Singer Toby Mac's Adoption Journey

Toby Mac is about more than just music. He has a heart for God, family and adoption. In 2002, Toby and his wife adopted twin boys Moses and Marlee. "The couple views the adoption as a God-ordained process rather than a calculated decision. They were praying for another pregnancy and even asking God for twins. A woman they didn't know approached them at church and asked if they'd ever considered adopting. She knew of some twins soon to be born who needed adoptive parents. The McKeehans took it as an answer to prayer and began the adoption process for the African-American twins. "It was so beautiful, there's no denying it," Toby says."

A few years ago Moses was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. "It's opened my eyes to things I never saw before, to have a son in a wheelchair full time," Toby says."We're trying to love that guy with everything we've got and trying to let him experience everything he's supposed to experience..."

Toby and his family are striving to help Moses live life to the fullest. They are an encouragement to families around the world who have children with special needs.You can read more about their incredible adoption journey at:  http://www.thrivingfamily.com/Features/Magazine/2012/at-home-with-tobymac.aspx

Care Package In Route To China!

Today we were informed that we can finally send Maya a care package! This was joyous news to us as this also means that she will soon find out she has a family! Although we have known about her for over a year, she will be finding out about us for the first time! We are delighted that she will soon know that she is no longer an orphan. She will soon know that is she loved, valued, and part of a family!!!! It warms our hearts just thinking about it!

We had such a fun time getting her care package together. Just the thought of being able to finally give her a gift was incredible! We sent her a recordable photo album with lots of pictures of us, our family, etc. to get her acclimated to us. We also sent her a Build a Bear, a book, a Barbie doll (we are told that is her favorite toy), and a pink blanket. We recorded the Build a Bear and photo album in English and Mandarin. As we are just learning Mandarin, we hope and pray that she can decipher what we are saying! Our agency also suggested that we send a disposable camera for her to take pictures. As she has probably never held a camera before, we can't imagine how those pictures are going to turn out! Even if she takes pictures of feet, walls, or other random things, we will love them simply because she took them. :)

Introducing Maya Hope!!!

We just had our LOA approved, and we are now waiting on our travel dates!!! Yippee!! We are so excited to finally be at this last step! It has been a long journey, but soon our little girl will be home. As our LOA is approved, we can now share pictures and a little information about her. We are thrilled to introduce you to Maya Hope. Maya is a precious little girl from China who has Cerebral Palsy. Although she has Cerebral Palsy, she is very strong and makes great effort to finish every new rehabilitative learning task. Like most little girls, she likes to play house, play hide and go seek and play with barbie dolls. She has a great attitude and gets along well with other children. She has stolen our hearts, and we can't wait to bring her home. As our adoption has now been moved up, we are in need of the remainder of the adoption fees to bring Maya home. We would be very grateful if you would join us in our journey to get Maya home. Your donation will help us finalize our adoption, and make one less orphan in the world. Thank you for your support and prayerful consideration. 

Life Rolls On

Every since we found out we would be adopting a child with special needs, we have been on a mission of sorts. It has been our goal to equip ourselves with all of the education and resources we need to help make our little girl's life all that God intended it to be. We have come across tons of great resources, and we have been amazed at the incredible people we have met. We have met so many families who have children with special needs. These families, and the many organizations that support people with disabilities, have truly taken us under their wing. They have equipped us, and supported us. They showed us that they are not just a community, but a family. A family that we are delighted to now be a part of. But most importantly, they have showed us that our daughter can truly live life to the fullest. Because of these parents and their precious children, we have learned not to take life for granted, but to savor every moment. We have learned to find joy in suffering, and beauty in whatever circumstances we face. We are reminded that no matter what life throws at us "Life Rolls On". We are also reminded to never underestimate ourselves or anyone else. People with or without a disability can do incredible things, and achieve things beyond our wildest imagination. To every child, family and organization that we have met on this journey, please know that you have forever changed our lives. Because of you, we have experienced the love of Christ like never before. Thank you, and God bless.

The video below reminds us of the strength and perseverance of the people we have met. It is a great reminder that God doesn't see disabilities, only possibilities. We hope it inspires you!

Life Rolls On Video Clip
http://vimeo.com/30918014

Introducing Connected Hearts Ministry!!!!

They say it takes a village to raise a child. In our case, it is taking a village to save our child.

Without the generosity of others, there is no way we would be able to bring our little girl home. When we stepped out on this journey, we had no idea where the money would come from. But one by one, friends, family members and total strangers have been stepping up to donate money to help us bring our beautiful daughter home. These donations not only give us financial support, but they also give us hope. The hope of knowing that God is in control, and that He is actively working to bring the funds for our adoption.

We know that many families are in the same position we are. They feel called to adopt, but lack the financial resources on their own. God has used our lack of finances, and your generosity, to encourage us to start Connected Hearts Ministry. Connected Hearts Ministry is a non-profit organization that raises funds for other families who are in the adoption process. Connected Hearts Ministry will focus on raising awareness and funds for orphans who are least likely to be adopted. In many areas, that includes older children, and children with special needs. We will not only help families raise funds for adoptions, but we will also provide them with the education and resources they need for their child to thrive.

In addition to helping finance adoptions, Connected Hearts Ministry will also provide opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in orphan care. We have seen first hand with our own adoption that so many people have hearts to help orphans. We hope to be able to give everyone, no matter how young or old they are, practical ways to make a big difference in the life of an orphan. Please keep us in your prayers as we are seeking God's will and resources for this ministry. We hope that Connected Hearts Ministry will be an expression of our gratitude to God for his faithfulness, and to each of you for your support.

You can check out the site at: http://www.connectedheartsministry.org/
To "Like" us on Facebook please visit: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectedHeartsMinistry
To Follow Us on Twitter, please visit: https://twitter.com/CHMinistry

We hope that you will join with us as we seek to connect hearts and change lives.

A Mother's Heart

Today we are celebrating Mother's Day with our daughter in our hearts. Next year, we will rejoice as we get to celebrate with her in our arms. We wanted to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day. May your day be filled to overflowing with God's love and goodness.

Happy Mother's Day!

Orphan Summit!

We had the pleasure of attending Summit 9 this past week. It was one of the most incredible experiences of our life! There were people from 28 countries who all had a heart for orphans. It was amazing to hear about the wonderful works that God is doing in orphan care around the globe. We heard fabulous speakers and musicians such as David Platt, Steven Curtis Chapman, Nicole C. Mullens and more. We also had the opportunity to volunteer in several breakout sessions. Although we really enjoyed all of the breakout sessions, two in particular were our favorite. One was Orphan Justice by Johnny Carr. You can find out more about Johnny Carr and his book Orphan Justice by visiting his site: http://orphanjustice.com/ We also loved another breakout session that focused on special needs adoptions. There were several speakers at this session; however, the session was hosted by Anthony and Adeye Salem. Anthony and Adeye have adopted several children with special needs. Their precious daughter Harper attended the event with them, and she was such a joy to be around. You can check out their blog and find out more about their family at: http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/ and http://www.nogreaterjoydad.com/

Have a wonderful week! Blessings!