Saturday, October 15, 2011

I'm Still Here

Tomorrow marks 16 months waiting for a referral. I am one day closer to being a mom. Recent chats with my case worker say that it could be 3-6 more months. It pains me to write that, but it is what it is....

In the meantime, I have and intend to keep myself super busy. The school year is off to a fast start. My sister has moved back to town. I love having her and her family closer (two doors down to be exact). What a gift! I love having my immediate family so close. My brother and his family are a mere 20 minute drive away. So blessed!

Let's see....what else?

Well, as time ticks away, it seems that all of my paperwork is expiring. So, my social worker is coming for a visit on Wednesday (I am furiously cleaning while I type this). She will update my home study and I will apply for a new orphan petition with USCIS. After that takes place, I have learned that I need to complete a new dossier (dossier=fancy word for bunch of paperwork I get to collect and notarize). I have already completed one dossier but it is getting old and the process has changed so I will go back to paper chasing. It's okay I tell myself. I want to keep busy right?

So, when will all this happen? Not sure.....let's keep 2012 in our radar. My precious mom will travel with me. She has all her shots and is ready to go. That is such a comfort and I thank God for an adventurous mom!

I can't write anymore without thanking God for seeing me through this journey of hills and valleys. He has kept me steady and sure. Whenever I have had doubt or a sad day, He has encouraged me through words from someone or a thoughtful note in my mailbox. He assures me to "Be still" and reminds me that He's got this. "Trust me" He says.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

How will I keep busy?

If you have followed my journey, you know that there are funds that I need to keep gathering. My new paperwork with require additional funds as will my referral and traveling back and forth to Ethiopia twice. So, I am doing a few things to help......

1) I am having a giant garage sale on November 5. I have had two other successful ones. It's a lot of work but also a lot of fun.

2) Free trade coffee! If you are a coffee drinker, please stop by my coffee shop. A portion of the sales will go to my adoption. Yum! There are a variety of coffees to choose from.

3) I will be selling African necklaces again. They make great gifts and are fun to wear. Remember, they help the African women who make them and a portion goes to my adoption fund. Stay tuned for more details...

Please continue to pray for "BB". My daily prayer is that my child is safe and feels hope. Thanks so much for joining me on this lonnnnnggg journey. I couldn't do it without you and am humbled by your support.