Sorry it's been a while since I have last updated on the Yaw adoption processes.

Did you know that November is National Adoption Month? And National Adoption Day is Saturday, November 19th - the same day as my mother's birthday. So, in honor of my mom’s birthday and in support of adoption - consider donating to help support adoption today.

Here is what has been going on since the completion of our Home Study in July and being approved for adoption by the agency in August we have basically been in the waiting stage. This must be by far the hardest part of the game, for it basically is sitting back, and while we know that we might eventually get matched with a child, we still don't know what is going to happen next and when that will happen.

So as we wait, we are continuing to raise funds to make adoption more affordable for our family. Back in August we paid one of our first largest fees of the adoption process so far, even taking out a loan to help cover some of the cost as well. A huge thank you to all those who have shown support thus far through words of encouragement, prayers, and personal donations. Our next big payment won't be due until after placement of our child with us. We don't know when that will be exactly - it could be in 2 weeks or 2 years. But until that times comes we are working toward raising funds to help cut the cost.

We have been blessed by the support of family and friends. Heidi's Aunt and Cousin both have donated homemade items to help raise funds. Her cousin Sarah is raffling off a quilt back in our home state of Ohio, while we have a quilt here in Wisconsin we will be raffling off to all who donate to our Pure Charity adoption site or to us personally. (See additional info. on this raffle at the bottom of this blog).

During the month of October which is known as Pastor Appreciation month, our church had a chili fundraiser and a silent auction to help raise some funds toward our adoption as well. It's truly a blessing to see the church show their love and support for such a worthy cause of caring for others. I truly feel blessed, and hope that our congregation continues to support adoption not just because of my family, but because of God's love for us and His call to care for orphans and widows. I hope that the Yaw family adoption will inspire others to also join in the adoption processes and seek to open their hearts and homes to children in need.

So, as we wait, we wait with joy in our hearts knowing and thanksgiving on our lips for all that the Lord has given to us thus far. And as we get close to Thanksgiving and prepare to celebrate Christmas with our family within the next week, we wonder if this will be the last Christmas we celebrate as a family of 4; hopefully next year we will be with a family 5. Regardless, we have a lot to be thankful for this year, as we await to see all that the Lord has in store for us.

Thank you for your support and prayers. May you and your family have a blessed thanksgiving and as you gather with your family around the feast of food, please join our family in praying for all those families who are waiting to adopt and for all those mothers and fathers who choose life for their child through adoption.

ADOPTION PUZZLE
Our adoption puzzle is coming along, to date we have sold 225 pieces of the puzzle at $20 each, but we still have 375 pieces left to go. For every $20 donation, someone makes their name goes on a puzzle piece and helps us get one step closer to our adoption goal.

QUILT RAFFLE
Heidi’s cousin, Sarah Sonnenberg has been a huge support of us throughout this adoption processes. She has stepped up to make not just 1, but 2 quilts that are to be raffled off. She has kept one in Ohio to raffle off and recently sent us a quilt as well. The quilt (see pictures) measures 47x54 and is beautiful.

To be eligible for the drawing of the quilt, all you need to do is donate to our adoption fundraiser on Pure Charity (all donations through Pure Charity are tax-deductible) or personally to Heidi & me.

·  For a simple $5 donation, your name will be entered into the drawing.

·  For a $10 donation, your name will be placed into the drawing three times.

·  For $20 donation, your name will be placed into the drawing 10 times,
   plus your name will be placed on a puzzle piece.

We will be raffling this quilt off on Sunday, December 18 at 4:00 pm CST – I will do it on Facebook Live.
Winner need not be local to win, I will pay for shipping to whoever wins the quilt.

KNOW A FAMILY – CONSIDERING ADOPTION?
Do you know of a woman who is considering adoption and looking for a family for her child? Please share our name and story with anyone and everyone you might now. You just might be the one who helps us get matched with our missing piece, our child.

Thank you,
Larry & Heidi Yaw