Hello, 2014!

The year is finally here!
This year our family will grow!

2013 was a year full of adventures, as well as learned patience. An average-to-long Hungary adoption takes around a year and a half, and we have been in the Hungary program since February 2013. Even though our first instinct was to want a referral now, we know that God's timing is perfect, and that springtime may be best for lots of reasons (Spring Break, Summer Break, summer bonding, etc.). We can feel that the time is close. We don't like telling people, "We're still waiting" or "We don't have any updates right now," but at this time, that is the truth, and God is teaching us to wait and be patient. 

And for now, we will recap on some big events toward the end of 2013.

In early November, we both ran in our first marathon relay race! Gareth's sister, Gabrielle, and brother, Allen, were on a team (called Sea Turtles Run) with us to finish a 26.2 mile race.

On Thanksgiving Day, we received a $1,500 grant from the Reclaimed Project! God gave us an extra reason for gratitude that day:)

In December, Gareth finished his Graduate Degree from Delta State University. He has a Master of Education in Independent School Leadership.

He is now a Fighting Okra alum.

Over Christmas we sold close to 200 Mississippi ornaments. It was a God thing, because we were just trying to make good use of the burlap scraps during the door hanger fundraiser. Little did we know that so many of our supporters would purchase these, helping us raise $1,000 toward our goal!

People also gave us donations as Christmas gifts. We even got this anonymous card!

 Thank you! You know who you are and you are a blessing to us!

Last year, we held fundraiser events, applied for grants, traveled for conferences and appointments, and received generous support from friends and family. We couldn't have imagined a year so amazing!

Thank you all for following us on this journey. Thanks for buying our shirts, bracelets, door hangers, and ornaments. Thanks for just plain giving us money and praying this whole process through with us.
So what's the next step?
We are praying to be matched and get a referral within the next month. (Once we get a referral, it will be two months until we travel.) It is all in God's timing and we are trusting in that! Please pray with us!

Happy 2014 to your family! I pray that it is a beautiful year for you!          
With love and gratitude, Gareth and Kim