We Are Sad. But Not Deterred.

It has been heartwarming, 

to say the least.  

So many people have expressed love and sympathy 

over the passing of Rou.

We have been deeply touched by all of the support.

Thank you!

And, while we are so sad about little Rou, 

we know that God has a plan to bring

another little one into our family.

It was His plan to allow us

(and you)

to love and pray for Rou.

And, now we wait for the next call.

We hope it comes soon!  

This family is really ready to love on one of God's treasures up close and personal.

REALLY READY!!

We Fell In Love So Quickly!

From the minute we saw her tiny little picture, 

she was ours.

And for four short days,

 we planned and giggled about having such a wee little one to love and raise.

But,

 she belonged to the Father from the time she was conceived.

He knit her together and

now she is in His presence for eternity.

We don't have any details.  

Our agency didn't hear anything except that she passed away.

What we do know, is that for four days, 

hundreds of people around the globe

rejoiced with us. 

One more precious little treasure would have a home.

Maybe that is why she was ours.

Maybe God wants us to know that life is precious

and the needs of His children are 

real 

and 

urgent!

David Platt said it well,

"Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names.  

They are easier to ignore before you see their faces.

It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms.

But once you do, everything changes...."

We didn't get to hold our little Rou Rou.

But she changed us.

THE CALL!

After months of waiting, and praying, and hoping, and planning, 

we were stunned to get THE CALL 

yesterday morning!

Sorry we can't share more of her yet.

But, believe me, 

she is precious beyond words.

We are over-the-moon excited!

Over the next several days, we will be consulting with a few medical professionals and hopefully getting an update from her orphanage.  

Then, we will be proceeding with the adoption!!

God Is Faithful

We are so incredibly grateful to have been approved for the matching grant program through 

Dark To Dawn Ministry and Lifesong For Orphans!  

They will match gifts and fund raising efforts dollar for dollar up to $2500!  

Last year when we announced 

that we were going to start the process to adopt another little girl from China, 

we had no idea how we were going to pay for this adoption.  

In fact, we didn't even know how we were going to pay for the initial application fee, let alone the whole $35,000 estimated total.  

But, God put it on our hearts to begin.  

We knew He wanted us to step out in faith and just start.  

He had even made us feel rather uncomfortable and distressed 

by not doing what He had asked more quickly.  

Have you ever felt that feeling?  

Knowing God is calling you to act, but you don't respond?  

It doesn't feel good at all!

But, oh my, 

when we obeyed, 

when we stepped out and did what He was calling us to do,

it was

 amazing to watch God provide!

So reassuring to see His hand at work.

In the past year, He has provided $20,000!!

Isn't that incredible?

I want to stand up and cheer while I type!

So, we have no doubt that God will finish the work that 

He has begun.  

We are so thankful to friends and family 

(and some strangers!)

who have given so generously.  

And can't wait to see how He continues to bless 

us through this process.

If you would like to help, there are several ways to do that!

Donate to our garage sale efforts.  And then come and shop!

  Or, give a tax deductible gift to Lifesong For Orphans on our behalf.  

Give by Check --

Please make checks payable to Lifesong for Orphans. 

In the memo please note your gift preference with 

Family Account Number 3515 and Family Name Richert.  

Please mail checks to:

Lifesong for Orphans PO Box 40 Gridley, IL 61744

Lifesong has been blessed with a partner that underwrites all US administrative and fund-raising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the need...helping orphans.

Give Online

1. Go to www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate 

2. Select Give to an Adoptive Family 

3. Complete online form and fill in Family Account Number - 3515

& Family Name Fields - Richert

*Please note that PayPal will charge an administrative fee (2.9% + $.30 USD per transaction). Your donation will be decreased by the amount of this fee.

We'll keep you posted on how things continue to fall into place!  

God puts the lonely in families.

Psalm 68:6

Its All In The Mail!

So excited to have all of this completed.  

We got the last document back from the Chinese Embassy today

(after faxing, phone calling, and overnighting more money).

104 PAGES 

Mailed it to AWAA, 

they will make sure everything is just right,

then its off to China.

Just in time for the New Year!!  

We can't wait to be eligible for referrals.  

Can't wait to see who the Lord will add to our family.

Can't wait to see our Jessie's face.