The Journey

Just Heard Word from Jamie Jo in Africa

Hey I just got a voice mail from Jamie Jo, she's in Africa picking up our new adopted 6 year old son. 

She met him for the first time, and he jumped up in her arms and said, "MOMMA!!"

Oh, I wish I was there to see that.

She says he's really fun, really strong (welcome to the Braner family), and a whole lot of fun. 

Oh well, off to traveling.

I'll be in Tulsa for the weekend, specifically at Kirk of the Hills tomorrow morning.  Would love to see you there.

God bless.

The 1000th post..It's a fitting one...

This is the 1000th post here at AndyBraner.com, and as I've been watching this sneak up on me, I kept thinking, "What am I going to write about when I get to 1000?"

It's monumental for me.
I don't know if I've written 1000 pages of anything in my life.
But because you guys have been faithful to read, I just kept plugging along!

Well, here on the 1000th post, I dedicate today to my new SON!!

Jean de Dieu is a little 6 year old boy in Rwanda.  He's been going to school up at a boarding school that takes orphans to make sure they get a head start in their education while they wait on a mom or a dad to come and take them in. 

Yesterday we got the final travel papers!!  Jean de Dieu is coming HOME!!!

As I start this travel season with a little sadness in my heart as I'm missing some quality family time, I have a new hope that Braner Party of 7 is on. 

Jamie Jo is getting set to head to Kigali on October 31, to walk through the final government processes in Rwanda, and then he'll start hanging with the Braners in the middle of November.  I can't hardly wait.  I got a new son!!

Thanks for all you that have been praying for this time.
Thanks for supporting the AnNi T-shirt company.
Thanks for donating your time to help, your financial resources to make this happen, and most of all...

Thanks for your friendship.

It's gonna be fun watching Jean grow up, adopted as one of our own, just like God intended.  (James 1:27)

Ok Bloggers. It's time to Unite together for Adoption...KIVU style!

Every summer I feel like Teenagers are getting closer and closer to understanding their importance in the world today.  I spend a lot of time talking about what it is they believe, how they behave; and the most exciting, How they can belong to this world. 

I believe Jesus was interested in the world and the people who lived in it.  After all, the Bible says "For God so loved the WORLD!!" (John 3:!6). 

In any event, after they get a taste of what it's like to actually be a part of the solutions around the globe, rather than just the problems, these little businesses start popping up all over the world. 

My friend Kristen is doing it!!

She just created this T-shirt to surprise her brother and sister-in-law with the money to help with their adoption from Uganda. 

So here's where you play.

1.)  Let's overwhelm Kristen's e-mail with t-shirt orders.  Send her an order at bubearsis@yahoo.com.

2.)  Spread this to EVERYONE you know!!  The circles I run in are always trying to get the next generation involved in doing something productive.  We want them to think out of the box.  We want them to help change the world.  We want them to live out their faith. 

SOOOO, here's a great opportunity to show our support.  Let's bring this kid home, and show teenagers that their ideas and action CAN actually make a difference in the world.

Way to go KRISTEN!!  I'm WAY proud of you.  I can't wait to hear the stories of how God is going to move through this.  That little kid in Uganda is going to have such a wonderful life because you stepped out in faith, and chose to make a difference, rather than just letting the world spin around you!!

Come on everybody, let's start a movement here.

There's Another Braner in the Mix

It's not what you're thinking.  Jamie Jo isn't pregnant, at least that we know of.  But, what we do know is our little guy from Rwanda has been identified, and we're working feverishly on bringing him home.  Here he is world, John de Dieu.  (yep, that's just the first name.)

It literally means "John of God," and my buddy who teaches French says it's what the writers of the Bible use to describe John the Baptist.

I'm pretty excited, as our quiver will be full, and I can't wait to meet this little dude.  We've got a lot of catching up to do.

AnNi Designs is Back Online

AnNi for Orphans is back online.  It is the company Jamie Jo and I began several years ago to help families begin to finance their own adoption process.  The business model is simple....

We create t-shirts, hats, and other clothes for a premium.  The sales of the clothes go to help people interested in adoption to be able to afford the expense.  SImple, right?

Our first joint venture was this Feb. when the Blackwell family from Branson Missouri brought home little Rah from Ethiopia.  We've got two test families online right now to see if we can help individual families with their own designs.  Those shirts will be up and running online by the end of the week. 

But the biggest news...AnNi is having a sale.

Go ahead and surf over to the website and check out the new 2009 line, along with several items that have been marked down from our 2008 product lines. 

We're still interested in helping orphans, and we hope; with your help, we can bring more orphans home to their families. 

God bless, and happy shopping.  Just click on the picture above to get to annifororphans.com. 

From Before the Beginning of the Universe...Adoption.

I'll never forget picking up my first Labrador from the kennel.  She was an American lab, skinny, fast, and bred from the best pedigree.  I'd been around a lot of dogs before.  I tried to train them, and never really had the patience to put up with the hard headedness of a dog that was just not meant to be trained. 

But when I took Ty in the field for the first time....it was like driving a Ferrari.

She didn't need me to show her how to retrieve, she was born with that knowledge.
She didn't need much instruction on how to canvas a field, it was in her genetic makeup
She didn't need me to introduce her to a duck, she knew; instinctively, which bird to bring back. 

Of all the dogs I've ever had in my life, she is by far the one that I'll remember as a true lab.  She was born with the knowledge it took to be a GREAT LAB!

You know there's something about being born with an instinct.  You can see it clearly in the animal kingdom as certain species perform strange, almost intelligent acts of love and kindness.  The birds who feed their young, with  no brain function to do so.  The salmon that races up the river to spawn, for no other reason than the rhythm of God's universe demands it to be true.

So it is with adoption. 

I've been trying to put my finger on this for a while, but when you hear Dr. Piper put it into theological language, this is the reason for why we do what we do.  This is the meat of all we think about adoption.  It has been ingrained in our spiritual genetic makeup, since the beginning of the universe.  Watch this, and enjoy.

The Problems and Solutions Of Adoption

The Daily News Cruise today brought up an article I thought quite fascinating.  Since Jamie and I are in the adoption circles this news reel caught my eye.  The idea is, Chinese adoptions are going down because today, Chinese families are more likely to keep girls, financially they are able to keep their kids, and the Chinese government has imposed stricter rules on international adoptions. 

If all that is true, and there are fewer children growing up in orphanages, then this is some of the greatest news we've heard all year.  Jamie and I have been in the process part of China since 2006, so we know the wait time is long, but if it's long because kids are being taken care of, then this is great news. 

It looks like, however; there are still great needs with children who have disabilities.  So, let's keep going.  Let's spread the word about adoption, and keep the movement going.

An Angel in Adoption

 

It's been an incredible last few days.  Meetings, meetings, and more meetings.  And those of you who know what we're up to here in the K-World know how much I love those meetings.  HA!!  But good stuff is coming down the pike, and the Lord continues to show His face in strange divine ways. 

One of the coolest things that emerged out of this week was literally a MIRACLE.

Most of you know how much we are in the middle of the adoption world.  We adopted a little girl from Rwanda two years ago, and it's been an unbelievable view of the way God adopts us spiritually into His family. As we give our family and all that is in it to this little girl that wasn't naturally born as a part of our family unit, It's been nothing short of awesome.

Well, I got a phone call a few days ago from a lady who said she was interested in helping someone through there adoption process.  Not really knowing what she meant, I explored the semantics of the offer, and lo and behold, she wants to pray for a family AND financially support a couple through the whole process. 

I couldn't believe it.  What a gift!! 

If you've ever known adoption and the costs involved, it's quite astronomical, and the people in the phase of life that want to adopt, very rarely have the financial backing to do it. 

Well, as I started thinking about couples who are in the process, a very special couple came to mind, and I introduced the the two of them.  You should have heard the response on the other end of the line.  They couldn't believe it.  They were literally dumbfounded.  He said, "God is so good to me."  And I started tearing up.  WOW.  What an angelic act. 

I've been corresponding with them for the last few days, and you know what, in the middle of all these business meetings at camp, God is still working to grow his family.  He's still interested in families who want to give their lives away to each other, and to orphans. 

It's really hard to put this into words.  My tiredness, coupled with my amazement, I just can't believe I got to be the middle man. 

I'll keep you updated on the process, but I just wanted you to know, there are people out there who are VERY generous, and there are people out there who are ready to make a difference in the world.  Sometimes, all they need is a bridge to find each other.

Keep the faith.  Keep believing.  God is still sovereign in this crazy world, and His Kingdom is on the move. 

Familiar Faces

So I'm walking through the airport and I hear "andy?". I turn to see my buddy from Birmingham Alabama ...Vince Martin. Lo and behold he and his wife are going to pick up they're son from Ethiopia, and we are on the same plane!! What a great reunion. See you in 20 hours

AnNi is Gaining Momentum

Most of you guys know, Jamie Jo and I have a HUGE heart for the orphan world.  We've been working with Show Hope, America World, and the Orphan Summit for the last few years, and the beginnings of a movement are definitely on the horizon. 

We've encouraged teenagers to take a look at orphan care.
We've helped families finance adoption.
We facilitate an adoption fellowship group for up to 50 people every 2nd Thursday of the month.
I even took 60 teens last year, to Guatemala so we could live in an orphanage and learn what it's like to live fatherless/motherless.

We believe this is God's calling on our lives. 

It's a non-negotiable. 

So if you you have a bit of time, and a desire to help facilitate adoptions across the country, click on the link above and explore a wide range of clothing we've designed that is TOTALLY meant to help orphans.

Thanks for your help. 

God shows Adoption is #1

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
(John 1:10-13)

It's interesting to not in John 1, that as the writer presents the whole of creation from the very first verse, "In the beginning was the Word..." He also takes a chance to outline God's intent for the whole of humanity. 

In verse 10-13, John allows for anyone who would accept the fatherhood of God, He gave the right to become a child of God. 

Isn't that Crazy!!

In a world where adoption is still a bit strange to some, John spoke of spiritual adoption almost 2000 years ago.  It's God's intent!  He wishes that all would come to know Him, and the process by which we come into God's family, is through adoption!!

I can stand as a witness, the best way to understand the fullness of God's grace extended to you and I, is to engage in the adoption community. 

If you're in a phase of life where you can adopt a kid either domestically or internationally, do it.  It will be the greatest adventure of your life. 

But, if you're not in the phase of life to raise children, remember; you can play too. 

The needs are GREAT! to make this thing happen.

Financial needs.
Babysitting needs.
Support and encouragement needs.
Being a part of a community of people who see adoption as a viable option.

There are so many ways you can help. 

Let's not forget, it was James who wrote, "Pure and undefiled religion is this, that we take care of the widows and orphans in their distress, and that we remain unstained from the world." (James 1:27)

God bless you today!  Now go bless someone else!

It's WORKING!!!

Remember the Gillman family?  They were the one's that started the Wii raffle on Facebook to raise money for their two little one's who are coming home from Ethiopia? 

Well, I just got a report last night.  They've raise almost $1K since we all started the blogging.  I don't know if it was due to the increasing support from here online, or if it was due to other advertisements centered around their push to bring the kids home; but who cares?  It's Working!!!

So, let me ask you one more time....

Let's don't let this one fall through the cracks.
Don't let this story just fade into the lists of more blogs.
We've still got quite a ways to go before they have the funds necessary to pull this one off. 

Here's what we need to do.

1.  If you haven't blogged about it, facebook'd about it, or Myspaced; go ahead and tell everybody you know about the Gillmans.  Use the Links below to point people to their story and let's see what happens.

2.  if you haven't attended the Wii Raffle yet, Click Here to Go to the Raffle Page on Facebook, and buy a few tickets for the Wii contest.  It's really not very expensive, I think it's like $10 for 1 ticket and $25 for 10.  If you want to play the game...Go and buy a ticket.

OR....

3.  Go straight to their website Click Here, and you can donate ONLINE!!  If you've got any family members that have a heart for orphans, or you know somebody who can donate a large sum of cash, you can click on a paypal account to help them bring these kiddos back to a loving family home. 

Come be a part of something bigger than yourself. 
Come give to a family that is offering up their home to orphans.
Let's DO THIS!! 

I'll keep updating the progress, as you keep giving. 

"Pure and undefiled religion is this, that you take care of widows and orphans in their distress, and that you remain unstained from the world."  (James 1:27)

Let's help the Gillmans Bring Em HOME!!

Ready? Set? Come on, Let's do something bigger than US!

Here's Big Sister Jenna waiting to raffle off this Wii for her two new Ethiopian siblings.  Keep the Blogosphere plugged up with the Gillmans.  It's working guys.  Money is flowing in.  Raffle Tickets are being bought.  And...who knows, there might be a willing donor out there that just needs to see a picture, read a story, or sense the enormity of the online community doing something in realtime, that will change the future of two kids IMMEDIATELY.  

Don't give up.

Let's see this one through.

It's time for these two kids to get on home.

Won't you help?

(the Gillman's blog is A Blissful Heart, or you can join the raffle on Facebook by Clicking Here)  

Wouldn't it be cool to see this family United because of our faithfulness to get the word out and support?  Let's ROLL!!! 

Click This Button to Donate Directly to the Gillmans.

 

It's WORKING. Come on Guys...Pass it on.

Ok, so we noticed SEVERAL bloggers blogging away for the Gillmans today.  They're the ones with two little kids waiting in Ethiopia.  So, while you're wondering how to help, and clicking on the links below, here's my good buddy SCC to remind us How Love can Take us in.

Calling All Bloggers....LETS ROLL!

Ok everybody, here's a GRAND opportunity to do something AWESOME!!! 

Most of you know, Jamie Jo and I are involved in an adoption fellowship group.  It meets every month, and we've had an incredible journey getting to know families from around our area that are interested in adoption. 

Well, one of the families that come each Thursday are the Gillmans.  Bryan, Kim, and Jenna have been coming faithfully, as they've been waiting on their referral from Ethiopia.  Bryan is a police officer working to help keep the city clean from crime, and his heart is as big as Texas.  They both would love to open up their home to help the global orphan problem, and they've been on the the long journey waiting on that referral call. 

Well, guess what?

They got the call. 

Every family that's been involved in Adoption knows that the referral letter is the call you wait on, so you can go over and pick up the orphan child that's waiting on a mom and a dad.  It's a moment of anticipation, and the Gillman's have been waiting a LONG TIME.  Finally, there is a little orphan child that's going to have the chance of a lifetime to grow up in a loving home.

They waited forever...
Got the call...
Expecting to go and help One orphan...
But Guess What!!

Last week, They got a referral for TWO!!!

So, as our group sits around to try and find ways to help people raise the money to fulfill their God given desire to help orphans, The Gillmans came up with a Wii raffle idea. 

Starting tonight at 5:00, you can buy a raffle ticket on their website to win a Wii game system.  They wanted to do something that reached out and seemed more like they were taking financial risks as well as people who were willing to give.  So this raffle is going to be for the game and all the proceeds are going to go to helping them raise over $10,000.   

If you're interested you can participate on Facebook, just Click Here , or you can go to their website A Blissful Heart to buy a raffle ticket. 

1 Ticket is $10
5 Tickets for $25
15 Tickets For $50

What a great opportunity to pick up a game system for your kids, the neighbors kids, or whoever; while helping this family help kids from around the globe.  

So I was thinking...

WHAT IF....

What if the people who read andybraner.com blogged on their own sites for the Gillmans this week?
What if we created a cyber movement to help them pay ALL THEIR BILLS to get these kids back to the STATES?
What if the news media picked it up?
What if a Church decided to sponsor them?
What if there were people out there that used their own networks to help the Gillmans? 

WOULD YOU?

If you have the desire to reach out and help this family, let's put together a network of people who take James 1:27 seriously, and can help the Gillmans bring their kids back home. 

Let's make use of this blogosphere!!!!  Blog on for the Gillmans sometime this week, and LETS ROLL!!!

Will you help?

New Life, New Week, just full of New Beginnings

We're getting ready for another great week.  Lot's of cool stuff is on the front burner here on the home front.  The Thursday Radio show is still growing great guns.  I'm working on three different writing projects that are SUPER exciting.  And, Yesterday's trip up to Kansas City was such a cool thing. 

The Braners and the Piersons, our long time best friends from Branson,  went up to surprise our friends the Blackwells, and I know you've seen the pictures, but here are some more recent ones. 

Here are the girls at the Melting pot.  We went to celebrate Valentine's day, but we sported the AnNi Designs Africa T-Shirt to support our friend's return from Ethiopia. 

Here they are!  Tired, Jet Lagged, and holding this precious little one all the way from across the pond.  It was such an emotional time to see Kelly and Kevin holding this little girl.  We've prayed for this moment for almost a year and a half.  We've recruited hundreds of teenagers to buy shirts, and pray for this moment.  And, the anticipation of finally getting to see all the prayers and the talk turn into reality...it was just awesome!!

God is interested in New Beginnings.
He's interested in helping orphans.
He's at the center of helping us understand life in the middle of this world.
God is our adoptive Father.
He wants us to lay in His arms JUST LIKE THIS!
What a great thing. 

I hope you will continue to pray for the Blackwells, as they make this adjustment. 
I hope you'll keep praying for orphans.
I hope you'll be able to join whatever movement that helps to participate in a life of new Beginnings.

Thanks for praying. 
Let's keep pressing forward.  Who knows??  What if we could post hundreds of stories, just like this one? 

Yesterday there were 143 million orphans in the world.  Tonight, There's 142,999,999, let's keep going. 

The First Family is Flying to Ethiopia Right Now

Most of you know about Jamie and I's vision to help orphans around the globe.  We started this little clothing company to sell t-shirts and various items to help supplement the cost of international adoptions for those who were interested.  We started small, and only had a few shirts, and then we thought, "I wonder if we had family themed shirts?"  Hmmmmm?  I wonder if we took a design and designated it specifically for a certain adoption. 

Well, our first family themed shirt campaign is coming to fruition tonight.  The Blackwell family is flying over to Ethiopia right now to pick up their new little baby girl Rae.  And here she is....

Rae is getting ready to enter the blessed, sacred, honored position of an adopted child.  Her life is going to change forever, as her mom and dad have longed for her to be with them in their home. 
She's going to have someone to help her with her homework. 
She's going to have someone to show her how to play on the playground. 
She's going to have a dad to cheer for her through Jr. High, and protect her from the boys in High School. 

Tomorrow, Rae's life is going to change forever. 

Tomorrow the Blackwell family is going to change forever. 
They are in the middle of welcoming in a strange person that will melt into their family and soon become one. 
They're going to experience the pain of orphans as they visit the orphanage, but they're going to experience the God given blessedness of Grace, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation; ALL IN REAL TIME.

For Rae could do nothing to earn the right to be adopted, she just will be.
She had nothing to do with the love coming from this family's soul.
She couldn't work hard enough, do enough good things, or perform at any level of perfection well enough to deserve what's coming. 
But...Mom and Dad are on their way. 

It's such a cool time to be involved in this ministry.  This little company called AnNi Designs has helped supplement funds for a family who are going to literally change the life of this one child FOREVER.  And...the lives that are changing are modeling God's love for His people here on the planet. 

We couldn't do anything for God's love.
We can't perform for his blessing.
We don't deserve His grace and faithfulness. 

But guess what..

He's on His way...EVERYTIME!

So, with a little help from our friends....

And the love teenagers and college students have of clothing...

This little bitty company is helping to change lives, one orphan at a time. 

Come check it out, and be a part of the movement as we believe 143 million orphans in the world is just unacceptable.  We've still got a few Africa shirts left over.  So if you want to wear a success story for people to see...come on by and visit us.  Just click on the box below, and you'll be re-directed to the website. 

God bless. 

I believe we can be God's hand and Feet in helping to change the world! 

Let's go!

As if You Needed Another Reminder

A Special Adoption Christmas Present

For those of us in the adoption world, nothing can be more fun than seeing another successful come to an end.  The harsh reality of orphans in the world growing up alone, coupled with families in the world with the room to welcome in a new member is never more present than today. 

The U.N. estimates there are over 150 million orphans in the world. 

150 Million!!

150 million kids wonder whether anyone loves them.
150 million kids are on their own to learn life.
150 million kids will often go to bed wondering if they will eat tomorrow.
150 million kids will start at the bottom of the social ladder and have to find the courage somewhere to survive.
150 million...that's just unacceptable!

A few years ago, I was traveling with a friend up in New England.  He took me to MIT, Boston University, Harvard, and Tufts to see the state of the Union of some of the greatest schools in America. 

Along the way, I met Steve Nelson.  This guy is the real deal.  He loves students, loves academics, but most of all is trying to live life like God called him to live.  I didn't know all about his adoption journey at the time, but through a strange series of events, we ended up sitting next to each other on my journey home from Boston, and learned a lot about it. 

He sent me this article today.  I thought you might want to see what happens when a family listens to God's heart.

RWANDAN JUSTICE...FINALLY

 

It was one of the world's worst examples of brutal evil.  In 1994 over 800,000 Rwandans were slaughtered in a conflict surrounding pure ethnic cleansing.

Today, a High court has found that Theoneste Bagosora guilty of murder, conspiracy, and the brutal killings of thousands.  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7789367.stm 

The reason we find this a significant story today on andybraner.com, is because the Braners engaged in an adoption process over 3 years ago.  In Nov. 2007, Gabriella Irigabiza Braner joined the family, and since she is a native of Rwanda, the Braners have been on a fast track history lesson of the country for their daughter's sake. 

They have also decided to pursue another adoption in Rwanda, and are waiting to hear from the minister of family and gender living in Kigali. 

All that to say, with hearts as big as the world, and a vision to see orphans of this massacre come to know what true family can be, the Braner's have started a retail company to begin helping like minded families afford the cost of adoption both domestically and internationally.  Upon hearing the news today, their company, AnNi designs is featuring a Red or White T-Shirt commemorating the celebration of a tiny African country on the road to peace and reconciliation. 

   

Your purchase will go to helping families who are engaged in the adoption process.  Join the Braners as we help lend a helping hand to the orphan problem in countries like Rwanda.  Go ahead and click on the picture of the T-shirt above, and you will be re-directed to the AnNi Designs web store.

God bless you today as we are all trying to live our faith out in the real world.  (James 1:27) "Pure and undefiled religion is this, that you take care of the widows and orphans in their distress; and that you remain unstained from the world."

Thank you.

Shopping for that Special Someone? Check out the L.A. Times. This is Repulsive.

I'm not usually one to just throw my opinion out right at the beginning of a blog post, but this has to be the most repulsive thing I've read in a long time.  The L.A. Times reported on gifts for the  Happy Holidays, a gift certificate for those in your life that have everything!

Let's be honest.  Shopping for that special someone can really be tough, but this has to be the end of the line.  It seems like every time we think we've come to the bottom of the barrel, articles like this come out.  

The Article reports,

This year, for the first time, Planned Parenthood of Indiana is offering holiday gift certificates for that certain someone in your life who may want a breast exam, a pap smear or perhaps not want another life in their life.

Calling them an "unusual yet practical gift this holiday season," the organization is selling gift certificates in $25 denominations, redeemable at any of the group's 35 statewide locations for their services, including health screenings, birth control and abortion services.

A Planned Parenthood website page notes that a standard women's health exam costs $58 while abortions in the first trimester can run from $350 to $900.

There's even an online page to order the certificates if you know someone in Indiana who desires such services.

According to Ms. magazine, an official of the Hoosier Planned Parenthood group explained:

"People are making really tough decisions about putting gas in their car and food on their table, so we know that many women especially put health care at their bottom of their list to do."

The official explained the group offers a range of services that can be purchased with the gift cards including pap smears, breast exams, birth control prescriptions and abortions. The organization performs about 5,000 abortions a year, according to one published figure, out of 92,000 patients treated.

REALLY?

Someone sat around the conference table at Planned Parenthood and thought, "let's give out certificates for abortion?" 

What happens to a society when it doesn't have the wherewithal to understand the implications of it's actions? 

How far must we go before we stand up for the rights of those who need help? 

I know both sides of the abortion argument, but being at the center of the adoption world, I know first hand, we can take care of children born, even if it's through a mistake. 

Come on America.
Come on Church. 
The rally cry for the unborn must be heard, please make sure you write Planned Parenthood and tell them how you feel about this. 

Click Here To Contact Planned Parenthood.

 I'm sure they would love to hear from the andybraner.com crowd.

This is Why We do What We Do

AnNi Hits 1 million Impressions

I know this whole Facebook Ad thing is new to me, and some of you probably do it all the time.  But, as of tonight at 12:00 AnNi has been seen on Facebook by over 1million viewers.  Isn't that CRAZY.  The move to fund adoptions is so satisfying, and I can't wait to post stories from families that are going to be reunited with their kids from all over the world.  Thanks for making this life so fun to travel.  With your help, we're doing it!!!  We're living out the scripture James 1:27.  Thanks.

If you haven't seen it yet, click here  Anni Designs, and help us help families with adoption.

Show Hope

Today's the Day!!  It's the annual Show Hope Banquet in Nashville Tennessee. 

Today there will be hundreds of people gathered together to support the world of adoption.

Today, thousands of dollars will be donated to help families with the ever rising cost of adoptions around the world.

Today the stories will fuel an awesome movement.

Today, you can be a part of something special.

I know in an economic climate like we've not seen in our lifetime seems to loom over every penny we spend makes it hard to reach out and help someone else. 

But consider...

140 million orphans are going to sleep tonight around the globe without a mom or a dad.
140 million kids are wondering if they will live past their teenage years.
140 million people are in jeapardy of contracting curable diseases

30.000 will die today because of poverty related illness
3 million will go to bed hungry tonight.

Today, you can be the change. 

Click on the image above, and give something to a mission changing the world, one child at a time.

Living Life with Friends who See the Big Picture

One of the joys of walking with people in our community is watching as they reach out to people and show God's love to those in need.

Our friends the Gibsons did just that!

For a while, they wrestled with the idea of having another kid around the house, and the Lord moved in their hearts to become adoptive parents.

Last night, the Gibsons came over as a part of our adoption fellowship group, and they brought little Zoe. 

Zoe was born in Ethiopia, and now lives right down the street.  She's got a wonderful mom and dad, a big brother, and a big sister, that are going to walk with her through life. 

This is what God intended us to do as believers. 

We are to "Take care of the widows and orphans" (James 1:27) and live out the gospel in our own world, in real time.  God loved me when I was a spiritual orphan.  In fact, He loved me so much, that He gave me a shot at a new life in union with Him.

You know what, it doesn't matter if you go all the way over to Africa to adopt a child, or if you just take a stand on the domestic issues of adoption today; it's our duty, it's our calling, it's who we are as a people to care for those in need.

Won't you join my friends the Gibsons, in helping the orphans around the world.

I guarantee, it will be the joy of your life. 

Every 2nd Thursday

Every second Thursday of the month, we do a little adoption "get to gether."  All the people in our neighborhood, and our sphere of influence are invited to come over and just share our kids, share our vision, and help people achieve their adoption dreams. 

It's been AWESOME!

We started with 3 or 4 families, and last time we had over 45 people at the house.  Some have adopted already, some are in line, and others are just interested in helping the plight of orphans around the globe. 

Well tonight's the night.

I'll get some pictures of this one.  It's pretty cool.

A Great Organization Reaching out to Give Hope

It's one thing to think about giving, but another all together to give to an organization that will reach into the heart of a child and give them true Hope for the future.  I have been admiring Show Hope for years as they're mission is to reach out to people interested in adoption, as well as those who may not have the phase of life to raise a little one in the home. 

Show Hope actually identifies the biggest needs in the adoption circle, financial concerns.  They raise money from people who have the means to write a check, and introduce those resources to families interested in adopting kids both domestically and internationally.  They've helped over 1000 children to have a home, where they would not have had any chance to grow up with a mom or a dad. 

As you shop this Christmas for the latest plastic trinket that will wind up in the garage sale by the end of the summer, think about giving something a little less traditional...a family.

Think about what it might look like to give you're children the idea that they sacrificed the newest toy for a life-long relationship in a new family.  My hope is that this year, whether you want to adopt, or merely help others to adopt; you'll seriously consider heading to Show Hope for your Christmas gifts this year.

For more information, just click on the icon here on the right side of the page, and you'll be directed to more information about one of the greatest organizations in the world.

Gabby's Home

Today was the coolest day I think I can remember. 

The three little munchkins and I drove to Tulsa to pick up Jamie Jo and little Gabby. 

We started the day like any other.  You know...CRAZY!!!!  Getting three kiddos up and moving in the morning is not an easy task.  Much like herding cats, a friend of mine told me.  Anyway, we finally all got in the car and started the 4 hour journey to Tulsa. 

We've been just us for the last three weeks while mom has been in Africa navigating this whole adoption deal, and a lot of fun times rolled around in this dense brain of mine.  Football on Sunday, 2 on 2.  Late night video games.  The last football game.  And who can ignore the gymnastic championships.  All I probably would have missed because let's just be honest...I work way to hard...way to fast...and don't take time to savor those moments. But not any more.  I love my kids more than ever...right now!

So we're driving down the highway, me traveling through memory lane, the kids watching their favorite star wars movies, by the way, Dax can quote pretty much any old star wars film now.  He's 2.

We went to pick up Gabby's grandma, and then headed straight to the terminal.  We thought we were going to have a little time to get flowers and balloons, but as soon as we walked down the hallway, there they were...Mom and daughter.  Gabby was home.

The kids bum rushed her.  Jamie cried for the three she missed so terribly while she was gone, and my eye was on little Gabby.  She's the neatest little kid.  She smiles, she laughs, she shakes her head back and forth, and when Jamie talks, she turns her head to see where in the room mom is.

So tonight I kept my kid vigil so Jamie Jo could relax, and I couldn't help but just keep staring at this new little girl.  She's AWESOME!!  She's the neatest little kid.  And as I was walking down the hallway tonight, rocking her to sleep, I began to wander and ponder my own journey...

"Jesus, this is what it must have been like.  Waiting patiently.  Longing to bring me home. 
This must be exactly how you felt as you continued to pursue me.
I certainly didn't deserve it.
In fact, I didn't even do anything for it.
I too was an orphan in a strange land.
Born in a country that sometimes dignifies your name, to a family who loves you, but I had no control over that.
Yet, you pursued me.
You wanted me.
You longed for me.
You carried me down the hallway of life, and looked at me in the eyes to my very soul, and declared..."I'm your Dad now...and I'll never, never, never leave you."

That's what I told Gabby tonight, "I'm your Dad now...and I'll never never never leave you. Finally You're home." And so the journey begins fresh and new today.  The most dignified way I think anyone can express the way God loves us.  James 1:27 in full effect.  Loving widows and orphans. 

May we all follow God where He desires us to go.  May we all get to experience the realness of being adopted by a heavenly Father.  May the global orphan crisis hear one less scream for aloneness tonight, because Gabby's home.

Once was Lost...but Now...

Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound
That Saved a Wretch like Me
Once was Lost But Now I'm found
Blind, But now I see

It's one of the greatest Hymns of faith in all the history of Christendom.  What a story!  The fact that through the pits of darkness God continues His relentless journey to find even the one, among the many. 

The Bible continues to give us imagery of God's undying love for finding even the smallest of the lost.  Luke 15 is a series of parables Jesus uses to tell us God's brilliant mercy for the lost sheep, the lost coin, and probably the most preached section of the scriptures, the prodigal son. 

As I looked at my wife's reaction to holding her newly found child, I was moved emotionally on many levels.  First by the obvious, I have a new daughter. Second, It  pains my heart to see my wife in such distress.  But probably the most significant was the picture of God you can clearly see through this image.

His love for His people ends only in the find.  He has no room for failure, and seeks to rescue even the smallest one of us. And when He finds us, a celebration of joy, coupled with relief, must be the center piece of the Great Banquet halls of heaven.

If you find yourself lost today, wandering through life, wondering if he cares...just check out this photo.  It truly speaks more than 1000 words.

She once was lost in the sea of many, plucked out, special; and now...she's found.  God wants to hold you JUST LIKE THIS TODAY!!!

Mom and Baby United

After a long haul over the Ocean, I got message from Jamie Jo.  She and Baby Ci Ci are united at last.  She's having fun getting to know the new little one, and we at home are so excited for mom and sister to come on home.

What an adventure.  Five months ago, this little one entered the world without a mother or father.  Abandoned in a country with no hope for orphans, she was destined to be raised in an orphanage wondering, "did they even care?"

Fortunately the home she was staying in is filled with caring people who loved her and met her every need.  Jamie Jo has nothing but enormous gratitude for the people at the orphanage, and she speaks very highly of their love and care.

And now a new chapter will open.  A new chapter for the Braner family.  From five Americans following Jesus the best we know how to Five plus one.  One little one we welcome with open hearts and open arms into every part of our existence.

And isn't that how God wanted it for you and me.  Born orphans from the Father, He reaches down in our homes hopefully into an environment where we are well taken care of, but no matter; he longs for us to return to a home where He can be Father.  He longs to rescue us so we can grow in a place where He intended.  And then...

When family chapters turn into different stories who knows?  Who knows if Ci Ci will return to Rwanda with a background filled with happy memories to be able to ground her in her native land where she can give hope to others.

It's just like God does it.

He rescues us from hopelessness.  Gives us hope in a hopeless world.  And then He turns us loose with a foundation of righteousness, in hopes we can be instruments to lead others to hope. 

Adoption is a wonderful part of growing our new family, but moreover; it's a perfect picture of God in His perfect love. 

If you're feeling abandoned today, don't hesitate to move.  The difference between Ci Ci and you is one of mere physics.  God is everywhere, and He longs to be a father to those who seem to be living in a fatherless world.  Won't you too come and be a part of His growing family? 

Come...let's follow Jesus together....

Thanks to all who have been involved in praying and supporting the Braners.  We feel the immense amount of love from each of you, and we can't wait for the day when you can meet our little one first hand. 

Well, We're OFF

Here it is, the country of Ci Ci's birth. 

The court date went well on Monday, and it's time to go pick her up.  Jamie Jo is heading out soon to begin the travel documents, and I'll be joining quickly. 

It's really happening!!

The Braners are getting a new little baby Ci Ci!!

As you can probably expect, life is CRAZY around our house.  We've got rooms to get ready. Errands to run.  Details to fix in place.  But...somewhere, there seems to be a calm spirit about our home.  It's almost as if the Lord is blanketing our home with an assurance that it won't be long. 

Endurance is a learned skill, and we are on the enduring end of this whole process.  Thank you guys so much for your prayers, your encouragement, and your various ways of expressing excitement alongside us.  It's been overwhelming, and we are truly grateful for the community of people around us, and online, that continue to support and pray.

God is in the middle of this deal, there is no doubt, and it won't be long now...RWANDA OR BUST!!

CiCi is official

Well it's official.  The Rwandan ministry of family and gender have official given the Braners the stamp of approval to bring Ci Ci to the United States. 

I can't tell you how crazy our house is.  We're painting furniture, tearing down wallpaper, and getting the room all ready.  The kids are going nuts that Baby Ci Ci is coming home. 

It's a great thing to know our family is getting bigger, and probably the most important piece is there will be one less orphan in the world after we return from Africa.

I would just like to thank all you guys for your prayers and your support.  The overwhelming sense of friendship and family has been an incredible piece of this adoption, and we are so thankful for your outpouring of love over our family.

I've also gotten some criticism from those on the outside that don't know us or what we're doing, and just to take a minute and answer a bit of a critical comment I noticed a few weeks ago.  I received a note from someone who was truly concerned we were adopting internationally when there are "so many kids in foster homes" here in the US. 

In no way are we trying to downplay the need for domestic help  Foster homes in the US are great things, and some of my best friends are involved in foster care and domestic orphan care.  We are 100% supportive of all kids whether they are from America, China, Rwanda, Romania, or anywhere else in the world. 

Our mission, we feel God has called us to in this adoption event is that we are to take care of orphans.  There's no difference between an orphan in America or an orphan in Africa; except maybe the American orphan is presented with opportunity on his front door step. 

We have no intention of discriminating, choosing, or disregarding any orphans around the world.  This is just the beginning.  We feel the orphan problem is far greater than reductionary Americanism vs. All the other countries.  We must understand and move to a place where kids are kids, no matter what Longitude or Latitude they grow up in. 

And so, as I welcome the active criticism, my prayer is that there can be a movement that will not be respecters of people, only a generation interested in helping the widows and orphans (James 1:27) no matter where they come from.

Thanks again for all the support.  God is moving in miraculous ways, and Rwanda is now a country open for outsiders who seek to help actually can! 

God bless you.

All alone in a far off place

All alone in a far off place, she wakes up every morning to walk the long dusty road to school.  She has two shirts in the closet, one white, and one given to her by some foreigner.  She has a pair of shorts, and her school skirt.  School goes from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, and it's the only time she can escape the pain of hunger, the risk of disease, or the smell of burning trash that lies over her hut like a thick blanket.  She only has one meal a day, provided by a ministry partner with the local school, but she's thankful.  Thankful she's alive.  Thankful for friends.  Thankful for the times she can swim in the river flowing past her 8ft grass hut. 

It's not a life most Americans would choose.  In fact, most Americans would find themselves in a fit of complaint if there wasn't any running water, electricity, or public transportation.  Most would be bitter if they suffered from the lack of clean air, non-potable water, or simply just a toilet to sit on.  Not this girl.

Somewhere, somebody, somehow, shared with her the love God has.  And guess what...that's all she needs.  She doesn't need a big house.  She doesn't complain for a better life.  She can't even comprehend the fact she may be entitled to something better in life.  No, she's satisfied.  Satisfied in the Love God has shown her mercifully.  Satisfied in the simple pleasures of life.  Laughter. Smiles. Friendship.  Education.  Family.  Friends. 

I think the interesting piece of this young girl's life, that I have learned so much from...she's always looking forward. 

She doesn't look back and wonder how she got where she got, she just looks to the future.  She doesn't look around at what she doesn't have, she keeps her eyes to the horizon. 

I must confess, if I could only learn one thing by being here, it's Paul's message when he says, "I forget what is behind and press on toward what is ahead." (Phil. 3:13)  To press on for the prize of Jesus, regardless of circumstance, is what I want in my life.  I want to focus so much on God's love, it becomes the only bedrock of my existence.  So much so, that life passing by around me will only be a blurr in light of God's mercy and forgiveness. 

Sometimes it might seem strange, but every now and then, I too feel like I'm all alone in a far off place.

It's A GIRL!!

So, we've been waiting and waiting and waiting....and then waiting and waiting and waiting...and then some more waiting...but finally it looks like it's right around the corner. 

Most natural additions to family are pretty predictable.  Not in the sense that there are no problems, but when a mom gets pregnant, it's usually around 9 months of gestation, and then BAM! He or she enters the world to a new family.  It's not 9 weeks, it's not 9 years, it's just a 9 month time period from the time you find out all the natural functions of biology actually took place.

Well, Jamie and I have been waiting for 2 years for a new little one to come to our family.  It's been painstakingly hard to watch Jamie Jo go through virtual pregnancy for 2 years.  She is such a great mom, and wants to have a tremendous impact on the world raising little ones.  She's truly an incredible lady.

And for my kids, it's been a long awaited wonder.  Is she coming today?  This Month?  This year?  Will she be here for Christmas?  Is she even Real?

Well, I just got video from Rwanda, and she's real!!  We can't hardly stand not jumping on an airplane and getting over there to pick her up.  Ci Ci is on the way, and the Braner family is excited to welcome her into our family. 

We would appreciate your prayers.  Thanks for continually lifting us up in the journey, and I can't wait for you to meet little Baby Ci Ci, when she does finally come home.