by April Kelley
A little more than two and a half *decades* ago, I began my college career at the University of Louisville. I was a young single mother of a two month old; also working a full-time, early-morning shift at a local bakery, attending school full-time in the afternoons and evenings, and relying heavily on the availability and generosity of my aged grandparents (and sometimes parents-both … Read More Unfinished Business
by April Kelley
Dear Friends, I wasn’t able to keep the blog updated while in China. As you read, you’ll understand why. I am going to copy the Facebook posts that April and I posted while in China along with the dates. I’ll add very little commentary from this side, I believe the posts will clearly communicate all that we went through to bring these boys home. … Read More Adoption Update (We’re home!)
by April Kelley
Please note – Facebook will have more updates and pictures so if you’re interested, feel free to friend me and April. I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to update the blog once we get the boys. The process on the blog is a pain and time consuming – especially adding pictures. Thanks. Ryle and I had a good day. After breakfast, … Read More First Full Day in Beijing
by April Kelley
Ryle and I are inflight. Here a couple of Facebook posts from April yesterday and today. It will quickly bring you up-to-speed. Posted 12/14/15 evening Many of you know that our Son, Jake, was involved in a head-on collision this morning. First responders said that his seat belt saved his life. The ER doc added that he’s lucky to be alive. We are so … Read More Adoption Update
by April Kelley
April writes: It has been a while since we have updated our blog. And so much has changed. Come along with me as I tell you one of the greatest stories that God has allowed our family to be a part of in a long, long time. Our intention throughout this adoption had been to bring one child home from China. We found that … Read More Taking the Long Way HOME
by April Kelley
Last December, when we received Preapproval to adopt Silas James from China, we immediately began to consider how we would come up with the funds needed to pay all the adoption expenses. Our first expense was our homestudy update, and it was going to cost $800. I remembered that in the past my parents would have yard sales from time to time. And that … Read More “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad!”
by April Kelley
We have an Orphan Care jar that sits atop our microwave. We deposit our leftover change in it all year long, and in years past, we have donated that money to the designated orphan initiative at Ninth and O Baptist’s VBS. Our kids are always super excited to see how much we’ve accumulated over the year, and are so proud to carry that jar … Read More “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
by April Kelley
Hard to believe that its been nine months since ‘Gotcha Day’. Here’s a little video.
by April Kelley
Christian and Kaylynn were married Saturday! Attached are a couple of pics.
by April Kelley
We arrived in Zhengzhou, tired and worn but excited about what the Lord has in store for us in the next 15 hours. We received updated reports on our girls on the bus ride from the airport to our hotel. I have included pictures of the reports if you would like to read and use them to inform your prayers. A few of the … Read More Last night as a family of nine!
by April Kelley
We are coming to the end of our adoption journey and wanted to update everyone on where we are in the process. Today was a wonderful day…we received Travel Approval!!! China has officially invited us to come and adopt two of their precious daughters. By the end of the week, we should be given a Consulate Appointment and that will determine exactly when we … Read More ALMOST THERE!
by April Kelley
When Rick and I began our adoption journey (again…) back in October of 2012, we prayed fervently to our God that He would grant us a child. Specifically, a little girl in China. We possessed great faith that He would bring this to pass. And He did! We were granted the desire of our hearts in December 2012, with the referral of Dang Qi … Read More Meet Hope
