While we patiently sit in this season of waiting for things to move in Haiti I just wanted to update you a little bit. We have been spending our days praying for movement like always but also completely trusting that God is in control of our future!
A very exciting future, but still one that is always developing, and taking crazy twists and turns.
While we wait though, we are still trying to prepare our house and lives for the changes that will take place in the future and that always seems like it brings it's own challenges.
The biggest challenge for us has been trusting God to take care of everything! I am generally a "doer" and if there is something that needs to be done I just figure out how. This situation doesn't allow for those opportunities so sitting back and allowing others to "do" things has become my norm! We have been blessed with amazing friends and family, and even strangers that have chosen to walk with us on this journey, and we have leaned heavily on them. Thank you to all of you for the prayers and support.
Since I haven't updated in a while I just wanted to let you know of a few things happening in our lives:
I know these all deal with finances, and I apologize ahead of time for that (feel free to stop reading now unless you want to find out when I make a fool out of myself dancing), but currently that is what takes up most of our time with the process! The sad truth is that adoption is not free and it takes a small army to get these kids home.
Currently
Matching Funds. An extremely generous, anonymous donor put up matching funds of $3,000 for our adoption expenses. We will be taking a trip to Haiti in May to visit the orphanage and get a feel for what we are really doing on this adventure, and our big payment is due before we leave! We are so close to matching those funds with the help of a bunch of you and we just say thank you!
Also, if you haven't gotten a "faith" bracelet yet and would like one please let us know! We just ordered another batch, which means right now there are over 250 people showing some "faith"!!!
4-18-13
Dancing with the Staff-
I(Jon) will be participating in this crazy event at our local high school. A group of about 40 teachers, matched with high school students will be involved in a dance contest similar to the TV show. We have practiced for two weeks and I am ready to unveil some pretty awful dance moves! Truly, I am a terrible dancer, all elbows and thumbs!
The really cool part of this is that the proceeds from a free will donation will be given to our Job Jar account that the boys set up. I am not sure who caught wind of this and made the decision but this community is truly remarkable and we couldn't ask for a better place to live!
5-9-11
Brandon Rummages
We will be having an Adoption Rummage sale! If you have any gently used items, big, small or whatever please consider dropping them off! All money from the rummage will be used to bring a beautiful child home! We will take anything you have to offer, and what does not sell will be donated to charity afterwards. We have a passion for the St. Francis House in Sioux Falls so anything they can use will be given to them also! If you have anything you want to get rid of please give us a shout and we can leave a door open or even come pick things up!
Again, thank you so much for all that you do for our family. This process has been amazing but also something that we never would have been able to do without all of you! God has a crazy sense of humor and you only have to look at our family to realize that! This is completely above our heads!
If you are just curious why, Check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U64bongHqYU
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Love to ALL!
We just wanted to take this opportunity to say a very heart felt thank you and let you know how much we Love each and every one of you!
The turnout for the Fundraiser that Anne put together was awesome!! A lot of people showed up and gave support emotionally, prayerfully and financially!
We are so blessed to have such incredible people in our lives!
We were able to add to the Job Jar and to date have passed out 150 Faith Bracelets!!! (More coming if you haven't gotten one yet)
How cool is God!
We aren't sure how to say Thank You enough so we just want to say we Love you ALL!!
Now for the winners of the drawings:
Skyforce Tickets--Baylor Folkens
Stampede Tickets--Amanda Viau
You are all a huge blessing in our lives and we thank you so much! Love to ALL!!
The turnout for the Fundraiser that Anne put together was awesome!! A lot of people showed up and gave support emotionally, prayerfully and financially!
We are so blessed to have such incredible people in our lives!
We were able to add to the Job Jar and to date have passed out 150 Faith Bracelets!!! (More coming if you haven't gotten one yet)
How cool is God!
We aren't sure how to say Thank You enough so we just want to say we Love you ALL!!
Now for the winners of the drawings:
Skyforce Tickets--Baylor Folkens
Stampede Tickets--Amanda Viau
Isaiah's Faith Painting--Rentschler Family
Isaiah even took three orders for more paintings! He is going to be a busy little artist.
Thanks again to the ladies that donated their products and services:
ViBella, Renae
Usborne Books, Kari
31 Bags, Angela
Scentsy, Gina
Advocare, Wendy
FrassyGirl, Heidi
(You can actually still order through the day today if you weren't able to attend, just contact us for details)
Also a huge thanks to those that helped with the bake sale by providing the amazing food, and those that helped with any aspect of the day!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Join us at Embrace!!
This Saturday Anne will be hosting an Adoption Fundraiser at our church, Embrace!
The details of the event are as follows:
Saturday, February 23
Open House 10:00-2:00
Where: EMBRACE Church
2800 E. 57th St.
Sioux Falls
Vendors:
Frassy Girl Clothing
ViBella Jewelry (jewelry made by Haitian women)
31 Bags
UsBorne Books
AdvoCare Nutrition Products
Scentsy
BAKE SALE!!!
We will also have a fresh new set of FAITH Bracelets for a donation!!
There will also be a chance to win some tickets to a future Skyforce game and Stampede game!
Finally you will have an opportunity at one more masterpiece from the amazing Isaiah!!
(not quite finished in this picture)
The details of the event are as follows:
Saturday, February 23
Open House 10:00-2:00
Where: EMBRACE Church
2800 E. 57th St.
Sioux Falls
Vendors:
Frassy Girl Clothing
ViBella Jewelry (jewelry made by Haitian women)
31 Bags
UsBorne Books
AdvoCare Nutrition Products
Scentsy
BAKE SALE!!!
We will also have a fresh new set of FAITH Bracelets for a donation!!
There will also be a chance to win some tickets to a future Skyforce game and Stampede game!
Finally you will have an opportunity at one more masterpiece from the amazing Isaiah!!
(not quite finished in this picture)
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Mikah and his Big Dream!
As you can probably guess, we are extremely proud of Isaiah and his painting that was sold last week. He was able to raise $57.50 for the Job Jar! He was so proud and excited. His art teacher even let him come in and show it to the class at school. What a nut!
But as brothers go Mikah decided he needed in on the excitement. His painting took a little longer and he used A LOT more paint on a smaller canvas but it turned out amazing for a four year old! I am so excited for him. He used a little bit of inspiration from Isaiah's painting but put his own twists on some of it! Notice his giant backwards signature at the bottom! It actually looks like it fits!
So here we go again.... Mikah wants to see himself on here and see how he can do now! Apparently we have some artists that also like a little sibling rivalry. Who would have thought?!?!
But as brothers go Mikah decided he needed in on the excitement. His painting took a little longer and he used A LOT more paint on a smaller canvas but it turned out amazing for a four year old! I am so excited for him. He used a little bit of inspiration from Isaiah's painting but put his own twists on some of it! Notice his giant backwards signature at the bottom! It actually looks like it fits!
So here we go again.... Mikah wants to see himself on here and see how he can do now! Apparently we have some artists that also like a little sibling rivalry. Who would have thought?!?!
Here is Mikah's masterpiece.....
Again, we will do the auctionish type thing!! I will post on Facebook and keep you updated there as well as the comments here. Or feel free to email me at Jon.peters@k12.sd.us
I am only going to have this last until Thursday at 8:00pm. One day and it's yours! Note: It is not the big size of Isaiahs painting, I think we would have run out of paint! It is about 8x11 but done with Love and Precision!! We will also throw in one of our FAITH bracelets to the winner!
Happy Bidding!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Isaiah and his big Dream!
For quite some time we have known that we had an artist on our hands. Isaiah is constantly doodling or drawing something on almost everything! He loves to create things and has a super imagination.
One of his artistic passions recently has been painting, and drawing, crosses. He drew a picture last summer that was pretty amazing when compared to my abilities, and then at his cousin Ella's birthday party he replicated it on a canvas painting!
While talking last week about our bracelet fundraiser and the adoption process he decided he wanted to get involved. He wasn't sure what he could offer so we just told him to brainstorm. It didn't take long and his eyes wandered to the small canvas painting hanging above his bed. He immediately knew that he wanted to paint the picture and try to sell it. He wanted to do it so badly that he wanted to use a giftcard that Aunt Sissy gave him to Hobby Lobby, to purchase the products. We never made it to Hobby Lobby so today while walking the aisles of WalMart he spotted his dream. So, two canvases, 15 colors of paint and a set of brushes later we walked out ready to Dream some more!
Here is the final product! Over an hour of brainstorming, mixing colors to get just the right hue and then finally putting brush to canvas we have a master piece....
Isaiah wants to sell this painting for the Job Jar, but he would like to take it to school first to show his friends on Monday! We thought we could help him make it open to you all, in a hopefully simple silent auctionish kind of way.
I will be linking this blog to my facebook account. If you are interested in helping him with his project please private message me with your offer. I will then post the offer, minus your name, in the comments section of the facebook link. That way others know what the price is! Or just post your price if you are comfortable!
Isaiah truly hopes to sell it for $10! I think we can do a little better.
I am posting tonight, 1-31-13 and will be closing it at KICKOFF of the Super Bowl! The highest bidder when the ball goes in the air will take home this one of a kind master piece!
IF by chance you are seeing this and don't have access to Facebook feel free to email me at Jon.Peters@k12.sd.us
Thank you so much!
Love to All!
Peters'
PS. Mikah has one started to but he is a very picky so it might be a while before it hits the market!
One of his artistic passions recently has been painting, and drawing, crosses. He drew a picture last summer that was pretty amazing when compared to my abilities, and then at his cousin Ella's birthday party he replicated it on a canvas painting!
While talking last week about our bracelet fundraiser and the adoption process he decided he wanted to get involved. He wasn't sure what he could offer so we just told him to brainstorm. It didn't take long and his eyes wandered to the small canvas painting hanging above his bed. He immediately knew that he wanted to paint the picture and try to sell it. He wanted to do it so badly that he wanted to use a giftcard that Aunt Sissy gave him to Hobby Lobby, to purchase the products. We never made it to Hobby Lobby so today while walking the aisles of WalMart he spotted his dream. So, two canvases, 15 colors of paint and a set of brushes later we walked out ready to Dream some more!
Here is the final product! Over an hour of brainstorming, mixing colors to get just the right hue and then finally putting brush to canvas we have a master piece....
I will be linking this blog to my facebook account. If you are interested in helping him with his project please private message me with your offer. I will then post the offer, minus your name, in the comments section of the facebook link. That way others know what the price is! Or just post your price if you are comfortable!
Isaiah truly hopes to sell it for $10! I think we can do a little better.
I am posting tonight, 1-31-13 and will be closing it at KICKOFF of the Super Bowl! The highest bidder when the ball goes in the air will take home this one of a kind master piece!
IF by chance you are seeing this and don't have access to Facebook feel free to email me at Jon.Peters@k12.sd.us
Thank you so much!
Love to All!
Peters'
PS. Mikah has one started to but he is a very picky so it might be a while before it hits the market!
Monday, January 28, 2013
It just takes a whole lot of FAITH!!!
And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes Me ~Matthew 18:5
Dear Friend,
We are not sure when adoption actually came into our lives but we can tell you when God came into our lives! For the past 5 years or so our family has tried to follow God’s lead in everything we do. He has become the center of our household and our lives. Isaiah and Mikah have shown Anne and I the love that little kids can provide if we truly have the faith of a child. For that reason we believe that God is leading us down this new path.
Almost a year ago we were introduced to a little boy in Haiti named Job. Our hearts were instantly broken, and God began to work. We didn’t know why, or how, or even if we would be able to adopt. We have actually had several serious discussions with God trying to tell Him we are not the ones to do this. And every time we have had one of those discussions, He has always answered with a strong and resounding, “Yes you can, and yes you will!”
So, we have stopped arguing with Him and have started to just follow His lead. If we could tell you all of the “God-incidences” that have occurred on this journey, I am confident this whole thing wouldn’t sound so crazy! However, God just keeps putting the right person in the perfect spot or sending the right sign at the perfect time. There is absolutely no way we could ever doubt that what we are doing right now is wrong.
The journey has already been trying at times and yet the support of so many friends, family and strangers has strengthened our desire to do what we feel called to do.
On January 8th our Homestudy was approved, Haiti opened up for adoptions again, and the Voice Of The Orphan(VOTO) Agency asked us to join them on an incredible journey! All in one day! Did I mention we were thinking Haiti was closed for a long time and the Congo was calling our name?! So like we resolved a while back, when God calls we are going to follow. We have officially begun collecting paperwork for our Dossier and hope to turn it in to the Haitian Government sometime in the next month.
Job is currently not adoptable through his orphanage but our house and hearts will remain open for him when that time comes. So at this point we are going into Haiti and trusting VOTO to match us with one of their amazing children! We even asked for a little girl! That would be a huge change for our boy dominated house. The timeframe in Haiti to complete an adoption and bring a child to a forever home is about 12-18 months and this is something we are completely prepared for and excited to wait for! We are ready for the journey that God has already taken us on and excited!
This brings us to all of you. We have been told numerous times that this journey is NOT something a family can do alone, something we are finding out quickly. We have had some time to save up for the Homestudy and other costs that have come with our Dossier completion, however, beyond that our FAITH in God is going to have to lead us. At this point we are actively applying to various grant and adoption loan programs.
Our financial situation with the amazing VOTO family is an astoundingly low $12,000. Compared to other agencies and countries this is an incredibly low amount of money to give a child a forever home. There will certainly be many unexpected costs along the way also which is why we are trying to prepare early and be ready for any surprise that God throws at us!
Our plan to raise these funds is simple, a ton of prayer and hard work! Anne and I will be putting every penny we make from our Advocare sales, her FrassyGirl income, and my work with Thomas Financial straight into our “Job Jar” account at First National Bank in Brandon. We also plan to have a garage sale during the Brandon Rummages and are asking friends and family to donate any items they may not need, for us to sell on the rummage.
Finally, we are simply asking people to prayerfully consider helping us along the way. We know that not everyone understands this journey and why we are on it, and that is okay. Believe us, at times we don’t get it either! We are probably the least qualified in a lot of ways. But our hearts are open and God has spoken.
If you feel that you are being led to help us bring a child home, we would like to give you a simple token of our gratitude. We have had donated to us bracelets from www.mudlove.com. Our bracelets will be made of clay and string and marked with the word “FAITH” on each one. Without the FAITH that we have in God, this adventure would have ended a year ago! An awesome thing about the bracelets is a portion of the proceeds when they were purchased is used to provide clean water to children in Africa. The proceeds that we are able to receive will go 100% to bringing home a Haitian child! It truly takes a village to raise a child and we have been fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing community of believers and prayer warriors! We truly appreciate all of your support, prayers and love! This is a God inspired journey and we couldn’t do it without Him and You!
Please let us know if you have questions or would like to learn more about joining us on our journey! We would love to share our stories of excitement, struggles, Love, and FAITH with you! God Bless!
Love to ALL!
Jon, Anne, Isaiah, Mikah and ?????
Dear Friend,
We are not sure when adoption actually came into our lives but we can tell you when God came into our lives! For the past 5 years or so our family has tried to follow God’s lead in everything we do. He has become the center of our household and our lives. Isaiah and Mikah have shown Anne and I the love that little kids can provide if we truly have the faith of a child. For that reason we believe that God is leading us down this new path.
Almost a year ago we were introduced to a little boy in Haiti named Job. Our hearts were instantly broken, and God began to work. We didn’t know why, or how, or even if we would be able to adopt. We have actually had several serious discussions with God trying to tell Him we are not the ones to do this. And every time we have had one of those discussions, He has always answered with a strong and resounding, “Yes you can, and yes you will!”
So, we have stopped arguing with Him and have started to just follow His lead. If we could tell you all of the “God-incidences” that have occurred on this journey, I am confident this whole thing wouldn’t sound so crazy! However, God just keeps putting the right person in the perfect spot or sending the right sign at the perfect time. There is absolutely no way we could ever doubt that what we are doing right now is wrong.
The journey has already been trying at times and yet the support of so many friends, family and strangers has strengthened our desire to do what we feel called to do.
On January 8th our Homestudy was approved, Haiti opened up for adoptions again, and the Voice Of The Orphan(VOTO) Agency asked us to join them on an incredible journey! All in one day! Did I mention we were thinking Haiti was closed for a long time and the Congo was calling our name?! So like we resolved a while back, when God calls we are going to follow. We have officially begun collecting paperwork for our Dossier and hope to turn it in to the Haitian Government sometime in the next month.
Job is currently not adoptable through his orphanage but our house and hearts will remain open for him when that time comes. So at this point we are going into Haiti and trusting VOTO to match us with one of their amazing children! We even asked for a little girl! That would be a huge change for our boy dominated house. The timeframe in Haiti to complete an adoption and bring a child to a forever home is about 12-18 months and this is something we are completely prepared for and excited to wait for! We are ready for the journey that God has already taken us on and excited!
This brings us to all of you. We have been told numerous times that this journey is NOT something a family can do alone, something we are finding out quickly. We have had some time to save up for the Homestudy and other costs that have come with our Dossier completion, however, beyond that our FAITH in God is going to have to lead us. At this point we are actively applying to various grant and adoption loan programs.
Our financial situation with the amazing VOTO family is an astoundingly low $12,000. Compared to other agencies and countries this is an incredibly low amount of money to give a child a forever home. There will certainly be many unexpected costs along the way also which is why we are trying to prepare early and be ready for any surprise that God throws at us!
Our plan to raise these funds is simple, a ton of prayer and hard work! Anne and I will be putting every penny we make from our Advocare sales, her FrassyGirl income, and my work with Thomas Financial straight into our “Job Jar” account at First National Bank in Brandon. We also plan to have a garage sale during the Brandon Rummages and are asking friends and family to donate any items they may not need, for us to sell on the rummage.
Finally, we are simply asking people to prayerfully consider helping us along the way. We know that not everyone understands this journey and why we are on it, and that is okay. Believe us, at times we don’t get it either! We are probably the least qualified in a lot of ways. But our hearts are open and God has spoken.
If you feel that you are being led to help us bring a child home, we would like to give you a simple token of our gratitude. We have had donated to us bracelets from www.mudlove.com. Our bracelets will be made of clay and string and marked with the word “FAITH” on each one. Without the FAITH that we have in God, this adventure would have ended a year ago! An awesome thing about the bracelets is a portion of the proceeds when they were purchased is used to provide clean water to children in Africa. The proceeds that we are able to receive will go 100% to bringing home a Haitian child! It truly takes a village to raise a child and we have been fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing community of believers and prayer warriors! We truly appreciate all of your support, prayers and love! This is a God inspired journey and we couldn’t do it without Him and You!
Please let us know if you have questions or would like to learn more about joining us on our journey! We would love to share our stories of excitement, struggles, Love, and FAITH with you! God Bless!
Love to ALL!
Jon, Anne, Isaiah, Mikah and ?????
Contact info:
Jon and Anne Peters
1612 River Oak Ave
Brandon SD, 57005
Jon- 605-376-5231 jon.peters@k12.sd.us
Anne- 605-376-4469 anne.peters@k12.sd.us
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