Our next step

After I wrote my last entry, I just sat back in amazement that we were actually FINALLY done with the home study part! From start to finish, it was about 7 months. We knew that the adoption process was a waiting game, but we didn't think that the home study process would be part of that game!

So what's next? Our home study case worker told us that she will have everything written up and submitted by the end of this month. (She had to wait until the final home study to begin to type everything up and it's at least 18 pages). After she submits it all, her boss will look over it, and then licensing will check it out and  then it will get notarized. Our case worker says that this process might take a month or two, since the people who do this part don't work everyday. So we'll just wait. :-) 

However, our waiting doesn't have to be idle...we can start working on our "dossier". So we'll start those papers and then hopefully by the end of fall/early part of winter, all the paperwork/letters/forms we have to request and gather will be ready to submit. THEN, we're on the waiting list to be placed with our sweet child. (I get so giddy when I think of that part!!)

Our next payment is due when we submit our dossier, and we are about halfway there right now. The Lord continues to amaze me at how he provides. We had someone give to us through this blog, who we have never even met. (If you're reading this, thank you!!) We plan on applying for some grants and there is also a way to make donations tax deductible after our home studies are formally finished, and we've had some precious friends mention holding different fund raisers with proceeds going towards bringing our amazing babe home. I'll make sure to post them here!

We're taking the next step friends...we're actually, finally, doing it! And I really feel that you are all taking this step with us. I have felt so much support and love from you guys, I can't even begin to express my thankfulness. You guys are excited and waiting along with us and that support is such a gift. We're on to the next part of our journey! Thanks for walking with us!!

"A deep breath, and baby steps - that's how the whole thing starts. It's a long, slow, beautiful dance...to the beat of a heart" 

 (Rascal Flatts)