It has definitely been way too long since Grant and I posted anything about our adoption journey! Thank you to all those who reach out regularly to ask for updates! Here is a summary of the past 2 months:
Once we moved to Bradenton, we immediately jumped into full-time ministry life and have had a blast serving in the area God has called us to! Last month we purchased our FIRST home and we’ll be moving in this December. WE ARE SO EXCITED! As soon as we arrived, I started reaching out to attorneys and agencies to begin making connections concerning an adoption opportunity. Over a few weeks, I realized this was going to be harder than I originally thought! From outrageous fees to not being able to get anyone to answer the phone, or even meet with me as I stood in person at an attorneys office, it felt like we’d never make a connection or even receive advice of the next steps to take!
So where are we now you may ask? We’re still waiting! Praying! Believing! It seems like Baby Dew is going to become part of our family in an unconventional way! I’ll admit things have not gone like I ever thought they would. It seems like I continue to hit a closed door. However, Grant and I know the Lord has placed this passion on our heart for a reason and we are going to continue pursuing this daily! I posted in the past about the adoption cards Grant and I had made! We have been passing them out regularly and praying that one will land in the hands of the perfect opportunity God has for us!
We start this month on our new home study! Unfortunately when moving to a different state, you’re required to get a new one done. The good news is it’s only $600, which is half the price we paid in Louisiana!
Grant and I are both believing that Baby Dew will come in 2018. In the meantime, we’ve been preparing for our little one in different ways. The baby crib is still in the box, but we are ready to open it should we receive a call at any moment! My mom and sister continue to surprise me with baby clothes and shoes…they say they aren’t biased to any gender, but all the items are definitely for a boy! I’m hoping to finally decide which diaper bag I want and make the purchase this week! There are way too many options when it comes to baby items. I just need a list of things I actually need, because I honestly want everything! I’m sure all you mothers out there totally understand!
Grant and I have also been working on a new project. We are excited to announce that we’ve started a graphic design business! When deciding what to call the business, Grant came up with the best idea! Should we adopt a baby girl, her name will be Haniya Rose. In honor of our adoption journey, the business is called “Haniya’s Design” and the icon is a rose! Our tag line is “Graphics with a promise.” We’re using this platform as a way to spread the word about our calling to adopt! We promise to design pieces that are original, purposeful, and fun and in return the Lord has promised us Baby Dew! Below are our business cards!
Once we moved to Bradenton, we immediately jumped into full-time ministry life and have had a blast serving in the area God has called us to! Last month we purchased our FIRST home and we’ll be moving in this December. WE ARE SO EXCITED! As soon as we arrived, I started reaching out to attorneys and agencies to begin making connections concerning an adoption opportunity. Over a few weeks, I realized this was going to be harder than I originally thought! From outrageous fees to not being able to get anyone to answer the phone, or even meet with me as I stood in person at an attorneys office, it felt like we’d never make a connection or even receive advice of the next steps to take!
So where are we now you may ask? We’re still waiting! Praying! Believing! It seems like Baby Dew is going to become part of our family in an unconventional way! I’ll admit things have not gone like I ever thought they would. It seems like I continue to hit a closed door. However, Grant and I know the Lord has placed this passion on our heart for a reason and we are going to continue pursuing this daily! I posted in the past about the adoption cards Grant and I had made! We have been passing them out regularly and praying that one will land in the hands of the perfect opportunity God has for us!
We start this month on our new home study! Unfortunately when moving to a different state, you’re required to get a new one done. The good news is it’s only $600, which is half the price we paid in Louisiana!
Grant and I are both believing that Baby Dew will come in 2018. In the meantime, we’ve been preparing for our little one in different ways. The baby crib is still in the box, but we are ready to open it should we receive a call at any moment! My mom and sister continue to surprise me with baby clothes and shoes…they say they aren’t biased to any gender, but all the items are definitely for a boy! I’m hoping to finally decide which diaper bag I want and make the purchase this week! There are way too many options when it comes to baby items. I just need a list of things I actually need, because I honestly want everything! I’m sure all you mothers out there totally understand!
Grant and I have also been working on a new project. We are excited to announce that we’ve started a graphic design business! When deciding what to call the business, Grant came up with the best idea! Should we adopt a baby girl, her name will be Haniya Rose. In honor of our adoption journey, the business is called “Haniya’s Design” and the icon is a rose! Our tag line is “Graphics with a promise.” We’re using this platform as a way to spread the word about our calling to adopt! We promise to design pieces that are original, purposeful, and fun and in return the Lord has promised us Baby Dew! Below are our business cards!
Make sure to reach out if there’s anything we can create for you! Thank you for all your prayers and support. Even though things have been frustrating and slow with the adoption I know the Lord has a plan! Grant and I went to a kids museum earlier this week and we began daydreaming of what it will be like to bring our child there one day. Baby Dew is already loved so much and with each day we continue searching for the opportunity God has for us, our testimony continues to grow!
We love you guys!
Grant and Ashlee
We love you guys!
Grant and Ashlee