Thursday, July 25, 2013

Unexpected Blessings

Meet Lia. 


As we were driving home from church Wednesday night, Gareth's phone rang, and it was Lia, a young lady from his home church in Waynesboro. She said that she had been raising money for us, and would like to meet us in Hattiesburg the next day. Without our knowing, Lia had begun making duct tape wallets. She had set a goal to sell $100 worth of these cute crafty clutches. So we met her, her sister Tylee, and their mom Sheila today in Hattiesburg so Lia could present us with her donation.  She is so precious, and her gifts of time, talent, and money reminded us of God's grace and provision throughout this journey.


Lia (left) and Tylee were adopted from China at a young age. They were adopted at different times and from different regions in China. Gareth knows them from attending Winchester United Methodist Church, his church home. Their mom and dad have been great encouragers to us, especially since they have been through the adoption process.

(Picture from a sweet card made by Lia)



So where are we in our adoption process? We just sent off our I-800A and are waiting on a biometrics appointment to be fingerprinted by USCIS. We are gathering documents for our dossier to be sent to Hungary as well. Also, we have been applying to various grant organizations for additional funds. 

Speaking of funds, we are having a fundraiser, a rummage sale, August 3! It lasts from 7A.M. until all the stuff is gone:) It will be at 2924 Oak Grove Road in Hattiesburg. We have been blessed by friends, family, and colleagues who have donated items to sell. We have furniture, clothing, electronics, and musical equipment. Stop by to see us!



Our shirts made a second trip to New York! This time our shirts were featured by our friends Kevin and Anna Beth Scott. They were married on July 12 in Hattiesburg and honeymooned in New York. Check it out!



Monday, July 1, 2013

T-Shirt Time!

Hello, Friends!
We love getting pictures of our friends and family around the U.S. wearing the Bonner adoption t-shirts. Your support means the world to us!

While at Gareth's graduate class in Senatobia, MS, I was hard at work rolling and preparing shirts to be delivered. 






This is our friend Audra O'Dom at the September 11 World Trade Center Memorial (adoption t-shirt in New York City!)






These are my sisters Terri and Linda. They came from Palm Coast and Jacksonville, Florida, and  they visited us for a week earlier in June!





Aunt Cathy and Uncle Kenny visited Key West!



  






Alicia Archer (from our home church, Willow Pointe Church) and her kiddos--Elijah, Alana, Brianna, Chase, and Denee-- sported their world map shirts at church last Sunday!

So sweet!





This past weekend, we visited Huntsville, Alabama, for the Lifeline Crossings seminar. We were excited to meet other couples and hear about their adoption journeys!



We have a few more t-shirts of various sizes and designs if you are interested.  And you can continue to send us pictures of your t-shirts!