A 4th Miracle Story

My husband, Derry posted this on his blog (derryprenkert.com) on Sunday, November 22, 2015.  It is the crazy miracle story of our 4th child.  Welcome to the crazy God story of Malachi.

A 4th Miracle Story - Baby Malachi

In July, we sensed a stirring from God that there was room in our family for another miracle story.
In August, we began to do some research on domestic adoption options.
In early September, we began the steps with an organization.
On November 5, our adoption profile went live.
A part of why we went with this organization was due to the speed they are able to match adoptive families with newborn orphans.  Still, we had been told the average wait time would be 4-13 months.

WELL...
Wednesday Night, November 11, after putting our kids down for bed, we received a call from our client liaison. "I have a birth mother who has selected you... and she is in labor right now... How soon can you get to __________?"*

After minutes of prayer (yes, minutes... we didn't have time for more than that) and seeking some wise counsel, we took to a step of faith like we feel this journey has been marked by all along.

On one hour of sleep we set off on a whirlwind trip of flights and car rides.  We walked into the hospital at approximately 3 pm Thursday, November 12 to meet the birth mom and our BABY BOY!

How do you sum up the moment where you walk into the room to see the child you are to call your son and the brave woman who is making one of, if not the, toughest choices in her life?
It is impossible. 
So, it happened. 

After some shared time together, the birth mom asked if we had a name selected.  We informed her, Malachi Davis Prenkert.  She loved it.

Malachi Davis Prenkert. Born 11/12/15

About an hour later, we were handed baby and guided to another hospital room to begin care.  We did not have legal custodial rights, but birth mom wanted us to take over in care asap to begin the bonding process.

In that room, we were able to FaceTime back home to the kids and introduce them to their baby brother.  Feeding, burping and diaper changes began as we spent the first night of our son's life in the hospital with him.

Friday, November 13 was marked by meetings with social worker, birth mom, and lawyers to sign over custodial rights. By Friday evening we had full custodial rights and were discharged from the hospital.

Friday Night, November 13 was spent in a Holiday Inn near the hospital with our son. Due to interstate adoption law, we had to go through a waiting period until governmental consent for him to leave the state as well as consent from our homestate (Indiana) to enter is granted.  We were told this process could take 7-14 days.

As only God could design, there were several unique factors that allowed for a meaningful and comfortable wait over the week to follow.

1. My mom and the amazing Kristy Mikel arranged a care structure for our three kids back home.  Regular FaceTime appointments allowed for us to interact with them and they with us/their baby brother. 
2. We had family connections inside the state that allowed for lots of good connections and a place to stay Saturday-Sunday (Nov. 14-15).
3. Janelle's parents were vacationing nearby.  They were able to meet their 2-day old grandson and spend a couple days with us.
4. A family friend made a completely furnished home available to us while we waited and bonded with our little dude.
5. Still other significant acts of support and generosity that are either not my place to share or not quite ready to share.

 We received word Friday, November 20 that we could leave Malachi's birth state, but did not have permission to enter Indiana yet.  We wouldn't until after the weekend.  Itching to unite our entire family, we made the decision to rent a car and started the drive home that evening. 

On Saturday, November 21, I dropped Janelle off at just outside the Indiana border, drove into Fort Wayne (in some pretty nasty snow), dropped off our rental car at the airport, and picked up our van (from my in-laws) with the kids in it! We, very carefully (almost went of the road twice) made our way into Ohio where the 6 of us were united together.

Our 1st "Family of 6" Photo

Currently, we are hanging out in a hotel... a complete family of 6 containing 4 unique and amazing miracle stories that can call me Daddy.

**UPDATE: We received permission Monday 11/23 to return to Indiana and are now home.****

We invite you to rejoice with us that a brave birth mom chose life and chose us. Pray for the health of baby Malachi and the bonding process with us. Pray for the other three kids as they get acclimated to a new addition.  Pray for the continued adoptive process.

It has been a whirlwind. 

It has contained God's fingerprints all over it.  

We deserve none of it.

We praise God for every aspect of it.

We continue to walk by faith.

*We are still leaving the state where Malachi was born off any public spaces of the internet in order to respect the continued process involved. Also, to be clear, the timing of this process (from time of application to match to bringing baby home and being selected by a birth mom on the evening of her going into labor) is far from normal. Then again, it is very hard to explain a "normal" adoptive process.  Every one is filled with it's own twists and turns... both positive and negative.

"What do you need?"

"What do you need?" is a question I have been hearing a lot lately. I am so grateful we are surrounded by a church family, community, friends and family who believe in us and what God has called us to. 

We are just crazy enough to believe that if we say "Yes!" to God, He very well may use us to help change the world one life at a time. (by the way, we aren't special people. He's calling you to do something too...just say "yes!".)

I'm not sure why, but every time I am asked that question , "what do you need?" I get super uncomfortable.  Since I am a pansy I thought I would answer this question in a blogpost. Ha ha! 

What We Need:

1. Sleep. Jimminey Cricks, I forgot how time consuming and exhausting babies are. 

2. Prayer. Let's be honest here, Derry and I have no clue what we are doing. We just trust in the One who keeps guiding us to Himself. 

3. Diapers and Formula. We can always use this. I'm not sure why this kid insists on eating and pooping? Ha!

4. Financial Assistance. This is by far is the hardest one for me to write about, but if I were to be honest it is our greatest need.  Throughout this whole process it has been our constant reminder to TRUST in God for His guidance and provision. (This trust thing must be a hard one for me because this seems to be my life anthem.) 

I'm not gonna lie, adoption is crazy expensive. When it comes to money, I'm the one who freaks out first, trusts second. This has changed quite a bit over the years, I have come to understand that God will always provide. Even so, when God was talking to us about adopting again one of my first questions was "how are we going to pay for it?" You know what God's response to me for this question (and every other one too) "it's a life".  With those 3 simple words I stopped questioning and began to trust. He's right. What's money have to compare against a life. A life is way more important. 

So in search for some financial assistance I returned to a great organization, Lifesong for Orphans.  When we were in the process of adopting Moses, they gave is a matching grant. 

I applied for a matching grant again for this adoption and once again they have decided to come alongside us. 

How does a matching grant work? It's simple really, as people support families financially, that gift is matched dollar for dollar. So in essence a gift of $50 is really $100. It's actually pretty awesome that not only does this organization come alongside families, but it also allows others to help care for an orphan. 

Again, awkward moment...however if you feel led to come alongside us in this "need", please visit our myStory page  thru Lifesong for Orphans. All gifts are tax deductible. 

We by no means do we want to pressure anyone to give financially. But since the question, "what do you need?" has been asked we felt compelled to answer. 

The Story Behind the Shirt: iheartadoption

Oh I could go on and on why I love adoption. But if you were to look at my family you'd quickly understand why. 

God perfectly orchestrated our family by using adoption.  When I look at my kids, I smile because I am reminded God has always got a cooler plan. 

Shirts are on sale still. The deadline to order is coming....Monday, November 30. That's a week from Monday. 

If you want to order one, you can message me or visit my etsy shop. www.etsy.com/shop/YippaDeeSkip 

To see more of the "Story Behind the Shirt" series, visit my other posts. 

The Story Behind the Shirt: I matter

I decided to create a kids shirt probably because I have kids and I think they would look so stinkin cute in one. 

I also know my kids, they would feel super cool if they had a shirt all their own. I was right. When I showed them this design they all started jumping up and down and dancing in their own style. 

I designed this shirt shortly after creating the "change the world one life at a time" shirt.  

As I was brainstorming what to design I thought "what is the purpose of this shirt"?  Then it hit me, in order to change the world one life at a time, we need to find worth in people, in a people group, in a person. 

And when we find those people/person it's important to let them know how stinkin awesome they are.  How God make them unique and special and with a great purpose that only they can fulfill. 

As I thought about my kids what is one life lesson I want them to learn?

"I MATTER"

I matter to God. I matter to my family. I matter to this world. 

If you want to purchase this shirt for a kid in your life, you can by either messaging me or order one on my Etsy shop YippaDeeSkip.   All proceeds go to help fund our adoption. 

www.etsy.com/shop/YippaDeeSkip 

www.janelleprenkert.com

The Story Behind the Shirt: Who Cares If I'm Significant

Shirt Design and the following post written by my awesome husband, Derry Prenkert. 

I was on an airplane somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean October 2006 when I wrote the phrase for the first time.  Janelle and I had (along with Caleb 'Biz' Bislow) just finished up speaking at a Youth Camp outside Calcutta India. I was processing through the incredible opportunities God had granted me and wrestling with the enormous needs present in the world. I wanted to do something, but this time it was different. 

This time I felt so insignificant in it all.  In that feeling, I was also able to come to grips with that fact that so much of my life to that point had been caught up in meaning and significance... or to put it more clearly, I was convinced that my meaning would come when I was seen as someone significant.  If I could become some kind of Christian All-star then I would know I had arrived with God.  

On that airplane, a very subtle but significant change of focus began.  What if, rather than getting caught up in my significance, I would get caught up in giving my life toward the things that God saw as significant?  I wrote it out in a simple declaration:

WHO CARES IF I'M SIGNIFICANT?

I JUST WANT TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT.

This became a somewhat of a life mission for me from that point forward. I'm not that special (in fact I'm kind of a big tool), but I believe God has allowed me to be a part of some pretty significant things for the sake of His Kingdom with my life.  The opportunity to be an adoptive father ranks near the top.  

This t-shirt is my design and it tells my portion of the story.   You can purchase this shirt in Janelle's etsy store YippaDeeSkip or you can connect in person with us to make a purchase: www.etsy.com/shop/YippaDeeSkip

All $$ will go toward helping fund the adoption of our fourth child.

The Story Behind the Shirt: Change the World

The quote "Change the world one life at a time" has become a life motto for me. 

It all began back in my early 20s.  Fresh out of college, newly married and in the early ministry years. I was passionate about wanting to change the world but was overwhelmed at the thought of it. 

Knowing I wasn't gifted to reach the masses like Billy Graham, I became discouraged. For some reason we think  the only way to change the world is to preach it from a stage in front of thousands of people. I too was held captive by this thought. 

Then one day my eyes were opened and my life changed. I was at a conference for youth workers and one of the companies there had an experience. Their quote "you have one life, do something" resonated deep with in me. 

As I waked through this experience, listening, reading, watching, my heart began to transform. I realized that the most effective way to change the world is with those lives surrounding me.  I didn't need to stand in front of thousands, I didn't need to write some profound book. I just needed to be me, Janelle Prenkert. God has already gifted me. Embrace it and start impacting people. 

So that's what I did. And the life quote "change the world one life at a time" was born in my heart. 

Fast forward 15 years. I am joyful at the opportunities God has allowed me to change the world. Be it in teens, family members, kids, people around the world or through my blog. With the help of my Heavenly Father, I know I am making an impact on this world, one life at a time. 

My prayer is when you wear this shirt you will be inspired to change your world. Invest. Love. Empower. 

You can purchase this shirt in my etsy store YippaDeeSkip or message me and I can tell you other options. 

www.etsy.com/shop/YippaDeeSkip

www.janelleprenkert.com

Orphan Sunday

Orphan Sunday is this Sunday, November 8.  What is Orphan Sunday? The day in which Christians stand together to defend the fatherless.

November is a special month to me.  It is contains "Orphan Sunday", "National Adoption Day" and November is also "National Adoption Month".  I find it super awesome that people are taking time to raise awareness of the orphan and then celebrating the forever family they find.

It is no secret that I LOVE adoption.  Obviously, 3 of my 4 kiddos are adopted (well one is coming).  What makes this extra cool for me is my oldest miracle child, my first adopted child's birthday is in November.  This year when I heard that Orphan Sunday fell on her birthday, my smile grew much larger.  Because my daughter is just that...MINE.  I am her Mama and Derry her Daddy.  She is NOT an Orphan, she is my and I'm so pumped about it!  I love that she has a forever family and God chose me to be in that family!

My prayer is for all of the little ones around the world who don't have a forever family yet.
"God, this month will you raise up families to become brave, courageous and driven to change the life of a child.  Whether it is to welcome one into their lives making it a 'forever family' for a child or to come alongside someone who is.  May their heart break as yours breaks.  May they rise up in action as you have and do.  Thank you for loving us welcoming us into your 'forever family'.  Amen."

If you live in the Michiana area and have adopted or are in the process of adoption, join our group.   You need not attend Nappanee Missionary Church.  We normally meet the last Friday every other month.  Due to Thanksgiving, this month we will be meeting on Friday, November 13, 6:30-8:00 p.m.  Our time together is for the whole family.  Contact me if you have further questions or need directions (janelleprenkert@nmc1.org or 574.773.7773)

Finally, if you love adoption and want to tell the world that you do, consider purchasing one of our shirts thru my Etsy Store: YippaDeeSkip.  We are taking orders now.  Near the end of November shirts will then be printed and delivered.  All proceeds go to fund our upcoming adoption.

i heart adoption t-shirt

change the world t-shirt

who cares t-shirt

i matter kids t-shirt

Etsy Store

Noonday Collection & the Prenkerts

I first became aware of Noonday Collection this summer while listening to the Happy Hour Podcast with Jamie Ivey.  I became very intrigued with its philosophy and wanted to learn more.

In short, Noonday was founded by Jessica Honegger after her trip to Uganda.  She met some local artisans, purchased their work and decided to sell it back home to help raise money for their adoption.  After having a great response from those who purchased this art, her vision began to grow beyond fundraising.

Jessica teamed up with a friend, Travis Wilson to begin their dream of starting a business that would alleviate poverty through entrepreneurship.  Noonday Collection was born  and it uses fashion to create opportunities for families around the world.  They are a fair trade company.

Read their full story here.

The Prenkert's Involvement 

A few weeks ago I received a phone call from Traci Gongwer, a fellow adoptive mom, who told me about her sister, Stacy Miller being an Ambassador for Noonday.  An Ambassador helps to promote and sell these awesome pieces of fashion art.  Traci wanted to hold a Trunk Show (a show that displays and sells this art work) in our area for Noonday.

One really cool thing that Noonday does is they give 10% of what is earned to a family in the process of adoption to help alleviate the high costs.  It is a win-win-win.  The artists around the world are providing for their families, families are one step closer to bringing a child home to their forever family, and awareness is gained.  Not to mention some pretty cool fashion is purchased.

Traci offered to hold a Trunk Show on our behalf.  So 10% of all of the sales will go directly to our adoption costs.

This Sunday, November 1:  2-5 pm at Nelson's Banquet Hall (607 Nelsons Pkwy, Wakarusa, IN) is the Trunk Show.  Stacy will share about Noonday, I will share about our adoption and you will have the opportunity to purchase some awesome fashion.  It is an open house so you need not to stay the whole time.

If you cannot make it to the show but would still like to purchase an item, you can do so ONLINE HERE.  This link will take you to Stacy Miller's Ambassador page. Please make sure after you make your selections that your basket reads as "Traci Gongwer's" show.

Check out some of the products HERE.

Adoption Thoughts

What are my thoughts on Adoption?

Oh there are so many, but here are a few.

1.  I love it. 

It is so beautiful and is a constant reminder that we are ALL adopted by the King. (“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.””  Romans 8:15 NLT)

2.  It is so stinkin' hard. 

I love my two adopted miracles and am so thankful God choose to bring our paths together.  Parenting kids is hard no matter what! Be it biological, adopted, foster care, parenting as a grandparent, whatever it is, IT IS HARD!

A child from a "hard background/hard places" (adoption lingo simply meaning a child who has experienced loss or trauma) has a whole new set of circumstances to walk thru. 

When we first adopted my thoughts were like many people's, "well once the child is adopted, he/she will be fine. Sure he/she will have normal kid stuff to deal with, but when it comes to hurt, it will be minimal. Especially if that child was adopted as a baby."

(Insert loud annoying buzzer sound) FALSE!!! These kids have experienced loss and pain. They will often react out of that pain. When a kid acts out, it's hard to know if the child is being a kid or reacting out of their pain or a combination of both. 

3.  Adoption isn't for everyone. 

We are all called to look after the orphan and widow (“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.”  Isaiah 1:17 NLT).  But that doesn't mean everyone should adopt. Much like I am not called to work as a chef (thank God! I hate cooking), not everyone is called to adoption. 

Don't think you aren't doing enough on behalf of the orphan crisis because you are not adopting a child. That's a lie!  Pray for the children. Pray for the families who God has called to adoption. Walk alongside them. Look at them as normal people. Support organizations who work directly with the orphan, like Compassion, Holt International, AGC Baby Centre in Kenya. 

I feel so honored God has called our family in this capacity. How is He calling you? 

Interested in Adoption?

Over the past 3.5 hears I seem to have become some sort of advocate for adoption.  Why? Well because I believe in it!  This is how God and us have chosen to build our family and we couldn't be happier!  We love our 2 little munchkins!

Adoption is a beautiful thing.  I would love to go in to detail why I am such a big fan of it, but this isn't the reason for this post.  This post is simply to give a few resources.

INTERESTED IN ADOPTING?

If you are finding yourself interested in adopting a child and don't know where to begin, check out Holt International. This is the organization we chose to use to help bring Moses home.  We chose this organization because they have been around for more than 50 years.  They were the pioneers of international adoption.  All this means is they have experience!  They doing things right, they do things well.  They will not participate in bribes.  They partner with locals who love Jesus and love children.  They are a christain organization.  Worth looking into.

NOT WANTING TO ADOPT, BUT SUPPORT ORPHANS
In sharing our story, I have heard many say "I would love to adopt, but..."  Fill in the blank with "I'm past the parenting age", "We have ___ kids already (fill in the #)"  "I'm not sure if I can raise someone else's child" or another reason. All very legitimate reasons.  God hasn't called everyone to adopt a child, but he has called everyone to care for orphans.  This can take on several forms from supporting a child from financially, prayfully and many other ways.

Today, I want to share with you what some of the organizations we partner with do.  Holt International does a sponsorship program, much like Compassion International.  You monthly support an orphan around the world.  Your gift helps provide care, shelter, clothing, food, education, medical care, and much more.  Holt supports organizations that love Jesus and teach the children about Jesus.  If you are looking to "adopt" a child by supporting them, check out Holt.

Another organization is Show Hope.  They too do sponsorship.  Check out their website for more information.

FINANCIALLY INTERSTED IN HELPING A FAMILY ADOPT?
Adoption, especially international adoptions, can be financially taxing on a family.  Some families choose not to adopt simply because they cannot afford it.  We have found quite a few organizations that help aid families, like us, lessen the financial burden.  (If you are adopting and would like a list, contact me prenkert_photography@yahoo.com and I can get it to you.)

Two organizations that have gifted us with grants are Show Hope and Lifesong for Orphans. Both are Christian organizations committed to helping orphans and families.  If you are looking to give, these two organizations would be great.  Help bring an orphan to his "Forever Family" (a phrase often used in adoption circles).  We were greatly blessed by someone being generous.  Because of their generosity, we were able to bring home our beautiful little boy.  You can be that someone to another family.

If you have questions about adoption, please feel free to email me at the address listed above.  I love to talk about adoption and help answer any questions!

African Memorabilia (A)

These items were obtained from Kenya.

A1-Blue Soap Stone Bowls (2)
You are bidding on two blue soap stone bowls.
The larger is approx 6 inches in diameter.
The smaller is approx 4 inches in diameter. Both are hand-painted.
CURRENT BID: $30
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A2-Zebra Soap Stone Bowls (2)
You are bidding on two soap stone bowls with a hand-painted zebra on each.
Both are approx 4 inches in diameter.
CURRENT BID: $25
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A3- Kenyan Flag Key Chain
Beaded key chain with the Kenyan Flag colors.
Handmade.You are bidding on one keychain.
It is about 2 inches long. (2 Available)
CURRENT BID KEY CHAIN #1: $20
CURRENT BID KEY CHAIN #2: $10
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A4- Africa Shaped Key Chain
You are bidding on a leather Africa shaped key chain.
It is hand-painted with a rhino. It is about 3 inches long.
CURRENT BID: $5
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A5- Maasai Multi-Colored Necklace
This is authentically made by a Maasai tribe.
It is approx 12 inches long.
CURRENT BID: $12
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A6-Black & Yellow Maasai Necklace
This necklace is black and yellow with dangling circles.
It is an authentic Maasai necklace.
CURRENT BID: $12
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A7-Maasai Bracelet
The bracelet you are bidding on is made by an authentic Maasai tribe.
It is about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
The colors include: Blue, Yellow, Red, White, Black.
CURRENT BID: $30

Electronics (E)

E1- Playstation 2 Video Game Bundle

Games included in bundle: TETRIS Worlds, Simpsons Road Rage, Street vol.2
CURRENT BID: $5
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E2- Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2CURRENT BID: $50
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E3- Movie Bundle
Movie Titles Include:
King Kong, Knights Tale, Cast Away, Mission Impossible 2, Evan Almighty,
Legally Blonde, Lord of the Rings:Fellowship of the Ring
CURRENT BID: $15
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E4- iPod Touch 8GB
Bought with Coke Rewards
Two available to bid on.
Touchscreen interface
3.5" widescreen display
Built-in volume controls and speaker
Wi-Fi enabled
Up to 30 hours of music playback and 6 hours of video playback
For Mac and Windows
Minimum Bid of $150
Current Bid for iPod 1: $200
Current Bid for iPod 2: $200
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E5-Nike Amp+ Sport Remote Control
Bought with Coke Rewards.
Value: $79Remote Control Description:
Durable polyurethane strap can be cut to your exact preference for natural, comfortable fit
Stainless steel custom-fit buckle
LED displays time of day and icons for iPod® nano controls when activated by the remote
Instant voice feedback of time, distance, calories and pace
Power song accessed through left-side button for quick motivation
Raised remote buttons for easy grip and precision
5ATM water resistance
Black in color.
CURRENT BID: $45
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E6-Wii Fit Plus
Board and Game. Hardly used. :)
CURRENT BID: $80

Hand Carved Animals (H)

Hand carved animals from Kenya. Each one is 4-6 inches in length.

H1-LION Black Ebony Wood

CURRENT BID: $20

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H2- RHINO Black Ebony Wood
CURRENT BID: $35
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H3-ELEPHANT Black Ebony Wood
CURRENT BID: $50
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H4-GIRAFFE-Hand painted.
CURRENT BID: $50
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H5-ZEBRA-Hand Painted
CURRENT BID: $5
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H6-ELEPHANT & WATER BUFFALO-Brown Wood

You will receive both the elephant and water buffalo.

CURRENT BID: $20

Katylynn Gives (K)

K1- Cabbage Patch Kid

New. Surprise Newborn. African American baby.
Included in package: doll, cabbage snuggler, surprise outfit, baby bottle, birth certificate.

CURRENT BID: $175

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K2-Cootie Game
New.

CURRENT BID: $0
item will be donated to a local charity.

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K3- Katylynn Original
Katylynn's art. 8x10 frame.
Colors: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue

CURRENT BID: $80

Notecards (N)

N1-Least of these Ministries Note cards

An artist of the Least of These Ministries drew these picture of the children they work with. Least of These Ministries works with a variety of orphanages throughout Kenya.
Set of 5 note cards and envelopes.
CURRENT BID: $5
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N2-Least of these Ministries Note cards
An artist of the Least of These Ministries drew these picture of the children they work with. Least of These Ministries works with a variety of orphanages throughout Kenya.
Set of 5 note cards and envelopes.
CURRENT BID: $10
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N3-Flower Montage
Images taken by Janelle. 4 images, 12 note cards and envelopes all together.
CURRENT BID: $20
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N4-Misc Montage
Images taken by Janelle. 4 images, 12 note cards and envelopes all together.
CURRENT BID: $20