Heartstrings

We are so excited to share that we've partnered with an organization called Adoption Bug that facilitates fundraising efforts through the purchase of adoption-themed t-shirts.  

If you (or anyone and everyone you know) would like to show your support of our girls, and adoption in general, please consider shopping for inspiring t-shirts using the link below. You can purchase other great items from Adoption Bug, but only the t-shirts featured on our page are included in our fundraising efforts.
http://www.adoptionbug.com/hockett/

Please tweet the link, post to your facebook page, or share with others in any way you'd like.  In addition, we'd love to post pictures of our family and friends wearing the adoption-themed t-shirts.  We'll get one up for ourselves as soon as we can.  

As always, thanks for reading and joining us on our adoption journey.

"Expanding Families"

Every so often I come across something incredibly helpful as I search for ways to articulate this journey we're experiencing.  Today, this "something" was a white paper written by the Christian Alliance for Orphans.  

--17.8 million children worldwide have lost both parents.--

There are many inherent limitations to any data that claims to be truly "global" in nature.  One of the greatest weaknesses in these global orphan estitimates is that they include only orphans that are currently living in homes.  They do not count the estimated 2 - 8+ million children living in institutions.  Nor do current estimates include the vast number of children who are living on the streets, exploited for labor, victims of trafficking, or participating in armed groups.  Thus, global orphan statistics significantly underestimate the number of orphans worldwide and fail to account for many children that are among the most vulnerable and most in need of a family.

In addition, the CAFO utilized the term "Expanding Families" to describe when orphans are placed in permanent, loving families.  Phrasing like this so beautifully defines our feelings and beliefs about our current situation.  These amazing Haitian sisters are a family.  They have a family history.  We are not replacing that family history - we are becoming part of their "Expanding Family".   What a miracle.


If you'd like to read the complete CAFO white paper, please see the link below.
Understanding Orphan Statistics

Heat Wave

The desert-like temperatures of the heat wave we've just experienced provide an effective analogy for the current state of our adoption news.  High temperatures buckle pavement, scorch lawns, and force all creatures to seek the support of shade and hydration.


Similarly, monetary challenges, the uncertainty of governmental actions, and timelines outside of our control create their own weathering wave.


The expense of adoption is impacted by many variables; country, agencies, number of children, etc.  Funds we've invested in our adoption process of the past are of no use - A new journey equals new fees.  Our hope has been to raise the $50,000+ necessary to complete the adoption and bring the girls home.  Through a series of grant applications, networking, fundraising, and saving, this will hopefully be a reality.  


We sincerely want to thank those of you who have supported the girls to date.  Please know that the immense need remains.  Although we've sought support from outside sources, responses have not been as encouraging as we'd hoped.  We remain steadfast and continue to search for opportunities to gather together the funds necessary for continuing the journey.


Heat waves pass as fronts roll in.  Rains can soothe, average temperatures restore, and a sense of normalcy returns.  Whether you are keeping us in your thoughts, saying a prayer on the girls' behalf, or sending us ideas for fundraising, you are helping to calm and sustain us.  Many thanks.