare $40 or more every little bit helps. If we can get just 200 people to give $30, that will get us over halfway to our goal. It would take 333 people (to be exact it's 333.33 people) giving $30 for us to meet the FINAL financial hurdle. Would you consider the cost of a birthday dinner for someone in your family at your restaurant of choice and donate that? Perhaps you eat out regularly on Wednesdays, since Wednesday Feb 6th is her birthday, would you consider doing something different and donate the money you would've spent to rescue a precious orphan and help her come home to her forever family?

 You can give through Lifesong for Orphans and get a tax receipt for your donation. You can donate online by clicking here. (Please take note that due to the fact any donations are processed through Paypal, there is a percentage taken out.)

Lastly, would you consider sharing this with your friends? Social media is a powerful tool and many lives have been changed as a result of efforts put forth on the web. Consider the following quote- 

"Adopting one child won't change the world, but for that one child- the world will change." (Unknown) 

Would you help spread the word so this one child's world can change?

"Labor" any day now....

Where to start? 

How about apologizing for the LONG delay in updating everyone in this manner. So many of our supporters are those we encounter multiple times a week whether it be at church or work, or on facebook etc. It's easy to let something like this blog go for too long- consequently please accept our apologies. 

Moving on to the update- I suppose if I could summarize the last few months into just a few words regarding the progress it would be- Go God. We heard today that our paperwork is in it's final, yes FINAL review stage in Peru prior to receiving their observations.

This means that we could hear back at any given moment over the next few weeks...yet it could be more like a month. Any time one deals with a third-world government (or agency) things could come to a grinding halt at any given time. However, we're believing God that we'll soon get all the "green lights" necessary to make the travel arrangements to get our Princess. 

Looking back over the last few years as God has brought us down this road, we're so eternally grateful for EACH of you that have come along side us and helped in some way. Thousands have either prayed, served in projects, given financially or all three- and we're so thankful for each of you. One day, God willing a little precious "PeruMerican" Princess will be able to offer her gratitude as well for your generosity.

Please Pray with us regarding: 

• Final MIMP reviewing process
• Remaining Travel/In-Country Adoption Costs $10,000 plus cost of living in US while we're in Peru finalizing the adoption (bills still have to be paid while we're gone for 30 days).
• Airfare

Both Hands Project Update

Wow! It's been an AWESOME time. If you haven't seen the project video, check it out below! It's not too help change an orphan's life forever! To date, as a result of the project there was approximately $20,000 worth of improvements made to Nora's house, and $8,380.18 has been raised towards bringing Eden Grace home. This (and a previous grant) is allowing us to put the dossier in the mail by the first of next week. Upon approval from the Social Worker, it will be sent to the Lawyer in Peru that we'll be working with. Upon translation, and approval (trusting God it will be done in 30 days)- we'll be able to begin to make travel arrangements. Travel (including 30 days living in Peru) and final fees/court costs etc. total about $13,000. We're about $2,000 into that phase already!!! Perhaps you'd consider donating $20 or more to the cause, it's tax deductible and every penny helps! Check out this video below to see how your "sponsorship" will have blessed a widow and her 3 kids as well.

Project Update

Wow. What a difference a day makes.

Today Sherwin-Williams donated 9 gallons of paint (more than we need), a local waste management company committed to donate a dumpster, and we calculated a total of 702 sponsorship letters sent.

Another praise (unrelated to this project specifically but it relates to the adoption) is we were notified this evening that our family was awarded a $2,000 grant from Bridge of Hope Ministries! (time to start doing some updates on the donation thermometer). DONE! ;)

How can you pray now?
-Home Depot has promised to meet regarding how they will help tomorrow (Wednesday) major needs now are still some decking supplies (rails, spindles and necessary hardware).
-We need some cleaning supplies and paint rollers, trays, brushes, etc.
-Good weather for project day

Thanks, and please help us spread the news! Sure we're trying to raise the money to bring our little girl home but most importantly let's show the world what true "Faith with works" means... Share the link- bothhands.org/walterhouse

Blessings!

The 12 days of a Both Hands project

So it's not a song, nor will it be done like the traditional 12 days of Christmas but here's 12 things you can pray for between now and the project day (not listed in any specific priority):
1. Material donations
2. Sponsorships
3. Food donations
4. Team safety
5. Wisdom
6. Prior preparation (hazardous tree removal)
7. A construction size dumpster (for old material and clutter disposal)
8. Good weather
9. Corporate Recognition and sponsorship
10. That we'll show others what true Christianity is about
11. That Christ will be glorified
12. That through this, Nora and her family will be blessed & strengthened and that Eden Grace will be as close as the last set of paperwork.

Both Hands

Most of you have heard about this AWESOME project we're doing in just a few weeks. Fulfilling the command given in James 1:27- "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained."

We're AMAZED at how God has blessed already and how He continues to provide. If you haven't checked it out yet, PLEASE take just a few minutes to do so! Just click HERE. (Honestly, if you don't, this post won't make much sense).

Here's where we stand:

• A local businessman and dear friend donated $500 towards stamps and getting the sponsorship letters sent!
  
• Our team sent somewhere between 500-600 sponsorship letters (we don't have the final number as some letters are still going out).
• Many of the needed supplies for Nora's (the Widow) have already been donated. Please pray for the remaining items that we need (mainly lumber, hardware and painting supplies
• Covenant Transport has donated a 15 passenger van and they're paying a driver since we'll have to park a few miles away from Nora's!
  
• Restaurants are already committing to donate food for the project work day!
• Some dear friends have agreed to donate a Washer/Dryer set that is much needed!
• Ooltewah Nursery has graciously agreed to donate plants to "spruce up" the exterior!
  

Here's some ways you can help us pray specifically for the project:

• Good weather
• Remaining supplies (as mentioned previously- lumber, hardware, painting supplies)
• Safety
• Sponsorships

Michelle and I truly believe (as do our boys- "faith like a child" right??) that this project will be the means by which we raise the final $20,000 needed to bring Eden home. Please pray with us! GOD CAN and WILL!

Humbled by YOUR help & prayers,

Jonathan, Michelle, Jaiden, Levi (and a precious little girl who will thank you one day!)