Hey Everyone, so apparently I didn't post a single thing in December… wow. Well here is my one post I guess for this month. According to our agency, we should be on the active list by mid-January (their exact words) so, a couple weeks we could be actively waiting! Very exciting!
As far as totals from our fundraiser in October - sorry this has taken so long. I'm still waiting for some cash from one representative but she has given me an approximation of how much she will be giving. So with that approximation I will let you know that we raised $1758.53! That's awesome! We continue to get closer to our baby everyday!
I also wanted to let everyone know, that my church, The Compass is having a baptism/testimonial service this coming Sunday, January 5th at 5PM at the Chinese Alliance Church (on Arens Rd). I will be sharing my testimony specifically about our past year with our struggles of infertility. There is also a meal following the service. I encourage you guys to come on out!
Both Justin and I want to again say how incredibly blessed we are by each one of you! Your thoughts and prayers, kind words and financial support have shown us love like we have never experienced before. Although 2013 was a tough year for us, we have been blessed to have all of you supporting us through this time. Words can truly not express the amazing blessing all of you are to us, and we are truly so thankful for each and everyone of you! We wish you our blessings on 2014, and look forward to, hopefully, getting to meet our baby in the coming year.
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Wait list status confirmed!
Hey Everyone! Just wanted to let you know that we got confirmation that we have indeed been put on the wait list! We should be put on the active list in 1-2 months! Very excited!!
Also, our thermometer is up over $18,500!! We are well over half way to our fundraising goal! So, THANK YOU!
Also, our thermometer is up over $18,500!! We are well over half way to our fundraising goal! So, THANK YOU!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Update of where we're at.
Hey everyone! Sorry for nearly a month of not posting! I started a new job on labour and birth (and love it!) and things have just been a little busy around here since starting there! I want to give you guys a bit of an update on everything - even though in my mind not too much has happened.
We held a fundraiser on October 26th! I think it went very well. I have been waiting for all the money to come in, but it's been a little slow. So as of right now - we're waiting for some cash from 3 more consultants - and so far we have made nearly $1400!!! Which is huge! I will be heading to the bank today and will update the thermometer after I return! Way to go guys! Thanks for being such a huge support to us!
As for our adoption process, the agency received our file on Canadian Thanksgiving day. They have processed it and said everything looks good. We are just waiting on an email that confirms our status on the wait list. I will explain a little bit of the wait list as this isn't the active list. It's essentially where we will sit for 1-3 months (remember there are only two couples ahead of us on the wait list!), then we will be pulled from there into the group of active profiles. This is when the birth moms will actually be able to look at our profile and pick us. So we're almost to the point of active waiting… we'll be there soon enough!
Emotionally, I have had some ups and downs in the past month or so. I have had days that I was incredibly overwhelmed by the long term permanence of our fertility issue. I don't know how I had never thought of it before but one day I was just thinking that after our adoption, when we want more kids, we will need to do this again or pursue IVF. Both of which cost money… it overwhelmed me for a bit. And thankfully God kindly reminded me that "each day has troubles of its own" and that I shouldn't "worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself". I'm running a marathon, not a sprint. So I will focus of where I'm at today, otherwise it's WAY too much for me to handle.
If you guys could to continue to pray for us as God continues to test our patience. It hasn't been a year since we started our adoption process yet, but it's now been over a year since we have found out about our fertility issues. In retrospect everything goes by fast, yet it was a hard, stretching year. Some days I really feel like I will never see the day that I will meet my child. Fortunately, I can recognize that as a lie - but it feels really real sometimes. Keep praying that God will give us the strength to get through each day. That we will be as prepared as we need to be when the baby comes, and that we will be patient until that time comes.
When I get the final numbers for our fundraiser, I will let you guys know! A huge thanks again to everyone who has supported us financially. Having that money in the bank so that we haven't had to pay out of our pocket yet for all our fees thus far, has been a HUGE blessing! THANK YOU!!
We held a fundraiser on October 26th! I think it went very well. I have been waiting for all the money to come in, but it's been a little slow. So as of right now - we're waiting for some cash from 3 more consultants - and so far we have made nearly $1400!!! Which is huge! I will be heading to the bank today and will update the thermometer after I return! Way to go guys! Thanks for being such a huge support to us!
As for our adoption process, the agency received our file on Canadian Thanksgiving day. They have processed it and said everything looks good. We are just waiting on an email that confirms our status on the wait list. I will explain a little bit of the wait list as this isn't the active list. It's essentially where we will sit for 1-3 months (remember there are only two couples ahead of us on the wait list!), then we will be pulled from there into the group of active profiles. This is when the birth moms will actually be able to look at our profile and pick us. So we're almost to the point of active waiting… we'll be there soon enough!
Emotionally, I have had some ups and downs in the past month or so. I have had days that I was incredibly overwhelmed by the long term permanence of our fertility issue. I don't know how I had never thought of it before but one day I was just thinking that after our adoption, when we want more kids, we will need to do this again or pursue IVF. Both of which cost money… it overwhelmed me for a bit. And thankfully God kindly reminded me that "each day has troubles of its own" and that I shouldn't "worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself". I'm running a marathon, not a sprint. So I will focus of where I'm at today, otherwise it's WAY too much for me to handle.
If you guys could to continue to pray for us as God continues to test our patience. It hasn't been a year since we started our adoption process yet, but it's now been over a year since we have found out about our fertility issues. In retrospect everything goes by fast, yet it was a hard, stretching year. Some days I really feel like I will never see the day that I will meet my child. Fortunately, I can recognize that as a lie - but it feels really real sometimes. Keep praying that God will give us the strength to get through each day. That we will be as prepared as we need to be when the baby comes, and that we will be patient until that time comes.
When I get the final numbers for our fundraiser, I will let you guys know! A huge thanks again to everyone who has supported us financially. Having that money in the bank so that we haven't had to pay out of our pocket yet for all our fees thus far, has been a HUGE blessing! THANK YOU!!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Discovery Toys Online Fundraiser!
Hello everyone! We have an amazing variety of vendors coming to our event on Saturday. Vendors that sell candles, kitchen items, make up, food, children's hats and hair clips, jewellery, and even TOYS!
Discovery Toys has set up an online fundraiser for those who can't make the event. Here is the link
http://www.discoverytoys.com/publicstore/event/1781/AMCA/default.aspx
Hope to see you Saturday!
Discovery Toys has set up an online fundraiser for those who can't make the event. Here is the link
http://www.discoverytoys.com/publicstore/event/1781/AMCA/default.aspx
Hope to see you Saturday!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Thankful to an AMAZING God!
In the past week or two, God has really opened my eyes to where I have been and where he has brought me to right now, and I want to share with you guys the incredible healing that has gone on in my heart.
Almost a year ago now we found out that we were infertile. All I did for months after this discovery was cry, and cry and then cry some more. I had been dreaming about becoming a mother since I had gotten married in 2007, and now it seemed like something that I had the right to, was stripped away from me. How unfair.
For those of you who haven't experienced infertility, you have been spared a lot of pain. But at the same time it's hard for people struggling with infertility to be around others who are not. It's hard be excited for someone when they tell you they are pregnant - all you really want to do is slap them. And although I would never say that I have been a jealous person, infertility really made me mad at all the people that can freely be intimate with their husband and make a life. Going to baby showers or like things are pretty much a no no for the infertile. This is because emotionally it's easier to stay at home rather than pretend that you are happy for someone with their new baby. I remember constantly thinking "I deserve a baby before that person does". It's amazing the thoughts that run through your head when you are hurting, but for many people this state is a reality, and it HURTS so much. I can't tell you in words how painful it is to be in this place. But just know, it is a dark, painful place, that I hope none of you have to experience.
When we started moving along with our adoption process, I had come to a place that was like "Ok God, if this is the plan you have for me, I will do it". I kind of half submitted myself to God's will but still felt myself holding on to some of my anger and jealousy. I would go to church and pretty much just cry - this was a reality I think for about 6 months. I knew that God's plan was better than mine, but his plan still really hurt.
My life changing experience happened when I went to Uganda to visit my parents. God used many of the Ugandan people to stretch me very uncomfortably while I was there. My heart wrestled with a lot of convictions of where my faith in God was and whether I truly believed that he knew better. Through many different situations and my time in the baby home there - my heart knew that I was truly called to adoption. Being in a home with 60 orphans (each one would have come home with me if they would have let me), with Ugandan people telling me to "have faith, and God will make you pregnant", reassured me that adoption is MY calling.
Nearly a year ago, I was under a curse of infertility. Today I am blessed to be on the roller coaster of adoption. I started my job on Labour and Delivery last week. I had a few people who have also struggled with infertility who cautioned me about working on L&D as it may be hurtful to work there. And I know that most infertile people can't do baby showers let alone work somewhere full of pregnant people bringing their babies into the world. Well let me tell you - I'm pretty sure I was made to work L&D. I love it. I feel that I am right where I should be.
When I was in Uganda, the Ugandan people challenged me with their faith. Telling me to expect a miracle from God. Yes, getting pregnant would be a miracle, but I think we got a better miracle instead. Full submission to God's will, has not only healed my broken, infertile heart, but has caused me to THRIVE in the midst of a tough situation. I am happy and excited for people who are pregnant, I can go to baby showers, I help people bring their babies into the world. Without God, I would be in a far deeper depression than I have ever been in before. The miracle is what God has done in my heart. My wounds are healed.
I am a stubborn girl, who has submitted to the will of God, and has been overwhelmingly blessed because of it. Sometimes the things that happen to us hurt and are hard. But maybe God does know what's best for us, and although I would have never chose this experience for myself, I'm glad that God chose it for me. And I'm glad that he didn't just throw me in the middle of a dark hole and leave me there; he has brought me through it and given me the strength to thrive.
I am thankful that God has given us the hidden blessing of infertility. So that I could learn full dependence on him.
"'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'". Jeremiah 29:11
Almost a year ago now we found out that we were infertile. All I did for months after this discovery was cry, and cry and then cry some more. I had been dreaming about becoming a mother since I had gotten married in 2007, and now it seemed like something that I had the right to, was stripped away from me. How unfair.
For those of you who haven't experienced infertility, you have been spared a lot of pain. But at the same time it's hard for people struggling with infertility to be around others who are not. It's hard be excited for someone when they tell you they are pregnant - all you really want to do is slap them. And although I would never say that I have been a jealous person, infertility really made me mad at all the people that can freely be intimate with their husband and make a life. Going to baby showers or like things are pretty much a no no for the infertile. This is because emotionally it's easier to stay at home rather than pretend that you are happy for someone with their new baby. I remember constantly thinking "I deserve a baby before that person does". It's amazing the thoughts that run through your head when you are hurting, but for many people this state is a reality, and it HURTS so much. I can't tell you in words how painful it is to be in this place. But just know, it is a dark, painful place, that I hope none of you have to experience.
When we started moving along with our adoption process, I had come to a place that was like "Ok God, if this is the plan you have for me, I will do it". I kind of half submitted myself to God's will but still felt myself holding on to some of my anger and jealousy. I would go to church and pretty much just cry - this was a reality I think for about 6 months. I knew that God's plan was better than mine, but his plan still really hurt.
My life changing experience happened when I went to Uganda to visit my parents. God used many of the Ugandan people to stretch me very uncomfortably while I was there. My heart wrestled with a lot of convictions of where my faith in God was and whether I truly believed that he knew better. Through many different situations and my time in the baby home there - my heart knew that I was truly called to adoption. Being in a home with 60 orphans (each one would have come home with me if they would have let me), with Ugandan people telling me to "have faith, and God will make you pregnant", reassured me that adoption is MY calling.
Nearly a year ago, I was under a curse of infertility. Today I am blessed to be on the roller coaster of adoption. I started my job on Labour and Delivery last week. I had a few people who have also struggled with infertility who cautioned me about working on L&D as it may be hurtful to work there. And I know that most infertile people can't do baby showers let alone work somewhere full of pregnant people bringing their babies into the world. Well let me tell you - I'm pretty sure I was made to work L&D. I love it. I feel that I am right where I should be.
When I was in Uganda, the Ugandan people challenged me with their faith. Telling me to expect a miracle from God. Yes, getting pregnant would be a miracle, but I think we got a better miracle instead. Full submission to God's will, has not only healed my broken, infertile heart, but has caused me to THRIVE in the midst of a tough situation. I am happy and excited for people who are pregnant, I can go to baby showers, I help people bring their babies into the world. Without God, I would be in a far deeper depression than I have ever been in before. The miracle is what God has done in my heart. My wounds are healed.
I am a stubborn girl, who has submitted to the will of God, and has been overwhelmingly blessed because of it. Sometimes the things that happen to us hurt and are hard. But maybe God does know what's best for us, and although I would have never chose this experience for myself, I'm glad that God chose it for me. And I'm glad that he didn't just throw me in the middle of a dark hole and leave me there; he has brought me through it and given me the strength to thrive.
I am thankful that God has given us the hidden blessing of infertility. So that I could learn full dependence on him.
"'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'". Jeremiah 29:11
Monday, October 7, 2013
Scentsy online fundraiser.
Another one! Our Scentsy gal has started up an online fundraiser also.
www.samanthafontaine.scentsy.ca
Once you have gotten to the website you can select a party and from there choose the Jaarsma fundraiser!!
Happy Shopping!
www.samanthafontaine.scentsy.ca
Once you have gotten to the website you can select a party and from there choose the Jaarsma fundraiser!!
Happy Shopping!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Moving forward LEAPS and BOUNDS!
Hey everyone, so for those of you who talked to me during this past week, you know that were a lot of things that we got to check off our giant list this week. Let me fill those of you in who haven't been able to talk to me this week.
Tuesday morning we had our consult over the phone with our agency. It was about a hour and a half and she pretty much just explained how everything works. It was very informative and exciting to hear someone talk about when a birth mother picks you.... and when the baby is born..... when you take your baby home... it really made me excited to talk about all that stuff!
So shortly after our consult, we met with our social worker and read our home study. We felt that she portrayed us accurately and just requested a couple changes - most of them were very minor changes and corrections - like my parents are 50, we have a bathroom on our upstairs level, not the main floor... etc. So it was good to get everything finalized. From there she just needed to update all our corrections and she would be sending off our papers to social services.
Immediately after our home study meeting we swung over to social services and dropped off all of our required documents for our dossier. A dossier is essentially a compilation of documents that the agency requires in order for us to apply. It included our home study, criminal record checks, child abuse record checks, our profiles, etc. From there social services will send them directly to the agency in Florida. According to the guy that we are in contact with at social services all of our documents were prepared and sent off to the agency on Friday.
Once the agency gets our dossier, it takes them about a month to go through all of our documents and applications. Once they accept us we will be put on the wait list - which currently has 2 couples on it - so we will be on the wait list for 1 - 3 months. After we come off the wait list we will pretty much just be waiting to hear that a birth mom has picked us! Most birth moms pick an adoptive family between 6-8 months into their pregnancy, so it could be pretty short notice for us. Once that birth mom gives birth and signs her consents to the adoption we are able to travel to Florida and get our baby! I really don't think it will be too long before our baby is here! VERY EXCITING!
On another note, our fundraiser for the 26th is coming together nicely. We have consultants from Scentsy, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Arbonne, Mary Kay, Gold Canyon, Partylite, Younique, Discovery Toys, South Hill and more! We have some that are still waiting to hear if consultants can come : Epicure, Lia Sophia, Stella and Dot. If you know someone that sells stuff like this and their company isn't already confirmed for coming let me know! The requirement is that they will be willing to give us a % of their sales for our adoption. PLEASE invite your friends to come to this event and start some Christmas shopping. I'm already saving up to buy myself some new kitchen gadgets AKA knives that are actually sharp! We look forward to seeing you there!
Our Partylite consultant has also organized an online fundraiser for people who would like to order from partylite but can't make the event. The link is http://tinyurl.com/jaarsma Her name is Krista Day and you will see her name on the top right hand. Purchase from her and she will give us a percentage of her commissions!
Thanks everyone for your continued love and support. Our baby's birthday is getting closer!
Tuesday morning we had our consult over the phone with our agency. It was about a hour and a half and she pretty much just explained how everything works. It was very informative and exciting to hear someone talk about when a birth mother picks you.... and when the baby is born..... when you take your baby home... it really made me excited to talk about all that stuff!
So shortly after our consult, we met with our social worker and read our home study. We felt that she portrayed us accurately and just requested a couple changes - most of them were very minor changes and corrections - like my parents are 50, we have a bathroom on our upstairs level, not the main floor... etc. So it was good to get everything finalized. From there she just needed to update all our corrections and she would be sending off our papers to social services.
Immediately after our home study meeting we swung over to social services and dropped off all of our required documents for our dossier. A dossier is essentially a compilation of documents that the agency requires in order for us to apply. It included our home study, criminal record checks, child abuse record checks, our profiles, etc. From there social services will send them directly to the agency in Florida. According to the guy that we are in contact with at social services all of our documents were prepared and sent off to the agency on Friday.
Once the agency gets our dossier, it takes them about a month to go through all of our documents and applications. Once they accept us we will be put on the wait list - which currently has 2 couples on it - so we will be on the wait list for 1 - 3 months. After we come off the wait list we will pretty much just be waiting to hear that a birth mom has picked us! Most birth moms pick an adoptive family between 6-8 months into their pregnancy, so it could be pretty short notice for us. Once that birth mom gives birth and signs her consents to the adoption we are able to travel to Florida and get our baby! I really don't think it will be too long before our baby is here! VERY EXCITING!
On another note, our fundraiser for the 26th is coming together nicely. We have consultants from Scentsy, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Arbonne, Mary Kay, Gold Canyon, Partylite, Younique, Discovery Toys, South Hill and more! We have some that are still waiting to hear if consultants can come : Epicure, Lia Sophia, Stella and Dot. If you know someone that sells stuff like this and their company isn't already confirmed for coming let me know! The requirement is that they will be willing to give us a % of their sales for our adoption. PLEASE invite your friends to come to this event and start some Christmas shopping. I'm already saving up to buy myself some new kitchen gadgets AKA knives that are actually sharp! We look forward to seeing you there!
Our Partylite consultant has also organized an online fundraiser for people who would like to order from partylite but can't make the event. The link is http://tinyurl.com/jaarsma Her name is Krista Day and you will see her name on the top right hand. Purchase from her and she will give us a percentage of her commissions!
Thanks everyone for your continued love and support. Our baby's birthday is getting closer!
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