Support Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

The Dodson Family (Jeff, Laura, Joshua and Caleb) greets you! We are pleased to announce a new turn of events in our family. The Lord has laid on our hearts the desire to adopt two little boys from Africa. Surprise! :o)

Their names are Jeremiah (4) and Daniel (3).


Jeremiah was abandoned about 2 years ago in a local hospital. He has lived at the orphanage for 2 years. When he came to the home as a baby, he was very sullen and withdrawn. You can see by the photo above that his smile has traveled to his eyes. God has placed him in a loving environment where he is taught about Jesus everyday and cared for by a “Mama” (a local woman from the village) during the day at the home. He is close to aging out (age 6) of the orphanage. Once that happens, his country will consider him a permanent orphan and become ineligible for adoption.

Daniel was also abandoned about 2 years ago on a roadside near a school. The school children were dismissed at the end of the day, and Daniel was found. He has lived at the orphanage ever since. He has the same “Mama” as Jeremiah. They are considered brothers and will be adopted together. Daniel has moderate hearing impairment. His left ear has little hearing and his right has about 50% hearing. He will need a hearing aid once he gets to the states. I’ve not seen one photo of him smiling. I am assuming it is partially due to his hearing loss. It has been suggested that he should learn sign language while he can still hear just in case he loses the rest of his hearing. Lord willing, he won’t lose any more! Thankfully, I know some ASL, and what I don’t know, I can learn.

These boys need a forever family, loving home, a couple of brothers and some cats! :o) That’s US! The Lord has been faithful to give us encouragement through good friends and His Word.

“In love He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:5-6

“He who calls you is faithful who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 4:24

I (Laura) have first hand experience. At the age of 24, I was adopted. Even though my circumstances were vastly different than those of Jeremiah and Daniel, I can say with all confidence there is a distinct feeling deep inside to know beyond a shadow of a doubt, I am wanted. I consider my adoption day as one of the most special days of my life.

Taking care of children doesn’t have to be costly, however, the adoption process is. Some of the expenses include documentation, classes, medical, legal and travel expenses. We will need to travel to Africa for an extended stay of 5 weeks for court dates, transitioning the children to our care, and finally, bringing them home. :o)

Would you please keep our family in your prayers? We serve a very BIG GOD who provides for all our needs in ways we cannot begin to imagine. We are confident He will.


In His Service,
The Dodson Family

*****

Jeremiah and Daniel,

This is the letter Mommy and Daddy sent out to all our friends and family asking for their prayer support. You have no idea that you have a family right now. :o) We are praying for the Lord to move mightily on your behalf and for His name! Our hope is that through our adoption, many will see the goodness of our God. He cares for you both! He is working right this very moment to bring you into a forever family who loves you very much. I cannot imagine how our very big God is going to work, but I trust that He will. We hope to meet you very soon.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy