The Snyder FamilyThe Adoption GiftWritten by Suzy RothAmong all the holiday bustle and craziness, 2 years ago Jim and Karen Snyder were reminded of what is truly important and given a gift they will never forget. For a number of years Karen had felt a tug from God to adopt a child; however, they were very busy taking care of their 5 biological children: Caleb, Alecia, Sophie, Natalia, and Bella. In 2009 Jim and Karen knew the time was right to begin the process of adopting from Russia. They began the process around the middle of the year. One of the huge hurdles with adoption can be financial. About partway through the process, they were encouraged by their adoption agency to switch to another region in Russia which would require the cost to be higher than previously expected. Friends and family communicated they would like to help. So, although Jim and Karen knew they did not need a Hands of Hope adoption grant or loan, they took advantage of another service from Hands of Hope. They filled out a shortened application to set up an account where friends and family could donate toward their adoption and have the donation be tax-deductible. December 4th the Snyder family first saw a picture of their new son. They could not wait to travel and bring him into their family! After initially being hopeful it would happen sooner, by the beginning of December they were wondering if they would even meet him before the New Year. Then, December 21st they received the good news that they would travel December 26th! As most people were busy with presents and Christmas parties, the Snyder family made arrangements for donations for the orphanage, found friends to care for their other children, and starting packing. On March 5th, 2010 Christian David came home forever to the family God had planned for him when he was born. Over 2000 years ago Jesus came to bring hope and light to the world. 2 years ago Jim and Karen brought hope and light to a child and, in the process, were given a Christmas gift of their son Christian David that will bless them forever. |
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When it Rains, It Pours
Written by Amy Lentz on April 11, 2013 @ 07:00:00My brain has apparently decided to continue it's membership with the Catchy Phrase of the Month Club (remember "March is the month of opportunity"?) This month, the saying is "When it rains, it pours."Luckily, the origins of this month's phrase weren't :: continue
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Christmas in ... March?
Written by Amy Lentz on March 28, 2013 @ 13:30:00The crazy spring snowstorm we experienced earlier this week has made me wishfully nostalgic for the Christmas season.I know, I know.It was just last week that I said I was over winter weather. And I totally am.All ill-feelings aside though, you have :: continue
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Pay a Blessing Forward
Written by Amy Lentz on March 21, 2013 @ 08:00:00It was in the mid 50s as my husband, Elliott, and I walked into a meeting at church this past Saturday morning and when we left, no more than three hours later, the temperature had dropped twenty degrees...TWENTY degrees! Seriously?!I don't know about :: continue
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Month of Opportunity
Written by Amy Lentz on March 14, 2013 @ 12:00:00March is the month of opportunity. I've had that phrase playing like a broken record in my head for about the last month and a half now and, until a few days ago, I wasn't really sure why or where it came from. Now, I know this next bit of information :: continue
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Celebrating Adoption!
Written by Suzy Roth on March 2, 2013 @ 12:00:00CELEBRATING ADOPTIONS EVENT:Have you adopted? Are you adopted? Are you beginning to think about adoption? Come meet others who have or want to have an adoption story or simply have a heart for orphans.When: Sunday, March 3rd anytime between 12 and 3pm.Where: :: continue
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