I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after oprhans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. - James 1:27


Oct 13, 2013

Cooler weather.... leaves changing.... waiting still.....

We received an update from Bethany Christian Services this weekend. Generally monthly they give us an update on different things in the adoption world. Some of you may know and others may not, but Ethiopia court system has been shut down for just over a month for their "rainy" season. This happens every year so it is nothing out of the ordinary. They will be opening again this week for court cases to be scheduled again. The wheels can start moving once more......

It has been a long time since I have updated this blog so I thought it was high time to let you know what has been happening at the "smit household". Is it fair to say normal? Regular? What is normal or regular? In the 2013 year we have had some pretty interesting things happen. 3 medical surgeries, the first broken bone in our family - a knee, 4 teeth "extracted", a daughter entering the "senior year" at school, while the other entering her last year at middle school, college tour trip, and everyday life at its best. We are truly blessed to be where we are at in life.

While we have been "waiting" we have continued doing some training hours that are required before the adoption can be finalized. One documentary that Chad and I have watched just this month was shown on PBS. It follows along a girl that was adopted from Ethiopia and what she went thru before and after her adoption. It is available for free viewing until the end of October. Take a minute and share with her the adoption story. Here is a link to the video: Girl, Adopted

As we come into the fall season it gets busier and busier coming up to the holidays. Craft shows galore, family gatherings, and much more. I will let you know when we hear any more exciting news. For now just know, we are still waiting........

Mar 19, 2013

Still waiting......

Anyone that has ever been thru an adoption process knows there is alot of "waiting" that happens. We are learning first hand how to wait. Some days its easier to wait, and other days its hard to wait knowing that there is some special out there just waiting to be welcomed into our home. We are coming close to waiting for a year now. We take each day as it comes, standing firm in believing when the time is right it will be made known.

In the meantime to keep busy and also take one step closer to being financially ready to complete our journey we are working on candles. We are working on setting up a fundraising line with our candles. Start thinking now of who can be blessed by a fundraiser event. Brand new jars in two sizes, melt cubes, and tealights are all available.


Start thinking now, if you are interested in fundraising information email us today at lightedpathwaycandles@gmail.com.

Dec 17, 2012

Puzzle progress update

First an update on the Kindle Fire. The winner was drawn saturday evening and we wanted to touch base with them and present the Kindle Fire to them before giving out the name. We met with him today, so with that a huge Congratulations goes out to Garry! Thank you to all of you that have sponsored pieces of the puzzle so far.

The puzzle continues to be a work in progress. There is still time to become a forever part of our journey. Sponsor a piece of the puzzle and we will place your name on the back of the puzzle. When it is complete we will frame the puzzle with glass on both sides in order to see all the names of those who have helped bring the little one into our home. For just $5.00 a piece your name will be placed on the puzzle, get yours today.

Here is where we sit with the puzzle as of today:



Check back often for more updates on the journey we are walking down one step at a time.

Dec 15, 2012

Kindle Fire giveaway

With our puzzle piece sponsorship we had a Kindle Fire giveaway going. Tonight we used random.org to draw a winning sponsor number. The winners name will be released once they have been notified.

 
 
 
We will post a current puzzle picture soon so you can see how far the construction has come. We still have pieces that need a sponsors name for the back. We will continue to place your name on the back of the pieces till the puzzle is complete. Take this time to join the journey and be a forever piece of the puzzle. There is a link on the right side bar for online sponsorships or you are welcome to contact us for mailing information.

Dec 11, 2012

Kindle Fire drawing time

Thank you to all of you who came out to the Lighted Pathway Candle open house. It was a great evening with a bunch of friends. The evening ended with a "mystery host" name drawn to receive the host credits in free products. Congratulation Laura! If you are interested in having a home show at your house and earn many free candles let us know so we can save the date for you.

We have been building a puzzle by sponsorships over the last few months. The puzzle is under construction still and well along the way. By sponsoring puzzle pieces your name will be placed on the back side of the finished puzzle. By sponsoring 2 pieces we also have a drawing going for a FREE Kindle Fire. With the holidays coming up soon we are going to be drawing the winners name this weekend so that we can get the Kindle to them before the holiday. There is a sponsor link on the right sidebar of this page if you need to still get your name entered. Remember it only takes a sponsorship of 2 pieces, $10 total, and you are entered into the drawing. For every 2 pieces you sponsor your name will be entered once. Sponsor 2 pieces = 1 entry, sponsor 4 pieces = 2 entries, and so one. Sponsor in your childs name, grand childs name, a friends name, whoever you would like.

Check back here later saturday night to see the winners name of the Kindle Fire giveaway........

Dec 6, 2012

Join us for a night out

Come join us for a night away from your busy holiday schedule. I will be hosting a "mystery hostess" candle party. One lucky quest will be chosen to receive "host" benefits. As a "hostess" you will receive a free candle of your choice along with a percentage of the party total. Cash and carry items will be available to use as gifts for the holiday season. Custom orders also will be taken.



Check out the website lighted pathway candles to see the scent list and all the different sizes available.  Bring a friend or two to receive extra free gifts. RSVP to lightedpathwaycandles@gmail.com or 616-889-1952. What a great way to sit back and relax, enjoy some good food and fellowship, and have a chance to finish up your shopping. Start thinking about your favorite scent

What: Lighted Pathway Candle "Mystery Host" open house
Where: 3078 143rd Ave, Burnips
When: Monday, Dec. 10th
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm

See you there!

Nov 7, 2012

November is Adoption month!

It is a wonderful feeling to be a part of adoption month. Each year the month of november adoption is celebrated. What a wonderful feeling of being part of that. While we still wait for the call to come our thoughts go out each day to each and every child out there that is "waiting" to be part of a forever family. We have been blessed beyond imagination with this journey that we have been on. I encourage you to be a part of blessing someone in the adoption process.

A quick update on our puzzle progress. We are 1/3 of the way. Thank you all for each piece that you have sponsored. Our hope is to be able to say we have completed the puzzle by the beginning of December. Why, you ask? Two reasons. One is that we have the kindle fire giveaway to bless one of our sponsors with. What a great gift to be able to give in time for christmas. Second is by having the puzzle done we can get it framed and it can be part of our holiday celebrations. While we think and pray everyday for the child that is out there waiting to be part of our "forever family" a visual reminder to be able to hang on the wall would be a great blessing.

Here is a current photo:

In the update today we were able to add the baby elephant to the puzzle. The giraffe is wondering how long it will take for him to come to the party. Will you help us finish up? On the right side bar is a donation link thru paypal. You can donate there, or email us for a mailing address if preferred.