tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69786814646724580732024-03-12T23:31:28.288-07:00steimer adoption storysteimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-72119982007395232202013-08-23T13:36:00.000-07:002013-08-23T13:36:37.019-07:00Great news! Dearest Friends ands family,<br />
We are so happy to announce that we are the proud parents of a bouncing baby (well 3 1/2 year old) boy, Chala John (CJ?) Isaiah Steimer. Julie and Jacob traveled to Ethiopia for an August 14th court date. It was such a great visit! Jacob loved meeting his newest brother and discovering Ethiopia (a little side trip to Frankfort was worked in on a layover too). We are so thankful that after so much anticipation the Judge declared our adoption FINAL! Hallelujah! We still have to wait on some more paperwork stuff between the court and the US Embassy...but he will come home. The next question is always, "when?" and, as always, we don't have a firm date. We are hoping late October or November (okay so we are <i>hoping </i>early to mid-October but a more realistic time frame is a little later than that.<br />
<br />
We have learned a lot about waiting in the past 3+years, but somehow it still isn't easy to wait these last several weeks. Also, we are aware that the day we so anticipate is also the day that the "real" work begins. Bringing a child home from a hard place means that bonding is something that has to be worked at. It is not immediate. More waiting, I guess. Julie is taking the year off work to focus on this new nuclear family and all of its new needs. Prayer is needed now as much as ever. Our prayer is that Chala will bond with our family. That he will learn to accept our love for him, that we would have genuine love for him, and he for us. It seems like after all of this waiting that of course we would all be in love with each other. But this is not always the case in every adoption. So, please pray. We do love Chala. We will love him through the ups and downs of his adjustment, but may God bless him and us with a deep and genuine love. May he be grafted into our family and know the depth of our love. It reminds me of how we are grafted into God's family and call Him "Abba Father", yet the understanding of His love for us is a gradual process. We still struggle with believing that He truly loves us in our yucky times. Don't misunderstand me, we are SUPER, SUPER excited to get him home and start pouring into his little, precious heart. I can't wait to hear his giggles and hold that little boy in long snuggles. We also recognize that we need the power of the Holy Spirit to bind us as a true family. So to that end, keep praying.<br />
<br />
The following is a "form"letter of sorts to help those of you close to us understand what our lives may look like when Chala first arrives home. We would love to have as many of you who are able join us at the airport when we first arrive. We would love to share this special moment with you who have devoted so much to making this happen for us and who have supported us through so many ups and downs in this journey. And then we may disappear for awhile. But we will resurface and want to have y'all come hang out with us. Julie will probably be super starved for adult conversation ;).<br />
<br />
Thank you again so very much for your love and prayers. We feel so blessed to have you in our lives!<br />
<br />
Love, Mark and Julie et al<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOacAnoZ6c9Dn9NXbcTNg5_vulDYzCSSw93mDLJMmAI9LQNx3hGQm-Sh5vdKzZbmIPV6H0BDoBMt9ZsD6MUzn61UA6npqwN2RqVKbb_Cuhiah7TKFy2tVj1YociAlBsQ4McJlc6hCXNM/s1600/chala%2527s+first+hug+%2528since+2011%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOacAnoZ6c9Dn9NXbcTNg5_vulDYzCSSw93mDLJMmAI9LQNx3hGQm-Sh5vdKzZbmIPV6H0BDoBMt9ZsD6MUzn61UA6npqwN2RqVKbb_Cuhiah7TKFy2tVj1YociAlBsQ4McJlc6hCXNM/s320/chala%2527s+first+hug+%2528since+2011%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First hug (since 2011)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Dear
friends and family,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>We are
so thankful for the outpouring of love and support through this long and
arduous adoption journey. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that all the
paperwork, fundraising and waiting will have been the easy part in comparison to
actually parenting our little man! As international adoption is not a common
occurrence we thought it would be helpful to give you some information on what
the next several months will look like for our family.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>If you
can put yourself in Chala's shoes for a minute you can imagine how difficult
this transition will be for him. He is going with strange people to a new place
with different smells, unknown foods, an unrecognizable language and a whole
host of stimuli that he has never experienced before. He will be dealing with
the pain and uncertainly of being taken from his home and his caregivers for
the fourth time in his short life. We will be doing everything we can to ease
this transition. This includes "cocooning" for several weeks after he
arrives home. This means you won’t see us at church. We won’t be having people
over or going out. Time for phone calls and other communication may be limited
(although we will read all emails even if we can’t respond right away!) Our
other kids will still be going to school and we will provide them opportunities
to play at friend’s houses but we will try to keep things very low-key at home.
If you come by to drop off a meal or for another reason please leave the kiddos
at home or in the car. I know personally that this can be an inconvenience for
families but it is important for Chala and our family and we really appreciate it.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Mark
and I will be the only ones who hold or feed Chala for the first several weeks.
Children who have spent time in an institutional setting often learn that any
adult might be able to meet their needs. With so many different people who have
cared for him, Chala has no framework to connect to us as his mommy and daddy.
Frankly, he doesn’t really even know what that kind of relationship looks like.
By having Mark and I be the sole ‘need-meeters’ he will begin to see that we
are different than the many other caretakers who have come and gone in his
life. Please know that we mean no offense if ask you to refrain from holding or
hugging him or giving him a snack. These limitations are an important step in
helping him to bond to us.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>It is
our desire to "share" Chala with you and hope to provide pictures and
updates on facebook and our blog as we have time. We appreciate your
prayers and thoughts for our family as we make this very dramatic transition.
We know that God has led us this far and trust that he will see us through any
difficulties that lie ahead.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>In
Christ,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Julie
and Mark<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-35404144092989350522013-01-06T18:00:00.000-08:002013-01-06T18:00:24.671-08:00More WaitingLet me begin this post be acknowledging how very blessed we are. God is faithful. When I look back at our journey throughout the life of our family I am amazed at how God has given us special gifts and wonderful surprises along the way. I am humbled and thankful to the God who lavishes good gifts on His children. I am thankful for each child that He has blessed Mark and I with. They are treasures!<br />
<br />
So that is the framework from which I digress....but to which I will return at the end of this verbal wandering. As you know, we have been waiting on our second little ET boy for over two years. There is no adequate way to express the yearning of a mother/father for their child to someone who is looking on with outside eyes only. Those of you who have stepped into the journey with us (we would probably not emotionally survive without you!), you know. You ask about how we are doing...and you KNOW the fine line we walk between solid faith in God's timing and the yearning to have our boy home with his family. <br />
<br />
So this is my latest pondering. Perhaps it will be helpful to those of you who find yourself at this place in your own adoption journey. Or perhaps as you are waiting for something else in your life. Here's the deal. Our paperwork has been on various desks since about June. We received our referral on Septmeber 15th. A day of joy and a day that often marks the beginning of a path with fairly predicatable benchmarks. However, this has not been our case. As we have watched other families travel to ET to court and return home, then go back to ET to bring their child home.( Families that at some stages we were tracking with by the way), our papers continue to sit. So what is our response to this? We have no choice to believe that God has that paperwork sitting for a reason we cannot know and cannot fathom. No amount of praying (begging at times) can move the hand of God against His perfect will. So do we rant? (sometimes) do we quit praying? (no). We have to choose Him. We have to believe that God is doing a work in and through our boy there that He is has not completed yet AND a work in and through us that He has not yet completed. It is VERY hard. It is hard to open up email and not have any word. It is hard to<em> not</em> check email. But when I think I can stand it no longer He always brings a sweet reminder that He is with us IN the journey. Last night I was reading in Ephesians. There was a side note that took me to Psalm 68. Not verses 5 and 6 by the way, but years before I had underlined those verses. So what do they say? God is a Father to the fatherless...and He sets the lonely in families. Comfort for this mama's heart to be reminded that He is with our sweet boy. He loves him more than we can fathom. And He is about the buisness of setting the lonely in families. We do believe that this will be true for him too.<br />
<br />
We are soooo grateful for all that God has already given us. Our cups overflow. "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places." (Ps 16). We do not forget or make light of this at all even as we yearn for brother to come home. Please join us in praying for his continued care and for our family as we wait. May we find joy even in this part of the journey. May we encourage those of you along the way.<br />
<br />
BTWs..since you are praying anyway...the in country director was in a bad car accident many months ago and is still recovering. Please pray that the Lord would heal her and restore her strength. Also, pray for those who hold the future of international adoption in their hands that they would have hearts softened to the beauty and the need of setting these children in families.<br />
<br />
Thank you for walking with us. Blessing to you.<br />
<br />
Love, <br />
Mark and Julie<br />
Julianna, Jacob, Elizabeth, Lydia, Samuelsteimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-49704615768704647832012-10-23T21:03:00.000-07:002012-10-23T21:03:51.676-07:00Catching up and still waitingSo, first let me apologize for being to out of touch. I sat down to write many times, but couldn't get back on - technologically challenged for sure!<br />
<br />
Our family has undergone many changes this year. Jacob and Julianna are now both away at their respective universities. Elizabeth started high school and Lydia started middle school. And, of course, learning life with a 2 year old. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbHzppooQ1bcN4JhGGBn8IvppdOTy5-FCG5kpHR3I1P3oQFGtJa6xg2Qnmy23N9E3DFJs4CbuGpkA-gedLg95jXCriyAQmA5pf7q_PGdyTqFllqONSbNgwJrOMGm1XKrp72HYV8-PdsU/s1600/sammy+at+wesley+woods+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbHzppooQ1bcN4JhGGBn8IvppdOTy5-FCG5kpHR3I1P3oQFGtJa6xg2Qnmy23N9E3DFJs4CbuGpkA-gedLg95jXCriyAQmA5pf7q_PGdyTqFllqONSbNgwJrOMGm1XKrp72HYV8-PdsU/s320/sammy+at+wesley+woods+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is an understatement to say that Sammy is very much adored by all his siblings and vica-versa. We all feel unbelievably blessed. He brings such joy to each and every day. <br />
<br />
As for our other Ethiopian son...we are still waiting. We have been granted his official referral which we accepted (of course :) ) and sent the designated paperwork back across the ocean. We are now waiting to hear that it has been submitted to court. A few weeks after submission we should be issued a court date. We are hoping that the court date is such that Lydia and Jacob could travel with Julie to ET. Of course we would love for everyone to go, but the reason for L and J is so that they have a chance to "meet" Ethiopia. Julianna and Elizabeth were able to accompany Mark on a mission trip to Ethiopia 2 years ago. Of course they would love to return, but Ethiopian Airlines isn't exactly giving away tickets :).<br />
<br />
As for bringing him home...nothing is ever a set time, but probably 2-4 months after court.<br />
<br />
This is one thing I have been learning over the past 2 years. Waiting is hard!!! It is a different "waiting" then when waiting for a baby to be born - a designated 9 monthish period; or for a wedding date - a Known date and person. It is waiting with intense anticipation for an undetermined time for someone we have barely even met. It means checking emails 10 times a day even when there isn't supposed to be any news. It means wondering when we wake up in the morning, what time is it in Ethiopia and what might he be doing right now. It means learning to trust God that although I want our little one home NOW, God is doing His work in our son over there and in our family here WHILE we wait. We are constantly called to a faith that says " I can trust you in this even if we have to wait months and months more". But we also realize that this is just a precursor to the even greater faith it takes to raise him and all of our children. We may have to WAIT for him to feel bonded to us. We may have to WAIT for him (or any of our children) to fully embrace the LORD as their personal Savior. It is a reminder to me as a parent that sometimes we have to have faith and we may have to WAIT months or years to see what God is up to in our children's lives. But He is the author of all of their stories, and He is writing now even as we continue to WAIT.<br />
<br />
How you can pray:<br />
**The Lord would be preparing our little one's heart for our family and our hearts for him.<br />
*That he would know God's loving embrace<br />
*timely turn around on the paperwork over there<br />
*God would provide the extra $$$ for J and L air fares<br />
*the court date might fall the Tuesday of Thanksgiving break - then Jacob and Lydia could both travel with me ( this isn't necessary, but it would be sweet :) )<br />
<br />
steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-62721261617153924572012-02-04T18:47:00.000-08:002012-02-04T18:47:28.676-08:00Sammy is HOME!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8I5TxpWWtas_Uo3LYus6aSKADOUBnnyBV5qC2wx2qHyoUL5FZDQg-Ky1cqMGAozKDJHF6Q61OXzUrzxTvUuTodfJXfGa6fj1EmGxvxgmtOTfUr1-cvLiNyS2VY0aJdTT6ruOGkYp1F4/s1600/mostly+Samuel+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8I5TxpWWtas_Uo3LYus6aSKADOUBnnyBV5qC2wx2qHyoUL5FZDQg-Ky1cqMGAozKDJHF6Q61OXzUrzxTvUuTodfJXfGa6fj1EmGxvxgmtOTfUr1-cvLiNyS2VY0aJdTT6ruOGkYp1F4/s320/mostly+Samuel+056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot believe that we have had Samuel home for 2 months already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know we are slow in getting this blog updated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Samuel is pretty much a 24/7 baby when he is awake so computer time is limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he is also 24/7 joy, joy, joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is clear that God designed this boy to be a Steimer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves to laugh and make us laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is very smart and agile – making it a challenge to stay one step ahead of him </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all in love with this sweet boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His siblings adore him and visa-versa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our favorite time of the day is when they start coming home from school.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But let me back up a minute for those of you who don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got word at 8:00am on the day after Thanksgiving that we were cleared to go get Samuel – I was on the plane the next day at 6:00 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes…fast!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked him up at the TC on Monday morning, November 28<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> with the utter joy that we would never have to say a long “goodbye” again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had our Embassy appointment on Wednesday, November 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> and I returned home to a very warm welcome on December 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A very happy family was waiting for us along with a dozen other friends who helped make this homecoming extra special.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you all for your many prayers, loving words, donations, and general support over the past months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adoption is not for the faint of heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell others who are beginning the process to make sure that they have a strong support system around them…that is what you have been to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please don’t put your prayer “shawls” away, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next month the official paperwork will begin on our other little boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been matched with him since December 2010 and are very anxious to get him home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray for no extra delays along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His case is different than most and things keep changing with the process…so there could be a lot of kinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God has shown us over and again His hand in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that we keep our eyes focused on God and not the circumstances. He is faithful!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As for the “State of the Steimers”,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we are very happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just look at Samuel and am truly amazed at this sweet gift from the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see our</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> older children loving on him and about bust. My heart is so full!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-75949071149304386152012-02-04T18:35:00.000-08:002012-02-04T18:35:42.461-08:00Sammy is HOME!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot believe that we have had Samuel home for 2 months already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know we are slow in getting this blog updated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Samuel is pretty much a 24/7 baby when he is awake so computer time is limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he is also 24/7 joy, joy, joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is clear that God designed this boy to be a Steimer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves to laugh and make us laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is very smart and agile – making it a challenge to stay one step ahead of him </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all in love with this sweet boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His siblings adore him and visa-versa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our favorite time of the day is when they start coming home from school.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But let me back up a minute for those of you who don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got word at 8:00am on the day after Thanksgiving that we were cleared to go get Samuel – I was on the plane the next day at 6:00 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes…fast!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked him up at the TC on Monday morning, November 28<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> with the utter joy that we would never have to say a long “goodbye” again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had our Embassy appointment on Wednesday, November 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> and I returned home to a very warm welcome on December 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A very happy family was waiting for us along with a dozen other friends who helped make this homecoming extra special.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you all for your many prayers, loving words, donations, and general support over the past months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adoption is not for the faint of heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell others who are beginning the process to make sure that they have a strong support system around them…that is what you have been to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please don’t put your prayer “shawls” away, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next month the official paperwork will begin on our other little boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been matched with him since December 2010 and are very anxious to get him home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray for no extra delays along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His case is different than most and things keep changing with the process…so there could be a lot of kinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God has shown us over and again His hand in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that we keep our eyes focused on God and not the circumstances. He is faithful!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As for the “State of the Steimers”,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we are very happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just look at Samuel and am truly amazed at this sweet gift from the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see our</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> older children loving on him and about bust. My heart is so full!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-56843505055442889572011-11-22T20:23:00.000-08:002011-11-22T20:23:23.578-08:00waiting with hopeSamuel is still waiting in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Thomas</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Center</st1:placename></st1:place> in Addis. We took him out of the orphanage he grew up in when were there for court in July. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is being cared for well but we really want to bring him home. Our process with the Ethiopian government is complete - he has a passport with our last name on it. Our paperwork was turned into the American Embassy two weeks ago - we watch our email every day for word. The embassy interviewed the police officer who processed him when he was abandoned at one month old. Today they requested an additional copy of a form…. Meanwhile we wait … <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Good news: we are still hopeful he could come home for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, honestly, we just don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> His crib is put together and his bed is made but we cant bring ourselves to buy Christmas presents for hm. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Financial good news most of our matching grant has been raised<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- if you would like to make a tax deductible donation to help us finish up there are instruction in the “financial update” blog post. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Other good news:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You all and our agency representative have been great support!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your prayers have sustained and encouraged us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our representative has provided “hand holding” at the more difficult turns in the journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel blessed to be with CHI/YWAM and blessed to have such a “great cloud of witnesses” around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you!</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Stay tuned for THE next update!!!</div>steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-11608025004568243682011-10-09T19:27:00.000-07:002011-10-09T19:27:23.814-07:00financial updateGood news we recently received...we have been approved for a matching grant up to $2,500. This will truly bless us in this long process that will not be complete until the second little boy comes home. We have 3 more trips across the ocean until we can have both boys home. Our remaining expenses are mostly travel and some fees when we get to formally accept the second boy's referral. We are approximately 8 thousand dollars short on our expenses. We are putting the word out since some of you have asked us about how to donate and God has provided a matching grant.<br />
<br />
You can donate in our name and it will be matched in our account! (and since, you give Life Song freedom to use your funds as they think best, your donation is tax deductible.) You can send a check to the address below or you can use the link to donate online.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Please m</span>ake sure you use our last name and our reference number in the memo of the check or when you donate online0<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> (preference Steimer/ #1698 adoption)</b>: </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Lifesong for Orphans, </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">PO Box</span></street><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> 40, </span>202 N. Ford St, <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Gridley</span></city><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, <state w:st="on">IL</state><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><postalcode w:st="on">61744</span><br />
<br />
for online donations use this link but remember to put<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Steimer/ #1698 adoption</span></strong> in the preference line <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/donation.html">http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/donation.html</a>steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-45550887339567862192011-10-04T19:12:00.000-07:002011-10-05T03:24:11.305-07:00September Surprise!Mark and I received wonderful news on September 27th. We are official! The judge returned and signed our adoption decree stating that we are legally the parents of Samuel Mark Steimer. Needless to say there were smiles all around and even some dancing! Of course the next question on everyone's mind is, "What's next?" We do not have an exact date yet. Some paperwork has to travel from place to place before it reaches the US Embassy. It will then be reviewed and then we will get an email discussing travel dates. Please pray that this part of the journey goes smoothly. We are so anxious to have our little boy home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HEOHRDfidaj9Neh5k1rd3Ae7WVcOdyFkJ__CynuFdyxxzrfFhcyU0wsU7GVKMONI8Yh_7Q0f3VlbUNaC00LyY-Jllh9GGAon6XETJQu_qgVlzoDnPOp62ZLcpGKp_QamrGpuTmPaQtk/s1600/Samuel+on+gotcha+day+-+sept+27.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HEOHRDfidaj9Neh5k1rd3Ae7WVcOdyFkJ__CynuFdyxxzrfFhcyU0wsU7GVKMONI8Yh_7Q0f3VlbUNaC00LyY-Jllh9GGAon6XETJQu_qgVlzoDnPOp62ZLcpGKp_QamrGpuTmPaQtk/s320/Samuel+on+gotcha+day+-+sept+27.bmp" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-38977621954975487262011-08-17T20:29:00.000-07:002011-08-17T20:29:28.204-07:00Thanksgiving...and ThanksgivingMark and I had a wonderful surprise on July 16th...we were given a court date for August 3rd! So, Mark and I flew over to Ethiopia on July 27th then drove to the boys' orphanage on the 30th. The drive was bumpy, strenuous...and beautiful. More beautiful, though, were our boys! Mark got to meet them for the first time. He is quite smitten with both of them! I feel very blessed to have had such a quick return trip. It had been just slightly more than a month since I had last seen them. It was such a fun visit. They are both very happy boys. Very loving and very smiley. We are so <em>thankful</em> for these two boys and for this chance to play with, and hug and snuggle them.<br />
<br />
We had a very emotional goodbye as the orphanage nannies had to release several babies they had raised and loved for many months. The love the nannies have for these precious children is very evident in the way they interact with the children, but was demonstrated that day in the sobs and tears as they hugged each child. We are <em>thankful</em> that our boys have been so loved!<br />
<br />
We then traveled back to Addis with one of our boys - the one who will come home first. More fun, and snuggles. We settled him in at his new temporary residence. Over the next two days we were able to visit with him there...we even got to see some of "S's" first steps! We are <em>thankful</em> for these sweet moments with "S" and for the people that will be caring for him over the next few months.<br />
<br />
Court went well then we headed home late that night. We are now awaiting an appointment with the embassy so that we can bring that sweet boy home...we are hoping he will be home by Thanksgiving...which would be fitting...for we are very <em>thankful</em>!<br />
<br />
Thanks again for your love, prayers and support. This is an exciting part of this journey, we cannot wait to bring "S" home! We will not be completely settled, though until both boys are here with us.<br />
Keep praying...<br />
...nothing would hold up either case on their current course<br />
...that God would supply the remainder of the financial needs <br />
...transition for baby "S"<br />
...transition for all Steimers<br />
...wisdom about who will travel for each of the 3 remaining trips (one in Nov. and two next spring/summer)<br />
<br />
In closing...as I reflect on this summer I continue to be amazed (and, yes, thankful) at the family that God is weaving together. Through the ups and downs of last spring we often could only see the "underweave" of the tapestry that God was working on. Now we get a glimpse of the other side and it is beautiful!steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-88768496678937943882011-06-27T05:42:00.000-07:002011-06-29T20:07:00.998-07:00Julie in Ethiopia, "They both have great giggles too. So fun".this short post was from a blog from one of Julie's tram - ethiopiateam2011.wordpress.com<br />
<br />
We had a long bumpy ride out to Nekemte, VERY bumpy! Nekemte was filled with painting, fixing, enjoying time with babies and loving on the people.<br />
Then on to Gimbie. Gimbie was an experience in God’s grace. A mom got to meet her future children.<br />
God provided several team bonding moments. As well as the awesome opportunity to meet an amazing woman who has been in Gimbie as a missionary for 2 years.<br />
Thank you all for your prayers! WE appreciate them!<br />
<br />
It is Awesome that Julie got to meet our children for the first time! <br />
she sent a very short email to me - <br />
<br />
The trip is going well. The boys are beautiful! The trip to Gimbie is long and bumpy, but so worth it to see those two boys. I was able to play with both and even able to hold and cuddle both, putting each one to sleep. So precious. They both have great giggles too. So fun. I am going to get kicked off the computer so I will send this then try to send more. I love you all. I am looking forward to seeing you at the end of the week. <br />
<br />
on a very cool side note, God's providence was evident in that Julie flew from Knoxville to Ethiopia on the same plane as the medical team from our church that Julianna, Elizabeth and I went with last year. I just saw this post from the Cedar Springs team:<br />
<br />
"Went to church today as a group then out to eat for lunch. We ran into Julie Steimer and her group at the restaurant<br />
<br />
..Please keep praying, with much thanksgiving .... <br />
<br />
-Marksteimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-88375658901460240322011-05-31T04:12:00.000-07:002011-05-31T04:12:19.931-07:00Learning PatienceGod is teaching us a new meaning of the word "patience". It is not merely waiting for what we want to happen...it is trusting Him when we do not know what will happen. <br />
We are still in a waiting phase, however we do have some new updates. First of all, due to some extraordinary circumstances, we are now pursuing another little boy. The case on the first boy remains open, but he may not be coming home for 2 years. We are hoping to receive an official referral on the second little boy soonish - stay tuned.<br />
Secondly, Julie is going on a mission trip to Ethiopia from June 19 through July 1. She will be doing some painting and other projects at three of the four YWAM widow and orphans homes. <br />
Please pray:<br />
1) God's peace<br />
2) Safe and spirit filled mission trip for all involved<br />
3) Our first little boy would not really have to wait 2 years to come home<br />
4) The paperwork on the second little boy would come together without glitches<br />
<br />
Thanks to those who continue to stick with us. God is faithful. As we teach our children through the Catechism for Young Children....Can God do all thing?...Yes, He can do all <em>His Holy Will.</em>steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-4380371086708053002011-03-16T16:54:00.000-07:002011-03-16T16:54:33.435-07:00Moses in the desertYou may have wondered why we have not posted in awhile. There has been little encouraging to post! There have been several changes in the Ethiopian adoption system since we received our referral. Much of the news has been discouraging as to the time it will take for us to travel to court and then, ultimately, to bring our baby boy home. The past two weeks have been particularly trying as we have been on an emotional roller coaster. We have received very discouraging news at times that leaves us heavy hearted. However, we have also received some news that shows that God is still in the business of moving mountains. Then more discouraging news. And so goes my heart - up and down with the news. This morning, though, God reminded me of the story of Moses in the desert (Exodus 17:11-13) when the Israelites were fighting the Amalekites. When Moses would keep his hands raised, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. Eventually Moses hands grew weary so two friends held his hands up for him. God, I believe, is reminding me to stay close to Him in prayer and to trust Him to do His work. And...btw...would you be willing to hold our arms up?<br />
<br />
The good news is that there is a precious 18 month little boy who is healthy and happy and will, Lord willing, join our family some day soon. steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-22414368360800785662010-12-23T13:40:00.000-08:002010-12-23T13:40:11.612-08:00A REFERRALWe are having a very exciting week! - yes, it is Christmastime and the Steelers play tonight, but I am talking about adoption excitement! We received our approval from our government (I171A) on Thursday, we talked to our adoption agency (Youth With A Mission) on Friday. We called back on Saturday asking her to go-ahead with the referral we talked about. We worked really hard on getting the Dossier finished on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday night we received our referral, our doctor looked it over Wednesday morning, we got some forms notarized and we drove to MO to visit Julie’s parents. We mailed our forms in today (Thursday) and our heads are spinning. <br />
God is so gracious and we are soo excited! We also received a call today from Life Song letting us know we received a matching grant – so any new donations to our travel expenses will be doubled!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-86838481321922842822010-10-31T21:36:00.000-07:002010-10-31T21:36:20.794-07:00a week closer to a placementJulie and I talked a lot about adoption this week. We are hoping to have a referral - to know who we will adopt - by Christmas. We are working on the Dossier (official packet of information to send later to Ethiopia). We will hopefully soon have an appointment for finger printing in Nashville. The paper work goes on forever. We also are finishing up the last online training course. This one was all about many medical and developmental issues that can come with international adoption. We have lots to think about and we are trusting God for each step. <br />
<br />
One very encouraging thing that happened this week is that I got a call "out of the blue" from a young couple who I was privileged to marry a few years ago. They asked about our story and why we chose to adopt.<br />
They want to help if they can by praying and sending money. It is encouraging for us to know that God is prompting to help. <br />
<br />
Julie and I are both looking forward to bringing home our children. It is encouraging to realize the support around us that will support us in raising them.steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-35570706728296619352010-10-24T19:47:00.000-07:002010-10-25T13:41:45.838-07:00A quick update - a busy week<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This was a great week - we got an important government application sent in. The “I600A” is an application to our government asking for approval to adopt from overseas. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">But the most exciting part was a dinner and silent auction friends had for us to raise money for our adoption. Five couples hosted this dinner and it was a big success!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Lisa Harmon and others collected 50 items for a silent auction. Tobey Nichols cooked the food, Elaine Petsch lined up desserts, Julia Francis Clark organized the servers and the volunteer workers for hire, Renee Cook hosted the dinner at her home and worked the whole night. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Julie and I had a chance to tell our story and Renee helped set this adoption in context</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">of a great need for children in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Ethiopia</place></country-region> to have a loving home. We were humbled and grateful for the amazing response. About 70 people came and many who could not come showed their support. Over $4000 was raised! Again, we are humbled and grateful. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div>steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-43955794717868413532010-10-17T17:17:00.001-07:002010-10-25T17:08:51.429-07:00Julie’s Testimony<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grew up in a very loving family that went to church every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were very involved in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It was between my junior and senior years in high school that I heard the Gospel in a way that made sense</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In looking back on the years leading up I can see seeds that God was planting all along, but God really grabbed my attention on a youth trip during the summer of 1984.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had traveled with a group of high school students to Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were a group composed of students from all over the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of these students talked about God in a way I had never seen before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would pray to Abba Father and talk directly to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knew </i>God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never seen a relationship with God before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through getting to know these girls I became to realize that I had been living life only for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was convicted of my self-centeredness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God was yanking on my heart!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After returning from that trip I began attending Young Life where I learned about Jesus dying for me personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became aware of my own sinful state and my need for Jesus to save me. I prayed to receive Jesus as my personal savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was just the beginning, though, of understanding who the person of God is.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God continues to grow me and stretch me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has taught me the beauty of worshipping in spirit with arms raised and heart open – giving praise and receiving joy and peace at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In times of trials He has taught me to cling to Him and hold onto His promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has given me great reasons to be thankful as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has blessed me with a wonderful, godly husband who loves me and our children well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has also blessed us with four precious children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am humbled when I consider the great gifts God has given me – salvation itself is more than I could ever hope for…but then He gives so much more over and above. </span></span></div>steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-31297451604849835292010-10-17T17:16:00.001-07:002010-10-17T17:16:58.398-07:00Mark’s testimony<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I became a Christian when I was in the 7th grade. I had grown up in a</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">large catholic family, the youngest of 7 children. I went to church</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">every week but did not hear the gospel. God brought a young pastor and</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">his family to our neighborhood who shared the gospel with me when I</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">asked how I can go to heaven. The Holy Spirit came into my heart and I</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">was made new. I have learned and grown in Christ by his grace daily. I</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">love God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit with my</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">whole heart. I also love His word and am grateful for the chance to</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">spend time with Jesus most everyday.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I need the gospel every day. I normally walk in the freedom that I</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">have in Christ. I love time with my children and appreciate the</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">uniqueness of each. I am grateful that God loves me as his adopted</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">child.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Julie and I see our seeking to adopt as a direct result of God's</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">spirit guiding us. We are seeking as a family to live out the gospel -</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">we have been blessed to be a blessing. God has loved us for the sake</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">of others. We are really grateful to be part of His amazing kingdom</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">story.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-73499932717179026992010-10-17T17:15:00.000-07:002010-10-25T17:12:14.251-07:00Our Adoption Story<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Many of you know that we are deep in the process of adopting a child from Ethiopia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This story has been a long time in the development stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark and I began talking about adoption before we were even married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adoption has always been part of our family plan, but it was never clear when or from where.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years we investigated various options from foster care to domestic adoptions to international adoptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of the lack of clarity we were content to wait until God brought everything more into focus.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In January of 2010 the country of Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake, bringing to light the plight of orphans there – both those who were orphaned as a result of the earthquake and those who were orphaned before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed that our desire to adopt was now matched with a very real need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We began investigating adopting from Haiti, but those doors were shut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark and I, though, decided that God was prompting us to realize that it was time to stop talking about adopting and start taking steps in that direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pursue adoption until or unless God stopped the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We attended a Bethany meeting where we first heard about Ethiopia as an adopting country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then met with a couple that had just brought two children home from Ethiopia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also read a book that taught us about the Ethiopian culture, the hardships they have endured due to AIDS and other extreme conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learned about the many orphans in that country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed that God was bringing His plan more into focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We officially began the adoption process in late spring of 2010 with a phone call to Becky Burns with YWAM (Youth With a Mission) Ethiopia adoption outreach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then we have completed a lot of paperwork, spent hours training via online workshops, and read books about adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark, Julianna, and Elizabeth went on a mission trip to Ethiopia where, among other things, they experienced life in Ethiopia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One question we get asked the most is, “What is your time frame?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the part where you come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to raise around $30,000 to complete this process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be working hard on our end to try to earn/raise this money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quicker we raise the money the quicker we can bring our new family member home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mountain at times seems too high, but we know that it is not too high for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also truly need prayer. We do not see this as a secondary “gift”, but primary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Specific prayer needs: </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God’s direction on what specific child/children He would have for us.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fundraising (big event on October 21<sup>st</sup>)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bonding with our new family member(s).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peace in the midst of so much uncertainty (when we will go/one child or two).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adjustment to a new culture, family, everything for the child/children.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you for your time and prayer on this matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that all children are a blessing from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know we will be blessed with our new family member(s).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope and pray and believe that we will be a blessing to him as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have always thought it was a “no-brainer”…we are a family that loves kids and there are kids that would love to be in a family…let’s just match us up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>steimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-5505244167543930582010-09-17T04:25:00.000-07:002010-09-17T04:25:24.953-07:00a note from LydiaI think it`s really great that we are adopting. Ever since I found out about it I have been so excited. I think it will be really weird to have a black person as my brother or sister, but I can't wait to meet them! I am used to being the baby so it will weird for me to have a younger sibling.<br />
<br />
I really want to visit Ethiopia to see how my new brother or sister lives and how different it will be for them to come to America - to see what food they eat and where they sleep.<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to having someone play with and I love the idea of sharing our love and our home with a child who wants a family. <br />
<br />
--Lydiasteimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6978681464672458073.post-22906860546234529332010-09-17T03:04:00.000-07:002010-10-25T17:13:08.476-07:00Adoption thoughtsIt's 5:30 AM and I am thinking about our adoption. Their are so many details, so many unknowns, so many obstacles, so many blessings. It is all very humbling. <br />
<br />
Last night we had a few people over for dessert. Julie and I talked about why we want to adopt, how we were led to adopt from Ethiopia, and how much money we need to raise for our adoption. We prayed and talked some about specific fundraiser ideas. We will not be able to do this alone, I am really grateful for friends and I am really grateful to God for leading us into this great adventure (albeit scary adventure).<br />
<br />
Thanks for following us in this process we will try to keep you posted - we would love your encouragement, your prayers and your help with our fundraising. We are looking forward to the day when we can welcome a new child (or children) into our home as part of our family and part of our community. Thanks for any way you are part of that process and part of that welcoming community.<br />
<br />
--Marksteimer adoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026339303278000639noreply@blogger.com0