We're all looking for ways to cut corners this Christmas. Here's an easy way to get some unique, inexpensive Christmas presents, and help bring our little girl home at the same time. We're selling "Sofia Scarves"... hand-made scarves that are durable, adorable and extremely warm. Check out the picture to see what they look like.

This was shot in May of 2007. Sofia is now 2 and a half years old.

As you all know, we moved to PA in September. Because of the move and the fact that home studies expire after a year we needed to get an update. I have spent hours online searching for someone to do our update to no avail. I was beginning to get frustrated after living here 2 months and not getting anywhere with it until recently. I sent out a batch of emails on night to possible agencies and immediately got a response from one. So, to make a long story short.... I emailed PAhomestudy.com November 10 and Jessica was at our house November 15. Needless to say, we were thrilled. The timing was great. We just happened to have the money needed for the update and we've been off and running since then. We're just waiting on the clearances and then that part should be done. THANK GOD!

Things left to do:

1.File I-824 in Philly with a $340 fee
2.Get an extension on our I-600A
3.Get new fingerprints done
4.File I-600 in Haiti
5.WAIT WAIT WAIT!
6.There are more things to do, but let's just start here.

Money left to raise
$3500 - Orphanage/Agency fee
$ 340 - I-824 fee
$1500 - trip to Haiti to file I-600 (this is an estimate)
$1500 - trip to Haiti to bring Sofia Home (this is an estimate)
I hope that's all!

As far as our process is concerned here's where we stand.

Received our first pic of Sofia March 2007
Committed to love her forever March 2007
Dossier to Haiti end of August 2007
Entered IBESR November 2007
Exited IBESR July 2008
Entered Parquet August? 2008
Parquet birthparent appointment September 17 2008 STILL HAS NOT BEEN DONE
2nd Legal:
File I-600:
DNA:
MOI:
Passports completed:
Visa Appointment;
HOME:

Obviously we are a little frustrated and hurt by the fact that the birth parent appointment has not been fulfilled as scheduled. We feel completely powerless, as all adoptive feel, in this situation. We just want out family together.

On a brighter note, we have sold 31 scarves and hope to sell more. So, if you're interested let me know.

Chris and I have been debating for a few years now about participating in foster care or Foster to Adopt. We talked with our social worker when we had our home study done and she was very encouraging. So, please be in prayer as we investigate whether or not this is a good fit for us. We're not sure why we feel God pulling us in this direction, at this time, but we're praying for some clear answers soon.

Sorry this is so long.
TTYL!

Hello All,

I am sending this asking for your help. I have uploaded a flyer that
my husband made for Sofia Scarves. We are in the process of adopting
Sofia from Rivers of Hope Orphanage in Petionville, Haiti. Our
paperwork has been in the process for nearly a year and a half. We
met Sofia almost 2 years ago and knew immediately she was our
daughter. God has blessed us with the funds to be able to continue
the adoption thus far. However, with our recent move to Pennsylvania
which included the loss of my income and many unexpected adoption
expenses on the Haiti side we are finding ourselves in need of
approximately $7000 more. Our hearts desire is to bring our sweet
Sofia home some time in 2009. Our prayer is that God will again bless
us with the funds we need to bring her home.


If you are interested in helping here are some things you can do:

1. Place an order for a Sofia Scarf and then tell everyone you know
to place an order as well.
2. If you can't order a scarf consider making a donation for Sofia.
Anything we raise above what we need will be donated directly to
Rivers of Hope Orphanage for the care of the other orphaned children.
3. If you are not in a position to order a scarf or donate please
PRAY for us as we know God has ordained this journey for us and He
will see it to the end.


Sofia scarves are handmade at my dining room table. Payments can be
made through paypal, money order or personal check. When funds clear
the bank the scarf will be shipped.

They are fleece Scarves consisting of two complimentary colors seamed
together on each side with another color and a fleece flower if
desired.

Choose 2 colors for scarf - 1 for seam - 1 flower color

Black
gray
white
cream
pink
purple
light blue
dark blue
brown
green
orange
yellow
fuchsia


Let me know if you're interested. They are $15 each or 2 for $25 plus
all orders ship for $5. These make great gifts and are very thick and
warm. Feel free to email me with questions and orders.
I've also uploaded a family pic just waiting to add the real Sofia.

Praying Sofia Home,

Chris, Laura and Renee O'Neal
laurapk21@gmail.com