Huge thanks!

Following last night's fundraiser, hosted by our friends at James' Third Base in Mason, our family wants to express its gratitude to everyone who took part in any way.

From the management and staff at James' to our friends (old and new), we deeply appreciate you showing up to eat, drink and make merry.  The event was a huge success because we got to hang out with friends, share some of the updated information about Tommy, and spread the word about international adoption and the plight of Waiting Children like Tommy.

  

We are especially thankful for the people who, before yesterday, we didn't know very well, that decided to come show their support for our little boy.  We heard some great stories:

• from Kim, who was one of the first children adopted from Korea through our agency, Holt International, over 50 years ago.  His positive experience and enthusiasm was highly encouraging.
• from Shannon & Jimmy, whose little boys just arrived from Ethiopia a few months ago.  
• from Dawn & Mike, (whose names I might be messing up since I didn't write them down) whose son, Josiah, arrived from Ethiopia in the fall.

We're looking forward to introducing Tommy to everyone when he arrives.  We hope to be telling you all soon about our second trip to Ethiopia.

Since some of you asked last night, here are some things you can do to help:

1. Pray for us!
2. Prayerfully consider making a financial contribution (to Lifesong for Orphans if you need a tax deduction, to The Romano family if you don’t).  Either way, you can mail them to us at 7818 Woodside Court, Maineville, OH 45039.
3. Buy some Ethiopian coffee from Just Love Coffee (we get a cut)
4. Join us or sponsor us for the Walk of Hope 2011 to benefit Brittany’s Hope Foundation (who gave us a big grant). It’s in Elizabethtown PA, May 1^st.
5. Look into adoption, especially international adoption and the plight of “waiting children like Tommy.”  UNICEF says there are 145 million orphans worldwide.  If you do, we strongly recommend HoltInternational.
6. Visit our blog to get the whole story and follow our progress: http://bringtommyhomesoon.blogspot.com/2010/12/announcing.html

A birthday prayer

Today is Tommy's 4th birthday, his second as an orphan. Although we didn't know him yet, we got started on this whole adoption thing right around his last birthday.  We had hoped to have him home by now.  As we've written already, with all that's going on with the embassy, it's really hard to tell just how much longer he'll be waiting.

Tonight, our family sang "Happy Birthday Dear Tommy" and blew out his candles for him, praying someone in ET remembered it was his day. And just about the time I thought we'd be overtaken by the sadness of his absence, Madi, our #2, suggested we freeze a piece of his birthday cake for him to have when he gets here.  "After all," she said, "cake will keep in the freezer for 6 weeks, won't it?"  Her combination of thoughtfulness and optimism helped steer the "party" back on track.

So, as I prepare to lay my head down, and attempt to square up for the day with my Maker, I pray for the women of Ethiopia; in particular for one named U_____e, who bravely sought out the Mussie Orphanage in an effort to secure a better life for her boy--now our boy--Tommy. I pray for a day when such altruistic and agonizing tasks become uncommon in their homeland--and everywhere--so that no more little boys like my Tommy have to spend a single day, let alone their birthday, as orphans.

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

We were hoping to have you home by now, pal.  Sorry, we're moving as fast as we possibly can.  Can't wait to see your smiling face again!  We love you.

Love,
Your Family

Making it easier to give...

Tremendous news from the folks at Lifesong for Orphans

They have agreed to support our adoption by accepting contributions to help Tommy, which would then be tax deductible contributions.  Here is their letter in PDF format.

In a sense, from now until March 25 (when we hope Tommy will be here), they've made our goal to Bring Tommy Home a nonprofit effort.  Of course, we're still accepting direct (non-tax deductible) contributions online as well, but If you'd like to take advantage of this opportunity, contributions should be made to:

Lifesong for Orphans
PO Box 40 / 202 N. Ford Street
Gridley, IL 61744

Make sure you write "Romano/#1734" on the memo line.  After March 25th, Lifesong will forward your contributions to our adoption agency, Holt International.  Here's the official IRS "disclaimer":

Note:  In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization.  This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use. 

Our sincere thanks to the wonderful people at Lifesong.  God bless them for what they're doing to help little ones like Tommy all over the world.

Come hungry and thirsty

All our local friends are invited to join us for a drink or a bite to eat at a new place in Mason this Sunday from 5 to 8.  The owners have offered to make a contribution to help Bring Tommy Home based on how much you all eat and drink...so come hungry and thirsty!!

Join us at James’ Third Base in Mason

this Sunday Feb 20th

5 – 8 pm

Have drinks & some dinner. Bring your friends & family.  It'll be completely casual and fun.

It's at 1079 Reading Road (Western Row & 42).  Click the logo for a map and directions.  There are details and more information here: http://chrisromano.com/personal/A benefit forTommy.pdf