Adoption Update and T-Shirts for Sale!

Hi family and friends!

I know it has been quite a while since we updated on our adoption process.  To be honest, we've been taking our time because we've had such a crazy summer.  But, we are excited for Fall and to be getting back into the swing of things.  Here's what we've been up to:

• Our family announced that Mike will be planting a church in Horn Lake, MS.  Which means, we will be putting our house on the market soon and immersing ourselves in this new community.  

• My youngest sister got married at the beginning of August.  They left the U.S. 12 days later to teach in Bolivia for 2 years!

• My middle sister's family moved to Jackson so that her husband can attend seminary.  He will get his Master's in Counseling as well as be the new youth director for a local church.

• And last but certainly not least, our Home Study has been finalized!  We met with a local adoption attorney and are in what many call the "waiting period."

Many of you may be thinking, that with everything going on, pursuing adoption may seem like a crazy idea!  And we would have to agree with you!  

BUT, we believe that God is sovereign and that his timing is perfect.  Adoption is still on our hearts and minds, and we believe that God will bring us our child when he sees fit, whether that be next month or next year.  

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

We continue to ask for your prayers for our family as well as the biological family of our little one!

So, now in order to be well prepared when our little one arrives, we are selling T-shirts!

We've been working with an organization called Fund the Nations to create a shirt for this fundraiser.  They have been amazing to work with (so, if you are looking for a fundraiser for your adoption, mission trip or non-profit organization, check them out!)

You may be asking yourself....Why did you choose the phrase "It takes a village" for your shirts?

Here's why.....

• The entire phrase "It takes a village to raise a child" is an old African proverb describing a body of people working together in the upbringing of a child.

• The church is described as the body of Christ.  As Romans 5:12 says, "so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."

• In the New Testament, the word "family" or "household" is used many times to refer to the small gatherings of the church, people who were family by faith but not necessarily biologically related. These extended families of God shared everything in life together, including the raising of children. As God's covenant people, we are a vast network of brothers and sisters. We want other believers to participate in the raising of our children! We were not meant to do it alone!

• We believe that through the process of adoption, "It takes a village...." to emotionally support our family through this process, to pray for the biological family of our child, to financially bring our son/daughter home, to love on our children, and to exemplify the many facets of Christ to our children as they grow up.

Thank you in advance for your support of our family through this process.  We couldn't do it without each and every one of you!

Use the button in the sidebar to purchase your T-shirt ----------->.  If you live locally, we can get the shirt to you, otherwise, make sure to add shipping to your cart with your T-shirt order!  If you have any questions, you can leave a comment below.

{ Just a note: These shirts are available for pre-order.  This means we will not actually order the shirts until a certain number have been ordered.  We will keep you updated! }

Love to you all,

the Winebrenners