The Paper Chase Begins

We have chosen Creative Adoptions, Inc to be the agency to do our homestudy (because Living Hope isn't licensed for Maryland). So, we've begun compiling the documents. Wow. I'm the "administrative assistant" for our family, so I do all the paperwork. And let me just say, when you fill out enough forms the mind starts getting a little numb. It starts to all blur together. Was I born in Maryland, or was that Heath? Who's social security number is this? When were our kids born? How do I spell my name?!!! I spent one afternoon doing all that, plus passport applications. By the end I couldn't think or see straight! And I'm sure there'll be plenty more to come! Monday night we have a meeting with CAI to go over the homestudy process in more detail. We also just requested our driving records, criminal background checks, child abuse clearances and so forth, and soon we get to go be fingerprinted! It's a bit crazy, but at least it's for a very worthwhile purpose!

Here we go!

Well, we successfully finished our adoption training classes. Ethan and Jesse are quite happy that we've finally learned how to be parents! Actually, the training was pretty specific to adoption, and we did manage to learn a few things along the way. Today we received our Parent Workbook from Living Hope, which gives us instructions on compiling our dossier. Wow. We'll be busy. There's a lot to do, and a lot of time and money required. (For anyone trying to get rid of excess in either of these areas, we'd be happy to help you out!) =) They say it takes 4-5 months to compile all this stuff, and then send it off to China. After that the timeframe is much less specific. So we really don't know how long it will take before we actually have our child. I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunity to learn patience along the way!

The boys and I enjoyed a week-long road trip in March. We spent one night with the Spink's (my dad's sister and family) in Ohio on the way out. Then we spent several days in Illinois visiting old friends (Kelly, Carrie) and family (Becky). On the way back we visited Josh & Liz (college friends) in Ohio. We had a great time visiting with everyone, but it's always nice to get home. I couldn't get pictures of everybody on here, but here are a couple of the kids. Thanks for your hospitality, everyone! It was great to see each of you!

Stranger than fiction . . .

OK, I know this isn't earth-shattering news, but I had to share this story. :) Yesterday, the boys and I were looking through a photo album at pictures from the beach. I noticed Jesse was wearing the same shirt in the picture as he was wearing in real life yesterday. Then I saw that Ethan was too! Finally, I turned the page and saw this picture of the three of us, and, you guessed it, I had the same shirt on too. Unbelievable! =)

Back to School...

Well, we are very excited to be working our way towards adoption! So when we got our packet of info, I could hardly wait to start! But it turns out it was a bunch of homework! We have to do 12 hours of adoption training (online courses) before we can begin compiling our dossier! Heath and I have to do it together. Do you know how hard it is to find quiet time to study together, when you have a 2-year-old and a 4-year old!??? It basically leaves 8-9 or 10 pm (after the boys' bedtime and before ours). Of course, last night we couldn't do any studying because we had to watch LOST. Priorities must stay in order of course! =) Seriously though, I'm glad that we get to study this and get prepared. And it gives us stuff to talk about, which is nice too. But I'll be really glad when we move onto the next step!

Storms

Our family's had a rough week. Some news and some burdens are just too heavy to bear. How often I forget that I don't have to carry those burdens alone. God is helping me to slowly give it over to Him and to trust Him. I am so thankful for the friends and family and Savior that I have.

I hope this doesn't break any copyright laws, but here's a song that has really spoken to me today.

I was sure by now, God, you would have reached down
and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say Amen and it's still raining.
As the thunder rolls, I barely hear your whisper through the rain, "I am with you"
And as your mercy falls I raise my hands, and praise the God who gives
. . . and takes away.

I'll praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands
that you are who you are, no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried you hold in your hand, you never left my side
And though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
you heard my cry, you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on if I can't find you?
As the thunder rolls, I barely hear your whisper through the rain, "I am with you"
And as your mercy falls I raise my hands, and praise the God who gives
. . . and takes away.

I'll praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands
that you are who you are, no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried you hold in your hand, you never left my side.
And though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

And though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." --Lao Tzu

We have begun the journey to adoption! We just signed a contract with Living Hope Adoption Agency to adopt a child from China. No guarantees on how long it will take, but we're excited to actually be getting started! Adoption has been an almost life-long dream of mine, and we are both excited to be able to add to our family in this way. (Even Ethan asks when we're going to get his baby sister from China!) Please keep us in your prayers for all the decisions that have to be made, for finances, for things to run smoothly, and especially that God would lead us right to the little girl He has created to be part of our family. Keep checking our blog for updates on our journey!