Hello Friends

I started this blog a while back as sort of a journal. Recently, I made a few changes to it and today I changed the status of it so anyone can read. There are a few things I want to share with all of you:

1. This is by no means about me. It's about being obedient to God. His Word talks about caring for the orphans and the widows numerous times. I have had a heart for missions and adoption for years and I'm thankful for the opporunity to take this journey
2. We are busy like the rest of you. I'm not sure exactly how this process will go but I am sure that it won't happen over night as we're committed to several other things which take time.
3. We would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for us.

We don't yet know where exactly God will lead us or through what agency. Those are the details were researching right now. I want to do an international adoption but am currently open to the foster/adopt system as well. Either way, we hope for an infant so that our kids will be older. If you're not familiar with international adoption, each agency has a set list of countries and each country has its own eligibility requirements. Sifting through much of that, we're thinking Ethiopia, which also happens to be a place close to our hearts as we have a friend who is a veterinary missionary there.

Please feel free to ask questions

Source of Funding

I casually mentioned to Ryan that I wanted to stop investing in my RothIRA and use those funds for the adoption. I couldn't otherwise see how we'd come up with any money for an adoption unless we received financial gifts. He didn't say anything in return.

Today, I asked Ryan specifically about not investing in my RothIRA. Basic discussion ensued and Ryan was hesitant to not invest when investments are "on sale" right now. I do understand the investing thing but I also know that I don't want to wait forever to adopt.

We have currently agreed that I'll invest half of the money to my Roth and half towards the adoption.

I'm so excited to see that money add up enough to start taking steps through this process!

Dreaming at Night

For the last 4 or 5 nights I've dreamt about adoption. Last night's dream was so detailed and real feeling. In my dream we picked up an Ethiopian baby that needed a family immediately, skipping the paperwork trail, and brought him home. The dream is a little fuzzy now but I do remember bits and pieces. I remember sitting in the airport and for some reason I couldn't remember the baby's name but I already loved him deeply. I wanted to ask Ryan the name but was embarrassed and had this feeling that he'd forgotten too. Finally one of us remembered; his name was Elias. We took little Elias home and surrounded him with other family and friends that also loved him.

Each night the dream is a little different but each night it does revolve around adoption. I'm not sure if that's just how God is choosing to tug at my heart, or if these are thoughts and emotions stored in my subconscience as I pray and read about adoption.

Regardless, I'm well aware that God has called us to adopt. As I typed this, an old friend called me at the office. I congratulated him on his new baby and we got to talking briefly about kids. I told him that I had two little ones and he replied "well, you were the one who always told me that you were going to adopt!" What sweet words to hear, yet difficult at the same time. God, please use me to be Your hands and feet in loving the orphans and the widows.

Adoption funding

Okay, Okay, I admit it... I'm a wanna be graphic designer. Problem is that I can copy anyones ideas but I have a hard time creating my own. With the proper tools I bet I could have a lot of fun... and maybe make enough money to fund our adoption...

Passport Renewal

I finally did it, well sort of...
I went to the Recorder's office to ask about getting my passport renewed. The recorder was very friendly and answered all my questions. Unfortunately I do have to get a brand new passport and pay the whole fee because I changed my name when I married. Grr. We chatted about not needing the passport right away cause we've just started the adoption process. She informed that it would be $110 to re-do my passport and asked if I'd like to do it then. Considering the time, and the fact that I didn't have $110 in my wallet, I said that I'd come back another time.

This morning I received an email from a dear friend that said she did it online and it was only $75. I might be looking into that option instead. Even if the Recorder's office let me bring in my own picture to save $10, there would still be a $25 difference. I'll have to do some more digging on the internet about passports.

Spinning

There is so much to read, so many decisions to make and we haven't even started yet. I did a few more pre-adoption applications. Received some information in the mail and email about adoption.

Bethany thinks we should go to S. Korea since we're open to special needs. I'm, at this point, only open to very minor special needs because of our lifestyle (careers, church activities, etc).

My good friend Ashley suggested foster-adopting a child which would also be a good fit for us. We'll see.

I started to call the courthouse about my passport today and then got distracted. I really need to get that done if we're going to adopt internationally!

Pre-Application

Just filled out a pre-application online for All God's Children International, which I've heard good things about. They're based in Oregon but can work in Iowa. My area of interest with them is Ethiopia.