Well, it has officially been 2 months and 1 day since we "announced to the world" that we were adopting. Since then, we have already experienced such an outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and sometimes even strangers. We are thankful that people care about us and what is going on in our lives!
So...here is the update....we've done a little bit of paperwork...and have a LOT more to go :) We have attended a required informational meeting, submitted our prelimenary application, and our formal application. We found out today that our formal application has been approved (whew!) and that we are now a little closer in the very LONG process of meeting our child!
The next step in this journey will be some online training and the official homestudy. The homestudy is something that each state requires before we can be placed on a "waiting list" to receive a baby. It will consist of LOTS of paperwork, physicals, interviews together and alone, references, home visits, and more. I am not exactly sure how long the entire homestudy process will take--alot is dependant on us and how quickly we can complete our part of the paperwork. I am hopeful that maybe by the end of the summer (August or September) that we will have a completed homestudy and be ready to be placed on a waiting list. Of course, I am learning, that even the best laid plans that I think of are sure to falter sometimes...and thats ok, because they are my plans. I am clinging to the fact that I am trusting the Lord's plan...His is better than mine for sure!
Some things that you can be praying for:
--That we would continue to trust in the Lord's plan and His timing
--That we would be as efficent as possible in getting our part of the paperwork done
--The birthmother and birthfather of our future child
--Our future child
--Fundraising options--we are planning to do a garage sale in July--if anyone has items besides clothes (we already have a TON of those) that they would be willing to donate to a garage sale we would definitely take them--we are especially hoping for some "bigger" ticket items--furniture, electronics, baby stuff, etc. We would happily come pick it up from you!
Thanks again for all the support you guys have already shown us! We love each and every one of you, and are so thankful to share this journey with you!
I'll keep you posted as things continue to move along!
