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.