USCIS Cashed

So, because our home study took so long to get, combined USCIS processing times, we may not get to travel this fall like we hoped.

I'm not sure what God's timing in all this is for - but I sure hope to understand at some point.

I wish it were more simple, and our hearts will could be carried out with any financial or paperwork hurdles.

If it were possible I'd be on a plane tonight.

So, we've already sent in our USCIS application, and are hoping to hear back that they received our application, and get an idea of how long this is going to take.

I'm not sure exactly how it all goes.

But, they cashed our check a few days ago.

That said, Karl forgot to get the mail today...

So, once I realized this... excited that maybe we got something from USCIS, I ran outside at 11 o'clock at night, in the pouring rain to the end of the drive to check the mail.

I was sadly disappointed...

But I am glad to know that it at least has gotten there, because they couldn't cash our check had it not.

So, our prayers right now are for financial blessing, and timely paperwork.

One with out the other doesn't work, so we need them both at the right times.

We Have IT!!

I'm so thrilled to be able to change that title!

We have our home-study!

And we've sent off for USCIS approval.

I'm praying for a quick approval - because we have limited time before Olive's country closes down for Holidays, and would really like to get her home this year.

Still Waiting...

Still can't change that title...

Things are taking way longer than I had hoped.

But, I have been feeling God tell me to trust Him in this.

I feel like the timing of donations, and the timing of paperwork is to be very precise.

I have been getting a feeling that something is going to happen, that is going to give me that "ah-ha" moment... and we're going to say "that's why!..."

But, I still can't help but feel anxious that I want to go... and I want to go now.

That, or I want to know what that "thing" is to make the waiting more bearable.

But at last, I wont know until I know... and I suppose that's okay.

But, it's not going to stop me from griping about it ;)

Still waiting...

I wonder when I'll get to stop saying 'still waiting...'

We're still waiting.

But, we did get word that we should have our home study finalized and notarized by the end of the week!

Please be true!

Although I'm very anxious to move on to the next stage - we're coming close to having all our paperwork done, and it's actually making me nervous.

We're suppose to be leaving (according to my mental goal) in about 8 weeks, and we are lacking a good chunk of our funds.

I am doing everything I can to earn the money - knitting custom orders, weddings, photo-jobs...

I guess if I need to pray for anything right now - it's that God will provide, and that I'll have a more faith-full trust in God.

Still Waiting...

We were suppose to have our final home study this week, and well we're coming on to Friday tomorrow, and I have a feeling we're not going to get it.

I'm bummed about it.

I'm ready to move on to the next stage.

The home study update has taken quite a bit longer than I had originally anticipated.

I did get my passport in the mail though - I'm so very excited about that!

We have had a couple weddings in the last few weeks, and a few photo shoots, plus another wedding tomorrow.

I've also been building a website for Olive, and a website for a local adoption and family services agency.

I've also got about 5 or 6 pairs of longies and shorties that I'm trying to work on too.

It's been pretty busy.

I also had my birthday a couple days ago.

It went by with out much fuss.

I can't believe it's already going in to August.

I really want to travel in October to get Olive.

But, if fundraising keeps going this slow, and our paperwork keeps moving like molasses - we're not going to make it.

I pray to God that we do.

(Please?)

Bumming

Tonight's one of those nights that I'm keenly aware that our family is one member short...

We have family in town, and so we're all up really late.

Karl and I, along with the kids, are about to cozy down together in our bed to watch a late night movie and I really wish Olive could be here.

I can literally envision her laying in-between all of us giggling with excitement of the rare treat that is sleeping in mom and dad's bed (for the first part of the night anyway)...

I know that instead of being snuggled with us she's laying alone in a crib that's probably not very comfy, and certainly not filled with people who love her.

I really wish (well, pray really) that God will do something really big and awesome (something GODish) to bring her home quickly.

I do not want to wait one more second that I don't have to.

I'm praying for comfort and content-ness in the process of waiting.

And for finances, and very speedy paperwork processing.

I really don't like knowing that all that stands between my daughter and I is money and bureaucracy, but that's how it is...

Down syndrome play group - Grand Rapids

We have been going to a play group for people who have children with Down syndrome two wednesdays a month here in Grand Rapids...

It is such a wonderful group.

We are so blessed to be a part of it.

Every time we go, we are greeted and embraced by people who are genuinely supportive and interested in our adoption process.

It's so lovely, and such a blessing.

Every time we go, we are less and less afraid of the thought,

"what are we getting ourselves in to!?"

Remember we didn't choose to adopt a little girl with Down syndrome - God showed us, and we followed...

It can be intimidating sometimes.

But, after 3.5 books (and a dozen to go!) - and spending time with these people's gorgeous, wonderful, little children - we are realizing that kids with DS are soooo much more like 'typical/normal' children that you'd ever realize.

And we're realizing just how blessed we are to have been picked, and trusted to parent one of these angels.

Every time we go, it is bitter sweet.

We go to see a glimpse of our future, and we get to see our daughter's face in their kids.. and it's also hard because it makes me miss Olive so much.

It makes me yearn to hold her and kiss her chubby little hands, and big cheeks.

But, every time we go, we leave feeling refreshed.

It confirms in us that this is what God has for us, and we are thrilled, excited, and eager to be a part of this community of families with children who have DS.