Without further adieu, 2014 for the Knops, especially the last third of the year, has been eventful! We have grown from a family of 3 to a family of 5 overnight, LITERALLY!
Now for the story....Our journey started in February of 2013 when we attended an adoption conference to learn more. Well, we left resigned to the fact that we would never afford it (if you want a further discussion on cost of adoption, why we chose domestic infant program, why we chose the agency we did, etc, please ask and I will address later). Late March 2013, both of us came to the realization we were still consumed with the idea of adoption and needed to pursue it further. And that is what we did. We took it one decision at a time until finally we owed the first payment. We paid...and just like that we were going to adopt (Sidenote: in a period of 8 months, we/God raised $20,000 to fully fund one infant adoption).
We prayed and chose to be in a domestic infant program. Typically, a domestic infant adoption involves a pregnant birthmother making an adoption plan and choosing an adoptive family. Once baby is born, birthmother would choose to relinquish her parental rights and adoptive family would take baby home. This is exactly what we planned for and of course didn't happen.
After a rather long year, and experiencing a failed match (we were chosen by a birthmother and met baby when in the last hours, she chose to parent), we (Kendi) were rather impatient and irritated at God's lack of delivery. After all, we were being obedient, the least He could was deliver a baby (Don't misunderstand: that mindset was certainly sinful and brought to my full attention by people who love me dearly). We had received dozens of emails giving permission for our profile to be shown, but it was unique to receive one for children already born let alone a sibling group aged 2 and 1. We had said yes to all the others, and this was no different; but we heard nothing for 2.5 weeks. Then, at 5:00 pm on September 15th, our agency called telling us that a birthmother chose us. 9:00 am on September 17th, we met the kids for the first time; September 18th at 1:00 pm, we were a family of 5 in our house!
This is most definitely the biggest announcement to share with our family and friends thus prompting the first "Christmas card" we have ever done. If you are interested in how you can help us, please pray for our adjustments as a family of 5. Everyone is adjusting well, and while we are out of survival mode, the adjusting will probably last for awhile longer! Also, consider donating financially HERE. We stopped fundraising when we reached the cost to adopt ONE child. God blessed us with TWO children, which is additional $8,000. We were blessed to benefit from the non-profit organization, ABBA Fund, to receive an interest-free loan that we need to pay back over 48 months. We want to obliterate that timeline, and we can with your help! God gave us $20,000 is less than 8 months, and we believe He is going to finish the work! Please consider being part of our family's legacy and consider donating; donations are tax-deductible.
Now a brief review of each family member:
Cory: Enjoying a new shift with the police department that involves a take-home car! (Sidenote: In September 2013 we sold our truck to become a one-car family to pay for an adoption installment and we believe God asked us to. Talk about His faithfulness!). His new job with the department focuses primarily on capturing smugglers of illegal goods in transit.
Kendi: Working for a missions organization with its U.S. support office just steps from our house (Mission of Hope, Haiti). The Monday/Wednesday/Friday work schedule is a huge blessing to her sanity as a mom of 3! The other days she has hands-full with all three at home!
Adley: Loves gymnastics, riding her bike, and climbing trees! She LOVES being a
Jolie: Loves to run and learning to climb trees with her sister. She is always singing and dancing. If she can't be moving, you will find her with a book or begging you to read to her! She will turn 3 in April.
Josiah: Learning to communicate through new words and sign language! Loves to go on runs with daddy and jamming to his favorite music. He turns 2 in April.
We pray your family is well and enjoying the holiday season!
Merry Christmas!
Cory, Kendi, Adley, Jolie, and Josiah
We love you and your family!!!!
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