BLACK FRIDAY MADNESS!!!

Today is Black Friday....

   It is a day I normally look forward to. I usually go out with two of my besties, and we stand in line all night to score some deals. We drink Peppermint Mocha's from Starbucks and have breakfast together in the wee hours of the morning. I always tell myself I go for the "girl time" more than anything. 

This year I decided to skip it.

       It just is hard to stomach when I start thinking of my friends on the other side of the world who are struggling to just survive. When I think of our daughter in Ethiopia who probably didn't have anything to eat while we were enjoying our Thanksgiving feast.

I just couldn't get into it. Please don't get me wrong----I am not saying that any of you should feel bad for your shopping trips. But I felt personally convicted.

Being home today felt strange. I was reading everyone's FB posts about all of their deals and I started to feel like I should have went shopping.

The truth is--I only by junk on Black Friday. Silly things that I don't need and I am pretty sure everyone could live without.  But for some reason I still wanted to shop---it made me really pause and do a heart check.

Where is my treasure?  I know it's not here. I have so much---and for some reason, I always seem to find a need for more. 

I want my life and my checkbook to reflect my values. I don't need the next best thing. Possessions cannot replace community, friendship and family. I love to give gifts--but I want to be intentional. I want to give gifts with meaning.

  I needed to stay home today. I needed to continue to focus on what I am thankful for. I have alot to be thankful for.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

Just a normal(?) day...

I am not sure what happened.

I was having a pretty good day, and I was getting alot done.

But then my mind started to wander to our adoption paperwork, and all that I needed to do.

Suddenly like a wave, this sadness hit me.

I don't want to wait anymore. I don't want to fill out these papers, and write these checks. I just want to love this child. I want to bring her home.

When you are pregnant, you know the waiting is going to be over after 9 months. You will hold your child, and kiss her face in just 9 months. With adoption---I don't know how long we will wait.

Waiting is the worst. I am not known for being good at waiting on anything. I like progress. I like timelines. If things aren't getting done fast enough, I find a way to speed things up.

Not so with adoption. I can push, but it doesn't mean things will speed up.

I have to wait.
I have to be patient.
I need to trust God's timing.

I am trying.
Today is harder than usual.

I found out recently that "G"  was not born in a hospital. She was born in her village, and doesn't have a birth certificate.

You should see her village.

It's hard for me to wrap my head around a child being born in those conditions. I know it happens everyday.

But, if only you could see her village......

We will never know her exact birthday or any details about her birth.

That makes me sad.

Mia has been saying since day 1 that they are "twins" so when I shared with Mia that we won't be able to find out "G's" birthday, she just shrugged and said " Mom, I told you we are twins! We have the same birthday!" Then she promptly walked away.

I love that girl. She has such a sweet faith.

As for me....I am hanging on this promise today.

Matthew 18:1-5

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

I am trying to have a faith like sweet little Mia as we prepare to welcome this child into our home.

Some days are easier than others.

Keepin' myself on track.....

I have really come to realize how important it is to have goals....

Not just for big things, but even for simple everyday things.

 I am not even sure if anyone reads this blog or not. But putting some goals on here will make me feel more accountable so here it goes.....

Mom stuff:

• Read for at least 15 minutes each night with both kids.
• Get at least 3 forms completed and notarized for our dossier. ( By far the hardest for me, because paperwork is my nemesis!)
• Bake with the kids once this week.
• Paint with Mia this week.
• Help Aidan cook dinner one night this week

Home Stuff:

• Bake Banana Bread (some to eat and some to freeze)
• Bake something yummy for our new neighbors
• Make a weekly meal plan, cut coupons....and save some darn money!
• Homemade Breadsticks ( some to eat and some to freeze)
• Clean out Mia's closet
• Call Dish--to cancel or lower bill.....
• Dinner Devotions everyday!

Wifey stuff:

• Make Tom an anniversary gift
• Plan a date night
• Read the bible with my hubby each night.
• Find a way to encourage Tom daily.

Me stuff:

• Finish reading: Red Letter Revolution by Shane Claibourne
• Clean out my closet---donate half.
• Paint magnets to sell as an adoption fundraiser
• Spend more time in God's Word
• Find someone to encourage
• Visit homeless shelter in Sandusky
• Get a haircut----because I am starting to look a little crazy!
• Update blog at least 5 times this week... ( this post counts!)

Well---this doesn't include work goals. But I know I need to be more intentional at home---so this is my attempt to stay focused.

Not too exciting I know....

Do you have any goals this week? I would love to hear about them! Feel free to leave a comment ( as long as it is friendly!)

Here is to a more productive week! ( Crossing them out as I go!)

Not very pregnant.....

When you have a bun in the oven, people excuse the fact that all you seem to be able to talk about is the little baby growing inside of you.

I get it. I had two. It is such a precious time in a mother's life. So much anticipation.

I am not very pregnant.

 But, we are expecting a child.

We are so excited to bring this child into our family, even with the challenges she is sure to bring.  Sometimes, I want to talk about her all the time.

I want to daydream. I want to picture our lives with this little girl in it. I want to figure out how I am going to deal with her hair, and I want to picture my two girls in matching pajamas.

The only thing is.....I am not very pregnant.

People don't get it. They can't understand my excitement over a child I "don't really know." She is a child of God, and she is precious in his sight. She matters.

 The strangest thing happens when you decide to adopt.

Your heart changes. It stretches, and is forced to grow.

The day I met G, it was like God tied a little thread to her heart and attached it to mine. Even though we are a world apart, I can feel the tug of her on my heart. Sometimes she pulls, and I can feel the heavy weight of her burdens.

Sometimes, it feels like my heart might rip out of my chest.

I have seen the same changes in the hearts of everyone in our family.

Especially Mia.

 She prays for her sister constantly. She dreams of her sister, colors pictures of her and is always talking about getting a bunk bed for the two of them ( this detail has yet to be determined!)      

We have had alot of ups and downs.

There have been days when I have thought adopting G was "too much of a long shot" because the circumstances of our adoption are so unique.

Tom is always so steady.

He just says: "Its going to be ok....because she is ours." For him it is really that simple. He doesn't even seem to waiver in his faith about this.

She is ours.

Jen Hatmaker - The Election: Thoughts From a Christian Independent

    

 During this election season, I, like many of you are struggling with the non-stop political banter.

    And this is coming from me---a self declared political junkie.

    I am watching my Christian friends act as if the world depends solely on this current election alone.

 I struggle to find a balance between being an advocate for issues that I think are important, while at the same time remembering not to take all of the politics too seriously.

Afterall, there is only one power that really matters in the end, and it is the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Whoever wins---God already knew they would. It is not beyond HIS control and all things will work according to HIS purposes.

       I have had many friends question me for not swearing alligence to any particular party. I struggle with a way to answer them without sounding too harsh. The truth is--it doesn't matter. And while I do vote, and also advocate for many issues, I do not believe our government is the answer to every problem we have.

But today, I came across this article and it was so great I had to share. It really articulates alot of my same feelings about politics and Christians.

Check it out! I hope you read it with an open heart.

Jen Hatmaker - The Election: Thoughts From a Christian Independent

Anyone that knows me knows that I love art!

I love thick textured paint on canvas. The way a painting or a sculpture can evoke emotion, or stir us to action.  I love art galleries, and almost anything homemade.

I do not like to shop. Why am I telling you this?

Because

Art Inspired Outfits III by georgina-m on polyvore.com

I found this really cool site that makes clothing inspired by famous art. It is too cool not to share!  So enjoy!!!!!

Why Ethiopia...

We realize that there are many people who will never understand why we have chosen to adopt a child from a foreign country. Many have commented that there are lots of American kids who need homes. 

Yes, we know. But we feel called to adopt from Ethiopia. We encourage people who have such a strong opinions about our adoption to keep their comments to themselves---or go adopt an American child if you feel that strongly about it. We believe that no child should grow up without a parents. We would love to see every orphan in a home. But if you aren't going to be a part of the solution yourself, then please don't critique our choice. 

We do realize that this is going to be a major undertaking. We are bringing home a 6 year old child who has lived in extreme poverty for her entire life. No water. No food. No parents. We understand that we will be dealing with some major trauma. There will be a language barrier. Cultural differences to overcome. And let's not forget the non-stop opinions that will be offered by on lookers. 

   But we believe that LOVE is a universal language. We speak LOVE. We believe that God cares for orphans and he commands us to care for them too. We have seen a need, and chosen to respond. Orphans are so easy to ignore when you don't know their names. 

We know alot of their names. We HAD to respond. 

If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
    Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? 

-- Proverbs 24:12

Here's what else we know......

Struggling to survive on an average annual income of $280, many families in Ethiopia lack access to nutritious food and clean water*

• 5 million children in Ethiopia are orphans or have lost one parent.

• More than half of Ethiopians lack access to clean drinking water.

• More than two in five children who start primary school in Ethiopia do not complete fifth grade.

• Approximately half of children under age 5 in Ethiopia suffer from stunting as a result of malnutrition.

• 1 in 5 girls in Ethiopia are married before the age of 15. Some as young as 7. Average age of husband, 25

• Leading cause of child death in Ethiopia--diarrhea due to poor sanitation.
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We cannot ignore these facts...or the children that we have met living in these conditions. We chose to make a difference for one child. 

Can you imagine if everyone else did too?

Meet Ohio’s ServeNext Organizer | ServiceNation

Meet Ohio’s ServeNext Organizer | ServiceNation

Here is the interview I did recently for ServiceNation. Check it out! I am so excited about the work I am doing with ServeNext/ ServiceNation!

Advocacy Is For Everybody! | ServiceNation

Advocacy Is For Everybody! | ServiceNation

Check out the blog post I wrote for the ServiceNation Blog! I am really proud of the great work being done in Ohio by Americorps Members.http://www.servicenation.org/blog/entry/advocacy-is-for-everybody

Why Africa?

I love Africa.....

Not because I feel like I saved the world after a visit.

But because I feel like Africa saved me.

      For many of you wondering why we have chosen to adopt from Africa, the truth is Africa chose us. The people in Ethiopia are so warm, and so generous.  All of the education in the world could not have taught me the simple lessons I have learned there. 

 Material possessions mean nothing without community, without love,  and without the joy that comes from knowing the Lord.

 I want to dance like them. 

I want to love my neighbor like them. 

I want to worship like them.

I want to partner with them.

And most of all---I want you to know about the Africa that you won't see on CNN.

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I  love this video!

This summer I began work with World Vision as a Child Ambassador! My goal is to find sponsors for 100 children this year! If you are interested in making a difference in the life of a child, please email me for more information! Our family sponsors a little boy in Kenya, who is Aidan's age and a little girl in India who is Mia's age. We just love the updates and letters we get from our sponsored children!

When I grow up....

When I grow up.....

I want to be more like my kids. 

They see beauty in everything.

They laugh non-stop.

They accept others with open arms, hugs and high fives.

They dance.

They wake up singing.

They make art.

They find treasures.

They love with reckless abandon.

They never stop learning.

They are always exploring.

They make me smile.

They play with cardboard boxes.

They make mud pies.

They skip.

They love the Lord.

They are mine.

I will love them always.

Adoption Guilt

       There are more than a few things that I haven't expected about the adoption process. Beyond the ridiculous amounts of paperwork for things such as: Proving my dog is up on his vaccinations, and a letters from our doctors stating that we are not insane ( HA!) The one thing that I was not prepared for was the guilt.

  This guilt comes in many forms, so let me explain. From the moment you decide you are adopting everything in your life becomes about tackling this seemingly insurmountable task.  Getting the home study completed, your adoption training, the paperwork, and I will say it again the paperwork! Money soon becomes the central focus of accomplishing these goals. Let me just say; I hate money. I am not a money person. If I could live life without it, I would.

        Now it seems like money is all I think about, and of course worry about. No one told me that I would obsess about every penny I spend and feel guilty for every day purchases.

That hamburger at the drive thru now brings about thoughts of starving children. My cozy bed brings thoughts of people huddled at night on dirt floors. The list goes on........

 About a month ago I came home from Kohls. I got some really great deals! I really needed a pair of shorts and a couple of shirts because lets face it, I have packed on a few pounds since the beginning of this process. My purchase totaled $50.71. Big deal right?

Wrong.

I came home. Tucked my two beautiful kids into bed, and thought about my daughter on the other side of the world.  That's when it hit me.

My daughter in Ethiopia, has one outfit. Just one. I somehow, needed more. More than my overflowing closet!!

I could have saved that money. I could have put it in my adoption account! Why do I always need more? There are people who have nothing! When is enough, enough?

How does the Lord put up with me? Why am I so selfish?

I had a mini meltdown on my back porch. Lot's of tears and crying out to the Lord.

Tom looked like a deer in headlights. I think he thought for sure that I was headed to a padded cell somewhere!

  He hugged me, and told me " We still have to live our lives, God loves us and doesn't want you to feel this way." We prayed together and he comforted me the best he could. It made sense. After all, HIS mercies are new every morning! This did not however, stop the wave of tears. You see--I have prayed that dangerous prayer.

"Lord, break my heart for the things that break yours."

I didn't actually consider what it feels like to have your heart break. I didn't know what would happen when these two world collide. A world of plenty and a world of squalor.

 It's a lot to process. It is hard knowing that your child is alone, and doesn't have a mom to cuddle or shoes that fit. The guilt keeps creeping in. But I am a child of God's and I know that he doesn't want me to beat myself up. HE loves me, and wants me to be full of the joy that comes from knowing HIM. I will claim the joy of the Lord every morning. It won't be easy. But my God is good and full of grace......and I will cling to his promises.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 45:7
You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

Adoption Fundraisers!

Check out these awesome MudLove bands! You can purchase one today to support our adoption! They are $10 each with $2 shipping. They say: Redeemed, Carpe Diem, Set Free and Yahweh.
We also have necklaces! Email me nicolesheavenlyhope@gmail.com with your order!

You can also support our adoption by purchasing fair trade coffees and gifts at Just Love Coffee.www.justlovecoffee.com/schmidtfamily

                                                               --OR--

You can purchase a shirt at Ordinary Hero!! They have an amazing line of quality clothing, all to benefit families who are adopting or groups going on mission trips.  During the check out process you will select a fundraising affiliate, please click on Nicole Schmidt in order for our family to receive credit!
www.ordinaryherostore.org

Thank you for supporting our adoption!!!!

Crazy kind of love....

A little over a year ago I felt the Lord challenging me to go on a church sponsored mission trip to Haiti. I decided to take that challenge, unaware that it would literally change the course of my life forever.

   

Before Haiti, I was passionate about poverty and I was working with several ministries that address domestic hunger and poverty. I thought about people in poverty overseas but it was not a personal conviction. That all changed the day we saw a mother who had given birth in the street, while walking to a hospital in premature labor. The baby was very small and was left in the street to die. I can still remember the blood on the dirt road, and how small that baby was. This is an excerpt from my journal. “... it takes less than two hours to travel from Miami to Haiti. That would have never happened in Miami or anywhere else in America, for that matter! I am an American…I am privileged... I got lucky. That baby did not ask to be born in Haiti. I am angry---a burning anger that will not go away. I know God is even more angry about these injustices than I am. I bet God is wondering where his people are ... how we can allow these things to persist!”

   

I felt strongly that the Lord had something for me beyond those 7 days in Haiti. I left there amazed at the beauty and resilience of the Haitian people. There are so many artists and craftsmen in that country with no one to sell their products to. I felt the Lord showing me that these people need partners. They need Christians – people of affluence, willing to partner with them and build on their unique strengths and weaknesses. But like so many times in the past when I felt the Lord moving, I asked, “Ok Lord, but how?”

  

My husband Tom and I had been praying about adoption for a little over a year before Haiti, trying to decide if we would adopt domestically or abroad. We inquired about adoption in Haiti, but soon realized that we do not meet the minimum age requirements. Two weeks after my trip to Haiti, we moved to Beulah Beach and joined the ministry team there, placing adoption on the back burner.

   

In November of 2011, I met with Terina Dutton, from Heavenly Hope Ministries. I shared with her my new passion for women and children in third world countries, and my vision to find partners for them. If these women could learn some skills and be given a market to sell their products, their lives, and the lives of their families, would be forever changed. They would have hope, something they now know nothing about. Amazingly, Terina shared that God had given her that same vision!  We then began to pray that the Lord would show us our next steps.

In January, we received word from the Dutton’s ministry partners in Ethiopia that there was another nonprofit organization that had pledged to work with a group of women making jewelry. They had some financial difficulties and were unable to continue working with the women who were already meeting at Heavenly Hope Ministries Orphanage! We knew this was not a coincidence, so we stepped into this perfect scenario and began “Project Tesfa”!

We got our plane tickets, collected supplies and flew to Ethiopia.  It was amazing to see God show up every step of the way. We are currently working with 10 women there ... they make jewelry and other items that we bring back to the States to sell. The women are paid based on Fair Trade guidelines, and are given the opportunity to learn about Jesus through discipleship. They are also able to receive a bonus of flour and cooking oil each month for visiting and caring for the elderly in their community.

   

When I was in Ethiopia, I met a six year old little girl named Getese. She was not living in an orphanage but spending most of her time on her own. Getese attended a sponsorship program of Heavenly Hope Ministries to worship and receive a meal each day. She reminded me so much of my own daughter, Mia. When I returned home I couldn’t sleep ... the Lord had put this child on my heart in such a big way. Everyday I would wake up and wonder if she was ok and if she had enough food to eat. I spent many nights in tears. Tom shared the burden and decided we had to do something!

So we did. We not only found Getese on the streets in Ethiopa, but are now in the process of adopting her! This is a huge step of faith for us! We are trusting that the Lord will continue to provide for us financially and spiritually every step of the way! Tom and I live on a relatively small ministry income, but we know our Father in Heaven owns everything. Adoption is too expensive for us—but not for God! We hope that God will use our family as a testimony to His goodness and grace when we simply trust HIM! We want to love the way HE loves. We know that God loves orphans and widows, so that means that the Schmidt family will too!  

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Proverbs 31:8-9 ESV Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth and judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

James 1:27 NIV   Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

We hope that you will pray for us and consider partnering with us in the following ways:

-- Purchase Cooking Oil & Flour for a widow in Ethiopia - $100 a year.

-- Donate to “Project Tesfa” - Checks can be made payable to Heavenly Hope Ministries;  Memo line – “Project Tesfa" Or at www.duttonfoundation.org 

-- Host a “Project Tesfa” Party in your home or church

-- Collect Beads or other jewelry making materials to donate

-- Make a donation to the Schmidt Adoption Fund

-- PRAY LIKE CRAZY!

Blessings! And ... if you ever have a chance to go on a mission trip—GO! Who knows how God could use it to change YOUR life for His glory!

Welcome!

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