Please help make him ONE LESS

I interrupt this travel journal because something is weighing so heavy on my heart.

A little back story if you will...

In August of 2009, Shannon and I had the absolute pleasure of meeting JD and Nicole in a required DSS class. At the time, Shannon and I thought we may want to adopt through the SC foster care system and this was a required class. I still feel very strongly that although our hearts would beat for China alone, we were to go to that so we could meet these two incredible people.
Over the next year we would pour our hearts out over chips and dip, Starbucks and email. Each of us clinging to the hope of becoming mothers. For me, a mother for the third time and for Nicole, a mother for the first time. JD and Shannon got along great and the four of us always had a great time all the while building this incredibly strong friendship based around the desires of our hearts.

Nine months ago, JD and Nicole were chosen to be the family of this precious little man...




Stunning isn't he??

Of course I am a little partial :) Shannon and I were asked to be his God parents and of course we fell head over heels in love and said yes :)

As their adoption finalization date gets closer and closer, JD and Nicole have had some very tough obstacles to overcome. They handle each with grace and faith. Jaden also has come a LONG way since they brought him home. It is amazing what a little love can do for a boy :)

Nicole sent a letter, and I will let her explain a little more about their situation... a situation that is truly breaking my heart.

As much as it kills me to write this, JD and I feel the only place we can turn is towards people who understand us and where we are.
We haven't shared much lately about our current situation other than a few vague Facebook status updates about needing your prayers, but its time for us to share with you and ask for your help and prayers.
Jaden has been home for 9 months this week. We were supposed to have had his finalization court date after 6 months home. *Thats how long the wait is in SC for placement to Adoption finalization* There were some issues with the ICPC (Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children) paperwork and there were several delays. We didn't really look at this as a problem because were just happy he was home!!! And that he was adjusting SO well. About 2 months ago we received a call from his caseworker in Missouri that said that she had a phone call from a biological Aunt of Jaden's who wants custody. Our hearts sank! Jaden is OUR son!! Apparently, she had tried for custody for the other children (He has 2 other biological siblings) and they were already finalized in their forever homes...Jaden is the only one that has yet to be finalized because of the delayed paperwork.
We have been praying and kindly rushing our caseworkers to GET THIS DONE! The "Aunt" has hired an attorney and is in the process of a homestudy. If she is approved she can request our process to be STOPPED until a decision is made. On top of that....they COULD take Jaden out of our home and back to Missouri until a final placement decision is made. This would DEVASTATE Jaden. He is FINALLY settled and feels safe...he would never trust anyone again if he is ripped from this home and us as well. He has no clue about what is going on...as he shouldn't at 6 years old....and we don't want him to have to know about any of this.
We got a call from our attorney today that said we could fly to Missouri for our court date April 7th!!! We were so excited and started looking for airfare....10 minutes later we received a call, again from our attorney that said she advises us to push up our court date due to the Aunts progress and she was able to squeeze us in for March 17th. THATS 8 DAYS AWAY!!!!!
We have found ourselves unable to get the funds for this trip in enough time. Airfare alone is $800 a person.
I understand it is a tough time for everyone right now and in no way are we begging for your financial assistance. I am, however, begging for your prayers. I have seen the power of prayer and ask that you include us in yours.
A friend of mine has allowed us to use her PayPal account if anyone is interested in contributing.

Thank you

Nicole and JD need our prayers, so if you are reading this, please pray that things will be favorable for them and their family. If you can spare $5.00 or $10.00 that would be an amazing start to helping this family at this time! Every little bit will help in their travels!!

Nicole was the sweet friend that made all of those delicious sweet bites and the amazing website "Sweets For Samuel". All of this from her own money. That's just the kinda girl she is.
I love them both will all of my heart, and as a friend, God mother to Jaden, and an advocate for adoption I ask that you open your heart so he can be ONE LESS...



**I WILL BE ADDING THE PAYPAL BUTTON FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. THEY WILL BE USING OUR "SWEETS FOR SAMUEL" BUTTON AS IT TAKES SEVERAL DAYS TO CONNECT WITH THE BANK AND THEY ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME. YOU CAN LEAVE A COMMENT HERE OR EMAIL ME AT spesharp@yahoo.com IF YOU WOULD LIKE THEIR PHYSICAL ADDRESS**