The Gift of a Child

Just over a year ago, I couldn't imagine what my life would be like having a little one around.  I am a very independent person, and Cort and I just really enjoyed our "us" time together.

But now that we have one of these?

Oh, our life is so different and so wonderful!  Being parents has been the HARDEST adventure we have plunged into yet, but also the most rewarding.

Cortney's little sis, MacKenzie, and her hubby Dave, are now wanting to get in on the gift of a child.  Yes, this is one fun couple, I tell you.

They got married last June, and have recently started the process to adopt a little one (or ones) from Ethiopia.

They even started a blog, Stepping Stones, devoted to the process.  Cort and I are learning so much from their journey.  It wasn't that long ago that we had briefly looked into the possibility for ourselves after two miscarriages.  Thankfully we were blessed with Eddie.

But MacKenzie and Dave have it on their hearts that this is what they should be doing regardless of whether they can have biological children or not.  And because they feel it, they are acting on it.

All of their paperwork and background checks and what-have-you's have gone without a hitch.  And they feel so blessed.  But a difficult task is now upon them.  They have found out that that laws have changed and instead of traveling ONCE to Ethiopia, they will have to travel twice.  The cost each time is up around $5000 or more.  So they are in a position where they are swallowing their pride and asking for some help.

They are currently planning and assembling an online auction that will run from July 29-August 1.  They are currently in need of donations to put up for auction.

It's not a secret that Cort and I don't have much extra, but we do feel it on our hearts to help our family.  One way I know I can reach out is through this blog.  I have been so fortunate to meet so many talented, wonderful people through here.  People who are GREAT at brainstorming, creating, writing, and comiserating.

~My Request~

If you have a talent or a craft and are willing to donate to the online auction that will help cover some of the adoption costs of Sluiter Nation's future niece(s) or nephew(s), please let me know and I will put you into contact with MacKenzie as she plans the auction.

MacKenzie and Dave feel strongly that their family is not just confined to what they can create biologically.  Cortney and I fully support this and are looking to help bring part of the Nation home...so I can spoil them rotten...what? You KNOW I love being an auntie!

Seriously, I can totally understand the sense of urgency they must be feeling when they see how great it is to have this smiling up at them when they visit.

Won't you please help if you can?

If you are unable to donate to the auction, you are more than welcome to check it out when it goes live on July 29.  I will be posting updates leading up to the fun.  They have more ways to help (buying Ethiopian coffee, etc) you can participate in or if you would rather make a monetary donation, you can do so via the "how can we help" section of their website, Stepping Stones.