Follow HIM

There are times that I want to question why it is so difficult for Jeremy and I to have a child. I'm not even referring to biological anymore. That makes no difference to us. But the fact is we have been "trying" for a child (either biological or adopted) for over 4 years now. I'm not sad anymore because I see all the blessings I do have. I also am extremely thankful that God chose us to adopt. But being human, it still makes me want to question situations. My friend and I were having this very conversation yesterday and it really made me think. Why are babies born to babies? Why are babies born to thiefs, murderers, rapists, that have no intention of changing? Why do children have to suffer with parents that would rather have their drugs than to read a storybook with them?

The answer is this...Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5 NIV)

I have to let all worries go and as long as I'm following Him, I am on the right path.

Much love,

Tough Day

This is such a tough day for us.  We have some how escaped this form that we were supposed to fill out early on in the adoption.  It's now to the point that it must be done.  Karla emailed it to me last night.  It is called the "Child Desired Form."  It sounds bad I know, but it is one of those forms that give the agency a better understanding in order to match you with a child.  We knew this day would come. The form was shown to us at the very beginning and Karla said to research it and begin thinking about it well over a year ago.

The form is very specific and you have to choose (yes or no) whether you would like to be matched with a child with that need.  This is so difficult.  I don't want to decide.  I think about all the precious little ones that need to be loved and need safe stable homes.  It hurts me if we check no then it turns away a child.  I know that I can't adopt them all and that Grace is God's perfect pick for our family.  But I still can't help those feelings that I'm dealing with in regards to this form. We just have to make it through this day and through this step.  Pray for our strength to make the right decisions.  We want to make sure that all our decisions are completely led by God.

Thankfully, I know a wonderful man who also has a passion for children in China.  I am going to visit with Dr. Wang who is going to help me by giving me better knowledge of the medical conditions that I am unclear about.  We need to know as much as possible about the short/long term of conditions before marking yes or no.

Thanks for your prayers!

Much love,

MoRe

This picture may not mean as much for some of you but to my family this means a lot.  This is our saying.  We have always said this to each other.  It is especially said daily with Jeremy.  The best part of this picture is how it was made.  This is Grace's wall in her new bedroom. 

Later this year she will find love and comfort within the walls of this room.  She will hear these words daily from her new mommy and daddy.  She will feel the hugs and kisses from us each day.  Grace will be tucked into bed in this sweet bedroom and read her favorite books before sleep.  She will be prayed for each night within these walls.  We will play with her precious toys and write notes with her magnets on her wall.

I cannot wait to love on her unconditionally.  I already do but she just doesn't know it yet.

I gotta feelin! (oooo-oo)

Sorry, now you have that song in your head!

We have been watching the bank account each day to see what checks clear.  And why is this so important??!!!  We had to send several different checks to Karla for our authentication process of our dossier.  They have all cleared!  Yay!  Now hopefully the authentication is coming to an end and our dossier will be on its way to China :) 

Hoping for LID soon!

Much love,

Memories

This post really has little to do with Grace but yesterday was fun and I wanted to share.  We started the day early with an estate sale.  I am looking specifically for four old (all different) chairs for my kitchen table.  While searching through the home of the sale, I spotted a table in the corner filled with 1950's style hats with veils.  I felt an immediate connection to my Grandma Dayus.  I could see her wearing these.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I don't just buy things unless I really need them or see a useful purpose for them. The hats- there was no option.  Of course they were only $2 a piece so that helped. If Grandma was still here I would have been to her house immediately after the sale to find out stories about those style hats.  I still long for those stories.  On our drive home I looked at the hats thinking, "What on earth am I going to do with these?"  To those not aware, Jeremy laughs at me because I am on the other extreme end of a hoarder.  Instead of keeping everthing, I go through everything almost every 6 months.  If it clutters, I don't want it!  However, I bought the hats not only because they are beautiful but because I felt the connection to my grandmother that recently passed.  Watching enough episodes of Hoarders that scares me to death! LOL  That is what they do!!  Now I'm on the search for a unique way to display them...

I had lunch with my mom, aunt, and uncles yesterday.  One of the first things I did was of course tell them about the hats.  Mom said exactly what I needed to hear. Grandma had tons of those hats and they all remember them.  Made me feel great!

I finished my day with my friends.  What an awesome night!  We have a supper club and last night the menu was Greek.  I could not make it without friends and let me tell you...I have the best!!

Much love,

Alabama Gives Day

So, today is "Alabama Gives Day."  It is a day encouraging every single person in the state of Alabama to give to a non-profit organization.  I have so many non-profits that are dear to my heart.  I think this is a great opportunity to share with those in need!  It can be those financially in need, medically in need, need clothes and shelter, pets that need homes, children that need forever families, people that need strength and hope, the list goes on... Just help!

I am very thankful for parents that instilled such a giving nature in me.  My parents have always given to charities and non-profits. From when I was very young my dad has volunteered with United Way.  Because of those values that they taught me, I was eager to become so actively involved in organizations when I became an adult.  I also volunteered for United Way during college.  After college, I served on the committee for Relay for Life (American Cancer Society.)  I see the difference that can be made for so many unfortunate people when we all work together.

I have to share this one story that is just a small example of how giving my father has always been.  When my parents bought their home they live in now, it came with a very nice playground in the backyard.  Now I am not talking about the 80's playset that was metal and the nails rusted fast and the chains pinched your fingers when you swung.  I am talking about the wooden two story with slides, monkey bars, ropes to climb, DELUXE playset.  Now that I am looking for one for my backyard, I truly understand their worth :)  He said, we don't have children or grandchildren (at the time there was no sign of any!) so let's give this away.  He went down the street meeting his new neighbors and found a couple that had small children and gave, yes gave the playset to them.  Now who does that these days?  With Craigslist and Ebay, we just don't do that.  I'm guilty too.  Recently it has been all for adoption fundraising...but still!  Same point!

Now make this day unforgettable and give, Alabama!!!

Much love,

so real...

Last night we started painting Grace's room.  The color is beautiful!  It is a Disney color called "Christopher Robin's Swing."  It is a light shade of green.  Her room will be accented with a pastel pink and splash of browns.  I caught myself walking back in to her room at least 4 times before bed and twice this morning.  The best part was I even caught Jeremy sneaking in there once or twice.  It is all becoming so real now. 

Today is the first day of THE month that we should be "DTC" and "LID."  These are the adoption terms for dossier to China and log in date.  To break this down...our dossier (important paperwork that China requires) will be sent to China.  After they approve everything, they will log us in the "system" as parents able to adopt in China.  There is a shared list with approximately 2000 children on this list each month.  It is shared with the associated adoption agencies (i.e. Lifeline Children's Services- [our agency :)]) at the end of every month.  Since we should be LID by the end of this month, we hope to receive a referral from our agency in March!  So, this month is huge.

Specific prayers:  1- Thank God for blessing us with the ability to be on this path right now!  2- Thank God for the fabulous family and friends that love us and give us 100% support.  Grace is so fortunate. 3-  Pray for that sweet baby that is patiently waiting for a home.  We are coming, angel!  4-  Pray for families for all of her precious little friends in the orphanage with her.  5- Pray for DTC and LID to happen in FEB!!!!

Much love!