Last weekend, Sam and I had the opportunity to have around 60 of our closest family, friends, and strangers attend a fundraising dinner for Baby D. We spent the day cooking and preparing and then spent the night celebrating and spreading information about the opportunity God has given us. While eating delicious food, we were able to share our story and information about adoption. Our guests were able to buy tickets for some pretty awesome raffle prizes. Many people left with gifts in their arms and everyone left with a full stomach. Sam and I left with full hearts.
Sam and I are so thankful for the many people that contributed their time and resources in planning and preparing for this event. We are thankful for those that donated raffle items and helped us prepare the food. We are thankful for those who attended. We are thankful for those that have continually supported and prayed for us through this adoption process and for the baby that God has chosen for us. We are blessed.
Fast forward a few days and we come to today. Home Study Interview Day. Sam and I furiously cleaned, organized, and straightened up the house. We put together a list of questions in which we could grill our caseworker about. We tried to tamp down the feelings of anxiety, nerves, stress, and excitement as this day drew near. We sat on the couch and waited, not knowing what to expect. Lo and behold, it wasn't a big deal! We got to know her and she got to know us. We took her on a tour of the house. Remi did her normal wiggle butt routine and made sure she was in the middle of everything.
Our PRAISES!
- Our caseworker, Jen, is awesome! We met her for the first time today and had a wonderful conversation with her about our application, our lives, and the steps we'll be taking as we move forward. This was a huge answer to prayer as Sam and I were both very nervous to meet her for the first time.
- Our Home Study portion of the adoption is finally complete! We just have to wait for her to mail us the report in a couple of weeks and we can move past the paperwork portion of the adoption.
- The outpouring of prayers, love, and support during this process has been overwhelming. Sam and I are continuously bowled over by all of you and all that you have done for us.
- There are no longer any dirty dishes, dust bunnies, or piles of stuff cluttering the house. If you know us and have ever been to our place, you know this is a HUGE accomplishment, haha! Cleaning lady, I am not.
- Once we get the home study report back, we will be applying for grants and looking into other ways to finance this adoption. We'd love to not have to take out loans, so we'll have to get crafty. Prayers for finances would be greatly appreciated. Many of the funds that we will need from here on out will need to be paid up front.
- We will not be joining the networking program until 2014 as recommended by our caseworker. Please help us to be patient in this wait.
- Sam and I have joined an adoption support group at a local church. We're looking forward to becoming connected to other local, Christian families who have adopted or are currently going through the process. We will also be looking into taking newborn classes. This means I will have to learn how to change a diaper (yuck!) and he will have to learn how to eat without getting crumbs everywhere (ha!). This is Sam....the crumb thing....not going to happen....haha!!!
