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Category Archives: adoption
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tamales + camera = God story
November 4, 2008 – 12:25 pm
I happen to think God is really cool. He more than just provides the needs he details moments through the journey. Unfolding like the most beautifully wrapped present were the details of this story. I cannot help but share them out.
Last September I learned how to make tamales. My plan was to make some money for Jamie’s adoption. Interestingly enough I became known as “tamale lady” by one sweet blogger woman. I thought that really funny because I feel a far cry from all things tamale. We needed to meet in person and sure enough we got the chance. I love Nancy. Love her. She is the most encouraging beautiful woman. To know her is to love her.
The time that followed has been nothing short of craziness. In the months we acted on the leading to adopt. In that time I also picked up a camera and started a little business. God blessed.
A few weeks ago I got a call from Living Proof Ministries about doing a photo session for Christmas Cards. Nancy works for LPM and shared my name. Precious brave Nancy. Nancy is also aware all the money from my little business runs to our adoption fund.
God. only God.
Yesterday we all met and laughed for the camera. I felt more than honored. I sit under the ministry of each of these beautiful women. Some may answer phones, some may answer mail, some may organize, and some may teach but rest assured these women [ahem… and Curtis] are in this together. It is such a beautiful thing.
Who would have thought? Debra makes tamales. Debra meets new friends. Debra picks up a camera. Debra plans adoption. Debra photographs LPM Staff. God thought. He can choose in any way to provide our adoption funding. Today he chose this.
What will it be tomorrow?
I am so along for the ride. I must say that at this moment I feel a bit wild over him. Wild enough to have a picture in my mind of holding tight to his strong arms while riding the fast pace of this life. My hair is blowing in the wind and my cheeks are ravaged by the sun. I cannot see what lay ahead. I can only hold on with great anticipation.
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In this photo you can see the fun on my face. I enjoyed each of you and your good hair. I still cannot believe that I actually jumped up and down for you all. My plan was to act a little more civilized [insert my own laughter]. Kimberly and Kimberly the LT was fun. We must do it again. Liz thank you for coming and being willing to hold a ladder for me and for documenting the wrapping to my story.
Photo Credit: Liz Seay.
adoption update.
October 4, 2008 – 10:46 pm
paperwork. paperwork. paperwork.
We are in the stage of grabbing all the paperwork that is needed for our dossier. During the lights out vacation after Mr. Ike we had our home study. It was good. I should have that in hand soon. Next on the things to do is the psychological evaluation. Then we will have the blood work and HIV testing done. After that I think the only thing “to do” will be to get what seems like one thousand copies of passport photos for each of us. Once all that is done we send everything off to be authenticated.
Each step of the way there is money to be paid. That is the biggest issue in my mind. It looms. I have no idea why it does. God provides the exact amount EVERY time we have needed it.
Once our dossier is complete (hopefully sooner than later) we will send it with half of our adoption cost to Haiti. That is where my mind stands still. I really can’t wait to see how God provides the funding for this. I also somewhat feel guilty that I cannot afford on my own to do this. False guilt.
This boy is already part of our family. If he never comes to live with us physically we will still love and care for him. He is with us forever. The conversations of and about him are endless. I hear little voices request to bring him home for “my” birthday. Yes, Honey, I wish I could.
I have a question for all of you adoptive parents of older children. Did you change your child’s name to an American name? I have a lot of thoughts about this but I am curious to hear what some other thoughts are. Feel free to email me if you would rather keep it private.
check this out.
October 2, 2008 – 2:36 pm
A sweet friend of mine Missy has sent over these amazing monogrammed burp cloths from Baby Lala (her sweet business). She is selling them for only $9.95 each. Her plan is to donate the proceeds to our International Adoption Fund. How awesome. I am sure that these would make some great gifts. Check out the packaging. I am a sucker for packaging.
You can see all the boy designs here. Girl designs coming soon. To place an order simply email Missy at arwilk@aol.com. Be sure to know which design you would like as well as the name to be monogrammed.
Here is my favorite.
The boy and The Astros.
September 25, 2008 – 8:23 pm
the garage sale.
September 8, 2008 – 9:17 pm
It went great. So many donations poured in. People came and bought. They were also so interested in our story. I cannot tell you how many people asked when he would be coming home. I just do not have an answer to that question.
It was a good day. I had promised God that I would praise him if he gave us $2 or $2,000. He is in control. He gave us the exact amount we needed to send in our next form. It was too exciting to leave inside. I know this because it poured out in tears. My God once again amazed me.
I thought you might want to share in our fun. Here are some photos from the day.
Some funny: Lindsee, let me just say that your clothes rock. My family bought them all before the sale was officially open. I loved the Banana Republic dress so much that my mom bought it for me for my birthday. Oh and Ang she also bought me the pink Sam and Libby heels that you donated. It was so wonderful.
what is he thinking…?
September 8, 2008 – 8:40 pm
that is what I am thinking.
Our boy in Haiti has seen some of the most horrendous things with his own deep dark eyes. He lives in a place where he is genuinely loved. There is an almost permanent smile that rests on his face. What about the last couple of weeks? Is his smile still flourishing? My initial thought is how could it.
The rescue center is without water. At the present time water is being brought up and ran through filters to ensure that it is safe for drinking. This is a costly process. If you are willing please donate $40 to Real Hope for Haiti. The $40 will cover the approx. cost of 250 people having clean water for a day. Go to Licia’s Blog and click on the side button to donate.
We, the Parkers, love our little Parker man in Haiti. We think of him, pray for him, worry for him, and more than anything want to be with him.
Please pray for the people of Haiti, for our son, for Licia and all the rescue center staff/children.
they knew.
August 7, 2008 – 9:00 am
“Has Mom met him yet?” That is the question that the kids asked over and over the days I was in Haiti. Together as a family we had prayed for this boy. We asked that he would know the love of a family. Our hearts were moved towards adoption it just seemed to be over our head financially. Every time God would bring adoption to our lips our reality would smack us straight over the head.
going back a year.
The kids began to refer to him as their future brother. “We are going to adopt him!” They would say. I used cautious words to prepare them for what might not happen. They listened but I don’t think they ever let the idea of their future brother go.
My trip to Haiti was scheduled.
We would make a trip to the Rescue Center.
I would meet him.
On the morning when our group arrived at the Rescue Center I was pretty nervous. My eyes scanned the small faces that were surrounding us. I was talking with people, laughing with people, meeting friends, but all the while I was looking for him.
It seemed like an eternity before I actually laid my eyes on this little boy. My heart melted even more than the hundreds of times I read his story on the blog. I stood there stilled and watched him play. I thought about what I could say to him. Nothing grand enough came to mind. In all honesty it took every bit of strength to walk over to him. It was as if I knew my life would be forever changed. I have no idea what my words to him were. It doesn’t matter. His eyes were overwhelming. His smile even more. I grabbed my camera and shot some photos of the boys playing. Then I asked if he would take a picture with me. He must have thought I was so weird. I was so worried that he did. I would not have forgiven myself if I had chickened out. The kids would treasure this photo of their mom and their in-love brother. With that I walked away. Physically I was away from him but to this day my thoughts are with him.
Later that day he and I colored, chalked, and laughed. I couldn’t ask for more. He knew that I thought he was special. He knew that he was my favorite. I think he liked that.
Our time at the RC was done.
I arrived home with more questions. I knew that our family could love this boy. Could he love us? Is he too old to transition to life in America? What would his life be like if he stayed in Haiti? Could he? Would that prove to be better for Him. What would life look like for him if he did.
Questions are so hard.
moving forward.
Licia posted a blog pleading for a family to take this child. This child that we loved. The child that we prayed would have a family soon. This child that our children called brother.
This child was ours.
It was as complex simple as that.
To say all the questions are gone would be a lie. We have many questions just about different things.
Nothing is more amazing than hearing Carly or Colt talk to EVERYONE about their brother. God has worked out an amazing love in their heart. They always knew. Even when their parents were full of fear. They knew.
photo sessions for adoption.
August 4, 2008 – 2:05 pm
I am running a ’special’ if you will.
Get your smiles ready.
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I have two adoption/financial goals at the present moment.
1. Homestudy.
2. A Trip to Haiti. I long for my new son to be able to TOUCH his mama.
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To cover these costs I am offering as a bundle package….
A complete photo session.
A complete CD with high resolution images.
for only $200.
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I am playing with honesty here. I need to schedule six more sessions in the month of August to be able to see this goal to completion.
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I photograph family, baby, children, newborn, maternity, birth, small weddings, and whatever else you might be thinking. Well except for nude men who are wanting to build their portfolio. I did have that asked once. For real, people.
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To see my portfolio click here.
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I am located in Houston, Texas. I would love to come wherever in the world you are. All you have to do is fly me out there.
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Open your mouths wide and get the word out.
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Thanks.
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To schedule email me at debra@debraparkerdesign.com or just go to the contact me button on the top of this page.
magazines {i love them}
July 21, 2008 – 3:18 pm
I love magazines.
I hope you do too.
Order your favorite one today. It will help us raise money to bring our boy home.
Share the link with friends. http://www.magfundraising.com/debraparker
By the way::
What is your favorite magazine? Mine is Domino. Love it.
