The Adoption Event

The event went well.  At least from our perspective.  There were about 12 couples there, mostly from out of town.  I think there was one other local couple.  The first hour was without the kids there.  The CPS workers told us what to expect, what kind of questions were off limits, and generally how to interact with the kids.  We also all introduced ourselves to one another and the CPS workers.  Danielle, our case worker, came too.  Only private agency workers came with their prospective adoptive parents.  We were so glad to have Danielle there with us.

During the orientation there were pictures around the room of many of the kids that would be present, including a sibling set of two little girls.  From the moment I saw it, I knew that was what we were there for.  I jokingly asked the case worker if we could hide that picture so that no one else would see.  We quickly identified the girls' case worker and made it a point to talk to her at length since these little girls weren't present.  (No kids under age 5 were there.)

There were about 12-15 kids there.  They had activities spread out for the kids to do and the prospective adoptive parents to participate in with the kids.  The petting zoo was the biggest hit.  We only actually interacted with one teenage girl.  I can't imagine how hard that was for her!

We were able to meet several CPS workers that will be great contacts.  Hopefully they will advocate for us as well.  (I think they will.)  At the end of the day we were able to submit our home study for those two little girls.  They are here in town and their case worker said that they really want to find a local family for the girls.  I can't give much information about them (I wish I could share their picture with you all!), but please be praying for them and for us during this waiting period.  The case worker said that she hopes to have the home studies reviewed and narrowed down to three families within two weeks.

This may or may not be it for us, but we are so glad we went to the event.  Please pray for all that are involved in this case.  We know that the Lord will accomplish His will.

T-shirts

Orders will open on Friday for t-shirts.  Check back here or at our facebook page for details on ordering.

Adoption Fair

I just got the call from the caseworker saying that she has completed our home study and sent in our registration for the adoption fair.  Nervousness and excitement commence now.

Facebook Page

In case you wanted another way to keep up with us, we have a new facebook page. You can find us here.
This will be the place to order t-shirts.

T-shirt fundraiser

We are selling adoption t-shirts to raise money for adoption related expenses.  They will be soft gray t-shirts with the artwork pictured below.  We are doing a pre-order, so if you would like to get one (or 10), send me an email and let me know sizes.  You can give me cash, check, or paypal.  They are $20 each, plus actual shipping if you're not local.  I'll let you know soon what the deadline is.


Here's the front.  Remember, this will be on a gray T-shirt.

And the back.  This will be across the shoulder blades.

We passed!

The home study went well.  Danielle spent about 3.5 hours in our home talking and asking many questions.  It was a much more pleasant experience than I expected.  The kids even spoke to her.  Before she left we were chit-chatting and she casually said, "well, you passed."  I'm not sure if she heard my sigh of relief, but it was definitely a big one.      

She said that she is allowed 30 days to get everything complete and put together, but she is planning to get it done by the 21st since she will be out of town the last week of the month.  Then she will hand it over to her supervisor to make sure everything is clean and clear.  Then we will be licensed.  She said her goal is for us to have our license in hand by the beginning of March so we can attend an adoption fair here in town.  (More on this later, I'm sure.)

So now comes the real hard part.  Waiting.

Home Study

When I got the final email scheduling the home study I got very emotional.  It surprised me really.  I wasn't expecting to feel that way.  I described it to a friend as the feeling I get when I find out I'm pregnant.  A little shock and disbelief mixed with pure joy.  Later, when talking with Andrew, he said he felt more like it was the "ultra-sound".  It didn't make sense to me until he explained.  For me, the ultra-sound is so much less of a moment than the initial knowledge that there is in fact a baby.  Andrew pointed out though that for him, starting the classes was the "finding out".  It was still a foggy idea.  Nothing  he could see or feel.   The home study though, he can see.   I get it.  Emotional.  And this is likely to be a very long pregnancy.

Today is the day.  In about 4 hours our caseworker will be here.  This is really happening!  I'm not really nervous, but a little anxious.   I woke up after a night full of dreams.  Dreams that the house was a wreck.  Dreams that the kids were crazy.  Dreams that I was crazy. Dreams that something went wrong.  And then came dreams of our future children.

My friendly reminder:

Do not be anxious about anything,but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.-Philippians 4:6

We are all ready though.  My house is probably cleaner than it should be (to look normal).  Every outlet is covered, medicines locked, etc.  We are prepared to answer a million questions.  The kids know what's coming and I know they will do just fine.  The biggest concern there is that they just wont talk.  The bedrooms are all laid out and dressers are waiting.     The only thing I'm afraid won't "pass" is the kids fort outside :)

The last few days things have been a bit hectic as we prepare.  Some wonderful friends have come alongside us and helped us prepare.  We've gotten texts and emails letting us know they're praying for us.  It all means so much.  Thank you!  Aside from those friends and family, this verse has been my comfort this week:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He shall direct your paths.Proverbs 3:5-6

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.  Today is a big day, but it's really still the beginning. There will be many more hurdles and bridges to come along this journey.    Thank you for walking beside us.