Dear family & friends,

It is hard to believe we have been married for a year and a half. During this time, we have experienced much, and yet have plenty to learn, as we continue to pursue a marriage that reflects Christ. Before we were married, one of the most precious seasons in our relationship was the time we spent as friends communicating over emails and Skype while Katy lived in South Africa. It was during that year that Katy had the privilege of caring for children at an orphanage, many of whom had special needs. Katy’s love grew for these children who did not have families, as did Joe’s through the stories and pictures Katy would share. God was working in our hearts in so many ways. We never imagined He would lead us in the direction He has today.

We are excited to share with you our decision to adopt. We are working with Bethany Christian Services and two South African agencies hoping to adopt a boy who Katy cared for. His name is Jojo and some of you may remember him from the monthly updates Katy sent out. He just turned five years old and has mild cerebral palsy. We have been approved through Bethany Christian Services for the South Africa program, Jojo has been approved for adoption domestically and internationally, and we are now nearing the end of the home study process.

You are receiving this letter for several reasons. First, we desire our family and friends, many of whom have influenced us to begin our family in this way, to share in this journey. You will find a web address below to our adoption website so you can stay updated on our progress.

We are also asking for your prayer support. With an adoption of any kind, comes much risk and many unknowns. Our adoption website will include prayer requests with each new development, as well as ways in which we have witnessed God at work. Isaiah 41:10 is Jojo’s verse that he was given when he arrived at the orphanage as a newborn and the verse we have continued to pray for him. We would love for you to join us in specifically praying that God would strengthen and uphold him.

Finally, if God would lead you, we are asking for your financial support.  Bethany Christian Services estimates the total cost to be $39,993.00, give or take a few thousand dollars as we are given ranges. Our goal is to raise $19,996.50. We have included a pie chart that breaks down the expenses. Our adoption website provides a way to make tax-deductible donations that will go directly to Bethany Christian Services. The website requires you to create a simple and free account to donate.

There is a second web address below to a website called Bonfire Funds. We are selling T-shirts through this website for a limited amount of time. The shirts are available for $17.99 from now until December 3. Please be sure to visit the website for more details.

Katy is also having an Adornable U jewelry party on December 2 and the style mentor is giving 100% of her commission from this party and 50% of her commission from parties that any of you host at any time, that mention Katy, to our adoption fund. A party invite will be sent to all the local women receiving this letter but for anyone interested in the jewelry, check out the third web address below to the Adornable U website. On your orders, be sure to enter that the purchase should go toward Katy as the hostess.

All other fundraisers we have will be announced through our adoption website. We have applied for the only grant we are aware of that is available to us at this time but will be taking full advantage of any grant opportunities as they arise. Thank you for being a part of our lives and for taking the time to read about this new and exciting season we are embarking on.

www.purecharity.com/hindfamilyadoption

www.bonfirefunds.com/praying-jojo-home

www.adornableu.com/nicoledonathan

By His grace,

Joe and Katy