Update from the Ayres

I apologize in the lapse of time between this blog and my last blog.  We have been enjoying the beautiful weather and spending much of our time at home outside playing with Jaxon and Evelynn.  We are so happy for the change of weather and grateful for all the beauty that comes along with spring. Yesterday I took both the kids to a nursery to show them all the colorful and beautiful flowers.  This trip had great intentions for an educational and spiritual experience, but it turned into me trying to keep Jaxon from picking the flowers and Evelynn from eating them. Ha ha kids will be kids. :) 

We have a few updates since I last wrote. First, Nic and I have decided to update our paperwork to adopting a daughter between the ages of 1-3. This wont be official until we speak to our case worker but i still wanted to update everyone on this change.  Charlotte Capri is the name we are calling her right now. We are anxiously (yet patiently) awaiting her arrival over the course of the next two years. All in God's time. Second, we have been working on a lot of fund raising. Here is a list of a few things we have going on:

1. We are selling believe bracelets - not only do we receive a profit per bracelet but part of the proceeds used to buy the bracelets are sent to Africa to supply clean drinking water for the people there. A win win situation!!!  My amazing sister in law, Chami, has also been selling bracelets from Haiti. These bracelets also send part of the proceeds back to Haiti to help with their living situation. 

2.  We are working with Bob Evans to pick a date where they will donate a certain percentage of their profits to our adoption for individuals who bring in a flyer. More to come on this fund raiser.

3. We are still collecting ink jet cartridges and old cell phones. They will be recycled and the proceeds used toward the adoption. 

4.  We are hosting a combination garage sale and corn hole tourney in June at New Life Wesleyan church in Chesterton. If any one wants to donate anything for the garage sale or tourney, please let me know. More info to come on this as well. 

Right now as far as the process we are at a stand still. We have a set amount we need to fund raise before we can submit our next round of paperwork. $2,500 to be exact. Once we submit the paperwork we will be matched with a case worker who will set up our home study. We have our house kid proofed so I'm sure this will be a relatively simple task. We will owe an additional $2,500 at that time. Then it is on to more paperwork!  This is what will be translated and submitted to the Ethiopian government. 

We know God will provide our financial needs. He has already open doors to the several opportunities mentioned above.  We are not asking for monetary donations but if anyone would like to make a monetary donation toward our adoption, please make checks payable to America World Adoption and the Ayres family in the memo.  However, Please do not feel obligated to donate. Our God is faithful and he will help us through every aspect of this journey!!

We continue to ask for your prayers for strength, courage, and wisdom. We are excited to be following this path God has led us to!! There have been more miraculous signs from the Father himself showing me this is his will!  Thank you again for your words of encouragement and prayer!!