144 Numbers = 1 Less Orphan

As we have traveled this journey of adoption, now for the second time, the expenses continue to add up.   God has definitely brought us through thus far and has surrounded us with amazing people who have provided both emotional and financial support.  We are approaching the final phase of the process and are not only facing final adoption costs, but also travel expenses that continue to rise the longer we wait for travel approval.  Our final costs are estimated to be $10,000+.  We lay this cost at the feet of God with faith that he will help us raise the money to bring Jonathan home.  To that end, we have developed one last fundraiser that we will call "144 Numbers = 1 Less Orphan."

The idea is that we have 144 numbers, each representing a face value $ amount. For example #1 = $1 and #41 = $41, etc. We are asking people to commit to one or more numbers by contributing the face value of that number. If all numbers are committed to, this fundraiser would meet our final needs of $10,000.

If you would like to contribute please let me know which number(s) you choose and I will remove that number from the list below.  You have 4 options for donation, you can donate by clicking the "Donate" button on the right of your screen to donate through Paypal, you may mail a check to our home address, drop off a check to the Staunton SDA Church on N. Coalter St in an envelope to our attention or you can send your donation directly to our adoption agency (only potential tax deductible option). 

If you choose to send through the adoption agency, you can contribute by either check or credit card.  Checks can be made payable to America World Adoption Association or just AWAA (6723 Wittier Avenue, Suite 202, McLean, VA 22101).  On a separate piece of paper include our family name, your name, address, phone number and amount of contribution.  In the "memo" portion of the check include the words "Eternal Family Fund."  To send money to AWAA via credit card contribution please visit https://www.awaa.org/give/general_donation.aspx and in the "Notes" section include both the Eternal Family Fund and our family name.  Regarding tax deductibility, AWAA suggests that the amount claimed as a tax deduction, if any, be discussed with a tax professional.

Don't forget to let me know which number you choose either by email, Facebook, or comment below and I will remove it from the list.  Here are the numbers that are left............

15   31   32   36   37   39   42   46   47   48   49   53  55  56  57  58  59   61   62   63   64   66   67   68   69   72   74   76   77   79   80   81   82   84   85   86   87   88   89   91   92   93   94   95   96   97   98   102   103   104   105   106   107   108   109   110   112   113   114   115   116   117   118   119   120   121   122   123   124   125   126   127   128   129   130   131   132   133   134   135   136   137  

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!
The Lum Family

Surrounded and Outnumbered

It is not unusual to step on a matchbox car in the middle of the night or to hear baseballs rolling around in the back of the car.  It's not uncommon to notice a loud thump followed by yelling or tears when the wrestling has gotten a little out of control.  Such is life when you have boys.  And, I am surrounded.

I wasn't always surrounded.  In fact, growing up, I was in the majority at home and at school.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed playing sports and being active.  But, I also enjoyed Barbies, dressing up and being an all around girly girl.  Now when I'm getting dressed up and want help deciding if my shoes match my outfit, I can't seem to find anyone who cares.  So, I do the best I can and hope that everything matches OK.

Also, on some of the few occasions when I might have a chance to relax on the couch to watch one of my favorite TV shows, I inevitably have requests to change the channel to the "Nats" game.  And, I am outnumbered.

Soon, I will hopefully not only be outnumbered, but I'm going to run out of hands.  What?!  I was speaking to an experienced mother of four a few weeks ago who told me of the experience of going from two children to three children when you "run out of hands."  I can't wait!

Jeff and I are in the process of adopting a second time from China.  Jonathan Wilson ZhuYe Lum will be joining our family in about 10 weeks if everything runs smoothly from here on out.

We couldn't be more excited!  I am surrounded.  I am outnumbered.  I am the mother of boys.  And, I wouldn't have it any other way!