A HUGE blessing.

Hello friends!

I am finding a few moments here in this hectic week of cleaning (for our home inspection home study) to update you on a miracle that Kevin and I experienced this past weekend.

We were visiting home, and I happened to find time a sweet friend of mine gave me an envelope with our names written on the outside. She told me to open it later...so a little bit after the meeting I sat in my car and proceeded to open one of the most meaningful letters I have ever received.

My friend's note moved me to tears and I was SO encouraged in my faith. She also encouraged Kevin and my patience in waiting for God's timing as we start our family, writing about what wonderful parents we will be. Needless to say, the tears were many. (Now on this windy path, I have to admit that steadfast patience isn't something I can receive much praise for...but we have had times of courage, hope, and patience and this friend noticed the courageous bits and pieces. This inspired me beyond words.) Her words were like water in a desert season...so refreshing. So loving.

Not only did she encourage us, but she and her husband gave a GENEROUS donation toward our adoption fees. Talk. About. Moving. I sat in my car and bawled. Like, seriously? My friend who is pregnant with her first was willing to give soo generously to our adoption? GOD IS SO AMAZING!!! I don't even know how to say thanks to a sacrificial gift like that.

This act of generosity STIRRED our hearts and confirmed so strongly that the adoption path we're on is HIS will for our lives.  It came in a moment of need; being 1 week away from our second home study in which we owe another chunk of money.

It's so reassuring that our God doesn't leave ANY battle for us to fight alone. He brings brothers and sisters alongside of us to fight. And to glorify HIM...to make HIM look good to the world. So we turn our eyes upon Jesus and the things of this world grow dim....and I thank him and this wonderful friend for helping us on this exciting journey.

It gives me great hope for what is to come.

Love you, girl.

Home Study Numero Uno

We're excited to announce that we passed our first of three home studies! It didn't take too much on our part, but we did have to answer some difficult questions, such as:

Are you willing to have an open adoption? (Contact with the birth mother/parents?)
Are you willing to adopt a child whose mother has used drugs/alcohol/tobacco during pregnancy?
Are you willing to adopt twins?
Are you willing to adopt a baby whose mother or father has mental illness in the family?
Which races are you open to adopting? (We said any race, of course!)

We said yes or will consider for the most part. However, saying yes still allows us a choice in the matter when we find out to what extent each of these things would be a reality. At that point, we plan on praying about it and just seeking God for clarity on whether or not that particular child is right for us.

I can't believe we said yes to twins! It would really be crazy to start with two kids. Although I know plenty of wonderful families who have done so, and survived rather well. In fact, I have babysat many-a-time for sets of twins. I have always wondered if God is trying to prepare me for twins of our own...

The biggest task now is getting our "profile" completed! This profile consists of a letter from us to the birthparents, as well as a scrapbook full of pictures that we compile to show who we are and how we intend to raise their child. I'm really excited about this part! I have already purchased scrapbook stuff and have pictures ready to go. It's just a matter of putting it all together!

Two weeks until our next home study (wherein our social worker will walk through our house). I am hoping to have the house immaculate by then! This process has actually been really fun. I need to have a deadline to encourage the "clean-machine" in me to come out.

We had our first fundraiser this past weekend as well! (A garage sale!!) So many friends pitched in by donating stuff, helping us set up, buying stuff (for more than we were asking), stopping by with lunch, and keeping us company! We felt SOSO loved, and it really filled us with joy to see everyone supporting us in something as simple (or-not-so-simple) as a garage sale. =) (They are actually more work than one would think. If you haven't ever had one, umm...I'll just say they aren't for the faint of heart.) We raised $325 thanks to the generosity of so many of you! It is an awesome addition to our savings so far.

Thanks for all of your continued prayers! We're feeling more encouraged and excited than ever before. We are continuing to focus on the positives of this wonderful adventure, and we daily look to the ONE who gives us a hope worth living for.