I would just like to add that the intentions of the letter were not to solicit money from whoever received it.  We simply wanted to share our news and ask for support.  Support in prayer, support in having a positive attitude about it, support in participating in fundraisers we will have.
We plan on having a garage sale.  This is an opportunity that our friends and family can give us their "junk" and we can use the profit to go towards the adoption.
Another example is a coffee shop that gives part of their profits to adopting families (more on that later).
Also, if you are willing to donate frequent flyer miles, as we will be traveling to Ethiopia two times.
These are just some examples for now.  Please do not think that we want you to wire us money or send a check our way.  THAT IS NOT OUR INTENTIONS!
Please forgive my frankness, but we have already received two harsh emails regarding our decision and it  breaks my heart.

The beginning...

**For those that were not on our mailing list, below is our announcement.

June 6, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

We write this letter to you with much excitement and anticipation, and maybe a little bit of crazy too, over the journey we are embarking on.  For a while now we have wanted to add to our family, and through God’s leading and example we have decided to pursue adoption.   We did not come to this decision lightly but are excited for where this journey will take us. 

We are working with an organization called All God’s Children International and have entered into the Ethiopia program.  Hopefully, in the next year or two we will bring home a sweet brown skinned baby boy or girl.  You may be wondering why we have chosen to adopt a baby that doesn’t “match” our family.  From studying scripture we know that we are called to take care of those who are abandoned and orphaned, and similar to our own adoption as God’s children we feel led to follow the Lord’s example.  As we embrace the Ethiopian culture and love a child that looks different from us, we know the journey will be difficult at times, but all together beautiful as we ultimately believe we find our identity in Christ not in our adversities or differences.

We are writing this letter to share with you our news, and to ask for your support:  

First of all and most importantly, we ask for prayer. We need to be lifted up in prayer for wisdom in our decisions, and for God to make our paths clear.  Also, pray for all of the hands involved, including our child who is waiting.

Secondly and almost as important, we would humbly like to ask for financial support. Adoption is very expensive, and when we finally bring our child home the total cost will be somewhere between $20,000-30,000.  We are confident that God will provide, as he always does, for our journey.

It is our hope that you will partner with us in this important mission. It is the calling on all of us as Christians, to care for widows and orphans. Not everyone is called to bring an orphan into their home, but it is our job to do what we can to care for them. There are many ways to do this- but if this is a mission, if we are a family, who you can believe in, then we would ask you to prayerfully consider donating to our family and to our child.

If you’d like to follow us on our journey, please check out our blog (dansonja.blogspot.com) for updates and additional fundraising opportunities we hope to organize.

“I have chosen you and have not rejected you.  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41: 9-10.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18

Thank you again for your support and prayers.

With Love,

The Newcomer Family—Dan, Sonja, Selah, and Eli

Contact Information:

3168 SE Hampton Loop

Troutdale, OR 97060

dan.sonja@yahoo.com

Trip to Central Oregon 2012

We had a wonderful week in Central Oregon celebrating Dan turning 30.  Most people that know me know that I am not much of an outdoorsy person, but my husband is.  I prefer to stay home reading a book or watching a movie, he prefers to climb mountains, kayak white water, and ride his bike for long stretches at a time.  So, this trip was a stretch for me, but I loved it.  We enjoyed riding our bikes through Sunriver to the Deschutes River, spotting deer, unique birds, and horses along the way.  We attempted to fish two days, but without success of a catch.  We kayaked with our kiddos, and the dog managed to get a ride in it too.  At the end of each day, after we were worn out from our adventures, we returned to a cute little cabin in La Pine that Dan's aunt and uncle own.  Dan would start a fire in the wood stove and we watched a movie on the couch together.  It was such a lovely time with my family exploring and enjoying God's creation.    

Easter Celebration

He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! He is Risen! Sweet!

Moving along

Just a short update on how the fam is doing. Both kids are doing great!

I have really been impressed by how much Selah has blossomed lately. She has become very brave, and is communicating so well with people now. People are able to see the Selah that we know and love. She has such a sweet, kind and compassionate disposition about her. Her teacher is continually impressed by how far she has come along since she first started in September. We recently had a conference with Selah's teacher and got great comments on how our girl is doing, especially the social aspect. Selah is beginning to read and is doing well with writing her letters. I am so proud of my girl and the progress she has made! Oh that reminds me, we have great news! She was accepted into Corbett Charter School, which is close to us. It's ranked 3rd in the nation. So we are super excited for this opportunity.

What makes my heart smile even more is that a few months back she accepted Jesus into her heart. One day she said she was going to draw a cross on her face so Jesus knew she wanted Him in her heart. So, we sat down and discussed what it meant to be a follower of Jesus. This is just the first step, and I pray that she continues to grow in her understanding and faith in Jesus and never wavers. She daily asks me difficult questions regarding our faith, which causes me to be challenged as well. The other day she said, "where is my heart that Jesus is in?" How do you explain the spiritual heart to a 4 year old? I did my best, but it is questions like this that really require some thought and the Spirit of Wisdom to guide me so that I do not misguide my daughter.

I must tell this funny story. About a week ago the kids were having a night with grandma (my mom). She was reading them a story and Selah was being really wiggly. Here is how the conversation went:

Grandma: Do you have ants in your pants?

Selah: No!

(Selah continues to wiggle)

Grandma: Are you sure you don't have ants in your pants?

Selah: Okay Grandma...(Selah proceeds to pull down her pants)...see I don't have ants in my pants!

One of those, "Kids say the darnedest things!"

Eli is doing well! He is beginning to put 2 and three words together when speaking to us. He is quite confident and outgoing. No fear in talking to people and showing affection. He has already charmed the preteen and teen girls at church. He is adventurous with food as well. He enjoys sneaking coffee and raw onions. He'll eat a bowl of salad and loves hot sauce. His taste buds are abnormally insensitive.

We are struggling with him sleeping at night again. He despises the thought of going to sleep, and fights bed time with a passion. Now determination and passion can be good qualities, we just have to help him channel those in a more productive way. He also must feel that we get lonely at 2 am, because he comes into our room each night. We are trying to break the habit. But at the same time I feel bad and want to cuddle with him, because I know this time will pass all too quickly.

My children are two completely different people, both in personality, and likes and dislikes. I can see that they complement each other well.

Christmas 2011

This Christmas was truly special. I surprised my mom with my older brother joining us on Christmas Eve. We hadn't seen him or his family in almost 5 years. I got to meet my nephew, who was born 4 days before Selah. I also got to see my cousin and her family. Her youngest is about 2 months younger than Selah, and they were babies when we saw them last.

We hosted my side of the family on Christmas Eve and Dan's side on Christmas Day. Busy weekend, but one that was so so blessed.

Chris and his family

Nick, mom, me, and Chris on Christmas Eve.

With my brothers!

Nieces and nephew.

Power wheels from Aunt Jenny and Uncle Dustin.

Selah received these giant pipe-cleaners as a gift, but it provided fun for all.

Nick and Emily, his lovely girlfriend.

Mom with one of her granddaughters. Yay for more grandkids!

Uncle Steve and Grandpa.

Nick and our aunt.

Eli is quite fond of his Uncle Nick.

Selah and Ayla

Happy 2nd Birthday sweet boy!

He gets this gleam in his eye to let you know he's up to no good. After taking this picture he ran off. The little monkey!

My little adventurer! Eyes wide with so many things to see at the zoo.

The cutest Buzz Light Year!

Clever boy and quite the prankster already. I went to run a load of laundry and found his sister's dolls in the washer.

**************************************

I am having to type left handed due to a fractured elbow, so this will be short...

Eli,

You bring such joy to us and our family and friends. You easily give smiles, high fives, and hugs. You perform tasks with such concentration and celebrate with great enthusiasm.

You are just so stinkin' cute! We are overwhelmed with our love for you and praise the Creator of the universe for giving us such a precious gift.

Love,

Mama