We’ve been reminded lately of all we’re thankful for…
1. Our adoption journey – I’m amazed how open we’ve become in talking about our journey and how we got to where we are. We’re thankful for the peace of mind and heart’s desire He has given us for adoption. We have both said that if we can help others who have or are experiencing fertility difficulties or hoping to adopt, we will do it. What a blessing this has been.
2. And what a roller coaster it’s been! The excitement of our profile being shown to the sadness of not being chosen. However, there is one constant – the Lord is and will continue to be beside us each time. We did find out we were not chosen by the birth mother due in March. Currently, our profile is being shown to a birth mother in Virginia. Thank you, Lord, for these women choosing life for their babies so that families like us have the opportunity (and blessing) to be parents!
3. Family – I always look forward to the holiday season. It means lots of family time! Our families are a constant source of encouragement to us and very supportive.
4. Friends – both new and old! Friends that make you belly laugh each time you’re around them. Every time. Friends that continue to lift us up in prayer. Friends who are there for us no matter what.
5. Our marriage – We are thankful for how God has used His Plan for us to strengthen our relationship with Him and each other.
6. Our church – we are very fortunate to be a part of a body of Christ that supports and encourages us. Each week, we feel blessed to hear from God-directed leaders.
Matt sent me this verse this morning. It brought tears to my eyes. What a gentle reminder to be joyful, patient, and faithful.
Romans 12:12 – Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Day 238 - Ten at Ten
1. Our profile was shown late Thursday night to a birth mother due in March. She is looking at multiple profiles. I'm not sure when we'll hear something.
2. It was also shown earlier in the week to another birth mother due in December. We were not chosen. I'm okay with that. It was a little exciting to think we might have a baby by Christmas. However, the reality is that in most cases profiles are shown multiple times before being chosen. This was actually the first time it was shown.
3. We received an email this past Friday and were approved at another agency - this one is Utah!
4. I spoke with the 5th agency we're applying to (also in Utah) on Friday. They have everything they need, so we should be good to go there any day!
5. Auburn won yesterday! Finally! Fun game - especially the wild 3rd quarter!
6. I've lived in this town for thirteen years and had never eaten at Jim Bob's! However, now I have! We went on Friday night - it was yummy!
7. We've spent some great time with our families over the past week. From Syrup Soppin' to the downtown trick or treating to tailgating and football! We've had a great time!
8. We've decided on a nursery paint color: Hep Green from Sherwin-Williams. It's bright, and I love it!
9. I can't believe the CWE 2010 Camp Counselors will be selected this week. Wow. This summer will be my 9th summer with CWE!
10. Did I mention Auburn won yesterday?
Good night! As always, thanks for your prayers!
2. It was also shown earlier in the week to another birth mother due in December. We were not chosen. I'm okay with that. It was a little exciting to think we might have a baby by Christmas. However, the reality is that in most cases profiles are shown multiple times before being chosen. This was actually the first time it was shown.
3. We received an email this past Friday and were approved at another agency - this one is Utah!
4. I spoke with the 5th agency we're applying to (also in Utah) on Friday. They have everything they need, so we should be good to go there any day!
5. Auburn won yesterday! Finally! Fun game - especially the wild 3rd quarter!
6. I've lived in this town for thirteen years and had never eaten at Jim Bob's! However, now I have! We went on Friday night - it was yummy!
7. We've spent some great time with our families over the past week. From Syrup Soppin' to the downtown trick or treating to tailgating and football! We've had a great time!
8. We've decided on a nursery paint color: Hep Green from Sherwin-Williams. It's bright, and I love it!
9. I can't believe the CWE 2010 Camp Counselors will be selected this week. Wow. This summer will be my 9th summer with CWE!
10. Did I mention Auburn won yesterday?
Good night! As always, thanks for your prayers!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Day 227 - Here we go!
We've been approved at two agencies so far. The first approval came from an agency in Arizona. It took less than a week with them! That application was mailed on Wednesday, October 7. It arrived to Arizona on Friday, October 9, and we had an email welcoming us the following Monday. An agency in Georgia also approved us last week. With them, we won't be notified that our profile is being shown until after a birth mother chooses us. Additionally, we've heard from a third agency in Utah. Hopefully, our approval with them will come this week.
Wow! Things are rocking and rolling!
We've already been looking at the available situations with the agency in Arizona. We have asked that our profile be shown to two expectant birth mothers. Please be in prayer as we enter this new phase. This phase will be full of emotion - from the hope of a birth mother wanting to talk with us after seeing our profile to the despair of not being chosen after knowing someone has looked at our profile. It can also mean being elated to be matched with a birth mother, but it can also mean the harsh reality of a match failing at the last minute. This new phase will be a rollercoaster ride! It's hard to prepare yourself for this portion - there is so much that is unknown.
On another note, if you have a question about adoption or what something means, please leave it in the comment section. When Matt and I first started in this journey, we had no idea of what all adoption entailed and quickly realized we had a lot to learn. We've learned so much from other folks who have or are walking this journey, and we'd love to help educate others about the adoption process. While we don't know everything, we'll do our best to answer your questions.
Matt and I appreciate your prayers for us and for the birth parents. We know the Lord has had His hand in our journey. We know He will continue to hold us and guide us as He leads us to our child.
Wow! Things are rocking and rolling!
We've already been looking at the available situations with the agency in Arizona. We have asked that our profile be shown to two expectant birth mothers. Please be in prayer as we enter this new phase. This phase will be full of emotion - from the hope of a birth mother wanting to talk with us after seeing our profile to the despair of not being chosen after knowing someone has looked at our profile. It can also mean being elated to be matched with a birth mother, but it can also mean the harsh reality of a match failing at the last minute. This new phase will be a rollercoaster ride! It's hard to prepare yourself for this portion - there is so much that is unknown.
On another note, if you have a question about adoption or what something means, please leave it in the comment section. When Matt and I first started in this journey, we had no idea of what all adoption entailed and quickly realized we had a lot to learn. We've learned so much from other folks who have or are walking this journey, and we'd love to help educate others about the adoption process. While we don't know everything, we'll do our best to answer your questions.
Matt and I appreciate your prayers for us and for the birth parents. We know the Lord has had His hand in our journey. We know He will continue to hold us and guide us as He leads us to our child.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Day 214 - Applications mailed!
Praise the Lord - we've mailed three applications to adoption agencies! I checked our delivery confirmation slips late this afternoon. One had already arrived at the agency in Georgia, one was in the post office in Kansas, and one was in "transit" to Arizona!Many of you have asked what our next step will be. From here, we wait to hear back from each agency. For example, according to one agency's website, it takes about one week to register us once our information is received. After that, we should receive an e-mail from them with instructions of how to proceed. We will have access to available situations they have and can request our profile be presented. For other adoption agencies, it can take up to 30 days to process our application.
It's hard to give a definite timeline for anything with adoption. There are so many unknowns. For me, the lack of control has been the biggest obstacle. Many of you who know me know I like control. There I said it. I like to know what's going on, I have my own method of doing things, and I want things to go like I plan. Well, adoption has taught me a lot about releasing my need to control. I'm not in control, the Lord is. He already has a precious baby chosen for us. Chosen by God. For us. Isn't that wonderful to think about?
As we enter into the next season of waiting, I have several specific prayer requests:
- Pray for those adoptive parents that have been waiting to be matched.
- Pray for our baby's birth parents. Pray for a sense of peace and assurance. Thank the Lord they have chosen life for their baby.
- Pray for the Lord to lead us to the right situation.
- Pray for us as we wait. Pray for continued patience and faithfulness.
Thank you very much for your words of encouragement!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Day 210 - We have the home study!
We have the home study in hand! It arrived from our consultant on Friday, and we're thrilled! We are applying to adoption agencies this week - we are so thankful this day has come! Matt and I created a plan tonight for getting everything ready this week. Now that we have the home study, we don't want to waste any time!
We'll get copies made of the document tomorrow, then get them ready to mail. We are applying to five adoption agencies across the country. Once the agencies receive our application, they have to approve us as potential clients. Typically (and I use that word lightly), that approval takes no more than 30 days.
We are entering into the next step of our adoption journey. Thank you for praying continually for us - we are very blessed!
We'll get copies made of the document tomorrow, then get them ready to mail. We are applying to five adoption agencies across the country. Once the agencies receive our application, they have to approve us as potential clients. Typically (and I use that word lightly), that approval takes no more than 30 days.
We are entering into the next step of our adoption journey. Thank you for praying continually for us - we are very blessed!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Day 198 - Home Study Update, Part 2
Thanks for your prayers! Matt was able to talk with our social worker this morning. Our social worker picked up the corrected document this afternoon and should have things updated tomorrow or Thursday. From there, he will mail the copies of the home study to our Adoption Consultant in Atlanta. Our next step is to apply to agencies! Again, thank you for being so faithful to pray for us!
On a different note, today is my Nanny's birthday! She would have been 100 years old! I have such fond memories of her - from fixing me cheese grits to scratching my back with her always painted fingernails to riding around in her HUGE tank of a car. She was such a lovely lady!
On a different note, today is my Nanny's birthday! She would have been 100 years old! I have such fond memories of her - from fixing me cheese grits to scratching my back with her always painted fingernails to riding around in her HUGE tank of a car. She was such a lovely lady!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Day 197 - Home Study Update
This has been our prayer as of late:
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
-John Waller, "While I'm Waiting"
I think this song should be the theme of adoption. Adoption is full of waiting. And we haven't even gotten to the point where we are waiting on a birth mother to choose us.
I'm hopeful because we've seen a draft of our home study (all 19 pages of it)! Our social worker dropped it off on Saturday, and we read through it and made corrections on Sunday afternoon (we had to dry out after that thrilling AU victory!).
It's painful because we're waiting to hear back from our social worker on when we can get the corrected copy back to him. Each day is precious to us. There were some problems outside of our control in getting the actual copy to us, and we were a little frustrated.
However, I'm hopeful he'll return our call very soon.
But patiently, we will wait.
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
-John Waller, "While I'm Waiting"
I think this song should be the theme of adoption. Adoption is full of waiting. And we haven't even gotten to the point where we are waiting on a birth mother to choose us.
I'm hopeful because we've seen a draft of our home study (all 19 pages of it)! Our social worker dropped it off on Saturday, and we read through it and made corrections on Sunday afternoon (we had to dry out after that thrilling AU victory!).
It's painful because we're waiting to hear back from our social worker on when we can get the corrected copy back to him. Each day is precious to us. There were some problems outside of our control in getting the actual copy to us, and we were a little frustrated.
However, I'm hopeful he'll return our call very soon.
But patiently, we will wait.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Day 172 - Frustrated, but still full of Faith
We've encountered a minor setback. Our home study document was lost. The server went down, and the entire document was lost last week. Our social worker has been working this week to retype everything. Was I frustrated? Yep. Did I have a pity party for us? A little one. Did I get angry? Yep. Have I lost faith? No way. As I've had time to process everything, it got me even more excited. As I talked with my dear friend, C, last night, I was reminded this happened for a reason. I know the Lord will choose the perfect baby for us. We may not know why that server crashed until we hold our child in our arms. I stumbled across an adoption blog today, and it discussed Habakkuk 2:3 - For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
The blog actually had this translation: Habakkuk 2:3 - But these things I plan won't happen right away, slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient, for it will surely take place. It will not be late by one single day.
Wow - that version spoke right to me when I needed it the most. I was reminded that every delay is guided by Him. We have to have faith that our desire to be parents will be fulfilled at the perfect time. It will not be late by one single day.
The blog actually had this translation: Habakkuk 2:3 - But these things I plan won't happen right away, slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient, for it will surely take place. It will not be late by one single day.
Wow - that version spoke right to me when I needed it the most. I was reminded that every delay is guided by Him. We have to have faith that our desire to be parents will be fulfilled at the perfect time. It will not be late by one single day.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Day 163 - Cleared!
Praise the Lord - we got our last police clearance last week! Matt had a feeling it would come last week, and it did! This clearance was by the State Police - they had to run our arrest records. I feel like our life histories have been researched and approved by every law enforcement agency in the country! The agency who is doing our home study is now compiling the final report. The main office is in Birmingham, and our social worker will be there later on this week. He is supposed to give us another update once he gets back. His supervisor has to sign off on the final report. After that, we'll be able to submit our applications to adoption agencies!
On a different note, Matt and I have decided we want to read through the Bible together. We are reading two chapters together each day and discussing what we read. We'll read one book in the Old Testament, then one in the New Testament. I'm so thankful for a husband who encourages me to be in the Word!
We've also been doing a series in Sunday School based on the movie, Fireproof. The homework has led to great discussions between us and has strengthened our marriage. We came across this verse and have been moved by how it truly speaks to us.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139: 23-24
While sometimes I feel like we're on an island by ourselves, I'm comforted by the fact the Lord knows our inner thoughts. He knows our frustrations, He knows our joys, He knows our offensive ways, but He also knows our hearts. We cling to the promise that He will lead and guide us. We are on a journey guided by Him.
We continue to be blessed by your prayers and support - thank you! We're excited to be getting closer and closer to applying to adoption agencies!
On a different note, Matt and I have decided we want to read through the Bible together. We are reading two chapters together each day and discussing what we read. We'll read one book in the Old Testament, then one in the New Testament. I'm so thankful for a husband who encourages me to be in the Word!
We've also been doing a series in Sunday School based on the movie, Fireproof. The homework has led to great discussions between us and has strengthened our marriage. We came across this verse and have been moved by how it truly speaks to us.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139: 23-24
While sometimes I feel like we're on an island by ourselves, I'm comforted by the fact the Lord knows our inner thoughts. He knows our frustrations, He knows our joys, He knows our offensive ways, but He also knows our hearts. We cling to the promise that He will lead and guide us. We are on a journey guided by Him.
We continue to be blessed by your prayers and support - thank you! We're excited to be getting closer and closer to applying to adoption agencies!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Day 150 - Still waiting
Thanks for your patience with our updates! I have no excuse - I've simply been enjoying life after CWE. I've been spending some much needed time with Matt, sharing wonderful time with our families, and enjoying great times with our friends!
We've been in contact with our social worker the last couple of weeks. In the most recent call, he apologized to us for getting our hopes up about our home study being complete. Apparently, we have one more clearance - the State Police. He has no idea how long this will take to come back. To be quite honest, we were a little frustrated - we thought since the FBI and ABI cleared us, that was all we needed. Matt called the Alabama Division of Public Safety yesterday - all they knew about was ABI clearance. All we can do is pray for patience and that the clearance comes back soon. We've learned a lot throughout this journey - especially that everything happens in His perfect timing. I can't help but think this latest delay is all a part of the Lord's design in matching us with the perfect child. Perhaps the birth mother isn't quite ready...maybe our baby hasn't been born yet...or perhaps He's trying to teach us to trust in Him more.
I spent the day in Birmingham with my best friend, Anna. I can't tell you how good it feels to spend time with her and her dear family. This is the second time I've gotten to see them this summer! I'm so blessed! We spent the day shopping, having great fellowship, and hanging out with her precious daughter. Her daughter calls me "Sissy." My heart melts each time she says it. Anna is a wonderful mother and a wonderful, godly example - she's very patient, kind, and encouraging. I hope I'm half the mother she is. While I wish we didn't live in different states, it's comforting to know that no matter how far apart we are, she's always there for me. No matter what. For that, I'm eternally thankful.
We've been in contact with our social worker the last couple of weeks. In the most recent call, he apologized to us for getting our hopes up about our home study being complete. Apparently, we have one more clearance - the State Police. He has no idea how long this will take to come back. To be quite honest, we were a little frustrated - we thought since the FBI and ABI cleared us, that was all we needed. Matt called the Alabama Division of Public Safety yesterday - all they knew about was ABI clearance. All we can do is pray for patience and that the clearance comes back soon. We've learned a lot throughout this journey - especially that everything happens in His perfect timing. I can't help but think this latest delay is all a part of the Lord's design in matching us with the perfect child. Perhaps the birth mother isn't quite ready...maybe our baby hasn't been born yet...or perhaps He's trying to teach us to trust in Him more.
I spent the day in Birmingham with my best friend, Anna. I can't tell you how good it feels to spend time with her and her dear family. This is the second time I've gotten to see them this summer! I'm so blessed! We spent the day shopping, having great fellowship, and hanging out with her precious daughter. Her daughter calls me "Sissy." My heart melts each time she says it. Anna is a wonderful mother and a wonderful, godly example - she's very patient, kind, and encouraging. I hope I'm half the mother she is. While I wish we didn't live in different states, it's comforting to know that no matter how far apart we are, she's always there for me. No matter what. For that, I'm eternally thankful.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Day 123 - We're cleared!
Quick update...in the middle of our 8th and final CWE session...
We got our FBI and ABI clearance in the mail today! Yay-we've been waiting on this for WEEKS! This is typically the report that takes the longest in a home study. This is the last thing we needed for our home study report.
More to come once we hear back from our social worker...
Praise the Lord!
We got our FBI and ABI clearance in the mail today! Yay-we've been waiting on this for WEEKS! This is typically the report that takes the longest in a home study. This is the last thing we needed for our home study report.
More to come once we hear back from our social worker...
Praise the Lord!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Day 107 - Our profile
We're so excited - our profile is almost finished! This is the front cover, and we are thrilled with how it turned out! Our consultant did a great job designing it. We've just finished editing it and have sent it back. I'll admit we did struggle some with the text of the profile at first - it just didn't sound like us. We made adjustments and edits, and it now conveys our personality. The perfectionist in me came out big time when revising it - to me, the profile is our "one shot" with a birth mother. No pressure! While we've been waiting for the profile to come back with the pictures in it, I let nervousness creep in about what it would look like. We weren't asked what colors we liked, what fonts we liked, or what picture we wanted for the cover. I have to admit I wasn't crazy about that. However, the Lord quickly humbled me when we received the proof. I shouldn't have worried - the colors are perfect. The design is outstanding. The cover shot is exactly what we would have chosen. I'm so thankful our Lord knows us so well - even down to our favorite colors! Even when we've worried and have been stressed, He's always been faithful to answer our prayers and guide us in our journey.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Day 100 - We are truly blessed!
A lot has happened since our last posting - we have a lot to be thankful for! Many of you have met or heard me talk about my dear Auntie B. She has cancer and has been under the care of MD Anderson in Houston. She went back for a check-up recently, and the doctors were floored! All, but a small area of cancer in her liver, was gone! It is truly a miracle! The doctors said it was unprecedented! Our family is truly blessed, and we are so thankful! Thank you for praying for her!
One of my oldest and dearest friends hosted a shower for Baby Dunn! We received so many wonderful things! I was blown away by the thoughtfulness and generosity of our family and dear friends! Baby Dunn is going to be loved by so many! So many of the gifts will be helpful for us when we travel to pick up Baby Dunn! Check out these lovely gifts:
We've also been finishing up our home study requirements. Matt and I had our physicals. Matt, ahem, had an interesting experience. We did get a call from our doctor yesterday with our blood test results, and all is well! We had to get multiple letters of reference - those are being sent to our social worker as we speak. We've very thankful for y'all doing this for us and for getting them to our social worker so quickly! Once he has all of them (seven to be exact), he'll type up his report and submit it to his supervisor for approval. Our consultant is working on adding pictures to our profile. We edited the text this past weekend and got it sent back to them on Sunday. Once the home study is complete and the profile is finished, we will apply to agencies! That could happen within the next several weeks!
Thank you for your continued prayer and support! We are truly blessed!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Day 88 - To spank or not to spank?
Today was by far our favorite home study visit! We were very relaxed, and so was our social worker. We sat casually in our den and had a great conversation. The time flew by and before we knew it, our social worker said, "Well, I guess that's it!"
Today's topics included our parenting styles, how we plan to discipline, and additional questions about adoption. Here are some of the questions we answered:
How will you handle an "attitude" from your child? (I had some great examples from college students!)
What will you say about your child's birth parents?
What are some parenting techniques you'll emulate with your child?
What are some techniques you won't?
What values do you hope your child will have?
What forms of discipline will you use?
Will you keep adoption a secret from your child?
How will you handle your child wanting to search for his or her birth parents?
We spent a lot of time discussing spanking - a subject that can be "taboo" in the adoption world. In some states, you can be denied a successful home study if you plan to spank. Matt and I were very up front and honest about spanking. We both were spanked as a last resort and will spank our child, if necessary. I know this can be a touchy subject, but one that had to be discussed today. We both feel that it can be used - only as a last resort. Personally, we both were spanked when nothing else worked. Taking it to an extreme and spanking while angry is extremely dangerous. With any discipline measure you use, we know it's important for our child to know what they are doing is wrong, why it is wrong, how they can correct it, how it affects others, and why it has consequences. However, it is key for our child to understand we love them unconditionally. No matter what.
The general theme that we kept going back to was "Model what you expect." I talk about this with our Head Camp Counselors. In fact, my boss said that one time several years ago, and I've continued to use it. It's exactly what we want to do with our child. We expect our child to be kind and considerate. We hope our child learns what's right and wrong from us. We expect honesty. We hope they live a life of integrity. We hope our child learns the value of hard work. We expect our child to respect us and respect others. Most importantly, we want our child to love Jesus. How they learn all of these begins with us. We model what we expect.
This was our last pre-baby visit. Our social worker will type up his report, gather our six reference letters, and submit his write-up to his supervisor for approval! He told us things looked really good for us - praise God! He has heard back from our child abuse and neglect clearance, but is still waiting on the results of our background checks. Please pray those results will come to him soon - this is the check that typically takes the longest. Matt and I have our physicals and blood tests early next week. Pending successful results, that's all we will do for this chapter in our journey. Our social worker said we could be approved in 2-4 weeks. Our adoption consultant in Georgia is working on our profile - we already have the text for that. Matt and I are going to proof that and get that back to them next week. Once they have that, they will add pictures. Once the home study is approved and the profile is finished, we'll apply to agencies! From there, we will move into the waiting chapter.
Jeremy Camp's song, "There Will Be A Day," has been on my mind tonight. Please pray specifically for a friend of mine traveling down the adoption journey too. Pray for her and her husband and for their wait.
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always
I know the journey seems so long
You feel you’re walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone
Thank you for praying for us, sweet family and friends! We are truly blessed!
Today's topics included our parenting styles, how we plan to discipline, and additional questions about adoption. Here are some of the questions we answered:
How will you handle an "attitude" from your child? (I had some great examples from college students!)
What will you say about your child's birth parents?
What are some parenting techniques you'll emulate with your child?
What are some techniques you won't?
What values do you hope your child will have?
What forms of discipline will you use?
Will you keep adoption a secret from your child?
How will you handle your child wanting to search for his or her birth parents?
We spent a lot of time discussing spanking - a subject that can be "taboo" in the adoption world. In some states, you can be denied a successful home study if you plan to spank. Matt and I were very up front and honest about spanking. We both were spanked as a last resort and will spank our child, if necessary. I know this can be a touchy subject, but one that had to be discussed today. We both feel that it can be used - only as a last resort. Personally, we both were spanked when nothing else worked. Taking it to an extreme and spanking while angry is extremely dangerous. With any discipline measure you use, we know it's important for our child to know what they are doing is wrong, why it is wrong, how they can correct it, how it affects others, and why it has consequences. However, it is key for our child to understand we love them unconditionally. No matter what.
The general theme that we kept going back to was "Model what you expect." I talk about this with our Head Camp Counselors. In fact, my boss said that one time several years ago, and I've continued to use it. It's exactly what we want to do with our child. We expect our child to be kind and considerate. We hope our child learns what's right and wrong from us. We expect honesty. We hope they live a life of integrity. We hope our child learns the value of hard work. We expect our child to respect us and respect others. Most importantly, we want our child to love Jesus. How they learn all of these begins with us. We model what we expect.
This was our last pre-baby visit. Our social worker will type up his report, gather our six reference letters, and submit his write-up to his supervisor for approval! He told us things looked really good for us - praise God! He has heard back from our child abuse and neglect clearance, but is still waiting on the results of our background checks. Please pray those results will come to him soon - this is the check that typically takes the longest. Matt and I have our physicals and blood tests early next week. Pending successful results, that's all we will do for this chapter in our journey. Our social worker said we could be approved in 2-4 weeks. Our adoption consultant in Georgia is working on our profile - we already have the text for that. Matt and I are going to proof that and get that back to them next week. Once they have that, they will add pictures. Once the home study is approved and the profile is finished, we'll apply to agencies! From there, we will move into the waiting chapter.
Jeremy Camp's song, "There Will Be A Day," has been on my mind tonight. Please pray specifically for a friend of mine traveling down the adoption journey too. Pray for her and her husband and for their wait.
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always
I know the journey seems so long
You feel you’re walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone
Thank you for praying for us, sweet family and friends! We are truly blessed!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Coming up for air
I've been out of touch lately - CWE's Training Week, plus Sessions 1, 2, and 3 are now complete! It has flown by! I'm so thankful to have about a week before our next session. While I'll still be coming into work, it now means I'll actually be at my desk and in my office. Plus, I'll get to see Matt on a regular basis!
Our third and final visit with our social worker is in the morning at 8:30 a.m. Please say a prayer for us. From what I understand, this visit will be about our parenting styles (Umm, right now, it is sit, stay, and down for our four-legged friends!!) and our thoughts about discipline. I've been thinking alot about the discipline topic. I don't know what is going to work with our child - all I know is that Matt and I will love our child unconditionally, just as Jesus and our parents love us. It's hard for me to say, "We're going to do this ______." I just don't know. Matt and I were "good" kids - with our luck, we'll probably have a child that will be out of control. Oh well, that's okay. I'm thankful for this opportunity.
On a different note, we had a phenomenal worship service last Sunday night at church! I was able to leave Camp early and was so glad I did. Our choir combined with Greater Peace, and it was absolutely spirit-filled! There were over 100 voices - I had such a great time singing, clapping, and swaying! Yep, that's right - all of that at a baptist church! It was truly one of my favorite singing events to take part in...there was so much joy! It was such an encouragement to me and a nice break in the middle of a Camp session!
Our third and final visit with our social worker is in the morning at 8:30 a.m. Please say a prayer for us. From what I understand, this visit will be about our parenting styles (Umm, right now, it is sit, stay, and down for our four-legged friends!!) and our thoughts about discipline. I've been thinking alot about the discipline topic. I don't know what is going to work with our child - all I know is that Matt and I will love our child unconditionally, just as Jesus and our parents love us. It's hard for me to say, "We're going to do this ______." I just don't know. Matt and I were "good" kids - with our luck, we'll probably have a child that will be out of control. Oh well, that's okay. I'm thankful for this opportunity.
On a different note, we had a phenomenal worship service last Sunday night at church! I was able to leave Camp early and was so glad I did. Our choir combined with Greater Peace, and it was absolutely spirit-filled! There were over 100 voices - I had such a great time singing, clapping, and swaying! Yep, that's right - all of that at a baptist church! It was truly one of my favorite singing events to take part in...there was so much joy! It was such an encouragement to me and a nice break in the middle of a Camp session!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Day 69: The furniture is here!
It's here, and it's beautiful! The guys assembling the furniture only took about 30 minutes to unload the crib and dresser and set them up. I've been back to the room multiple times just to stare at it. I have to remind myself that as much as I'd like to see our baby sleeping in the crib RIGHT now, I have to be patient...patient in God's timing and patient with the process.
We still haven't decided on a wall color or the bedding. We'd like to narrow it down and have one boy option and one girl option. That way if we're able to find out what sex our baby will be, we can create the nursery based on that.
When I got home from work last night, we had some additional items that were delivered to our house! Our den has a swing, exersaucer, and a jumper in it!!! We are blessed with kind and generous friends who are letting us borrow these things. A special thank you goes to Turner for so graciously allowing Baby Dunn to use her things! And thanks so much to Hayden and Tristan's Dad for the delivery!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Quick update
Hey y'all! I'm in the middle of CWE Training Week which means I'm away from home until about 11 or 12 each night. Fortunately, the end is in sight! Our first session of CWE is next Wednesday!
There was a scheduling glitch in the nursery delivery, so it's coming tomorrow morning! Yay!! I can't wait to see it! Also, our next visit with the social worker has been changed to June 4. Our consultant has received our profile materials, so they are working on it as we speak!
Have a great night!
There was a scheduling glitch in the nursery delivery, so it's coming tomorrow morning! Yay!! I can't wait to see it! Also, our next visit with the social worker has been changed to June 4. Our consultant has received our profile materials, so they are working on it as we speak!
Have a great night!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Day 60
Quick update...we've finished compiling our information for our consultant, and it will be placed in the mail tomorrow! Our consultant will use the pictures we submitted (we've given them 276 to choose from) and our answers to a series of questions to create our profile booklet. This profile is what the birthmothers will view to make their selections. Additionally, we've chosen to have them create a DVD profile.
Happy Friday!
Happy Friday!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Day 58
Home Study Visit # 2 is complete! Today's interview went very well. Our social worker interviewed us individually for about 1 1/2 hours a piece! The main focus today was our childhood and our parents. Here are some of the questions we got:
- What were you like as a child? (That's a loaded question...umm...how do you say we were perfect? Kidding!)
- What were your hobbies as a child? As a teenager?
- Favorite family traditions?
- What trait of your father's do you identify with the most?
- What trait of your mother's do you identify with the most?
- More questions about our marriage
- More questions about our feelings toward adoption
Whew, I was talked out after my session. Matt was the same way. It was fun though to reminisce about our childhoods. Our last pre-adoption visit is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26. In the mean time, we have to get physicals and fill out some more paperwork for the home study. Additionally, we are almost finished getting our information together for our profile. We only lack 5-7 pictures for our profile, so we hope to get everything to our consultant this week.
We took our first visit to the local Sheriff's Office yesterday to get fingerprinted for our criminal background check. Well, make that our second visit. We tried to do this last Thursday, but did not have the forms filled out properly. Silly us for trying to be prepared! Evidently, Lee County is on the leading edge of fingerprinting technology. No more sticking your fingers in ink for fingerprints - it's all done electronically. Your fingerprints get scanned, then printed out on cards - it is really cool!
This past weekend was a big weekend for Baby Dunn! Matt and the grandfathers worked all day on Saturday to put up bead board, a chair rail, and crown molding in the nursery. Even with two bosses there, Matt was "allowed" to use power tools! All kidding aside, it looks absolutely wonderful and is exactly what we wanted! Matt and I are so thankful to have such supportive parents! We also got a call on Saturday that our nursery furniture is in! They are delivering it on Friday afternoon. Next up is deciding what color to paint the walls and what bedding to get!
Hey everyone! This is Matt, and I am a first time blog poster. Melissa asked me to write a little on this post so I thought I would share with all of you something meaningful from last weekend's Sunday School lesson. We are currently studying the book of Isaiah, and we were reading through Chapter 55. Melissa and I were both struck by verses 8-9 which say "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." We've both always known these verses, but it really seemed to speak to our hearts as we're going through this situation. As we've gone through a roller coaster of emotions throughout our infertility journey, at times we could not understand why God was putting us through this situation. As we've seen His plan begin to unfold for us, we are so thankful that His thoughts and ways are much better than any plan we could imagine for ourselves. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for constantly praying for and supporting us.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Day 52
Our hearts are full! Matt and I have talked all day about the heartfelt prayers, kind e-mails, blog comments, and phone calls we've received. We had no idea so many people were following our journey. Thank you so very much. Katie (a precious friend, who along with her husband, Jamie, are wonderful examples of godly parents), asked specifically how to pray for us, so we thought we'd share some specific requests.
Please pray for...
- Patience...with the process, with the amount of paperwork, with the Lord's timing. Please pray specifically that the Lord will sustain us as we go down this journey.
- The birth parents of our baby...we have no idea who they are, what state they live in, or when our paths will cross. Thank the Lord for their choice to give life to our sweet child!
- Other adopting parents...we have friends currently going through the adoption process. Pray specifically for peace of mind, patience, and direction from the Lord.
Thank you, Katie, for asking how to pray for us. We are truly blessed to have so many family members, friends, and co-workers praying for us.
Please pray for...
- Patience...with the process, with the amount of paperwork, with the Lord's timing. Please pray specifically that the Lord will sustain us as we go down this journey.
- The birth parents of our baby...we have no idea who they are, what state they live in, or when our paths will cross. Thank the Lord for their choice to give life to our sweet child!
- Other adopting parents...we have friends currently going through the adoption process. Pray specifically for peace of mind, patience, and direction from the Lord.
Thank you, Katie, for asking how to pray for us. We are truly blessed to have so many family members, friends, and co-workers praying for us.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Day 51
Thank you so much for your prayers today - they were felt! Matt and I weren't nervous and feel our first home study visit went extremely well! We really like our social worker and felt comfortable talking with him. We can definitely feel God's hand in leading us through this home study process. Our social worker met our adoption consultant recently and is connected to Enterprise and Ozark.
The visit lasted three hours - however, it didn't feel like it took that long at all! He asked us about a wide variety of things - how we met, how we got engaged, our wedding ceremony, our marriage, how we communicate, what we admired about each other, each other's strengths and weaknesses, what we would change about our mates, how we view adoption, how our families and friends view adoption, our church, and our spiritual lives...you know, just your typical everyday conversation! Ha! Matt and I had been praying over our responses and trying to anticipate what might come up. There were a couple of questions that were a bit challenging, but we made it through! Our next visit is next Tuesday morning. This time, he'll interview us individually.
Our social worker did walk through each room of our house. Whew, I'm glad it was clean! We've joked that we need to eat all of our meals away from the house so we won't make a mess! My Mother suggested we check into a hotel so we can keep it clean! However, having these visits so frequently will be good for us and will help us keep the house straight! He also wanted to see our backyard, so we took him out there. We were very pleased with our dogs - they didn't utter a peep! They curiously looked up at us and just walked around the pen. Perhaps they could sense they needed to behave for once!
Again, I want to thank all of you for lifting us up in prayer. We truly felt at peace before, during, and after our visit.
The visit lasted three hours - however, it didn't feel like it took that long at all! He asked us about a wide variety of things - how we met, how we got engaged, our wedding ceremony, our marriage, how we communicate, what we admired about each other, each other's strengths and weaknesses, what we would change about our mates, how we view adoption, how our families and friends view adoption, our church, and our spiritual lives...you know, just your typical everyday conversation! Ha! Matt and I had been praying over our responses and trying to anticipate what might come up. There were a couple of questions that were a bit challenging, but we made it through! Our next visit is next Tuesday morning. This time, he'll interview us individually.
Our social worker did walk through each room of our house. Whew, I'm glad it was clean! We've joked that we need to eat all of our meals away from the house so we won't make a mess! My Mother suggested we check into a hotel so we can keep it clean! However, having these visits so frequently will be good for us and will help us keep the house straight! He also wanted to see our backyard, so we took him out there. We were very pleased with our dogs - they didn't utter a peep! They curiously looked up at us and just walked around the pen. Perhaps they could sense they needed to behave for once!
Again, I want to thank all of you for lifting us up in prayer. We truly felt at peace before, during, and after our visit.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Day 45
We have news! Our first home study visit is this Tuesday morning! I've spoken a couple of times to our social worker, and Matt & I are looking forward to meeting him. To be quite honest, I'd always assumed our social worker would be a woman. However, that's not the case with us, and we're fine with it! I've heard some great things about him. At choir tonight, I sat next to the wife of our Minister of Adults. When I mentioned our social worker's name, she almost fell out of the chair. As it turns out, she knows him well - he used to work with her husband in the ministry at our church! God is so good!
Our initial call about the home study visit came yesterday...ever since then my head has been swirling. I know the social worker isn't going to come to our home and do the "white glove" treatment. I just want it to be in order - which it almost is! I came home today to my precious husband straightening our bedroom. He's been out of town since Friday and jumped right in to clean when he got back. I'm so incredibly lucky.
Most of you know that the busiest time of my job is right now and continues through the summer. One of the many things I feel the Lord is teaching me throughout this process is to slow down and realize that I can only do one thing at a time. One decision at a time, one day at a time. I can very easily become overwhelmed with what's going on in our adoption journey or with what's going on at work. The Lord is teaching me that I can't be everything to everyone, all of the time. That's not my job - it's the Lord's!
Our initial call about the home study visit came yesterday...ever since then my head has been swirling. I know the social worker isn't going to come to our home and do the "white glove" treatment. I just want it to be in order - which it almost is! I came home today to my precious husband straightening our bedroom. He's been out of town since Friday and jumped right in to clean when he got back. I'm so incredibly lucky.
Most of you know that the busiest time of my job is right now and continues through the summer. One of the many things I feel the Lord is teaching me throughout this process is to slow down and realize that I can only do one thing at a time. One decision at a time, one day at a time. I can very easily become overwhelmed with what's going on in our adoption journey or with what's going on at work. The Lord is teaching me that I can't be everything to everyone, all of the time. That's not my job - it's the Lord's!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Day 23
Over the past couple of weeks, we've been trying to set up our home study. Since our consultant is out of state, they can't do it for us. They recommended an agency in Anniston. Well, no one returned our phone calls or e-mail. Our consultants did some research for us and recommended another agency in Birmingham. I spoke with the founder of that agency today - he was very nice and very welcoming. They will definitely be one agency we consider.
By chance, we happened to be working in the nursery this past Sunday. I say chance, it was actually divine intervention! A volunteer in our room asked us if we had children - I told her no, but we were adopting. A different lady was in the room holding her own child - she said, you know my daughter is adopted. It turned out that this was the couple many people in our church had recommended we talk with - how great! She gave us the name of another agency in Birmingham that actually has an office here! I have a message into that group! If it works out, that would save us travel expenses. As the lady was leaving, she handed me her home phone and cell number - she told us to call if we needed anything. Again, divine intervention. How wonderful!
Matt, my Mother, and I went to Kids Clothes Connection this past weekend. Wow. Crazy! Mom even got injured as she was getting a buggy. We got there around 8:40 a.m. - keep in mind, it was storming! However, we all enjoyed ourselves. We saw lots of folks - it was great to be able to answer the question of why we were there! We came away with an umbrella stroller, activity play mat (Matt has experience playing under one of these!), an old set of Playskool wooden blocks (I remember having these as a child!), precious overalls for our nephews, and numerous sleepers. The sleepers are now hanging in our newly cleaned out nursery closet! Yes, we've been hard at work. The closet is now ready in the nursery! We're trying to get the room ready because we've just ordered our nursery furniture! We love it and can't wait for it to be in! The brand is Munire, and the collection name is Bristol. Here is a link to the furniture: http://www.munirefurniture.com/bristol_01.htm. The finish is cherry.
By chance, we happened to be working in the nursery this past Sunday. I say chance, it was actually divine intervention! A volunteer in our room asked us if we had children - I told her no, but we were adopting. A different lady was in the room holding her own child - she said, you know my daughter is adopted. It turned out that this was the couple many people in our church had recommended we talk with - how great! She gave us the name of another agency in Birmingham that actually has an office here! I have a message into that group! If it works out, that would save us travel expenses. As the lady was leaving, she handed me her home phone and cell number - she told us to call if we needed anything. Again, divine intervention. How wonderful!
Matt, my Mother, and I went to Kids Clothes Connection this past weekend. Wow. Crazy! Mom even got injured as she was getting a buggy. We got there around 8:40 a.m. - keep in mind, it was storming! However, we all enjoyed ourselves. We saw lots of folks - it was great to be able to answer the question of why we were there! We came away with an umbrella stroller, activity play mat (Matt has experience playing under one of these!), an old set of Playskool wooden blocks (I remember having these as a child!), precious overalls for our nephews, and numerous sleepers. The sleepers are now hanging in our newly cleaned out nursery closet! Yes, we've been hard at work. The closet is now ready in the nursery! We're trying to get the room ready because we've just ordered our nursery furniture! We love it and can't wait for it to be in! The brand is Munire, and the collection name is Bristol. Here is a link to the furniture: http://www.munirefurniture.com/bristol_01.htm. The finish is cherry.
So many of y'all have been keeping up with us and following the blog - thank you very much for your prayers, thoughts, phone calls, and e-mails!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Day 8
Our initial paperwork for the consultant is finished - we turned it in last week and are officially rolling! Our next step is to complete the home study - we plan to make some calls about that this week. In our home study, a social worker will gather information about us and our backgrounds by asking direct questions about our families, marriage, and our attitudes about adoption and parenting. Typically there are two or three interviews. At least one will be at our house. I've read that home studies ask similar questions to what a birth mother wants to know about us...stability, a solid marital relationship, love of children, and strong family values. Hopefully, it will begin to prepare us for a chat with a potential birth mother.
Anticipating the visit by the social worker, I feel the need to clean our entire house... ummm...have you met me? I'm a pack rat and probably still have my junior high notes from my friends somewhere in our computer desk. I know for a fact I still have my gray Barbie corvette. Why am I holding onto this? We have started cleaning a little - we straightened the garage - I hardly recognize it now! I'm pondering having a garage sale to get rid of some of our "junk." I'm not quite sure if I can part with the corvette though. Or my Dad's old softball cleats that I wore when I played church league in junior high and high school. Sensing a problem here? Matt is sitting behind me laughing - he's threatened to clean house while I am away one weekend. This makes me slightly nervous.
As always, thanks for your continuous prayers and encouragement! We're blessed!
Anticipating the visit by the social worker, I feel the need to clean our entire house... ummm...have you met me? I'm a pack rat and probably still have my junior high notes from my friends somewhere in our computer desk. I know for a fact I still have my gray Barbie corvette. Why am I holding onto this? We have started cleaning a little - we straightened the garage - I hardly recognize it now! I'm pondering having a garage sale to get rid of some of our "junk." I'm not quite sure if I can part with the corvette though. Or my Dad's old softball cleats that I wore when I played church league in junior high and high school. Sensing a problem here? Matt is sitting behind me laughing - he's threatened to clean house while I am away one weekend. This makes me slightly nervous.
As always, thanks for your continuous prayers and encouragement! We're blessed!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Day 1
After praying and talking about it at great lengths, we've decided on a consultant to use! We met with the Director/Owner last week and feel comfortable moving forward with the company. We've filled out the initial paperwork and hope to get it in the mail very soon!
For those of you who don't know what a consultant is, I'll give you a brief explanation of it. Our consultant will guide us throughout the entire journey - from initial paperwork to the finalization once our baby is at home with us. Consultants are like a "Buyer's Agent." They will guide us in setting up our home study, as well as creating our family profile (a book about us). Birth parents view the family profiles and use them to decide with whom they want to place their child. Additionally, consultants offer financial advice, help us decide what agencies to apply to, and advise us on finding the right birth mother and birth father situation.
We chose this company for several reasons. We've been praying very specifically for guidance, and the Lord was faithful to provide a peace in our hearts about this decision. The employees are christians - what they feel is important is very evident in all of their publications and the conversations we've had with them. Also, through talking with the company via e-mail, telephone, and face-to-face, we felt comfortable with them and appreciated their patience with our endless amounts of questions. For us, it was comforting to know the owners have two adoptive children. They've been down this road before and hope to assist other adoptive families.
We appreciate your prayers and will keep you posted!
For those of you who don't know what a consultant is, I'll give you a brief explanation of it. Our consultant will guide us throughout the entire journey - from initial paperwork to the finalization once our baby is at home with us. Consultants are like a "Buyer's Agent." They will guide us in setting up our home study, as well as creating our family profile (a book about us). Birth parents view the family profiles and use them to decide with whom they want to place their child. Additionally, consultants offer financial advice, help us decide what agencies to apply to, and advise us on finding the right birth mother and birth father situation.
We chose this company for several reasons. We've been praying very specifically for guidance, and the Lord was faithful to provide a peace in our hearts about this decision. The employees are christians - what they feel is important is very evident in all of their publications and the conversations we've had with them. Also, through talking with the company via e-mail, telephone, and face-to-face, we felt comfortable with them and appreciated their patience with our endless amounts of questions. For us, it was comforting to know the owners have two adoptive children. They've been down this road before and hope to assist other adoptive families.
We appreciate your prayers and will keep you posted!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Our Walk by Faith
"...I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see. Well because this broken road prepares Your Will for me..." Jeremy Camp's song, "Walk by Faith," has been such an encouragement to us the past several months. As we begin our adoption journey, I'm reminded of the broken road that has brought us to where we are now. A road that has caused us heartache, pain, and distress. In some cases, we couldn't see why we were going down this road. However, we are now to the point where we are content with our circumstances. We have a peace about our situation, a peace that passes all understanding. We're thrilled with the opportunity to adopt - what a wonderful gift from God!
I'm thankful the Lord brought the two of us together, and I'm thankful for the calmness of our hearts. It is comforting for us to know that He knew the journey before we did. He prepared us for this journey, and we know He will be by our side the entire way. We are blessed to have the amazing support of our wonderful families, dear friends, and sweet church family. We've been overwhelmed by all of the phone calls, e-mails, and notes - thank you for encouraging us and supporting us along this journey!
Through this blog, we hope to keep everyone up-to-date on our adoption journey. Thank you for praying for us and for walking by faith with us!
I'm thankful the Lord brought the two of us together, and I'm thankful for the calmness of our hearts. It is comforting for us to know that He knew the journey before we did. He prepared us for this journey, and we know He will be by our side the entire way. We are blessed to have the amazing support of our wonderful families, dear friends, and sweet church family. We've been overwhelmed by all of the phone calls, e-mails, and notes - thank you for encouraging us and supporting us along this journey!
Through this blog, we hope to keep everyone up-to-date on our adoption journey. Thank you for praying for us and for walking by faith with us!
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