It Is Finished!

Puzzle Front

   Finally it is finished!  Our beautiful puzzle showing the names and organizations that answered the call to help the orphan . . . or in this case, orphans.  It is such a beautiful and precious reminder of the family, friends, strangers, and community who united for Oliver and Kalli, and the whole Hudson Herd.  :)  Orphans no more, these two little ones are blessing our family immeasurably.  It has not been perfect or easy - nor did we expect it to be - but God is sustaining us and we are thankful for where we are today.  I will never cease to be amazed at how He stretches and grows us to accomplish what we could never do alone.  I never imagined being a parent of five children, now I cannot imagine a second of life without those five faces.

   Obviously, being a wife, momma of five, and homeschool teacher of four is keeping me b-u-s-y.  My blogging has dwindled to absolutely nothing.  While I realize it is not the most important activity in my life, I do want to write from time-to-time as an encouragement to other Christians/wives/mothers, to those considering adoption, to adoptive families, and as a witness for Christ.

   I wanted a post that gave a summation of our adoption costs, and how God miraculously brought the financial requirement together.  Get your calculator if you want your eyes to bulge!  Unfortunately, the process is ridiculously expensive whether international or domestic, but THESE LITTLE LIVES ARE WORTH IT!  And when you see how He can bring all the pieces together to bring one of His children home, it's so obvious - "Yep, God did THAT!"




Puzzle Back

PERSONAL:
Savings, Loans, and Extra Part-time Jobs - $11,855

GRANTS:
$18,300

FUNDRAISING & DONATIONS:
Puzzle - $3525 (705 Pieces!!)
Tshirts - $915
Origami Owl Fundraiser Party - $150
Yard Sale - $1500
McDonalds - $421
Tumbleweed - $46
Envelope Fundraiser - $4782
Individual Donations - $3188
7,000 Mile Surprise - $1000
Reece's Rainbow Donations - $340
Christmas Shopping Fundraiser - $590
Photo Fundraiser - $410
Pecan Fundraiser - $100
Sucker Sales - $57
Whitney's Amazing Adoption Auction - $1900