Date: 2016-02-13
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Miles today: 0.0
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Continued...Q: What are the costs involved in adopting a child? How much have you raised so far and how much remains? Is there a deadline involved to raise the money?Infant adoptions can range anywhere from 30k - ­45k.Thankfully, some friends from church led us to Christian Family Services where we were so excited to find out that our adoption will be around 20K.We set a goal back in September to raise $12,000. As of Feb 1st we have raised $5,355.We still need to raise an additional $6,645.As for a deadline, once we publish our family profile book it will be shown to potential birth mothers. We need to have the rest of the funds to match and then finalize. We are fully trusting God and His timing.Q: You¢ve done some crazy things to try and raise the money. Tell us about some of them. What¢s the weirdest or craziest suggestion you¢ve gotten so far?Oh my Goodness... did ya'll know Mr. Col3n can do the Stanky leg? Video link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vXV4I6K7FfgAlso, he can sculpt a flawless #cheeklineVideo link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=psVjD4sjeKMWe have been asked to make more dancing videos!! Including songs like "Hit the Quan".Q: Why do you want to be parents? Do you see yourselves adopting a second child further down the road?We have been married going on 12 years and we have had so many adventures with college life, careers, reaching goals and enjoying every moment together. Now we are excited to become a loving family for a child and share life with them.I see us adopting another and, Lord willing, perhaps even a biological baby someday (after all Abraham and Sarah were around 100 years old!).Q: What type of family environment do you hope to have? Is there a particular aspect of your own upbringing that you hope to incorporate into your family life with this child?Amber and I are both in clear agreement that this child (and God willing future children) will be raised in the nurture and admonition of The Lord. As children of parents that raised us in the knowledge of the truth of God, we believe in giving our child a firm foundation in Christ. We hope to instill in our child a love for nature and the beautiful things that God created. We also want our child to pursue their dreams. We hope to nurture both by exposing them to many adventures such as exploring state parks, canoeing, camping, enrolling them in athletic teams, Bible Camps, youth group, and taking them on mission trips (local and international), etc.Q: Are you wanting to adopt a baby or an older child? Why? Will you have a choice in which child you adopt?Lord willing, we are adopting an infant. Yes, we do get a choice in age.We have given much thought to this matter. To be honest, we thought about foster care and that might be something we do the second time around. Many kudos to Foster Mommas and Daddies. It takes an immensely strong faith, thick skin and strong heart to wear both of those hats.As for no, I am not sure I could face giving a child back. We are so excited to become a family and we couldn't enter down the foster care road until we are certain that we are doing it with the right hearts and motives.Q: Will you get to choose the name? If so, any ideas for a boy's name or girl's name?We are deciding the name together, although Amber has a pretty long list of names that she adds to daily with both boy and girl names. What are your ideas, we would love to hear them!?!Q: Will you know the birth mother? Will the child have an opportunity to know or visit its birth mother down the road? What are the pros and cons of that?We hope to have an open adoption. This would mean that we will support and nurture a loving relationship with our birth mother. As an adoptee myself (Amber) I feel that each child is so different when it comes to how they process their family story. So ultimately our child will make those choices.The PROs of open adoption are so many. For the child, a sense of knowing your complete story and not having any secrets or shame to your story. Often times secrets breed feelings of shame.For the birth mother, she has a chance to learn to trust her decision and heal. For the adoptive parents, they get a chance to convey their gratitude and understanding of the gift that the birth mother entrusted them with. We also get a chance to shine our lights for Jesus and love her the way that He does. There is so much negative stigma about birth mothers. We are excited for a chance to love ours.The only CONs in open adoption are the risks of hurts and disappointments but at the end of the day openness, transparency, and love always wins.Q: If Big Steve breaks his leg or gets eaten by a bear on the Trail and thus the pledges don¢t materialize, will you forgive him?Amber: Of course, but Lil Jan might not, so you had better play it safe.Julio: Amen to Amber's response! Also, remember that extra hold hair gel mixed with leaves and large sticks makes a great splint for serious injuries. Big Steve: Amber and Julio told me they are already "blessed beyond measure" to have your prayers and emotional support. For those who are in a position to help financially, here are some options for you... 1. Pledge a certain amount per mile that Big Steve hikes on the AT. One cent per mile (@2189.2 miles) would come to $21.89, if I complete the entire hike. A nickel per mile would come to $109.46. A dime per mile would come to $218.92. etc. You can pledge by commenting on this blog, commenting on the Facebook post, private message, email (janetandboys@yahoo.com), or text (703-403-8492). Lil Jan will keep track of all that, and once I'm finished , we'll notify you of miles completed and amount pledged. Then, assuming you're able to fulfill the pledge, you can go to the website below to donate.2. Donate a certain amount now, regardless of how far I make it on the trail. Donations can be made at:            www.gofundme.com/babycolontobeEither option is greatly appreciated, but Option 1 will certainly give me added incentive to finish this massively long hike. Thank you for whatever help you are able to provide. Your prayers are especially appreciated. And a huge thanks to Amber and Julio for their willingness to adopt...and allowing us to help them reach that goal.Big SteveQuestions for Miss Walsh/Mrs. Wilkinson's and Mr. Reeve's 5th & 6th Grade FCA Classes:1. Assuming Big Steve hikes all 2189.2 miles (a big assumption), what total amount would have to be pledged per mile to raise all $6645?2. Come up with 3 recommended girl names and 3 recommended boy names for Amber and Julio's adopted baby. Compile them as a class and give them to Mr. Colon.3. What dance would you most like to see Mr. Colon do to raise money? Would it mean more if he did it in front of the whole student body?4. What are some reasons you think Amber and Julio will make good parents?5. Do you know anyone who is adopted? If you are comfortable doing so, please share his/her/your story with your class.