Blessings from Ethiopia

Move On Over!

2011-04-19T00:34:00.000-04:00

This blog has been extremely quiet over the past couple of years and it's only going to get quieter.

Move over to www.wehaveroom.blogspot.com to keep current with our latest adoption. Surprise...It's NOT from Ethiopia!

Here we go again!!!

2011-04-14T00:54:00.000-04:00

Click HERE!

3 Years Ago Today...

2011-01-06T01:10:00.000-05:00

‎...on January 6, 2008, we landed in Nashville, TN, with our first 3 Ethiopian kiddos (Bereket, Bethlehem, and Selam). Siblings Brandon, Isabella, and Justice awaited their arrival.

What a sacred homecoming it was! Life has been beautiful ever since!

Weimer Ethiopian Homecoming #1- January 6, 2008 from Heidi Weimer on Vimeo.

We Have Room on Facebook

2010-11-19T13:18:00.001-05:00

Be sure to find us on Facebook and join our We Have Room page if you haven't already! It's where we do most of our posting now.

Thanks! And Happy Adoption Awareness Month!

Next T-shirt Order Batch: Closing Out 9/10 at midnight

2010-09-09T11:29:00.002-04:00

The next batch of One Family shirts and My Life Is Not My Own bracelets will close out on September 10th and will be shipping a couple weeks later.

If you are looking to adopt from Africa, these are great for the whole family. Use the links on the left sidebar to place your orders now! All proceeds benefit We Have Room, our adoption advocacy and orphan awareness ministry.

Click on the links on the left sidebar to do your shopping!

Thanks!!!

PS- All shirts are pre-shrunk and standard fit T's. Women's and men's are the same except for ink color. Shirts are NOT fitted. I am 5'5" small frame and wear a small shirt. Kirk is 5'11" and wears a large.

We Have Room [the song]

2010-07-28T22:22:00.002-04:00

Download "We Have Room" NOW on iTunes or on Amazon!!!
Only 99 cents!

Sung by Kirk Weimer [with kids Brandon, Bethlehem, and Isabella Weimer]
Written by Micah Huebner & Heidi Weimer

© 2010 We Have Room

Have you said YES yet? They're waiting...

2010-07-24T21:58:00.001-04:00

Help-a-Thon for the Van Druff Family

2010-05-01T21:29:00.006-04:00

An incredible adoptive family with 6 kids in Arkansas had their home completely destroyed by a tornado last night. Please read Renee's post HERE to learn more about their miraculous salvation from the storm.[above photo: The Whole Van Druff Clan, except Baby Nathan who has since been born]

While they had insurance for their home, the insurance coverage isn't that great. They are getting very little help with living expenses and such from them. THEY NEED US TO KICK IT INTO HIGH GEAR FOR THEM!!! What would help them the most right now are cash gifts and Wal-Mart gift cards.

Go to Paypal to donate directly to their account at vandruff.family@gmail.com. Or, you may mail a check or Wal-Mart gift card to them at:

The Van Druff Family
50 Rockefeller Blvd.
Ward, AR 72176

Amazingly enough, their mailbox is still standing. Let's give generously and sacrificially to bless this amazing and humble family.

They were hit by a tornado; now let's bless them with a FLOOD of offerings!

So what are you waiting for? Time's a'wastin'!

And remember: please link to this blog post from your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Thank you!

[Email me at heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com if you have any questions!]

Our God is Mighty to Save

2010-05-01T12:29:00.003-04:00

This is from the Van Druff family in Little Rock. Our family of 11 actually stayed in their home with their family of 8 (plus one friend) less than 4 weeks ago on our way from Nashville to Texas for Spring Break. We have been online friends for awhile, but had never met in person until then. A very humble, generous, and loving family...

Last night in the storms, their home was destroyed by a tornado. Please read the following post and pray for them. I will post as soon as there are some concrete plans as to WHAT we can do to as the Body of Christ to meet their tangible needs.

http://vanclanfive.blogspot.com/2010/05/our-god-is-mighty-to-save.html

A Family Sized T-shirt Giveaway

2010-04-24T00:49:00.004-04:00

Ethiopia's Calling...YOU!!!

Our friends Amy & David Watson are in their final push to raise funds to complete their adoption from Ethiopia!!! We need YOU to help spread the word!!! (David is the producer of the We Have Room documentary about our family's adoption journey. They have subsequently decided to adopt from Ethiopia!) Check out their blog here: http://www.ethiopiascalling.blogspot.com/

A Family-Sized T-shirt Giveaway

Beginning TODAY (April 24th) through next Saturday (May 1st).

Details:

Amy and David have been selling their unique, handmade Africa tees to raise money for their Ethiopian adoption. (The tees are AWESOME!!! We have several...included a maternity one for moi!) They are adopting two children, ages 9 and 6, and are currently waiting to be assigned a court date.

You can snag an entire set of their handmade Africa tees, one for every member of your immediate family, if you’re the lucky winner of the giveaway! You will even get to pick your colors and styles!!

Check out the shirts here: http://ethiopiascalling.blogspot.com/2009/10/do-your-shopping-here.html

Here’s how you can enter the giveaway (one entry for each):

Leave a comment here to let us know you want an entry
Tweet this giveaway (leave us a link here so we can count your entry)
Facebook the giveaway (and let us know you’ve done so)
Post about the giveaway on your blog (leave us a link)
Add Amy and David’s t-shirt button to your blog (leave us a link). You can snag their button here (http://www.ethiopiascalling.blogspot.com/). Their button is at the top left of the page.

Please join in and help the Watsons increase their t-shirt sales for this FINAL stage of adoption!!! Spread the word!!! Feel free to link others to this blog entry.

Thanks so much!!!

On behalf of the Watson Five,
heidi

Spring T-shirt Orders

2010-04-11T23:34:00.001-04:00

One Family shirt orders for the spring will close out May 1st and will ship a couple weeks later.

See below for more details!

"My life is not my own" bracelets can be ordered at any time and will ship within 2 weeks.

Reminder: February Order Closes on the 20th!

2010-02-18T16:35:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder...if you want to order t-shirts and/or bracelets and want them to be included in this current batch, please place you order by midnight on February 20th.

Email heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com with any questions.

See left sidebar to order or see this link for more info: http://blessingsfromethiopia.blogspot.com/2010/01/next-t-shirt-orders.html

If you have adopted or are preparing to, you'll connect with this...

2010-02-15T18:42:00.001-05:00

"When we think about laying down a life for another we usually think in terms of a singular event. But it is possible for us to lay down our lives over the course of a lifetime, minute by minute and day by day. And it is the work of the Spirit to empower us as we seek to lose ourselves in acts of lovingkindness and sacrificial living."

- Elaine Puckett, professor at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia

My life is not my own. Want a reminder? Get your orange bracelets on the left sidebar.

A question I get asked a whole heck of a lot...

2010-02-10T22:57:00.005-05:00

QUESTION: Do you think it's a mandate for all Christians to adopt?

[I just got asked this question again on Facebook today. Here's my response:]

OOOOH, a question I get asked quite a bit. :) And one that people try to stump me on.

Here's what I say:

Preface: I can't say what every person should or should not do, nor will I judge a person who doesn't supposedly "get it." That's wrong...

1) Scripture says that if we see someone in need and we have something that would fill their need yet DO NOT fill it, we do not have the love of God in us. [We have a family; orphans don't; we therefore should share with the orphan what we have that they do not.]

2) Scripture says that we must do to others what we would want done to us (or our own biological kids, for that matter). If we were orphaned, we would want to be adopted. Period. Not just visited or taken care of in a group home. Adopted into a family. And we would want the same for our biological kids.

3) Jesus didn't just come to visit us or care for us in our orphaned state; He came to lay down His life to adopt us. James 1:27 uses the phrase "visit orphans." The word "visit" there is the same word used for when Jesus came to "visit" us. He didn't leave us as orphans; He adopted us. He didn't see us in our orphaned state of despair and say, "Oh, poor things...I wish someone would do something about that." No, He adopted us. Changed our futures; our destinies; our families. We are to follow Him and do as He did.

4) How can we not? How can we look at the children in the world without families and say, 'No, not worth it.'? Our lives are not our own. We are called to pick up our crosses and follow Him. Not our own plans or desires or conveniences. Ain't nothin' about this whole "following Jesus" thing that is supposed to be convenient. Ask Jesus if the Cross was "convenient" or glamorous.

So, should every Christian adopt? Well, I like to turn that question on its head...What is a good reason a Christian SHOULDN'T adopt? Most reasons are self-focused if we are really honest with ourselves.

[Obviously, many people are not "fit" to adopt right now, but that is usually due to our own messes we've made with relationships, finances, life choices, etc, and not something put in our way stopping us from adopting.]

Just a friendly little reminder before Tax Day...

2010-02-09T14:53:00.003-05:00

Before you try to file your tax return this year:

If you have an adopted child and do not yet have a SS# for that child, you MUST have an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number in order to include that child as a dependent. File form W-7A [Appication for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions] which can be found on http://www.irs.gov, and wait 4-8 weeks to receive your child's #.

So, file now to get your ATIN in time for filing!

We Have Room on Facebook

2010-01-23T13:29:00.003-05:00

If you are on Facebook, be sure to look us up [Heidi Weimer and Kirk Weimer]. And, while you're at it, go HERE to join the We Have Room fan page. And, while you're THERE, go to the left sidebar and listen to Kirk sing "We Have Room" the song, written by me and my younger brother, Micah Huebner.

To contact us directly, email us at heidiandkirk@wehaveroom.org

Thanks!!!

January/February ONE FAMILY T-shirt Orders

2010-01-21T12:20:00.004-05:00

The next batch of One Family shirts will close out on February 20th and will be shipping by the end of February.

If you are looking to adopt from Africa, these are great for the whole family. Use the links on the left sidebar to place your orders now! All proceeds benefit We Have Room, our adoption advocacy and orphan awareness ministry.

If you order ONLY the bracelets, those will be shipped right away.

Thanks!!!

PS- All shirts are pre-shrunk and standard fit T's. Women's and men's are the same except for ink color. Shirts are NOT fitted. I am 5'5" small frame and wear a small shirt. Kirk is 5'11" and wears a large.

T-Shirts Shipping Friday

2010-01-13T23:08:00.001-05:00

For those who made One Family T-shirt orders during December, they are ready and will be shipped Friday.

Thanks!

Merry Christmas Surprise to us!!!

2009-12-25T17:29:00.002-05:00

Ever heard someone announce that they're pregnant with their 10th kid? Well, you just did. Woops. Merry Christmas Surprise to us.

Something to remember...

2009-12-18T12:03:00.001-05:00

Stifle your curiosity; respect the child's pain. An adopted child doesn't owe you their story.

T-shirts Shipping Wednesday

2009-12-08T12:03:00.001-05:00

For those who ordered t-shirts in the batch that closed on 11/15, they will finally be shipping tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. With the Thanksgiving holiday, our screener took longer than anticipated and, unfortunately, we are at their mercy. If you already received a notice that your order has shipped, do not be alarmed. It is shipping tomorrow, Wednesday 12/9.

Thank you for your patience.

December orders will close out on 12/31.

If you have questions, please feel free to email at heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com

One Family Shirts...December orders

2009-12-02T10:14:00.003-05:00

Place December orders now.

December orders will close out on December 31st and will ship early/mid-January 2010.

Email us at heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com with any questions and we will be happy to help you out.

Merry Christmas in the meantime!

Merry Christmas from the Weimer Eleven

2009-11-30T13:56:00.005-05:00

It's a miracle. All 9 kids are looking at the camera and smiling. And, this was the first try. My beloved Nikon must have been surrounded by legions of angels singing Handel's Messiah. There is no other logical explanation for the success of this feat.

Merry Christmas...from our full house to yours.

May we always have room for more love, joy, hope, and peace.

Sometimes being adopted just plain sucks...

2009-11-23T12:09:00.004-05:00

Like when your substitute teacher asks the class, "Who in here is from Africa?" and you raise your hand because you don't want to lie but you hesitate because you don't want to be singled out. [Why the bleep would you ask a 1st grade class that in the first place?]

Like when your class is learning about Rosa Parks [let's remind these little white kids who don't know better that blacks are inferior] and a white girl announces to the class, "Let's see...Who in here is BLACK?"

Like when your friends don't know better but ask, "How is THAT your MOM? She's white and YOOOOOU're BLACK."

Like when you love your white parents but really wish your parents had brown skin like yours...if for nothing but to feel like everyone else who has parents the same color as their own skin.

Like when you consider yourself a stepchild and call your mom your stepmom because your classmates make you feel like an illegitimate daughter of hers.

Like when your teachers want you to share with them about life in Africa but you'd rather just share with her about a funny incident that happened over the weekend.

Like when "being born in your mom's heart instead of her tummy" isn't exactly what you want to hear, when your other sister WAS born in your mom's tummy.

Like when you bring home a Thanksgiving project from school that asks for your parents to tell you about the special moment in which you were born and to give you an "Indian name" that fits the moment of your birth.

Like when people treat you as if you're dumb just because you have an accent.

Like when people treat you as some special, exotic person instead of just a plain ole' kid. [Black kids aren't more beautiful or cuter; they're just a different color.]

Like when you don't have a baby photo to share with the class.

So much of it just sucks...And I wish the whole world knew that. Or, at least the people my kids encounter. That would be a nice start.

Orphan Sunday

2009-11-11T01:23:00.001-05:00

Click the link below (might take awhile for the video to load) and watch from 27 minutes on to hear me and Kirk speaking on Orphan Sunday. (The whole sermon is fantastic, though, so watch from the beginning if you have time!)

Nothing pumps my blood like speaking about orphans and adoption!!!

Rolling Hills Community Church / Franklin, TN

Now taking orders! T-shirts and Bracelets!

2009-11-01T00:34:00.005-05:00

We are now taking orders again for T-shirts and our orange "My life is not my own" bracelets. All proceeds from the sales of the shirts will benefit We Have Room which is our newly established nonprofit orphan advocacy and adoption promotion ministry.

If you would like to place an order, please click on the options to the left and click Add to Cart. Be sure to include your shipping address when placing your order.

We will close out this order on November 15th, so order now! After 11/15, orders will take approximately two weeks be processed, completed, and shipped.

Shirts are brown with either blue or pink image (blue for men/boys; pink for women/girls).

In the future we will be adding other continents to the One Family design.

Please email at heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com with any questions.

[NOTE: Shirts are true to size. In the photo above, I am wearing a Small and Kirk is wearing a Large. If needing a youth XL, order an adult small, as they are the same sizes.]

Coming very, very soon...

2009-10-22T01:24:00.003-04:00

New batch of T-shirt orders will be ready to be placed soon, as well as orders for our orange "My life is not my own." bracelets. Check back in over the next couple of days.

And note to those who have ordered t-shirts in the last few weeks, your orders have been received and will be included in this next batch. Sorry for the delay, but to make the screening cost-effective for now, we can only order in bulk.

Thanks!!!

I need your stuff!

2009-10-17T00:23:00.005-04:00

Blog-followers:

I need you for Christmas gifts this year!

If you are an adoptive family (or know one) who is selling stuff to raise money for your adoption, please post the link!

I'm looking for items specifically that non-adoptive folks would use and wear (such as necklaces, jewelry, scarves, books, decor, etc.)

Thanks!!! We're hoping to support adoptions this year with our Christmas gift purchases!

P.S. We'll post your family's link in a future blog post so that others wishing to shop for Christmas can support your adoption as well!

I can testify to this...

2009-10-16T12:34:00.002-04:00

If you haven't adopted, you are missing out BIG TIME.

Just look at this face! PURE JOY!!!

[This is our Joseph, age 5, home with us for 3 months and one of the happiest kids you'll ever meet.]

Also, click HERE.

Yes, please do.

2009-10-11T20:15:00.003-04:00

Several commenters on our blog have asked about sharing our blog and/or documentary promo on their own blog sites and web sites.

Our response: YES, please do!!! The ripple effect of adoption brings more orphans into families and more glory to God!

No need to ask. :)

Updated Promo for "3 by 3 by 3" Documentary

2009-10-03T02:18:00.001-04:00

Promo for "3 by 3 by 3" Documentary from David Watson on Vimeo.

Together for Adoption

2009-10-02T01:38:00.004-04:00

Please pray for the Together for Adoption Conference that will take place this weekend in Nashville (Franklin), TN. Kirk and I are leading a breakout session on older child adoption on behalf of We Have Room, our new ministry that just this week became legal and official in the State of Tennessee!

Click HERE to learn more about this conference and movement of God for the orphan.

My prayer for the conference is that it be about Jesus and His orphans and not about us. May Jesus be glorified as orphans are adopted.

AMEN!

One Roof Africa...needs YOU!

2009-09-02T09:47:00.002-04:00

Please go now to One Roof Africa and read about the Palmer family and their amazing love. They packed up their whole family and moved from Oklahoma to Uganda just to be able to adopt their son.

Right now the Palmers desperately need a car. Let's help them raise the $5,000! PLEASE click donate on their web site and give $10, $20, $50, $100 (or more!). And please spread the word.

You can donate your Facebook status or tweet by copying and pasting the following:

Donate your tweet today! Help Palmer Family in Uganda raise $5,000 for car. Go to http://www.oneroofafrica.com/ Click donate. Amazing love!

PLEASE donate and make a real difference halfway around the world!!!

A Greater Capacity

2009-08-28T23:19:00.003-04:00

Every day I receive emails from potential adoptive parents and post-adoptive families asking for advice, support, feedback, direction, and information regarding adoption. It thrills us to be able to point people in the right direction, advise families in the process, and pray for those who are preparing to live out James 1:27. This is the ministry God has given to us, and we are stoked. Our vision is to serve as full-time adoption advocates, and we are making real steps in that direction. Soon we will be operating through our We Have Room web site, which will act as a resource for those stepping into the adoption world, those who are just getting their feet wet, and those who are swimming in the post-adoption sea, sometimes raging and sometimes of glee. We feel honored to be able to be used even in just a small way and to let others know, "Hey, we've been there."

One email that I receive a few times every week sounds a little something like this: "Heidi and Kirk, Your story has been very encouraging to us, as we also feel led to adopt older kids or a sibling group, but I am just very scared of what it might do to our family, how it will affect our current kids, and what kind of short- and long-term implications it might have. Can you tell me how your biological kids adjusted to being knocked out of their birth order? How did your oldest feel about no longer being the oldest? I'm afraid I'm going to be taking away from them something that is legitimately theirs and I'm scared of what that will do to their emotions/personality/self-worth/security/what-have-you. I'm afraid they will feel ripped off."

To each and every person reading this post who knows the concrete conviction of being called to care for the older orphans yet also bears the weight of the accompanying thoughts of fear, I want you to know this...Please hear me loud and clear, as we have now SIX times over displaced our "original" kids' birth order:

You are NOT taking anything AWAY from your birth children. Instead, what you are doing is imparting to them something eternal: You are expanding their capacity to love. Think about that for a minute before you read anything else. How do you plan to teach your child to love others unconditionally and in total compassion without giving them the opportunity to do so? I'm telling you now, You CAN'T.

My biological children have a greater capacity of love in their hearts than I could ever impart to them by just giving them a safe Christianity, by maintaining their status quo, by simply modeling "godliness" as parents (as if that's the end-all be-all for a Christian family). My kids...all of them...have lived out self-sacrifice and understand (because they live it!) that laying down one's life does not steal anything from us. That is the lie of the devil, who would have us believe that sacrifice is not worth it; that there is nothing for us in return; that God doesn't really mean what He says when He said to His followers that "anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. [Because] Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 10:38-39).

Do you really believe that? That whoever LOSES his life for Jesus's sake, for Jesus the Orphan's sake, will actually FIND it? Ask yourself honestly. Because you might answer YES prematurely. I have no doubt that you might believe it for yourself, but do you really believe it for your children, too? That if they "lose" their "place" in the family that Jesus will instead impart to them LIFE? REAL life???

What is birth order anyway but just a sequence of how your child came to you? Let's not make an idol of that sequence. Because that's what it becomes...an IDOL. Something standing in the way of you taking up the Cross to follow Him, to BE JESUS in this world. Let's not place a value on birth order that God did not intend to be there.

Consider the older orphan. Consider the sibling groups. Consider the ones who are not often considered.

And whatever you do on your adoption journey, PLEASE I beg you, do NOT steal from your children the opportunity for their love capacity to be expanded. Do not deny them the true gift of learning early in life that "My life is not my own."

When your feisty and spunky 7-year-old biological daughter, who is now the middle child of 9 after being knocked down to #5 from #2, pleads "Please, Mommy, Please!!! I want another sister my age!!! Can we PLEASE adopt again?!!," your heart will beat out of your chest, not just because you can envision another child saved, but because you know that your daughter will NEVER EVER live a limited, safe Christianity. She won't even know what that means. In fact, she won't even have the capacity do so.

And all because you didn't limit her, either. You didn't limit God.

Give your children the gift of the greater capacity to love. Let it ripple out into the future. Let it change the world.

One Family Shirts...Place your orders NOW!

2009-08-24T11:04:00.006-04:00

By popular demand and the gracious generosity of the original designers of the One Family shirts, we are now able to sell these shirts on our web site and will eventually be able to sell them exclusively via our nonprofit ministry web site. All proceeds from the sales of the shirts will benefit We Have Room which is in the process of being registered as a legal nonprofit organization.

If you would like to place an order, please click on the options to the left and click Add to Cart. Be sure to include your shipping address when placing your order.

The first batch of orders will continue through September 7th. Allow for approximately one week production time after that and orders should be shipped by mid-September.

Shirts are brown with either blue or pink image (blue for men/boys; pink for women/girls).

In the future we will be adding other continents to the One Family design.

Please email at heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com with any questions.

This is our own family sporting our One Family shirts at our homecoming at the airport:

Donate-a-Thon TODAY, Monday, August 24th!!!

2009-08-24T09:50:00.002-04:00

Donate your FB status and tweets today to help save three kids' lives in Ghana.

Post the following and spread the word:

Donate your Tweet & FB status Monday. Click the link, donate $10, save three kids' lives. That easy. http://www.theteabotribe.blogspot.com/

One Family Shirts...coming very soon!

2009-08-19T15:28:00.001-04:00

Several people have asked about the One Family shirts that we wore for both of our homecomings.

Within the next few days, I will have a link up to take orders for those wanting to order some.

Stay tuned!

When can I get tickets to THIS?

2009-08-12T18:09:00.002-04:00

http://www.theblindsidemovie.com/

67 Minutes You Must Watch. [Yes, that is long, but it might be the most important 67 minutes of your walk with God.]

2009-08-10T03:10:00.001-04:00

The Gospel Demands Radical Giving - David Platt from Together for Adoption on Vimeo.

If you don't have plans on August 8th in Nashville...

2009-07-27T15:34:00.002-04:00

NOW YOU DO.

http://www.orphanstickethome.org/events-nashville.aspx

Together for Adoption

2009-07-26T21:21:00.000-04:00

We're headed to this conference in October.

Adopt. Now. Do it.

2009-07-18T23:05:00.001-04:00

We. Are. Home.

2009-07-06T13:24:00.008-04:00

After 32 hours of travel, we are finally home and a full-fledged family of eleven. And yes, it definitely feels like a LOT of people in our house!!!

We will post more soon, but for now we will leave you with these:

All of us together...finally.

Our two 3-year-olds showing off their bellies:

All 9 of our kids in their traditional Ethiopian attire:

Calling All Prayer Warriors

2009-06-22T10:18:00.003-04:00

As you know by now, Kirk and I leave this Thursday, June 25th for our journey to Ethiopia. (YES!!!!!!!!) We are finishing up final details for our trip and savoring our last few days as a family with only six kids.

In the meantime, we are rounding up our prayer warriors and asking humbly, will you stand with us and for us in prayer during this journey of our lives?

Here is a basic itinerary of our travels:
[FYI: Ethiopia is currently 8 hours ahead of CST]

Thursday 6/25 - Saturday 6/27: Kirk and I enjoy two days alone in D.C. before boarding the plane to Ethiopia (Yes, we count this as a miracle!) :)
Saturday 6/27 8 PM EST: Flight leaves from D.C. for Ethiopia
Sunday 6/28 7 PM: Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Monday 6/29: Pick up our kids!!!
Tuesday 6/30: Embassy Appointment
Weds-Friday: Enjoy Ethiopia and our children
Friday 7/3: Leave Addis for D.C.
Saturday, July 4th: Arrive in America on the Fourth of July!

Here is a list of prayer needs for the coming days. We would be honored and blessed for you to pray on our behalves:

logistics of travel (flights on time, luggage at right weight, no luggage lost, seats on planes, etc.)
safety during travel
physical health before and during travel
physical health while in Ethiopia
our new kids' hearts as they transition from one culture and family to another
our kids back home in the States as they are with my parents for 9 days
my parents as they are with our kids for 9 days!
our emotional and mental stamina as we take on a huge task
continued provision for our family
our documentary film producer, David, as he travels with us
red tape that must be cut through for filming in Ethiopia (this is a big one!)
David's wife and baby boy back home in the States
and anything else the Lord leads you to pray for!!!

We cherish and rely on your prayers more than you know. The last two and a half years of our lives have been quite the journey, frought with tears and filled with joy. We know that the journey has really only begun, and we beseech you to continue to come before the Throne for us.

With much love and appreciation,
heidi & kirk

Yes, we are still (and forever will be) selling our Orange Bracelets

2009-06-20T14:28:00.003-04:00

Though we are no longer officially raising funds for our travel expenses for our adoption, we ARE still selling our trademark orange "My life is not my own." bracelets. (This will help to establish our nonprofit and also help cover readoption expenses for all SIX of our Ethiopian kids here in Tennessee.)

We still have a few hundred bracelets left that we would LOVE to sell...Not just because we want to sell them, but because we want others to catch the vision, too! When these bracelets run out, we will order more. These will be the bracelets that we will continue to sell as part of our nonprofit organization and ministry.

We have had several youth groups, families, and Bible study groups buy several bracelets and many have even incorporated the slogan into their Bible study or youth camp theme.

The bracelets are great for individuals, families, youth groups, small groups, churches, camps, etc.!

So, all that to say, if you would like to buy a bracelet, or two, or twenty, or two hundred, we have many!

Our bracelets declare "My life is not my own." This is the mantra that God gave us when we decided to adopt three kids the first time around!

Bracelets are 1 for $3 or 2 for $5. (3 for $8, 4 for $10, etc.) Free shipping to you!

If you'd like to purchase some, email us at heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com. We will give you our address to mail a check to. OR, you can make a payment via our donate button to the left. Be sure to include your address for shipping!

Thanks for being part of our incredible journey!!! Here's praying for your own!

The girl scout in me would be disappointed.

2009-06-17T12:37:00.003-04:00

Over the past few months, and especially now as our travel dates draw near, I have received a wide array of looks and remarks in response to the fact that we, at age 31, are about to be the mom and dad to 9 kids.

One of the remarks I get a lot is "Oh, my gosh! NINE kids! That's unfathomable! I can't imagine!"

My response to that? "I can't either. Really."

Before I had my first baby (which was far sooner than I had planned!), I was really not scared of being a parent. No, I was not afraid; instead, I was excited about the responsibility for and relationship with a new little life. And besides, everyone has seen others figure out this baby thing. It's doable. I figured, if so-and-so can do this, then I can, too.

Once we got the "one kid thing" down pat, we added a baby girl to our mix. Still not scary to us, because---after all---we've seen others around us with two kids. It's pretty typical, fairly normal, and the American dream, right?

As a "compromise," as Kirk likes to say, we finally added a third child to the clan. Life definitely got crazier at that point, but again, the idea of 3 children is not a foreign concept to most. Everyone knows someone with three kids; it is workable. And pretty normal.

After we bit the adoption bullet and doubled our kid count to six, the reality set in that WOW we have an awesome responsibility here. Still, though, I have at least SEEN people with 6 kids. Not many, no, but at least SOME. I have read up on their blogs and have seen how it works with six. So, pretty soon, SIX kids became the new normal for us. It didn't take much time and now seems so doable---busy, but very doable.

Now, as we stand on the precipice of being parents to NINE kids, all of that "I-know-somewhat-what-to-expect-because-I-see-others-around-us-do-it" is tossed out the window. Sure, we know OF people with 9 kids. We have heard of them through friends. We see them on TLC. We read their books. BUT, up close and personal? As in, "we have friends with 9 kids and it looks very normal to us"? No, that's not the case anymore.

So, if you ask me if we are prepared to have 9 kids, I have to disappoint the girl scout in me and say, "Um, how exactly do you do that?" Sure, logistically we're ready to go as best as we can figure...the van [see DreamCloud below], the color-coded bath towels, the beds, the clothes, the car seats, the chairs around the table (oops, our table won't fit us all). But prepared for the responsibility of 9 kids? I don't know what it even looks like or feels like to be prepared for 9 kids! This, like many risks you take in life, requires a healthy heaping of spontaneity and fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pantsness. This requires that you throw the playbook out the window and trust that your on-the-spot calls will suffice.

But, we are ready nonetheless. We are ready to tackle this. Ready for our next venture. Ready to add more to the mix, stir up the pot, and see what comes out of the oven.

Perhaps you can't imagine having 9 kids. Or even 6. Or 3, 2, or even one for that matter. But, it's okay. It's okay to step off that cliff and trust that what God has called you to, though you might have no model right in front of you, will work. It will work because it's His idea. (Lord knows it wasn't ours!)

When I was 17 and preparing to go spend several weeks in Kenya, I kept a card in my Bible that simply said what I have found to be simply true over the years:

The task ahead of you is never as great
as the power behind you.

I'm going to be counting on that. A lot. Perhaps even more than I'll be counting to nine.

8 days and counting.

2009-06-17T01:25:00.002-04:00

EIGHT DAYS until Kirk and I depart Nashville for D.C.

TEN DAYS until Kirk and I depart D.C. for Ethiopia.

TWELVE DAYS until Kirk and I pick up our kids in Addis Ababa.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone want a Wii?

2009-06-11T14:27:00.002-04:00

Wanna help an orphan or two AND win a Nintendo Wii for only $25???

Go to our friends' adoption blog and check it out:
http://ethiopiascalling.blogspot.com/2009/06/you-could-have-brand-new-nintendo-wii.html

And spread the word!!!

UPDATE!!!

2009-06-08T22:40:00.000-04:00

Within 9 hours, 16 donors gave a total of exactly $1500. In 9 hours, God took care of our new flight expenses. AMAZING. To the Sweet Sixteen of you who gave...We are so grateful for you. We are renewed and resolved.

To God be all the glory.

Here we are again...

2009-06-08T13:15:00.002-04:00

asking for your help.

Because of the change in our embassy date, we must repurchase airline tickets. Unfortunately, they are now at a higher rate and include a change fee for each of our 5 tickets.

That means that we must immediately raise nearly $1,500 to be able to purchase these tickets.

We humbly ask for help again to make this possible. We are SO CLOSE to our kids coming home. This is a relatively small hang-up in light of the bigger picture, but a financial need nonetheless.

If you can help with even a penny, we will forever be grateful. You can click on the donate button to the left to help out!!!

God bless you in every way,
heidi & kirk

PS- We are still selling our orange "My life is not my own." bracelets. 1 for $3, 2 for $5. Let us know with your payment if you would like bracelets.

I wish I could tell you...

2009-06-05T21:13:00.009-04:00

that the sacrificial life of following after Jesus and being His actual hands and feet on this Planet Earth would bring rewards on this planet. But I can't. Because it probably won't.

I wish I could tell you that if you take in an orphan and love that child as your own flesh and blood, that you will be blessed in this life in more ways than just spiritual. But I can't. Because you might not be.

I wish I could tell you that it's easy to adopt. That it's effortless and glamorous and always beautiful. But I can't. Because it isn't.

I wish I could tell you that it's easy after you adopt. But I can't. Because it's tougher than tough some days.

I wish I could tell you that this life of sacrifice is painless and prosperous. But I can't. Because it's often painful and rarely prosperous in the earthly.

I wish I could tell you all of those warm and comforting platitudes, but I can't. Because they're not true.

What I CAN tell you, though, is that this life is not your own. So none of the above matter anyway.

When I stepped off of the cliff in full recognition of that reality, I have had no control over my life since. Yes, I have choices. I realize that I chose this road. I said yes to this calling. I agreed to take in 6 kids that I did not have to call my own. But once I said yes the first time, I could never say no after. Once I took Jesus seriously, Jesus took me seriously. I was wrecked for Him and for this life and could never tell Him no. Never again. If I say no to a child who needs me, I'm saying no to the Child Jesus. If I say no to an abandoned baby who needs me, I'm saying no to Baby Jesus. If I say no to a sibling group who needs a family, I'm saying no to Jesus and his brothers and sisters. Think I'm exaggerating?

Matthew 25:44-46 (The Message)

⁴⁴"Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?'

⁴⁵"He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.'

⁴⁶"Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward."

I mean, it doesn't get more blatant than that. But alas there it is for us so-called Jesus followers.

And, here's a little warning: Once you utter that initial walking-off-the-cliff YES to Him, it doesn't get any easier. In fact, it gets more painful and far more difficult. Saying YES the first time was the easy part for us, even though that certainly was not easy. Because--the fact is--every single day I see the reality of my choice to say YES to Jesus in need. I see the white picket fences, the new cars, the private schools, the suburban "dream," the picture perfect families. I see that. I know what I'm saying no to. I am fully aware that I had a choice to embrace "that" life, but that I chose to embrace His instead.

It's often painful. Usually not easy. Typically lonely. Generally overwhelming. But I know that this life is not my own. The reward for me is most likely not on this planet. In fact, it most certainly isn't. Most probably I will never live in a fat house (by American standards) and drive a fancy car and have any spare cash to sit on. I realize that. I know that. And I also know that I could have sought those things for myself and could have had them. I absolutely know that that life is within my reach. Every time I encounter someone who has embraced fulfillment in the temporary, I am reminded like a big banner (or a slap in the face) that I chose this road instead. And every time I am reminded, I hear God asking me (practically audibly sometimes), "So, you still want to follow the narrow road?" [YES, Lord. Here am I. Send me.]

Loving the fatherless. Loving the abandoned. Loving the seemingly hopeless. The narrow road requires sacrifice.The narrow road. It's lonely. It's long. It's difficult. It's full of suffering and struggle and sacrifice. But isn't that what following our Jesus is all about? If you're following a Jesus that doesn't demand sacrifice of all earthly endeavors, than I don't know what Jesus you're following. Didn't Jesus, after all, sacrifice all earthly endeavors for us? What did He sacrifice so that He could love YOU? How much more, then, should we sacrifice in order to love Him? And if loving HIM means loving the unlovely and the unloved, then what does it mean if we live in comfort while the unloved go on unloved? While the orphaned stay orphaned? While the street kids still roam the streets?

I don't know how we can really claim to love Jesus if we don't love Jesus the Street Child. If we don't love Jesus the Orphan. Jesus the Prostitute. Jesus the Abandoned.

But what does it mean to LOVE Jesus the Orphan? What does it mean to love Jesus the Abandoned? It means that you do for Jesus the Orphan what you would want done to your own child.

Matthew 7:12 (New International Version)

¹²So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

In a world that seems so complicated and chaotic, it really is as simple as that. It's what led me to see my own children in the faces of Ethiopia's orphans in the first place. It's what led me to say yes to children who simply needed a family. Who needed me. Who needed someone to see Jesus the Orphan in them.

Matthew 16:23-25 (The Message)

²³But Jesus didn't swerve. "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works."

^24-26Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Matthew 16:23-25 (New International Version)

²³Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

²⁴Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Where is your cross? What is your suffering? Go seek out Jesus the Orphan. You'll find your cross and suffering there. And there you will finally find Jesus. The One you did not see before and the One you did not know to love.

And then and only then, Great Will Be Your Reward. I can't count on much, but I can count on that.

Luke 6:34-36 (New International Version)

³⁴And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. ³⁵But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons and daughters of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. ³⁶Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:34-36 (The Message)

^31-34"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

^35-36"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

I know my family is not the so-called American Dream. I know that having 9 kids is certainly not the goal for most sane and ordinary people. I know that having a multi-racial family can really mar some people's plans for a supposedly picture-perfect family. But so what? This life is not your own. Don't live a lie believing that it is. Whose plans are those, anyway, for the picture-perfect home? the picture-perfect family? the American dream? I don't remember Jesus standing on the mountainside preaching in favor of any of those, so whatever you do, make sure your plans aren't just that...YOUR plans.

My life is not my own. And if you claim to follow Jesus, your life is not yours, either.

Galatians 2:20 (New International Version)

²⁰I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Go. Leave behind the life you planned. SEEK OUT the orphan. Don't ask God one more time if He wants you to adopt. Because...HE'S been asking YOU, who WILL?

1 John 3:17 (The Message)

^16-17This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.

Not the way to start your day.

2009-06-05T12:50:00.003-04:00

I got a phone call this morning from our caseworker saying that she is sorry and is about to ruin our day. Not what you want to hear on a beautiful Friday morning, six days before you are due to fly across the world to pick up your kids.

Our embassy date just got changed to June 30th, two weeks later than we originally had. Paperwork delays, birth certificate delays, passport delays, etc. have caused this. (This affects other families, too; not just ours.)

We are in shock and very disappointed and really upset (duh). We were so looking forward to meeting our kids in just a few days. Now we must wait a bit longer, and so must our new sweeties waiting for us in Ethiopia.

Please pray that all of the details fall into place as they should and that the time will pass quickly. We were supposed to leave in 6 days. Now we will leave in 20. Dang it. That just bites.

Trusting God. Don't understand it. Appreciate your prayers.

Everyone meet DreamCloud

2009-06-03T23:37:00.002-04:00

We finally found the van of our dreams (?). After months of searching, we now have a fancy, 15-passenger van.

Meet DreamCloud:
I know you're jealous...

HA.

If you are adopting or know someone who is or will...

2009-05-31T00:49:00.004-04:00

Please click HERE and find out how you can raise support for your adoption or someone else's AND help Ethiopia!

Our amazing friends, Rob and Emily Webb, have started One Love Coffees. Go there and find out more!!!

www.onelovecoffees.com

Three by three by three...

2009-05-19T10:19:00.002-04:00

Many of you have already heard, but for those who haven't...

A film production company (Fourth Watch Productions) is currently "following" our family and creating a documentary on our family's adoption journey.

If you would like to see a 3-minute trailer of the documentary, go to www.fourthwatch.net. They will be accompanying us to Ethiopia as we pick up our three newest kiddos and will wrap up filming early fall.

We are thrilled about this opportunity to highlight adoption and spread the message to thousands.

We'll keep you posted.

Holy Injera!!!

2009-05-15T22:19:00.003-04:00

UPDATE!!!

We were told we would not hear of an embassy date until about two weeks after passing our court date. AND that that embassy date might not be for another 6 weeks after that. So, we've been enjoying the amazing news from Monday (see post below) and patiently busying ourselves with other things (which is not hard to do when you have 6 kids).

Late this afternoon, we got an email with the subject line "Embassy Date." Apparently things are moving much faster than we had thought! Our embassy date in Ethiopia is June 16th!!! This means we will be leaving in FOUR WEEKS (!) to pick up our kids!!! Holy Injera!!!

Here's just a sampling of my To Do list before we can leave:

pick up travel meds
get clothes and shoes for our new kids
buy airline tickets
reserve a place to stay in Ethiopia
buy a 15-passenger van (kind of a priority, but not panicking...yet)
collect donations for the orphanage
find matching t-shirts for our family
buy a van
clean up the house
figure out the kids' schedule while we leave the six with my brave parents for one week
buy a van
repeat to ourselves: "We are insane, but we can do this. We are insane, but we can do this. We are insane, but we can do this."
realize that our family car will be totally uncool to the world, but exactly what we want. :)
buy a van

Your prayers are much appreciated!!! Obviously.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!! Heidi and Kirk plus NINE!

2009-05-11T10:58:00.005-04:00

WE PASSED COURT!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU just doesn't say enough to all of you who prayed on our kids' behalves. God is GOOD and MIGHTY!!! If you don't believe in a GOOD and MIGHTY God, well, then you haven't heard our story!

And now...We PROUDLY present, our new family...
(Be sure to have your sound turned on.)

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Mother's Day Message

2009-05-10T09:42:00.004-04:00

Check out The Williamson A.M. section of The Tennessean today:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905100335
[In fairness to our oldest biological son, Brandon, it was BRANDON (and not Justice) whom I took on the mission trip in 2007. Brandon and Bereket bonded over a soccer ball and became "brothers" long before they ever were. Brandon---You are an amazing kid and your love for the orphans in our world changed the course of all of our lives.]

And, 100% coincidentally, all three families featured go to the same church.

Pretty amazing to see this wave of adoption spreading across our county, state, and country. Don't miss out!

In other news...

Tonight while we sleep, a judge in Ethiopia is supposed to be hearing our adoption case, so that--when we wake up tomorrow--we might or might not already be the parents to nine. We should find out sometime tomorrow. We have been warned of likely delays this week in court (since the presiding judge was out of session last week and the Ministry of Women's Affairs who writes the recommendation letters for the court cases was in training all week). So, there is now a backlog of cases for this week. Whether or not that will affect our case tomorrow remains to be seen.

Please be praying!!! We are ready to go get our kids!!!

Thanks for being part of our journey. If this if you're first visit here, feel free to "go back in time" on our blog and read our story from the beginning...It all started in February 2007.

Blessings...and a very Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms and moms-to-be out there,
the Weimer Bunch

Is it okay to cry in study hall?

2009-05-04T13:22:00.004-04:00

I'm sitting here in my study hall class and about to just let it go and CRY. TEARS of JOY.

For those who have adopted, you know how daunting the fundraising aspect of it all can be. In fact, so much of the adoption journey IS fundraising, that you sometimes can get lost in it all and forget---or just not have enough time---that you are actually about to expand your family.

Well, thanks to the incredible work God has done through all of you, we have now raised $35,000 for this adoption. I mean, really. In half the amount of time that I will make that much money working my tail off as a teacher, God provided for this adoption.

And now, we can finally rest, turn our eyes off of the fundraising, and watch as God joins our three new kids to our family very soon.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

May you all be richly rewarded and blessed beyond measure,
the weimers

2 Corinthians 9:8-11 (The Message)

"God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God."

2 Corinthians 9:11

"Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

WOW!!!!! Almost there!

2009-05-04T12:35:00.005-04:00

As of right now (11:36 AM Monday), we only need $70 left to fulfill our total need of $35,000.

YAY!!!

Anything donated beyond that will be used for clothing and shoes for the new kids and other miscellaneous travel needs, such as shots, fees, etc.

Thank you to everyone!!!

AND, only one week until our court date. Please be praying with us for this!!! THANK YOU!!!

Sunday Update: 1:00 PM

2009-05-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

Only $395 more needed to reach a grand total of $35,000!!!

WOW!!! This is FUN!

Update!!! 11:15 PM

2009-05-02T23:15:00.000-04:00

Only $425 left to go!!! WOW!!!!

Rage...Justified

2009-05-02T20:54:00.001-04:00

"What, therefore, is our task today? Should I answer "Faith, hope and love?" That sounds beautiful. But I would say - courage. No, even that is not challenging enough to be the whole truth. Our task today is recklessness. For what we Christians lack is not psychology or literature... we lack a holy rage - the recklessness which comes from the knowlege of God and humanity. The ability to rage when justice lies prostrate on the streets, and when the lie rages across the face of the earth... a holy anger about the things that are worng in the world. To rage against the ravaging of God's earth and and the desruction of God's people. To rage when little children must die of hunger, while the tables of the rich are sagging with food. To rage at the senseless killing of so many, and the madness of militaries. To rage against the lie that calls the threat of death and the strategy of destruction peace. To rage against COMPLACENCY. To restlessly seek that recklessness that will challenge and seek to change human history until it conforms to the norms of the kingdom of God."

-Father Kaj Munk, 1944

That last line...My aim in life.

Update: Only $575 left to go!

2009-05-02T20:26:00.000-04:00

Let's do this, God! We're nearly there!!!

What a difference a day makes...

2009-05-02T18:44:00.003-04:00

UPDATE: We now need only $700 to get us to Ethiopia and back! What a difference less than a day makes! Just this morning, we received word that another $1300 is headed our way.

Thank you, friends and family, for your generosity and sensitivity to God's promptings.

We will update again (very soon, I'm sure) when the last penny comes in.

Blessings to everyone and much, much gratitude,
heidi

10 days!

2009-05-01T17:40:00.002-04:00

Only 10 days until our court date.

If you are reading this, then we are asking you to stop right now to pray for the court hearing that will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while we sleep Sunday night, May 10th (Mother's Day night!).

The region our children are from has been experiencing delays with court hearings lately, so we are asking God to move our papers and case along successfully on the first try!

After our successful court date, we will travel about a month later (so mid-June).

Only $2,000 more needed now for travel! God provided nearly $2,000 in just a few days!!! Wow!!!

Thanks for checking in...We'll keep you posted!!!

FOURTEEN DAYS...

2009-04-26T23:31:00.004-04:00

14!!!
That's right. Only fourteen days until our court date!!! If When we are successful on the first try, we will travel to Ethiopia to pick up our three new kids about a month later.

This means that we will be buying plane tickets in about 3 weeks! And, in those three weeks we need to raise the final THREE GRAND.

That's right. Out of $35,000 for the entire adoption, from application to airfare back home, God has provided all but the last three thousand. WOW. That means that, in less than two years' time, God has provided $70,000 to bring our 6 Ethiopian kids home to us. Holy Wow.

Will you join us in praying for:

a successful court day on May 11th, the day after Mother's Day (appropriate, I think)
the final $3,000 to come in so that we can buy our tickets when we are given the green light in just a few weeks
provision for a 12-passenger van for us (We are looking and waiting in faith-filled expectation for God's provision here. Gotta have wheels for all 11 of us to fit in!)

Thanks so much for being part of our journey over the past two years. We are humbled and in awe by what God has done to rescue those who need families.

Would you prayerfully consider joining us on the final stretch to raise the final three grand?

Thanks and many, many, many blessings to you and yours,
the Weimer Gazillion

The Home Stretch

2009-04-18T23:10:00.001-04:00

After our amazing (and EXHAUSTING) 3-day yard sale last weekend, we are $4,000 closer to traveling to get our kids in June! That yard sale made a 50% dent in our remaining expenses!

Now, we lack only about $4,000 or so in travel fees and expenses.

If you desire to be a part of sending us to Ethiopia and back, please consider donating to this journey. You can click on the Donate button to the left.

Also, read the post below and see how you can get an awesome wristband and spread the word even more.

We're on the Home Stretch now. And God is up to something amazing!

Much love and many blessings,
heidi (and the rest of the fam)

PS- If you prefer to mail a check, email us at heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com. THANK YOU BEYOND WORDS!

The Amazing Bracelet Backstory

2009-03-31T13:05:00.003-04:00

God is amazing (well, duh) and the backstory to how God is providing travel funds through our bracelets is part of his amazingness. (Yes, that is a word. Now.)

Several months ago, Kirk and I wanted to order orange (my absolute favorite color) bracelets that say "My life is not my own." However, in the middle of trying to raise $35,000 for this adoption and raising 6 kids at the same time, we never had an extra $300 up front to be able to order the bracelets.

Cue in: some of my awesome students at Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tennessee, where I teach Anatomy & Physiology. Three of my students are in an indy band and were selling T-shirts to promote their upcoming concert in Nashville. I ordered a shirt from them; but, they refused to take my payment, knowing we are trying to raise funds for our adoption. Nice guys. But it gets even better...

Several days later, the students in the band came into my classroom in the middle of another class and handed me an envelope. Inside: $320 that they had raised from their T-shirt sales. They had chosen on their own to donate that money to my family for our adoption, knowing that we still need about $9,000 in travel funds and that they could make a small dent in it. Really nice guys. But it gets even better...

The COOLEST part of this story is this: Their sacrifice of $320 isn't just $320 for us. It is being multiplied tenfold. You see, because of their gift to us, we were able to (finally!) order the bracelets. Those bracelets will bring in at least $3,000 for our travel funds. Fish and loaves, people. Fish and loaves.

God is amazing. Told you. And so are my students...

[Want some bracelets? See the blog post below to getchya some!]

My life is not my own. [Bracelets]

2009-03-27T21:35:00.002-04:00

To help with our travel costs, we are selling orange bracelets (same quality as the yellow LiveStrong ones).

Our bracelets declare "My life is not my own." This is the mantra that God gave us when we decided to adopt three kids the first time around!

Bracelets are 1 for $3 or 2 for $5. (3 for $8, 4 for $10, etc.) Free shipping to you!

Let us know how many you want! We still have about $8,500 to raise for our June travel!

Perfect for individuals OR youth groups, churches, small group classes, etc.

Thanks for being part of our incredible journey!!!

COURT DATE!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-18T12:25:00.001-05:00

Well, we FINALLY have a court date!!!! MAY 11th!!!

This is what we were estimating, so this is excellent news to us today! If we pass court on the first try, we will travel to pick up our kids about one month later. So, that would put us at an estimated travel timeframe of mid-June.

We are so very excited about this and cannot WAIT!

If you feel so led, would you consider joining us for weekly fasting and prayer on Wednesdays from now until our successful court date? We are expecting miracles on our kids' behalf.

Psalm 97:4-6 (The Message)

His lightnings light up the world;
Earth, wide-eyed, trembles in fear.

The mountains take one look at God
And melt, melt like wax before earth's Lord.

The heavens announce that he'll set everything right,
And everyone will see it happen—glorious!

Melting Like Wax

2009-02-04T21:53:00.004-05:00

During our last adoption process, we learned to not just pray and beg for miracles. Instead, we learned to just expect them. And we got them. Step after step after step during 2007, God moved mountains for us to get our kids. Seriously. The list of obstacles to us bringing our kids home last time was enormous to us. Of course, it's just an anthill to God.

This time, we have decided to once again expect the miracles of God to pave the clear path for us to bring our kids home. Here's where we stand right now: Our dossier is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is being translated. Within a week or two, we will hear of our assigned court date. We are hoping for a late April/early May court date. After a successful court date, we would travel just a few weeks later.

Obstacles, however, abound. The wait times for court dates right now are getting longer and longer and longer. On top of that, only about 50% of cases are passing court on the first try. If your case doesn't pass the first time, it gets postponed, usually for about a month later. That would push us back into summertime for traveling. For many families, that would be ideal. But, as a school teacher, I want to have as MUCH of the summer as possible to spend at home with our new kids. So, we are expecting and believing for and waiting for a successful court date on the first try. If you pray for NOTHING ELSE during our adoption process, PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS!!!

I had a vision the other night of a huge angel standing guard over our paperwork stack in an office in Ethiopia. We are believing for that. We are expecting that angel to move our papers to the right person's desk; to protect them from missplacement; to expedite them to the right powers-at-be.

Of course, we fully trust God and His timing and know without any doubt that He is in FULL control. When it comes down to it, though, there are three amazing children at an orphanage in Ethiopia waiting for their family to come for them. And they've been waiting for awhile. And we want them here in our house-of-fun!

Meanwhile, we continue to pray and believe and trust God for the rest of the $8,800 in travel expenses that we are raising.

Do it, God!!! We are praying for miracles. Scratch that...We are BELIEVING for miracles.

Psalm 97:5
"The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth."

Today I heart Homeland Security...

2009-01-26T18:14:00.003-05:00

...because they decided they we are worthy of housing three more immigrants in our home. Or something like that.

For those familiar with international adoption, you know that nothing can proceed without that entirely sacred document from Citizen and Immigration Services (CIS) of Homeland Security that grants our family the offical seal of approval to bring foreign orphans into our all-too-blessed nation as permanent residents and future citizens.

As I type, our dossier is in limbo somewhere between the Atlantic Ocean and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Tomorrow, after I fax our I-171H approval letter to our agency, our "case" in Ethiopia will have the green light to move forward in requesting a court date. We anticipate, at this point, that court date occurring sometime in early-mid April. After a successful court date, we will travel about 4-5 weeks later.

WE. ARE. STOKED.

Please be praying for God's timing to continue to cover this entire process, as it has from Day One last July 25th when we first signed papers on our next sibling set form Ethiopia.

Please pray for a swift assignment of a court date.

Please pray for a successful court date on the first go-round!

Please pray for our children in Ethiopia to continue to grow in all ways...physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.

Many blessings,
the weimers

If you have not love...

2009-01-25T00:29:00.001-05:00

Praying it Across the Atlantic

2009-01-23T11:32:00.002-05:00

Our dossier has officially shipped out today from our agency's headquarters here in the States. This means that our paperwork will spend the weekend somewhere in the air over the Atlantic Ocean.

Please pray with us this weekend for our dossier to make it safely to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, so that the paperwork process in Ethiopia can begin as soon as it arrives there.

Also, we are still waiting for our I-171H approval from Immigration here in the States, so please pray that it will arrive soon! It is already past due. Once we have this piece of paper, we will be in line for a court date in Ethiopia.

Thanks for being part of our journey! We can't WAIT for our new kids to be home with us!

(For those who have forgotten whom we are adopting, here is a refresher: girl, age 12; boy, age 4, and boy, age 2. Bring on #7, #8, and #9!)

We made it!!!

2009-01-09T12:21:00.003-05:00

This has been such a fabulous week in the adoption arena for us.

First of all, the week was kicked off on Sunday by the first ever Orphan Sunday at our church. I am hopeful that the handful of those in our church body who have adopted will grow to a crowd of families who bring home orphans.

Secondly, on Tuesday, January 6th, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of our kids being home in America. I'll blog about that next and post lots of photos. "Befores" and "Afters."

And third, we found out yesterday that an adoption assistance grant from Shaohannah's Hope is going to cover the rest of our needed adoption fees!!! We are stoked and grateful and so very thrilled by the news.

This means that we only need about $9,000 or so still for travel expenses, including airfare, hotel, visa fees, embassy fees, etc.

Finally, in March we will be having a final ENORMOUS adoption fundraiser yard sale to help make a dent in that 9 Grand. If you live in the Nashville area, let us know if you have any "junk" that you would like to donate for the cause. You can email us at heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com.

And of course, you can still use the donate button on the left to donate to our adoption fund. You can also make tax-deductible donations on our behalf directly to our agency (CWA), who will reimburse us with those funds for any travel expenses we require.

To do so, follow these instructions:

To send a check, make it payable to CWF and put Kirk and Heidi Weimer in the memo line. Mail checks to:

CWF (christian world fund)
Attn: Pat Mendock
777 South Allen Road
Flat Rock, NC 28731

OR

To give an instant, secure donation online, go to the Christian World Foundation website. IMPORTANT: Select CWA/CWF General Fund. Then click next to CWA Family and fill in Kirk and Heidi Weimer. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR GIFT WILL GO DIRECTLY INTO AN ACCOUNT SPECIFICALLY FOR OUR ADOPTION EXPENSES.

Thanks to everyone for all of your love, prayers, and encouragement. We are so ready to bring home our kids!!!

Blessings,
heidi

Congratulations are due...

2009-01-06T21:42:00.003-05:00

to the winner of the XBOX 360 raffle!

Congratulations!!! And again, many, many, MANY thanks to all who have joined in to support this effort.

We are so very grateful!

LAST CHANCE!!!

2009-01-04T22:32:00.001-05:00

This is your last chance to get a brand new XBox 360 for only $25!!! Scroll down to the post below to learn more about WeimeRaffle #3!!!

Ends TUESDAY at noon CST.

Don't miss out!!!

This could be your first good deed of the new year! And you could get a toy in return! You can't beat that!!!

How can you not?

2008-12-30T13:49:00.006-05:00

We are often asked WHY? Why would we adopt THREE kids, moreless SIX kids? Why would we do this? Why devote our lives to this "cause" (if you can truly even call it that).

Here's why:

Because we believe that this life is not our own.

Because we believe that in the end, it won't matter what career ladders we climbed or financial investments we made or what gadgets we could afford. It will matter that six lives were saved.

Because we have seen hopelessness firsthand in Ethiopia and elsewhere, but believe in all hope that each child is a child of God.

Because we believe that the orphaned street child who plays street soccer on the rough pavement of the streets of Addis Ababa is no less valuable to the Creator than the polished child on a suburban soccer team here in America.

Because we see nothing more worthy of our focus, time, resources, and lives.

Because injustice is a wrong worth righting.

Because the poor child is still a child.

Because we know that, while adoption is not the solution in and of itself to the orphan crisis 143 million times over, we have seen with our own lives how it rescues the lives of those who can be adopted.

Because we believe that Jesus died for redemption, not just for eternity, but for our lives on this planet and we believe we can be vessels of that redemption for children's lives here.

Because we know that, if it were our own flesh and blood, we would want someone to love them and call them family, too.

Because, really, these kids are no different from your own. Not at all.

Because it's just not okay with us to say no to a child who needs a home when we have one.

Because it's just not okay with us to say no to a child who needs a family when we have one.

Because it's just not okay with us to say no to a child who needs room to thrive when we have room and can make room.

Because it's just not okay with us to do nothing.

Because it won't be okay with them if we do nothing.

Because it's just not going to be okay to do nothing.

"Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help. If you say, "Hey, that's none of my business," [i.e. "that's not for me"] will that get you off the hook? Someone is watching you closely, you know— Someone not impressed with weak excuses." -Proverbs 24:12 (The Message)

"Once our eyes are opened we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12

50 x $100!!!

2008-12-28T00:04:00.004-05:00

Update: After a very generous donation for our adoption, we now only need five grand to get our paperwork to Ethiopia! That's only 50 people giving $100 each. Or, 100 people giving $50 each. Either way, we see the end in sight!

Thanks SO much to everyone who has joined in the journey so far...

Blessings,
the weimers

Remember the Raffle

2008-12-20T16:47:00.001-05:00

Don't forget WeimeRaffle #3! See post below...

Safe in D.C.!

2008-12-20T16:45:00.004-05:00

Our dossier arrived safely in D.C. just minutes ago. On Monday it will be authenticated by the Secretary of State and the Ethiopian Embassy.

Pray that all goes smoothly and quickly.

From there, our dossier will travel to our agency in North Carolina, where it will wait until we have the remaining $8,000 needed.

Bring it, Lord! Our kids are waiting!

Dossier Approved!

2008-12-18T22:42:00.002-05:00

Our dossier has been approved and will leave our hands in the next day or so to travel on its merry way to D.C., our agency in North Carolina, and then (when we find $8,200) on to ETHIOPIA!!!

Please pray for that final provision of the EIGHT GRAND!

And remember our raffle! (See post below!)

WeimeRaffle #3 Kick-Off!...XBOX 360 headed your way!

2008-12-16T23:45:00.004-05:00

Here we are again! We are now officially kicking off WeimeRaffle #3!

[100% of the money donated for the WeimeRaffle will go directly into our adoption account to help make a dent in the remaining $8,400 needed for us to be able to submit our paperwork to bring home our next sibling group of three from Ethiopia. (Read our blog from the beginning of time if you are new here and want to know why in the world we are doing this. Or, just start from July of this year if you want the latest scoop.)]

Here are the official details of WeimeRaffle #3:

TICKETS:
You will receive 1 Ticket for every $25 you donate. There is no limit to how many tickets you can have in the drawing. For every 25 dollars you donate, we will write your name on an actual ticket to be used in the drawing.

PRIZE:
The prize for the WeimeRaffle is a brand new XBOX 360 Pro Holiday Bundle. Retail Value of this item: $300.

Here's the detailed scoop and what's included:

Xbox 360 console
LEGO Indiana Jones Game
Kung Fu Panda Game
60GB detachable hard drive
Wireless controller
Xbox Live
headset
Standard AV cable
Ethernet cable
Detachable faceplate
Xbox Live Silver membership

Product Description: matte white finish with a wrls controller and headset, 60 GB HDD, ethernet cable, HDMI port, Xbox Live membership - silver Product DescriptionBring gaming to life in your living room with the Xbox Video Game System, the essential center-piece to any home entertainment set up. Beneath the cool, tough exterior is a system capable of powering the very best single and multiplayer gaming experiences available today. Designed to push gaming to the absolute limit, the Xbox console delivers incredible graphics and cinematic sound that will drop you and your friends deep into the heart of the action. The immense range of top-class games and online gaming with Xbox Live mean there will never be another dull moment.

TIME FRAME:
The WeimeRaffle begins on Tuesday, 12/16/08 and will end at exactly 5 PM CST on Tuesday, 1/6/09. Therefore, you have THREE WHOLE WEEKS to buy as many tickets as you would like.

HOW TO WIN:
Donate! We will hold a drawing of all of the Tickets and the winner will receive the prize. Simple as that. The winner will be drawn on the evening of Tuesday 1/6/09. We will post video online as proof.

PS- If you live outside of our immediate vicinity, we will ship the XBOX 360 to you. For free. No worries. From sea to shining sea, you can participate and we will not discriminate!

HOW TO BUY TICKETS:
Click on the DONATE button on the Help the Weimer Adoption thingie (on the upper left). (You might have to click twice.) You can pay via paypal or credit/debit card. Or, if you prefer, you can mail a check to us. (Contact us at heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com to get our address.) OR, if you see one of us in real life, you can hand us cashola in person.

Stay tuned...When WeimeRaffle #3 ends, we just might begin WeimeRaffle #4!

Fine print: This is a win-win for all parties. If your ticket is drawn, well, you just got yourself a brand new XBOX 360 for $25. Present for the husband? Gift for your kid? Something for yourself? It doesn't really matter, because no matter what the occasion, you just got a deal, my friend! If your ticket is NOT drawn, well, your $25 just helped to bring three kids home to a forever family. Either way, you win. :)

Fine fine print: Immediate family members of Heidi and Kirk are not eligible to participate in the drawing. You can, however, still donate. :)

WeimeRaffle #2 Wii Winner!

2008-12-16T17:34:00.003-05:00

Wii are proud to announce the winner of WeimeRaffle #2 for the brand new Nintendo Wii!

Watch the video below to see if Wii picked your name!

Congratulations!!!

Stay tuned for WeimeRaffle #3 for an XBOX 360!!!

10 more by noon Tuesday!

2008-12-15T21:45:00.003-05:00

We our hoping with all hope to sell at LEAST 10 raffle tickets by noon CST on Tuesday to end WeimeRaffle #2 with a bang!

That will bring us to $1000 for this raffle, which is always our goal.

Any more takers?

Winner will be drawn tomorow and announced late tomorrow night. (Kirk has rehearsal until very late, so the videotaped drawing won't take place until he comes home! Yes, it's fun being a single mom to 6 kids. Whew!)

Quick Update for Blog World:

2008-12-14T21:04:00.002-05:00

Less than 48 hours left to donate $25 and win a Nintendo Wii. Raffle ends at noon CST Tuesday.

Up next: WeimeRaffle #3 for a brand new XBox 360!

$100 x 100 update: It's now only $100 x 95! Woo hoo!

Only ninety-five one hundred dollar bills left to complete our adoption fees...

Only $100 x 100 to go...

2008-12-10T22:28:00.002-05:00

Well, we have officially completed our dossier ("paperwork" for those outside of adoption lingo). We have sent our preliminary copies to our agency (CWA), who must approve it before we can send it on to D.C. for final authentication. Once that is complete (hopefully within a week or so), our dossier will be ready to be sent to Ethiopia so that we can begin the court process there.

BUT, there is still one final piece of the equation missing. We still lack about $10,000+ before we can send in our dossier. That is where the $100 x 100 comes in to play. Basically, that just means that all that is between us and our kids is 100 one hundred dollar bills.

We are still believing in full faith that God is providing (as He has been). We have no doubt.

We are simply asking now for you to pray with us and for us as we await this final provision for our court process.

Many have told us that they would consider adopting except for the huge expense ($30,000+). Others often ask us how that figure did not deter us in the first place. I explain it like this... Instead of thinking of the figure as some scary, looming amount that must land out of the sky, I think of it as 30 units. Each unit is, of course, one thousand dollars, but $1,000 is not really that hard to raise. A good yard sale, an iPod raffle, a few generous donations, etc. and you're there. You get the picture.

So, over the past few weeks, we have gone from needing 19 1/2 "units" to now only needing 10. Much easier to handle psychologically when you think of it that way.

Join us as we pray for and work for and think for and wait for the remaining TEN UNITS. That's only 100 one hundred dollar bills. It can be done... Just wait.

[For those who have asked, yes, you may absolutely still donate directly---with a tax-deductible financial gift---to CWA on our behalf. See THIS post for info on how to do that.]

WeimeRaffle #2...Nintendo Wii comin' your way!

2008-11-28T12:16:00.007-05:00

WeimeRaffle #1 was such a success...and so much fun! Are you ready for #2?

Here's the lowdown on WeimeRaffle #2:

100% of the money donated for the WeimeRaffle will go directly into our adoption account to help make a dent in the remaining $12,500 needed for us to be able to submit our paperwork to bring home a sibling group of three from Ethiopia. (Read our blog from the beginning of time if you are new here and want to know why in the world we are doing this. Or, just start from July of this year if you want the latest scoop.)

Here are the official details of WeimeRaffle #2:

TICKETS:
You will receive 1 Ticket for every $25 you donate. There is no limit to how many tickets you can have in the drawing. For every 25 dollars you donate, we will write your name on an actual ticket to be used in the drawing.

PRIZE:
The prize for the WeimeRaffle is a brand new Nintendo Wii. Retail Value of this item: $300. (I know! For real! What a deal!)

Here's the detailed scoop and what's included:
Featuring a remarkable wireless controller and experience, the Nintendo Wii console invites players into game worlds and activities like never before. Whether they're young or old, expert gamers or beginners, Wii players will express themselves with intuitive motion control using the Wii Remote: a flick of the wrist to to swing a baseball bat or tennis racket, a backswing and follow-through to send a golf ball flying over a pristine fairway. Wii Sports, packaged with the Wii console, introduces players to those and many other experiences. Wii also taps into Nintendo's unrivaled legacy of great games with the Virtual Console. Connecting via wireless broadband to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Wii owners will be able to spend Virtual Console points to download selected classic games from NES, Super NES and N64 video game consoles. And through Wii Connect24, owners will be able to access even more content. Four-player compatibility as well as the ability to compete with other Wii players over broadband internet means that Wii offers a true social experience. The sleek Wii console, no larger than a stack of several DVD cases, includes Wii Sports, a sensor bar, an AV cable, an AC adapter, a Wii stand, a Wii Remote, and a Nunchuk controller for even more exciting game-control possibilities.

TIME FRAME:
The WeimeRaffle begins at 12 NOON CST Friday, 11/28/08 and will end at exactly 12 noon CST on Tuesday, 12/16/08. Thus, you have 18 days to buy as many tickets as you would like.

HOW TO WIN:
Donate! We will hold a drawing of all of the Tickets and the winner will receive the prize. Simple as that. The winner will be drawn on the evening of Tuesday 12/16/08. We will post video online as proof.

PS- If you live outside of our immediate vicinity, we will ship the Nintendo Wii to you. For free. No worries. From sea to shining sea, you can participate and we will not discriminate!

HOW TO BUY TICKETS:
Click on the DONATE button on the Help the Weimer Adoption thingie (on the upper left). (You might have to click twice.) You can pay via paypal or credit/debit card. Or, if you prefer, you can mail a check to us. (Contact us at heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com to get our address.) OR, if you see one of us in real life, you can hand us cashola in person.

Stay tuned...When WeimeRaffle #2 ends, we will immediately begin WeimeRaffle #3.

Fine print: This is a win-win for all parties. If your ticket is drawn, well, you just got yourself a brand new Nintendo Wii for $25. Present for the husband? Gift for your kid? Something for yourself? It doesn't really matter, because no matter what the occasion, you just got a deal, my friend! If your ticket is NOT drawn, well, your $25 just helped to bring three kids home to a forever family. Either way, you win. :)

Fine fine print: Immediate family members of Heidi and Kirk are not eligible to participate in the drawing. You can, however, still donate. :)

How can you miss someone...

2008-11-24T21:04:00.004-05:00

that you've never even met?

G, A, and B...

We love you and we're coming for you.

Hang in there.

Be strong.

Be joyful.

You have no idea what is coming your way!

The other 8 elevenths of your family are praying you home.

Bring 'em, Lord. We miss them as if we have always known them.

Drumroll, please...

2008-11-23T16:04:00.003-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS!!! And many, MANY thanks to all who donated and entered...Stay tuned for WeimeRaffle #2!

Challenge met! Next up...

2008-11-21T23:28:00.001-05:00

Next Challenge:

15 tickets by midnight Saturday night!

Who's in?

Don't miss out!!! Read the posts below...

Only 38 hours left!

$10 x 10

2008-11-19T22:00:00.000-05:00

Our challenge: 10 tickets in the next 12 hours.

That will bring us to 100 tickets, which is our goal.

See post below, and don't miss out!!!

Raffle ends at noon CST on Sunday, 11/23!

WeimeRaffle #1...KICK OFF!

2008-11-08T22:32:00.007-05:00

Okay, enough teasing about the $10 iPod.

Here's the lowdown on WeimeRaffle #1:

100% of the money donated for the WeimeRaffle will go directly into our adoption account to help make a dent in the remaining $14,270 needed for us to be able to submit our paperwork to bring home a sibling group of three from Ethiopia. (Read our blog from the beginning of time if you are new here and want to know why in the world we are doing this. Or, just start from July of this year if you want the latest scoop.)

Here are the official details of the WeimeRaffle:

TICKETS:
You will receive 1 Ticket for every $10 you donate. There is no limit to how many tickets you can have in the drawing. For every ten dollars you donate, we will write your name on an actual ticket to be used in the drawing.

PRIZE:
The prize for the WeimeRaffle is a brand new 8 GB iPod Nano (4th generation-style, still in the box with earphones and USB cable included). Retail Value of this item: $150. (I know! For real! What a deal!)

TIME FRAME:

The WeimeRaffle begins at 12 AM midnight CST 11/9/08 and will end at exactly 12 noon CST on Sunday, 11/23/08. Thus, you have TWO weeks to buy as many tickets as you would like.

HOW TO WIN:

Donate! We will hold a drawing of all of the Tickets and the winner will receive the prize. Simple as that. The winner will be drawn on the afternoon of Sunday, 11/23/08. We will post video online as proof.

PS- If you live outside of our immediate vicinity, we will ship the iPod to you. For free. No worries. From sea to shining sea, you can participate and we will not discriminate!

HOW TO BUY TICKETS:
Click on the DONATE button on the Help the Weimer Adoption thingie (on the upper left). (You might have to click twice.) You can pay via paypal or credit/debit card. Or, if you prefer, you can mail a check to us. (Contact us at heidiandkirk@blessingsfromethiopia.com to get our address.) OR, if you see one of us in real life, you can hand us cashola in person.

Stay tuned...When WeimeRaffle #1 ends, we will immediately begin WeimeRaffle #2 for an antique piano. No lie.

Fine print: This is a win-win for all parties. If your ticket is drawn, well, you just got yourself a brand new iPod for $10. Present for the husband? Gift for your kid? Something for yourself? It doesn't really matter, because no matter what the occasion, you just got a deal, my friend! If your ticket is NOT drawn, well, your $10 just helped to bring three kids home to a forever family. Either way, you'll hear music in your ears. :)

Fine fine print: Immediate family members of Heidi and Kirk and the Weimer Bunch are not eligible to participate in the drawing. You can, however, still donate. As you wish.

Want a Brand New iPod Nano for only $10? YEP, you read that right. TEN DOLLARS.

2008-11-08T18:30:00.004-05:00

Details coming super-duper-soon!!!

Stay tuned...and spread the word!

Update on Funds...

2008-11-06T10:46:00.002-05:00

Many of you have jumped on board to help bring our next three kids home to us from Ethiopia.

Many of you have asked for an update.

Here's where we stand today...

Just days ago, we needed $19,500 to be able to submit our paperwork.

TODAY we need only $15,700.

Now, that of course is still a LOT of money, but hey, it's a lot less than the nearly $20,000 we DID need! And, it means that God is moving. Period.

Fact is, this need is urgent, as we are passing the deadline that our agency has set to have all of our funds in. The need, at this point, is critical. Our adoption of our three is ON THE LINE...literally.

We are SO grateful for the many who have given substantial gifts. We are SO grateful for the ones who have given $25 or $50. Friends, these all add up and bring us dollar by dollar closer to being able to reach our goal and bring our kids home!!! They are literally waiting for us!!!

So, folks, keep praying! We're believing!!!

A piano for $25? An ipod for $10? Say WHAT?

2008-11-04T00:03:00.004-05:00

Stay tuned to find out how YOU can own an iPod Nano or antique piano or another hot item for only $25.

We're "borrowing" an idea from our friends (okay, so they gave us permission) and having an Raffle to raise money for our adoption.

Details coming VERY soon...Please check back soon.

URGENT NEED!

2008-10-28T11:19:00.003-05:00

Friends and bloggers-

THIS IS EXTREMELY URGENT!

We are finishing up our home study and dossier and getting geared up to send it to our agency and then off to Ethiopia. It has been three months since we accepted the referral for our next sibling set of three, and we are reaching the deadline to have everything turned in and ready.

BUT, we still need over $19,000 to be able to do this. Our three kids in Ethiopia can't wait much longer, so we are desperate to get the funds in ASAP. Not only will this mean that our three will have a family THAT MUCH SOONER, but it will also allow for three more children to move into the orphanage and begin their own journey to a family. Three lives are hanging in the balance here.

We are asking everyone who reads this to prayerfully consider giving to this adoption journey. Your gift of even $25 goes a long way in the end. Or perhaps you might be able to give more. Or maybe you own a business that could make a substantial tax-deductible donation. You can also email your friends and family and refer them to our blog site. Or, simply cut and paste the text of the email and send it out to everyone you know.

We are trusting God to provide, but He does it through people, so we earnestly need the village to come together for this one...one more time!

If you feel led to be part of this journey, either again or for the first time ever, we (and all of our children) would be eternally grateful. We know that in this crazy economic era, giving is more difficult. Trust us, though, that this is an investment that will lend you eternal rewards.

If you feel led, you can donate in one of the following ways:

First, you can donate directly to us via the link on the left. It will take you directly to our paypal account where you can donate securely. Every penny will go straight to our adoption fund.

Or, you can donate directly to our agency and receive a tax-deductible receipt for your gift. To do so, follow these instructions:

To send a check, make it payable to CWF and put Kirk and Heidi Weimer in the memo line.

Mail checks to:
CWF (christian world fund)
Attn: Tracy Froidcoeur
777 South Allen Road
Flat Rock, NC 28731

OR

o give an instant, secure donation online, go to the Christian World Foundation website.

IMPORTANT: Select CWA/CWF General Fund. Then click next to CWA Family and fill in the information for us: Kirk and Heidi Weimer.

EVERY PENNY OF YOUR GIFT WILL GO DIRECTLY INTO AN ACCOUNT SPECIFICALLY FOR OUR ADOPTION EXPENSES.

Thanks so much to all of you who are coming alongside us in this miraculous endeavor. We are eternally grateful for every single cent that comes our way to bring these three precious ones home to their family. We are awaiting miraculous provision and praying for every penny of this process.

Many blessings to you forever,
the weimers

Making progress!

2008-10-17T23:06:00.002-04:00

After an incredible person donated a ton of furniture and other items to us to sell for our adoption fundraising, we decided to have an impromptu Adoption Fundraiser Yard Sale. While I swore to myself that I'd never do one again (we had two last year; both were major undertakings; we brought in a total of $8K between the two of them), this was well worth it.

Not only did we clear out almost everything we were selling in one day, but we brought in over $630 and still have an antique piano to sell! All done on one Friday!

Now our home study is paid for and we can finish raising the funds for our adoption fees.

I love God's provision! I love how a community comes together to help one another! I love how people have the capability of being generous if only given the opportunity to do so.

We are stoked and we can't WAIT to get G, A, and B home to us.

Bring it, Lord!

FINALLY!

2008-10-08T18:26:00.003-04:00

Well, God provided moolah for us and we have FINALLY shipped off our I-600A application to Immigration. (Check back to THIS post if you don't know what that means.)

The story of how God provided for this $800 fee is pretty amazing, though I can't share it here.

Sometimes God provides in a windfall; most often He provides one step at a time, as we patiently wait and aren't afraid to "tarry."

He DOES provide. Read our blog from the very beginning if you don't believe me.

:)