So Exciting!

The paperwork is moving right along.  Tim and I were able to sit down tonight and complete the online formal application for adoption!  We're also starting to apply for adoption grants and gather information for sources of fundraising for our adoption.  We are both so excited to be on this journey, knowing that in the end, God willing, we will be holding our new baby.  :)

Well, that was interesting...

So, I've heard the stories about all the forms that you have to fill out when adopting a child.  But, it didn't quite register the number and length...and oddity of it all until just now.  On one, just completed today, I had to track down the addresses of the places I have lived for the past 28 years!!  Talk about a good memory.  I gotta say, even at 37, I can still hold my own!  Thanks to the internet and google, I was able to track down two apartment complexes in Columbus, Ohio and one in Franklin, Wisconsin.  And after two successful phone calls and an email from my sister, Wendy, who also has an amazing memory, my 20-line list of addresses is complete!  Phew!

Now onto other, less-taxing, homework :)

Home Study Step 1 of 4

"I look forward to finding a baby with you."--Tim

That is how our night ended.  What a beautiful reminder for our first meeting with our agency.  I simply love our social worker.  Praise God for blessing us with her as a caring and trusting guide for our journey.  Now on to complete our lengthy homework assignments!

Fundraising A Dream

Recently it has been brought to my attention the possibility of fundraising to cover the cost of our adoption.  Here is an article worth a read:

Why Do I Want to Help People Pay For Adoption?









I think I'll be getting this book for Tim's Birthday this year!  Adopt Without Debt

A Breath of Fresh Air

Moving on with agency "B" and I am already feeling relief.  The phone call that I received today from Bethany Christian Services has already set us in the right direction...we even have an appointment to meet with the agency in March!!  Things are looking up :)

AND...So (S*)IT begins.

Our first roadblock.  A form letter from Baker Victory Services.  Stating that we will be placed on a waiting list until the child that we desire becomes available.  No timeline of events.  No moving forward with a homestudy, etc.  Just a promise to "check in" with us in a year.  Really?!  A year?!  I don't know what to say to this.  I've put in a call for further information, but I think it's safe to say that we're on to adoption agency "B"...

Dear Birthmother

Well, I did it!!  I wrote the letter that the mother of my child will someday use as a tool to select me to raise her baby.  It was difficult and exhausting, but beautiful as well.  I'm unsure whether or not I should post it here.  It is very personal, but I am also very proud of it.  If you are interested in reading it, let me know and I can give you a synopsis.  Thank you all for your continued prayers and support of Tim and I as we continue on this incredible journey.  I am off to proofread everything before it goes into the mail!!