Adoption Seminar

So... tonight my mother-in-law, E, and I went to an adoption seminar (M was at work) for All God's Children. I was glad I went, even though I cried like a goober in front of everyone. And when I cry in public I laugh while I cry, like my wedding. It makes everyone that doesn't know me feel very uncomfortable. hahahahah I am really glad we went. I didn't learn much about the adoption process (I read up on it every day. And I watch You Tube videos all the time. ) But the host really calmed my nerves about the home study. I don't know why I am freaking out about it. Everyone I meet says it's no big deal, but I am so nervous. She seemed to think I had something to hide from my past which is why I was crying. That is not the case. I'm really just afraid of getting denied.
Also, at the seminar she told us that Rwanda was opening their program to infants. Before, the youngest you could adopt was 2 years. So I wrote AGCI about that. I still think Ethiopia, but I want to hear my options. M doesn't care one way or the other.

Also, yesterday I went over to my cousin Andrea's. Aunt T came over and we put together a letter asking people for donations. We are going to make a video so look in your mailbox in the not to distant future.

Here is our rough draft:

Dear ________,

As you may know in June we had our beautiful baby girl, E. She is our everything. Unfortunately, after childbirth and a series of surgeries I had to undergo a hysterectomy. Our plan was to have a large family. I have dreamed about it since I was a young girl. This is still our dream, but we are going to do it the unconventional way.

We are writing you today to ask for your help in bringing home a baby sister for E. We will be adopting a child from Ethiopia

Unfortunately an international adoption is costly. Around the tune of $25,000!! With the help of some family and friends we have raised nearly a 10th of the total cost after a Garage Sale Fundraiser. Now we could either try to piece together 9 more garage sales or ask for your financial help. We thought we would give this a shot. Any amount would be awesome, but to put things into perspective if 23 people donated $1,000 you would be saving a child from a life of destitution, famine, and possible death. Not to mention make our dreams come true.

I have enclosed a video to tell you more about our story, experiences, and dreams.

Thanks in advance for your contributions and prayers,

A, M, and E