Packing for Ghana

I have started packing today (I know I still have 12 days before we leave but I couldn't help myself...truth be told I have been packing the girls' bags for months now). My mind is consumed with memories of Ghana and thoughts of what it will be like to meet our daughters for the first time and see my African angels again. Is this really happening? Am I really about to become a mother?

Janet let us know our girls are staying at her house right now and being taken care of. Their sisters were there too but school started up again so they headed back to school. I don't know how I will ever be able to thank this lady who helped us find our daughters and has been taking care of them until we can bring them home. She is truly our angel.

We have met many angels along the way and know we have been so blessed. I know this has been a long journey and I want to thank you all for being there for us along the way. Every comment, email, pray, hug, and thought that has been shared with us has been what has kept us strong and has reminded us of how completely blessed we are.

My heart has ached for Ghana ever since I left and I can't wait to step off that plane and feel that hot African breeze knowing my heart will soon feel whole again.

Adoption Fundraiser

Don't forget our adoption fundraiser is this Saturday at Freestone Park. Optional Run/Walk starts at 7:00am. Silent auction goes from 8:00-10:00am and Live auction goes from 9:00-10:00am. Auction items include jewelry, clothes, furniture, Steve Young and Jerry Rice signed football, beach cruiser, many gift cards and so much more. We will also be having a flat screen T.V. raffle and food for sale. 100% of the proceeds go towards bringing Esther and Janet home. Thanks for all the support!!!

Tickets have been purchased!!!

So this is all starting to feel real now. We have our tickets and have started packing our bags. Only a few more weeks and we get to meet our daughters for the first time and get to see our other three little angels in Ghana. I have never been so excited for anything in my life...better the Disneyland. Thinking about getting to take our girls to Disneyland for the first time, might take the excitement level over the edge!!!

For those who want to be at the airport when Esther and Janet are welcomed home. We will be landing in Phoenix at 2:05pm on Friday, October 12....ONE MONTH FROM NOW!!!!!

Our Adoption Video

Thank you Maloree for making this awesome video...and thanks Jesslyn for doing such a great job as a hand model :)

A Poem For Esther...My Darling Etsi Grace

So I just got the gift in the mail I had ordered for Esther (Etsi) and it is a poem with her middle name, Grace, printed in the background. I saw it online and the poem is so perfect. When I saw it had her middle name, I had to get it for her. I was reading it to Clint yesterday and I became overwhelmed with heartache for my girl's birthmother and started to bawl like a little baby thinking about everything this dear mother would be missing. I also thought about their father who is giving us the greatest honor to provide a better life for his daughters but how difficult it must be for him to let his little babies go. We have been blessed with the greatest job on earth to be the parents of these adorable little girls and we will never take that honor for granted. I wanted to share the poem with you all because I love it so much, so here it is.

Once there were two women,
who barely knew each other.
One is in your heart forever,
the other you call mother.

Two different lives,
shaped to make yours one.
One became your guiding star,
the other became your sun.

The first gave you life,
and the second taught you how to live it.
The first gave you the need for love,
and the second was there to give it.

One gave you nationality,
the other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed of talent,
the other gave you an aim.

One gave you emotions,
the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile,
the other dried your tears.

One gave you a family,
it was what God intended her to do.
The other prayed for a child,
and God led her straight to you.

And now you ask me through your tears,
the age old question through the years.
Heredity or environment...
Which are you a product of?
Neither, my darling...neither,
just two different kinds of love.

1 Mile Fun Run for Ghana - A race to unite a family

5K Fun Run for Ghana - A race to unite a family // YellowCheetah

Registration is finally up and running for our 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk For Ghana, a race to unite a family. To register for our run/walk or find out more information about the event click on the link above.

The event will take place on September 15th in Freestone Park Gilbert, AZ.

Prices 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk $20 valid until 08/27/2012  $25 valid until 09/12/2012 $30 after 9/12/12 Shirt included with the run/walk entry.  You also have to option to purchase an additional shirt during online registration Children 8 y/o and under can run/walk with a parent for free but a shirt will not be included. To be guaranteed a shirt, please register for the run/walk before 9/8/12 Race Day Schedule Race Day Schedule 6:00 - 6:50am- Pre-Race Packet Pickup and Registration 6:30 - Check-in 7:00 - 1 Mile Fun Run Starts 8:00 - 10:00am - Silent Auction 9:00 - 10:00am - Live Auction Bring chairs, coolers etc to enjoy the post race festivities
Auctions
The silent auction will be set up at 6:30 am and bids will begin at 8:00 am following the race. Bids will be closed at 10:00 am and winners will be announced after the live auction is completed. The live auctions will begin at 9:00 am and will end at approximately 10:00 am. If you would like to donate any goods or services for the auction to help bring Esther (Etsi) and Janet (Cevi) home, please contact Calli at 801-368-3310.
Who knew putting together a Fun Run would be so much work.  At least I will now be prepared to host fundraisers in the future to help others adopt and  continue to help the people of Ghana.

Adoption Fundraiser Committee Meeting

Our first Adoption Fundraiser committee meeting is tomorrow at 7:00 pm at the Anasazi Foundation office located at 1424 South Stapley Dr. Mesa, Arizona 85204. Even if you are unable to join the committee but would still like to help, please join us and bring anyone who might be interested to find out all the different ways you can help. If you have to bring your children or show up a little late that is okay too we are just happy to have as many people as we can to help us make this fundraiser a success!!! Let me know if you have any questions and call if you need directions 801-368-3310. Thanks so much, I can't say that enough!!!