God has been so good and He has provided every step of the way for this adoption. We still have the rest of the journey ahead of us and we have been pleasantly surprised at every turn. People have donated so generously! They have donated their time, prayer, advice, stuff, and money. Everyone wants to help in whatever ways they can and we have been blown away by people's heart for this adoption. We are so blessed to be in a community where people care for one another and they care for this child that they have never seen. I only hope that I can relay that to him someday... how a whole community pitched in to see him home to us.
Our garage sale fundraiser was a hit! We had so many people donate and volunteer. I had family and friends sleeping on every couch in my house and ready to work hard early in the morning. We were able to raise $1800 in one short afternoon! The day after the garage sale I received a call from someone who works with the Children Youth and Families Protective Services Department. I had been waiting for this call for weeks. I had called time after time and visited state building after building trying to find out how to purchase our home study, background checks and fingerprints ( all of this is needed paperwork to complete the adoption). The woman on the phone informed me of when, where and how I could get this done and it happened that next Monday. The amount we had raised covered the cost almost exactly.
We just heard from the biological mother's lawyer a few days ago. Evidently, her boyfriend and her are not together anymore and she is really struggling financially, especially since he paid half of the rent for their apartment. She asked if we could help with her rent, groceries, medical bills and the paying for the birth. Poor thing! I wish I had known earlier that she was struggling so much. We are only too happy to help with whatever we can. At first I was scared, and I thought, how are we possibly going to afford anything more on top of everything else? My faith always falters, even in the midst of God's amazing abundance of provision. As I said, He has provided for each little thing as it has come along. Each day, I am learning that I need to be on my knees in prayer, thanking Him, worshiping Him, and giving Him my burdens and requests. It is only when I rely on Him completely that I feel peace. I know that He will provide. The biological mom and baby are healthy and she still wants to continue with the adoption, she just needs a little help.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Adoption Update
Everything is still moving forward with the adoption! We just recently received new ultrasound pictures from the biological mom through our friend Lupe. This little baby boy is getting so big! He is now 34weeks old in the womb. Lupe said that the mom looks great and healthy. She is actually starting to smile and be more at ease. At first we heard that she was very sad and anxious about the whole situation. I pray for her every day. It seems strange that she is carrying this child who might be our son and I've never met her before. It's probably easier for her that way, although this can't be an easy situation to go through. She is still very resolute that this adoption is what she wants for her and the baby. The doctor and Lupe both asked if she was still sure about this decision and she reaffirmed with determined resolution.
I'm trying to journal about this adoption to remember every detail. God's hand is upon this baby's life in so many ways and I know that it is so easy to forget the amazing things that God has done when everything is in the past. I want this child to know how mightily God moved to save his life and how loved he is. God is so loving and kind and He guides us gently even as He reveals Himself to us through our circumstances and our brokenness. I struggle with this truth as I wake every morning. Worry, fear and anxiety plague my mind, but then I remember that God knows what is best for me and He's not going to allow me to go through anything that I cannot bear. He also uses all things for His glory and our good. I have to trust Him in that. All of our children are in His hands whether they be adopted or biological. Sometimes, we get to see His plan as it works out before us, and at other times, we will never know. Nothing is set in stone, but I pray that He will prepare us for whatever comes.
I'm trying to journal about this adoption to remember every detail. God's hand is upon this baby's life in so many ways and I know that it is so easy to forget the amazing things that God has done when everything is in the past. I want this child to know how mightily God moved to save his life and how loved he is. God is so loving and kind and He guides us gently even as He reveals Himself to us through our circumstances and our brokenness. I struggle with this truth as I wake every morning. Worry, fear and anxiety plague my mind, but then I remember that God knows what is best for me and He's not going to allow me to go through anything that I cannot bear. He also uses all things for His glory and our good. I have to trust Him in that. All of our children are in His hands whether they be adopted or biological. Sometimes, we get to see His plan as it works out before us, and at other times, we will never know. Nothing is set in stone, but I pray that He will prepare us for whatever comes.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Adoption Fundraiser Donations
This is a direct link to allow family and friends to donate to a special Paypal account we have set up just for the adoption process that is linked to a new savings account set up specifically for this fundraiser. Thank you very much for your love and support.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Adoption
Dear Friends and Family,
We are finally going to adopt! This is great news as we have been praying and waiting for about a year now and the time has finally come. The adoption process did not happen the way we thought it would, but I guess life rarely happens the way we plan. We had originally thought that we would adopt through the foster care system in our state. We went to the trainings, did the home study, and became certified foster parents. Then we began praying and waiting. Three months later we were still praying and waiting. I was beginning to get impatient. The praying became more intense. Did we really hear from God on this adoption? Why so long a wait, and nothing?
At last, a phone call, our friend called to say she knew a couple in a crisis pregnancy situation who was interested in placing their baby for adoption. They did not want to go through an adoption agency and asked if she knew anyone who wanted to adopt. I had talked to her that very day about us wanting to adopt! She had prayed about it for a couple of days and decided to call us. My heart almost jumped out of my chest! A baby! Tears came to my eyes. Is this it? So many questions began running through my mind. How far along is she? Should I get my hopes up? God, is this what you want for us? This isn't in the plan. My friend told me that the biological father would like to meet us. My jaw dropped! Could this possibly happen to us?! The mother did not want to meet us; she wanted to keep things more private.
We started praying daily for the parents and for the baby. My friend helped set up a meeting with a volunteer translator because the biological father only spoke Spanish. We were so nervous as we sped into town for the meeting. What would he think of us? What would he ask us? What was he like? As we walked into the cozy cafe we were greeted by my friend who stood and motioned for us to come to their table. Introductions were made as we shook shaky sweaty palms. We were all nervous. The biological dad expressed his thankfulness to us, something that was not deserved or expected in any way. Each time he thanked us, I thought, why is he thanking us? We should be thanking him for considering us to possibly adopt his child.
He told us his situation and expressed his desire to do what is right for the baby. He said his girlfriend originally wanted to abort the baby but he was able to convince her to consider placing the baby for adoption. He couldn't understand why she didn't want to keep the baby, he would keep the baby but he felt that he didn't have the ability to raise a child on his own. His eyes got very teary as he told us his story. My heart broke for him. I never realized or even thought of what it would be like from a father’s perspective.
We told him a little about us and promised that we would raise his baby to the best of our abilities and would love this baby as if he were our very own. We also expressed how we had been preparing for this moment and had been praying for the last year about us being able to adopt and how honored we felt that he would meet with us. Through tears I explained that God had a plan for this baby and I did not think it was a coincidence that we were meeting that day. The whole meeting was engulfed in honesty, candidness, and deep emotion. He asked us to pray for his girlfriend as she was going through this time and gave us the pictures of the last ultrasound she had. We were filled with emotion as we looked at the baby for the first time. We were already attached. The father expressed how relieved he was that he was able to meet us and said that he wanted us to be the adoptive family for their baby. We started making calls to find an adoption attorney and get the biological mom some prenatal care. How were we going to pay for all of this? We didn't know, but we felt that God was doing something mysteriously wonderful and we just went with it.
We were able to help the biological mom get prenatal care at a place where she could feel comfortable about her decision and get the proper counseling and medical care that she needed. We still haven't met her but she has a file about us and trusts her boyfriend's decision about us being the adoptive family for her child. She is now very resolute that this is what she wants to do.
God is good, and we have learned to trust Him through this whole process. It has been very emotionally draining, but we feel so privileged that He would allow us to be a part of His plan for this baby's life. We are so amazed and excited about how he is going to work things out in this adoption.
So now is the part where I ask if you would like to help us with the amazing work that God is doing? We were planning to adopt through the state, which is basically a financially free way to adopt, so we only had a small amount in our savings. A private independent adoption is expensive although not as hefty a cost as going through an agency, especially since God dropped this situation in our lap. Our costs will be significantly lower than most adoptions. We have two months before we bring this baby home, but we have faith that God will provide. We have hired an amazing adoption attorney who has over 18 years of experience. There will be attorney fees, court costs and filing fees, and we need to purchase our home study, backgrounds checks and fingerprints from the state. We are trying to raise $1500 for the immediate cost of our home study, a $1500 retainer fee for the attorney, and $4000 more for the rest of the attorney fees, court costs, and filing fees after the baby is born in July and until the adoption is finalized. Will you help us reach our goal?
We are finally going to adopt! This is great news as we have been praying and waiting for about a year now and the time has finally come. The adoption process did not happen the way we thought it would, but I guess life rarely happens the way we plan. We had originally thought that we would adopt through the foster care system in our state. We went to the trainings, did the home study, and became certified foster parents. Then we began praying and waiting. Three months later we were still praying and waiting. I was beginning to get impatient. The praying became more intense. Did we really hear from God on this adoption? Why so long a wait, and nothing?
At last, a phone call, our friend called to say she knew a couple in a crisis pregnancy situation who was interested in placing their baby for adoption. They did not want to go through an adoption agency and asked if she knew anyone who wanted to adopt. I had talked to her that very day about us wanting to adopt! She had prayed about it for a couple of days and decided to call us. My heart almost jumped out of my chest! A baby! Tears came to my eyes. Is this it? So many questions began running through my mind. How far along is she? Should I get my hopes up? God, is this what you want for us? This isn't in the plan. My friend told me that the biological father would like to meet us. My jaw dropped! Could this possibly happen to us?! The mother did not want to meet us; she wanted to keep things more private.
We started praying daily for the parents and for the baby. My friend helped set up a meeting with a volunteer translator because the biological father only spoke Spanish. We were so nervous as we sped into town for the meeting. What would he think of us? What would he ask us? What was he like? As we walked into the cozy cafe we were greeted by my friend who stood and motioned for us to come to their table. Introductions were made as we shook shaky sweaty palms. We were all nervous. The biological dad expressed his thankfulness to us, something that was not deserved or expected in any way. Each time he thanked us, I thought, why is he thanking us? We should be thanking him for considering us to possibly adopt his child.
He told us his situation and expressed his desire to do what is right for the baby. He said his girlfriend originally wanted to abort the baby but he was able to convince her to consider placing the baby for adoption. He couldn't understand why she didn't want to keep the baby, he would keep the baby but he felt that he didn't have the ability to raise a child on his own. His eyes got very teary as he told us his story. My heart broke for him. I never realized or even thought of what it would be like from a father’s perspective.
We told him a little about us and promised that we would raise his baby to the best of our abilities and would love this baby as if he were our very own. We also expressed how we had been preparing for this moment and had been praying for the last year about us being able to adopt and how honored we felt that he would meet with us. Through tears I explained that God had a plan for this baby and I did not think it was a coincidence that we were meeting that day. The whole meeting was engulfed in honesty, candidness, and deep emotion. He asked us to pray for his girlfriend as she was going through this time and gave us the pictures of the last ultrasound she had. We were filled with emotion as we looked at the baby for the first time. We were already attached. The father expressed how relieved he was that he was able to meet us and said that he wanted us to be the adoptive family for their baby. We started making calls to find an adoption attorney and get the biological mom some prenatal care. How were we going to pay for all of this? We didn't know, but we felt that God was doing something mysteriously wonderful and we just went with it.
We were able to help the biological mom get prenatal care at a place where she could feel comfortable about her decision and get the proper counseling and medical care that she needed. We still haven't met her but she has a file about us and trusts her boyfriend's decision about us being the adoptive family for her child. She is now very resolute that this is what she wants to do.
God is good, and we have learned to trust Him through this whole process. It has been very emotionally draining, but we feel so privileged that He would allow us to be a part of His plan for this baby's life. We are so amazed and excited about how he is going to work things out in this adoption.
So now is the part where I ask if you would like to help us with the amazing work that God is doing? We were planning to adopt through the state, which is basically a financially free way to adopt, so we only had a small amount in our savings. A private independent adoption is expensive although not as hefty a cost as going through an agency, especially since God dropped this situation in our lap. Our costs will be significantly lower than most adoptions. We have two months before we bring this baby home, but we have faith that God will provide. We have hired an amazing adoption attorney who has over 18 years of experience. There will be attorney fees, court costs and filing fees, and we need to purchase our home study, backgrounds checks and fingerprints from the state. We are trying to raise $1500 for the immediate cost of our home study, a $1500 retainer fee for the attorney, and $4000 more for the rest of the attorney fees, court costs, and filing fees after the baby is born in July and until the adoption is finalized. Will you help us reach our goal?
There is always a chance that this adoption may fall through. The parental rights can only be terminated 48 hours after the birth of the baby, and a birth mom always (and rightfully) can change her mind at any time. If that did happen, we would be heartbroken, but joyful that this little family would be able to stay together. It does not look like that will be the case at this time and we will give you updates on how things are going. Please know that any donation received will still be used towards an adoption even if this one does not work out.
We will be doing a garage sale fundraiser on June 11th , at the Glorieta Baptist Church parking lot. If you would like to donate anything to this sale please contact Thomas and we can make arrangements for a pickup time. We will also be having a Father’s Day Adoption Fundraiser, out at the Glorieta Conference Center on June 19th, from 5-8pm. Come for a time of food, fun and fellowship down by the lake. Dress up for family photos in the Glorieta prayer garden at suggested donation of $25. There will also be a money tree for any additional donations you would like to make. Please contact Alida Strock for additional information at 505-757-2631. If you can’t make it to these fun events but would still like to donate, cash or checks are welcome. If you would like to donate electronically we have set up a PayPal account for the adoption and there will be a link on my Facebook page as well as our adoption blog.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support! God Bless.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Thomas and Laura Herndon
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Amazing Grace
The last few weeks have just flown by at the speed of light! God has been doing some awesome things in our lives! You know how sometimes you get an idea in your head and it just won't leave? It just keeps on coming back at the strangest times. Well, it all started when I got this idea that maybe we could do foster care and adopt. My husband and I had done work as dorm parents at a childrens home in Texas about 8 years ago. Basically, it was a home where children are placed by their parents, not the state, in times when the parents are not able to care for their kids because of finances, incarceration, schooling, or other extenuating circumstances. When we first started working there I was 21 years old and my husband was 22. We were so young and inexperienced and we had no children of our own at that time. God used our time there to teach us love, responsibility, perseverance, and many other things that would lay the ground work for parenting our own children, but it also planted the seeds of a vision to adopt that I believe God will bring to pass in His own timing. We also realized that we could love other children just a much as we loved our own biological children and we developed a longing in our hearts to help little ones who don't have parents to care for them. We worked there for three years and eventually came back to New Mexico to be closer to family and to have more freedom in the way we thought God wanted us to raise our family.
Recently, I kept thinking about a christian family that I had known as a teenager. They had adopted kids that were my age and they also did foster care. The husband of this family had been social worker with CYFD here in Santa Fe. My mom kept telling me that I needed to call these people and ask them my questions about adopting. Well, I finally did, and they invited us to their house for dinner. The day before, I received an e-mail from the mom in this family. She wanted to give me heads up that her adopted and foster kids had special needs varying from downs syndrome to Spina Bifida, learning disorders and other varying issues. I wasn't really sure what to think, but I figured we would go and find out. I made plans for my mom to watch my toddler and my husband and I decided to bring my seven year old daughter. She was very intimidated by the situation but we told her that this would be a good opportunity to learn about different types of people and how God loves them too. I was hoping that we all would experience a side of God's grace that we had never encountered before.
When we arrived, we were greeted by several adorable youngsters that were very happy that we were there! My daughter's eyes were as big as saucers and she was very quiet. The evening was delightful! My daughter finally warmed up and went to play with the children, and we had a good time in Lord with this wonderful couple. They talked to us about their adoption and foster journey and how God had worked in differing ways to bring each child into their lives. They talked about the trails and the joys of parenting and the things that they had learned through the years. The husband had been a worker with CYFD so he had an inside view on the practical and efficient ways to adopt. She told us more about the emotional aspects of adoption and how to handle the heart issues that would eventually present themselves. After leaving that night, my husband and I knew that foster care and adoption were what God was calling us to do. The problem was that our house was in the middle of a remodel and it was no where near being finished. This was a huge obstacle, but we knew that our God was able to make all things possible, and we basically prayed that if He wanted us to adopt, then He would have to take care of the remodel and provide the finances for it.
Well, isn't it amazing how God always answers our prayers! In this case He answered with a resounding , "Yes!" A missionary family visited the next month and volunteered to help us finish our house if we could pay for the supplies! My dad gave us a loan to buy the supplies and the missionary family did more work in two weeks than we could have done in months! Our house was finally ready for more youngsters. We signed up for the training with CYFD in New Mexico and attained our foster licenses! Now we are in the waiting process. We have been continuing our adoption education through various trainings and books and we are now anxiously waiting for a placement. Maybe we will never get one, only God knows, but I do know that He has plans for us.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " Jeremiah 29:11
Recently, I kept thinking about a christian family that I had known as a teenager. They had adopted kids that were my age and they also did foster care. The husband of this family had been social worker with CYFD here in Santa Fe. My mom kept telling me that I needed to call these people and ask them my questions about adopting. Well, I finally did, and they invited us to their house for dinner. The day before, I received an e-mail from the mom in this family. She wanted to give me heads up that her adopted and foster kids had special needs varying from downs syndrome to Spina Bifida, learning disorders and other varying issues. I wasn't really sure what to think, but I figured we would go and find out. I made plans for my mom to watch my toddler and my husband and I decided to bring my seven year old daughter. She was very intimidated by the situation but we told her that this would be a good opportunity to learn about different types of people and how God loves them too. I was hoping that we all would experience a side of God's grace that we had never encountered before.
When we arrived, we were greeted by several adorable youngsters that were very happy that we were there! My daughter's eyes were as big as saucers and she was very quiet. The evening was delightful! My daughter finally warmed up and went to play with the children, and we had a good time in Lord with this wonderful couple. They talked to us about their adoption and foster journey and how God had worked in differing ways to bring each child into their lives. They talked about the trails and the joys of parenting and the things that they had learned through the years. The husband had been a worker with CYFD so he had an inside view on the practical and efficient ways to adopt. She told us more about the emotional aspects of adoption and how to handle the heart issues that would eventually present themselves. After leaving that night, my husband and I knew that foster care and adoption were what God was calling us to do. The problem was that our house was in the middle of a remodel and it was no where near being finished. This was a huge obstacle, but we knew that our God was able to make all things possible, and we basically prayed that if He wanted us to adopt, then He would have to take care of the remodel and provide the finances for it.
Well, isn't it amazing how God always answers our prayers! In this case He answered with a resounding , "Yes!" A missionary family visited the next month and volunteered to help us finish our house if we could pay for the supplies! My dad gave us a loan to buy the supplies and the missionary family did more work in two weeks than we could have done in months! Our house was finally ready for more youngsters. We signed up for the training with CYFD in New Mexico and attained our foster licenses! Now we are in the waiting process. We have been continuing our adoption education through various trainings and books and we are now anxiously waiting for a placement. Maybe we will never get one, only God knows, but I do know that He has plans for us.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " Jeremiah 29:11
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