putting the best "Foot" forward

Sometimes we get wrapped up in life and tend to forget that God has His hands in every detail. That He molds, shapes, and crafts our lives. I like to think that I have a genuine sweet spirit and my mission in life is to serve God and to serve others. Many times I overdo it, but the rewards that come from these journeys of servanthood are fruitful and filled with joy. So this brings me to this week. As I spoke with one of my neighbors, she reminded me that as you bless others, God blesses you. Wow that is so true... I can share many blogs about the showers of blessings that God has already given us. The blessings of life, blessings of salvation, blessings of health, and blessings of love. 

On Tuesday, we received an email from a public relations director in Illinois. She said that our story was powerful and that she had already shared it with the local news station in Nashville and that they were interested in setting up an interview ASAP. Well immediately Jesse and I talked about the validity of this. Is this a scam? Really our profile was online and anyone could have seen it and contacted us.. So we worked diligently overnight and on Wednesday afternoon trying to find out if this really could be true. 

Well Thursday morning, the Channel 4 news station were on our back porch cameras, mics, and all to help us tell our story. As Jesse and I set out on this adoption journey months ago we developed a mission. We knew we were called to adopt, but we wanted our mission to be telling others our story. We do have a powerful story. God not only cured Jesse but he cleanse him through and through. Cancer free but more importantly Heaven-bound.

In order to fulfill these missions we must be obedient and allow the Lord to lead, guide, and direct us. If we obey Him, He will give us the words to say, the eyes to see, and the ears to hear. 

Deuteronomy 28 1-14 NIV says 28 If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him. Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you. The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you.The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.

To see our Channel 4 news interview click on the link below. What a blessing and what a great opportunity. Keep coming back to our blog to read because God isn't done yet. There will be mountains of blessings to come.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Aguirre Adoption TV Interview

finishing the "Last Leg of the Fundraising Race"

U.S.A. Adoption T-Shirts

What a joy it is to be able to bring back our Adoption T-shirts for this Patriotic Season. As Jesse and I began praying about the path the Lord would lead us down it was very clear that the Lord was calling us to adopt here in the US. Our mission verse is found in John 14:15 I will not leave you as Orphans, I will come to you. Here in America there are several kids that are in need of a forever loving family. As we began this journey we were reminded that we too were adopted by Christ. He adopted us for his forever Christian family and He took all of our broken pieces and put them back together again. As we bring this little one home we too will be putting those broken pieces together through our love for Christ and through our love for them. 

Jesse and I looked everywhere for USA Adoption T-shirts and no one was selling them. So we decided to designed our own. We worked through one of our friends and she helped us come up with this look. What a true blessing to be able to share our story and to give other adopting couples the opportunity to share theirs through this design. 

If you are interested in purchasing a shirt please email us at jaguirre2783@comcast.net. Please tell us the size and quantity needed. The sizes range from YXS-A5X and they are unisex shirts. All Youth sizes are $15 and all Adult sizes are $20. We will be placing an order on May 15th, June 15th, and July 15. We hope that you order yours in time for your Memorial Day, Flag Day, or 4th of July Celebrations.  We would love to mail your shirt to you if you are not local. We just ask that you include a couple of extra dollars to offset shipping costs. You can pay for your shirt on our GoFundMe Account or through PayPal. We also accept checks and money orders.

We are so overjoyed with the response we have received so far in our fundraising. The Lord has placed so many people in our path. People are praying, helping with fundraisers, and partnering financially. We love each and every one of you guys. Here are some pictures of our nieces and nephew. They know their baby cousin is coming soon and they are ready!

"Stepping into Faith"

Our faith and trust in God is forever tested. From a simple problem in our life to a life altering event such as cancer. 

I can remember 7 years and 2 weeks ago...that was the eve of my first chemotherapy treatment. I was a bit nervous to say the least, but I knew that God was with me. I struggled with fully understanding what the doctors said or what I was supposed to do. What I did know was that our faith in Him could be questioned. Why would He put me through this? Why now? Why me? Those questions are normal to ask. And to a nonbeliever or a fringe Christian this may reinforce why not to fully commit. But I know that God knows what and how much we can actually handle. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that for no 
temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful 
[to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.

He strengthens us during our tribulations. Praise the Lord for giving us His strength in time of need. So God was with me all along even though I didn't know the answers to those questions, God did.  All I needed to do was step in faith and keep my trust in Him and guess what... He got me through it.

Well let's fast forward to 2 weeks go. As time ticked down to our Adoption Yard Sale I began to ask Him questions again and begging for His strength as we pushed towards our first BIG fundraiser. 

We began our yard sale adventure by first coming up with our goal. Krista spoke first of course and said $5,000. I laughed...Actually laughed hard... I said we would get $3,000 if we were lucky. Then we started asking our family and friends to help us gather items for the yard sale.  And oh did they give :)

 After all items were collected the fun part began. The set up.. Krista gathered the troops and set shifts for our friends to come out and help. We even had family and friends spend the night. We woke up at 4 am yup 4 am to begin the prep work. It took almost 2 1/2 hours to get things out of the house and the garage and another 1 hour to stage the items. If it wasn't for Cheri and Krista's OCD (CDO) organizational skills it could have taken us weeks to get these items out and organized. 

Like Monk always says,"It is a blessing and a curse." This time it was a true blessing.

We were in awe and so thankful for the friends and family members that came out and helped us sell tons of items (non of which were our own). Literally ALL of the items were donated and we didn't have room to pull out our things to sell. To God be the Glory. 

At the end of the day, we made it through and we actually hit Krista's mark. Not only did we hit it, but we exceeded it because funds are still trickling in. So God must have had another goal. I am still in awe. I still do not fully understand why or how God blesses people, all I know is He does. He laughs at our plans and replaces them with His plans. All I did was stepped in faith and trusted in God.  We just need to be open to God's guidance to fully see His results. 

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His Word;

Just to rest upon His promise,

And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

if the "Shoe Fits, Buy It"

Aguirre Adoption Yard Sale Fundraiser

• June 7th 7:00-1:30 
• The Vineyards Subdivision in Smyrna, TN
• 40+ homes will be participating

Please join us this Saturday for our adoption fundraiser. The Vineyards Subdivision will be having their annual community yard sale.  You will want to make it out to Smyrna to see the 40 or more homes participating.

We have great items for sale like furniture, antiques, baby clothes, name brand clothes, school uniforms, toys, tools, bikes, kitchen and home decor and so much more. We will also be selling sausage and biscuits, muffins, cookies, coffee, waters, and cokes. So arrive early for breakfast and good deals.

We are very thankful for everyone that has played a part in this event. Prayers have been lifted, items have been donated, monetary donations have been given, but overall love was shown. Jesse and I haven't even put our yard sale items in our garage yet, so all the items you see below are from the overflowing love of our friends and loved ones. It warms our hearts to see the love of others and we cannot wait to share these stories with our little one. 

If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation feel free to check out our online campaign Aguirres-Adoption-Fund.



Here is a preview of what we have to offer, but there is so much more:

Baby and Kids Clothes sorted by gender and size!

2 Corinthians 9:8-12

English Standard Version (ESV)

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency[a] in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever.”

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

anticipating the "Footsteps of Motherhood"

Are You My Mother? is one of my favorite childhood books by P.D. Eastman. It tells a very simple story with a powerful message. It takes you on a journey to help baby bird find his mother. Please read this book if you haven't had a chance or feel free to watch the video below.

Mothers Day is always a tough time for me. This year I decided that it was going to be different. That I was going to have joy in my heart full of anticipation. The Lord brought this story to my mind several times. I couldn't help but wonder what it meant. Is there a little baby out there asking for me? Is my birth mother preparing her heart and mind for this journey? The only thing I know is that the Lord is giving me peace and patience during this wait. 

Mothers Day was different for me this year and I know it is because many of you were praying and sending words of encouragement. I didn't make it to church, but I was with the Lord all day. I woke up early at 3:30 and was part of a 24-hour day of prayer for one of my friends who is also adopting. I began praying for her and her husband and their baby and their birth mother. I know as I was praying for her, she was praying for me. Thank you, I could feel those prayers. Also I was so encouraged by many sharing their stories of Mothers Day and how they were honored by their families. Thank you Mothers around the world for all you do. Thank you Donna Cathey and Maria Valdez for what you mean to Jesse and I and thank you for loving us no matter what. 

Te Queremos!!

Psalm 139:13-14 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Lord,

Thank you for our precious Mothers and their beautiful feet. Thank you for the path that they have walked in service and devotion to You. Thank you for the example they have given us all to follow. Bless them and strengthen them with Your might.

Amen

I need help sometimes to "Stand on my own two feet"

Last week was National Infertility Awareness Week. I had begun writing this blog and planned to submit it last week.  But to be honest, I became worried that others would think bad of me when reading my thoughts and pain of being infertile. It is truly a huge challenge more than many will ever understand.  

Well here is one story I will share... About 9 months ago, I thought a miracle had occurred. I was having morning sickness, I was having these strange cravings, and I was very late. Could it be? Could there be a baby growing inside of me? These thoughts began taking over my world. I was so excited! I have even decided that if I were pregnant that I would announce it to Jesse and our friends in the most creative way ever. I had to come up with a creative way to share the good news of this miracle, right?? I didn't tell anyone that I thought I was pregnant, not even Jesse. I wanted to wait until the time was right and then get a pregnancy test to prove this miracle had come true. 

Well all of this excitement only lasted a couple days when I found out that the miracle that I wanted to share so creatively with my love and friends didn't really happen. Well my world fell apart. I was so angry. I was angry at CANCER, at Jesse, at everyone who could have children naturally, and angry at the world. This day I said some very horrible things to Jesse and cried in bed all night. Jesse had no clue that I was dealing with this, he just took on all the blame and kept saying he was sorry that it is all his fault that we could not have a baby. Well after this crazy event, I told him that we needed to go to counseling. So the first day of counseling I revealed to our pastor and Jesse that I thought I was pregnant and then found out that I wasn't. This took Jesse by surprise and he was sad that I didn't confide in him during this time. He told me that he never wanted me to have to go through that again and we agreed that we would be open and honest with one another. He is such a wonderful and patient husband. 


Do you struggle with infertility? if so, get help! God does not want you to go through these things alone. There are people out there who can help. Call me if you need someone to talk too, I am here for you. Now I know what you are thinking after reading my struggle above you may not want help from me. But let's be honest here... we are not perfect, we all hurt, we all suffer, and we all need each other. I decided 9 months ago that I was going to go through this alone and I spun out of control. I'm thankful that I serve an awesome and mighty God that has everything in control. God seemed million miles away, but He was by my side all along. 

I truly believe there is a miracle coming, because God is able and has the power to prevail. This miracle may not be the way I saw it, but I have redirected my faith and thoughts and placed it in the hands of the Lord. All things are possible with God.  Matthew 17: 20-21 says 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Walk a mile in my shoes

It is official... We are finally a waiting family. What that means is birthmom's know we exist and that we are adopting and they can see our profiles.

Check list for all of those keeping score:

Domestic Packet -- CHECK
Domestic Adoption Courses -- CHECK
Home Study -- CHECK
Domestic Group Training Courses -- 3/4 CHECK
Online Profile -- CHECK
Adoption Profile Books -- CHECK
Online Profile -- CHECK
Adoption Yard Sale Fundraiser -- IN PROCESS
Both Hands Fundraiser -- IN PROCESS
Pure Charity Fundraiser -- IN PROCESS


Group Courses- 
This past Tuesday we attended our third of four adoption group courses. This week two couples who adopted came and talked about their experiences with openness.  Since we are adopting domestically we can choose to have an open adoption with our birth mother. Our open plan says that we will send photos and videos via email twice a month and plan to meet quarterly with our birthmother at a public location. We will tell our child daily about their mother's sacrifice and the love that she has for them. 

Online Profile-  Part of being on the wait list means that the birthmother can view our profile online.  Feel free to take a look at our profile and share it with others. Jesse and Krista's online profile After the birthmom looks at our profile she may choose to look at our adoption profile books.

Adoption Yard Sale Fundraiser-  We will be doing our first fundraiser this summer.  It will be on June 7th.  If you have any items that you would like to donate, feel free to reply to this blog or email us at jaguirre2783@comcast.net.  Thank you to everyone that has already donated items.  I am super excited about this turn out.  There will also be a bake sale and t-shirt sale as well.  So be sure to put this on your calendar to attend.  

Both Hands Fundraiser- We are doing this in the fall.  Be in prayer for this event as this will be our final fundraiser.  We trust that the Lord will provide our financial needs during this time.

These are the frequently asked questions so I thought I would do a little Q&A.  

When do you get your baby? It could be 3 weeks to 3 years.We will not have any clue on the date.  Since we are doing domestic adoption the birthmom must choose us.  We are adopting nationwide so our birth mom could be here or in Oregon, Maryland, Ohio, Florida, or any US state. We will only know when we receive the call.  

Can you adopt any baby or must it be a Bethany baby?  Yes we can adopt any baby that is up for adoption. This is called a private adoption. We will work through our lawyer to finalize the details. Although we will recommend that the mom go through counseling because this is a difficult decision for her and we want to make sure she is aware of all of her options.

Can you adopt any age?  Yes we can and we are very open to adopting young children and siblings as well.

How can we help?  There are several ways that you could help.  

• We need prayers.  Your prayers have covered us through all of this so far. Keep them coming. 
• We need help with getting the word out. Sharing our story with others helps to spread the word and to make others aware of how adoption works. Share our blog with them.
• You can donate items or bake goods for our yard sale/bake sale in June.
• You can donate some of your time helping us promote our fundraisers and mail/email letters to those that may want to help.
• You can donate financially by coming to our fundraisers or by making an online donation at http://www.gofundme.com/aguirres-adoption-fund

Today I am reminded of sacrifices.  The sacrifice of my birth mother and the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made as he suffered and bore my sins on the cross. The power of the cross is amazing and living. 

Romans 10:9-10 says If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. If you do not know Jesus as a personal savior but you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead for your sins then you are saved. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and to be your personal savior. That is it guys.. that simple.