Other Ways

Good Morning All,

We had our first Home Study visit this week and I am super relieved to say that everything went really well AND I do not know if my house has ever been cleaner! :) I am talking Martha Stewart clean. lol A huge Thank You to my husband, Joe, for his help with that.

I was sitting back this morning thinking that I need to mention a little more then just the fact we are fundraising and hustling to pull together the funds needed to complete this. Afterall, Wetherby, is more then a child  "we are paying for", as it has been gently put to me. <cough>

Is Adoption expensive? Absolutely. Is it too expensive? Maybe. Is it better to adopt Domestic vs. International? That is not something I can answer. We feel compelled to be Wetherby's forever family, and he happens to be international. Maybe one day we will feel a tugging at our hearts for a child here in the States. I don't know. I'm not to that point yet.

Joe and I have been blessed with the ability to have biological children, and we love them, very much. We also feel blessed to be able to say that we are adopting. We are bringing another child into our family because we can, we want to and we believe ALL children deserve homes and families that will love them, support them in their adventures, teach them to be wonderful human beings. There is a fact that remains there are many people who want to be able to do this for children as well, but for other circumstances, they can't yet. That is okay. There are other ways to help orphans and to help families that are adopting. This is a small list I came up with just sitting here:

1. Have a shower for the adopting family. They could always use help in making small purchases for their child. Clothes (even gently used), items for the bedroom (sheets, blankets, curtains, books). This goes for older children as well.
2. Set up a food drive. A newly arrived home family likely won't have funds for fast food and will be too tired to cook, so having a home cooked meal two times a week would wondrous for the first 2-3 weeks being home.
3. Volunteer your time. Help with fund raising events. Help spread the word through social media, church and in your neighborhood. This will help the adopting family tremendously.
4. Don't know anyone personally who is adopting? Find out where the closest orphanage is or even a children's hospital and collect items for donations. Clothing in various sizes, shoes and toys are always,always, always welcome!
5. Volunteer at community events. They are always looking for people to Man or Woman booths.

The fact is, there are so many things that can be done to assist families, facilities and events and no one will ever turn down your help. I can guarantee that! You can research different ideas as well to see how a little help goes a long way :)

Visit http://reecesrainbow.org/ to find out more information about the programs they offer and other ways you can help if you aren't ready to make the leap!