I don’t know how to write this post without
backtracking to the beginning of Moriah’s adoption story.
On January 3rd, we received the
call that made adopting Moriah an option.
We decided that the risk involved (we knew little details at this point)
was worth it. And that decision started
a number of phone calls. Phone calls
that if they went positively would end up with us being parents to the
beautiful child that spoils us so much…and had they gone negatively, would have
had us calling the lawyer the next morning to tell him we wouldn’t be able to
work out all the details.
We decided at that point to multi-task, and
each of us were making separate phone calls.
In the midst of those few short hours, we needed to find out if we could
have all of the legal paperwork in order by noon the next day, and if we could
have everything financially in order in two business days.
It was hard to know how to start the
financial conversations. We had been prepared for the Minnesota adoption and
had that amount covered. But interstate adoptions are much more expensive and
the additional amount was more than we were prepared for. How do you ask for a modest year’s wage over the
phone? How in asking for that do you see
if it is possible to have it in your personal checking account by the next
day? We had thought we’d be engaging in
an international process that would still have a year or more of time for us to
do fundraising, and instead we had hours.
We didn’t have the fundraiser in our back pocket that raised that much
money and could be done in an hour. We
just had a phone.
We found at this time of the story, like
every other step, that God’s mercy and blessings were in our favor, and like
most other steps, that they were seen through the actions of others. And so, we felt release to move forward in
this adoption process. Release to walk
through the next few days, weeks, and months confident in the God who had
provided. And as those days, weeks, and
months passed, we celebrated our daughter, we celebrated our blessing, we
celebrated a God who had provided.
And while that celebration continues, that
small quiet part of our spirit has become louder. The discomfort of the phone call, and the
implications on the people who picked up the other end of it remain present in
our thoughts, our plans, and our prayers.
We didn’t have time in the few short hours to
fundraise. We didn’t have time to put
our own efforts into the way in which we’d ask for support in our adoption
journey. But now we do.
We’ll be clear…we still know we are asking
people to support us. And we know that
the primary way this financial support will happen has little to do with our
efforts and much to do with the generosity of people we know and care for. But we have found some ways we can exert our
effort while inviting you to support us financially. We found things we can do, while we ask you
to give.
So here is our hope. We’ll do stuff. And if in the process you give, we’ll use
that money to repay those who took on more of a burden than they had planned,
who gave us the gift of pursuing Moriah on the riskiest adventure we’ll ever
take, and who deserve not to have to hold that burden alone.
If by the grace of God, we raise more money
than necessary for that end, we can guarantee that all money given will be used
for adoption costs. Whether our own
future adoption, or towards someone else’s, none of the money will be used for
anything except the financial burdens that come alongside an adoption process.
The first fundraiser is immediately upon us,
and this is your fair warning that you’ll hear us talking about these over the
next few weeks and months. For
explanations on what to expect, please read below:
Grandma’s Marathon 2013
On June 22nd Nate will be getting
up earlier than he likes, to run longer than he enjoys—26.2 miles to be exact.
In 2007 he ran the Twin Cities Marathon and vowed that he would never run a
marathon again…unless there was a cause. Well, needless to say, there is a precious
cause worth running for, and he has been putting those running shoes on for the
last few months in preparation for Grandma’s Marathon.
How can you get involved? Support his run by giving a financial
gift. For many of you who see us
regularly, we would love to see you, talk with you and accept any donations you
feel led to give. For anyone who wants to support Nate’s run and you may not
see us or want to give online there is a link to give on the right hand side of
the blog.
Capture the Smiles Day
A very generous friend…and amazing
photographer…has offered her services for a day and 100% proceeds will go
directly towards Moriah’s adoption costs. You can get some amazing shots at a
great deal. We have not yet confirmed
the exact date for this yet, but we are expecting late summer to early fall (so
if you’re also thinking ahead to family Christmas cards, we’ll have you covered
for photos).
More information about this will be coming
when details are available.
Nate is Writing a Book!
Many of you have been asking, when will Nate
finally be writing a book? Well, the day is upon us…or at least it is quickly
approaching. There isn’t a solidified title yet, but the book will be more on a
faith/spirituality focus. We will keep you updated on more information about
the book and an expected release date as that information is available.
For now, these are our plans. We still believe that God is providing for our family. We also believe that God often chooses to use people to bless people, and so we are humbly asking for your help and participation. There is a link on the right hand side of this blog. You may give there electronically or you may give donations directly to us if that is what you prefer.
Please feel free to ask us any questions and we will keep you all updated on these events as we move forward.
With all our gratitude and love
Nate, Jenny & Moriah Kemper
