Homestudy Part 1

We had our first homestudy meeting on March 18th (one of 3). It lasted about 3 hours and was actually a really neat session. Luke had just gotten home from being in Asia for 10 days, so our meeting was actually the first time we had really talked in 2 weeks (other than a quick hello on a daily basis). Yikes! We weren't sure what to expect, but it ended up being pretty fun. Even after being together for 12 years, we learned new things about eachother. Ok, so maybe we knew these things, but it was a good reminder on the ways we could use improvement and an opportunity to take joy in the ones we "think" we have nailed. A thought provoking session. In the meantime, we have about 12 credit hours of training to do....no, that's not an actual 12 hours....more like 112 hours of training. We started the workbook "With eyes wide open" while in Florida this past week and it took us 3 evenings (once the kids were in bed) to complete 2 of the 22 chapters. This is just one of the 10 assignments. But, I'm not complaining-this training is really preparing our hearts. This week we'll do round two. This session is an individual session where our caseworker will meet with each of us alone. I'm sure we'll pass with flying colors-ya right! Along side all of the training, we're working on our paperwork for the USCIS. We've got dr's appts, letters to gather from school, work, friends, neighbors, criminal background checks, oodles of paperwork, you get the picture. Once our homestudy is completed, we will submit the paperwork for the USCIS portion and file an orphan petition. Then it's on to the dossier paperwork, which I'm speculating will be our most challenging portion of the paper chase!

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork...

We just received a HUGE packet in the mail today from Adoption Associates (the agency we chose)regarding our homestudy, USCIS and dossier documents and what each entails. It. Is. Unbelievable. So, so, so many steps. I knew it was going to be a long process, but holy cow! It will literally be a full time job! Guess what I'll be doing during naptimes for the next 6-8 months?!

A leap of faith

Isaiah 30:21: Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying "This is the way, walk in it"

Many of you already know that adoption has always had a special place in our hearts. Luke's brother and my brother-in-law, along with a few friends are all adopted and we've always felt that the concept is just plain miraculous. It was definately something we would consider doing someday, but it stayed a "consideration" for many years. Throughout the years, God has planted many seeds in our hearts. If there was a turning point in making this a reality, I would have to say it was probably a few days after the earthquake hit Haiti. It was once again a reminder of just how many children are orphaned and now the numbers just rose by thousands. It was a real eye opener for both Luke and I and I'll never forget our heart to heart talk we had in a little outside cafe in Southern California. Sitting there on that quiet afternoon, we discovered our hearts were breaking for the things that break God's heart. Adoption quickly turned from a matter of "consideration" to a matter of "moving forward" in a split second. We both sat there with this overwhelming feeling of how blessed we've been. We have three healthy biological children who mean the world to us. God has provided Luke with a great career, we live comfortably and all our needs are met and more. Why not share this with at least one child who has been orphaned? It was so clear that God was placing this decision before us that we had no choice but to listen and respond. Sure, do I think I have the patience for more children sometimes? Nope. Do I feel we're the best parents equipped to deal with emotional ups and downs that come along with adoption and beyond? Nope. But we do know God provides a way for those who trust Him. So here we are....a leap of faith. A very scary, yet exciting leap of faith!

We've been attending informational meetings, scouring the internet, chatting with friends and obtaining as much "knowledge" as we can about the process and what country would be the best fit for us. There were so many things to consider! We quickly discovered that out of the handful of open countries there was a desparate need in Ethiopia. Here, some of these children simply won't be fed, provided medical care or educated if they're not adopted. The country is quickly being swept away by HIV. To date they estimate that there are 60-150 MILLION orphaned children in Africa right now. Babies are being born and children abandoned by the deaths of their parents at alarming rates. It really is unfathomable. All things pointed to this country...and let me tell you, the guidelines are not as easy as one would think.

So today we submitted our formal application and will begin our adoption journey to Ethiopia! I can't even begin to tell you what joy Luke and I feel in our hearts. Please pray for us as we make this important decision to move forward!