(photo credit: The Boston Globe)
Chris and I have began our journey in adoption from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This journey really started toward the beginning of the year. While we felt called to adopt, we were unsure from where our family should pursue at first, as we believe every child without a family is tragic. While we continued looking further into the details/requirements of different areas and searching the desires of our heart we’ve been led to the DRC. Why the DRC? The need is so great: hundreds of thousands of children have been orphaned because of the civil war (the deadliest war since World War II, claiming an estimated 5 million lives, half of which are children under the age of 5), the Congo is the second highest country in the world where sexual violence to women occurs and the death rate of Congolese children ages 0-5 is one of the highest on the planet. Our hearts are set on a baby girl as we hope to prevent the terrible possibilities of what can happen there to even one of them.
We would definitely appreciate your thoughts and prayers in the coming months as we continue the pursuit. Financially, its quite a bit to raise in the next 8-12 months (approximately $30,000). We have gathered together some savings and are very thankful for the money we were able to make moving ourselves this year. I also set up a shop on Etsy and will be selling shirts specifically for raising support for our little girl. They are adorable hand dyed, linoleum carved, stamped t-shirts. I mentioned before, Chris and I are huge coffee fans; so we set up a shop with a wonderful company called Just Love Coffee to help out a bit. Our shop is opened here.
My friend Liz suggested doing a handmade basket giveaway & is donating a baby quilt. I love the idea… and will write more about that later. If anyone is interested in participating you can definitely email me: tinytwistcreative {at} yahoo {dot} com. Right now we are just taking one step at a time full of love and excitement!
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows … God sets the lonely in families.” Psalm 68: 5-6
![[ coffee shop ]](http://tinytwistcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSC_7330.jpg)
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Good luck with your journey. A friend adopted from overseas and it took years but it was worth it in the end, she has a wonderful little girl who is happy and healthy. The situation in DRC is just awful for women and girls, I truly hope you can save a child from the experience that many have gone through before.
Wow Erin. This is amazing. I wish you all the best of luck as you begin this journey. You and your husband must have the biggest hearts ever!
I love that you are doing this! I hope the process goes smoothly and quickly for you.
Not that you asked, but my two cents are that you should offer some of your wooden figurines for sale in your Etsy shop. I would buy them! (Like the Blueberries for Sal ones.)
Best of luck!
Oh thanks, I’ll definitely keep that in mind! And yes, we are open to any two cents people would like to offer.
Whoa! Erin, what a major decision! I can’t wait to read about this journey of yours as it unfolds. I have read a few books about the history of the Congo, and it is horrific. And the fact it still goes on today is just unbearable. You and Chris are amazing.
Oh, Erin… How I just cried!
We’ll most definitely be thinking of you and wish you much luck in your journey. What a wonderful home to bring a child into! xoxo
LOVE the “Norfolk Mermaid” one. Have you thought about trying to see if any of the baby boutiques in Norfolk would be interested in that? These shirts are great! Great job!
Congrats! What a wonderful decision! My husband and I are currently on the wait list to adopt from the DRC as well.
We are with One World Adoptions. YOu?
God Bless your journey!!
Kathleen
Thanks Kathleen & congrats to you all as well.
We are with Children of All Nations.
Oh, Erin…this is wonderful! I’m so excited for you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers. I can’t wait to read more about this journey to adoption that you have begun. I’m off to go check out your shops now!
Erin!! Congrats on starting this journey…I know you will feel the Lord’s hand sustaining you through it all:) Can’t wait to order me some onesies! Jen
Erin, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so excited for your family. Adoption is also something Jay and I feel called towards, although not for a few years from now. I am so excited for you all and would love love love to donate something, or quite a few somethings, to your basket. Much love and, again, congratulations!
Oh, Erin. I admire this decision so much. I know your family will be blessed for opening your heart like this.
I can’t wait until you can bring her home.
Wow, Erin! That is absolutely awesome! I can’t think of a better family for a sweet little girl.
erin,
that’s a great story and good news to hear! i will look forward to following your journey.
heidi
So excited for you Erin! I’ve been thinking so much about adoption as of late, and the tremendous need. We will be praying that the Lord brings the little girl of His choosing into your home!! Keep us updated…
Good for you, not everyone is called to such an important (and expensive) endeavor! Keep us posted and I will be sending good vibes your way and invest however I can to help you. Best of luck!
Congratulations to you and your family! What an exciting journey. The little girl you choose will be so blessed to be with you wonderful family.
I am just catching up after having been online. I am so happy for you and am off to check out your shop. What a lucky child this girl will be to have you as a mama. Do you know Ginny’s blog, Small Things? You two would get along.
http://www.gsheller.com/
Warmly, Nicola