It's Been A Long While

Well, Lindsey and I have had quite the busy few weeks, both in and out of our adoption process. We've had a few blessings and a few setbacks in the process, but everything looks like it's going to be on track.

First off, Russia released a blacklist, so to speak, of home study agencies which they are no longer accepting applications from. Naturally, due to our luck, the one we were going to go with was of course on this list. We prayed about it some more, thanked God that we hadn't actually made any financial commitments to the agency, made some more calls, and found another agency that Russia will accept. Their fees are about $300 more than the agency we originally were going with, but they are able to get the entire home study completed in 2-4 weeks after receiving our initial payment and application.

Another setback is that I am not receiving the student loan refund check I was originally expecting after all. With everything that was going on in this semester, I had to drop one of my courses, taking me out of eligibility for aid by going below a half-time status. Right now, we're not sure what to do to make up for that money we were expecting, but we're confident God will come through for us. We still have grants we can apply for, and have also had donations sent to us, including some from a most unexpected source.

So, where are we now? We're waiting on a couple of things. The home study packet and the dossier. The requirements for that were recently changed as well, so we've been waiting on our adoption agency to get the required documents to us. I also still have to go get my passport.

Keep praying for us, it's a long road that seems like it will never end.

WHOOO HOOO!

GREAT NEWS! Hello everyone, all I have to say is God really was trying to teach me patience the last few days, which has been KILLING ME! I even told Justin that I'm fine with learning patience once Anna is home with us (and has doctors like she needs, etc.), but that I can't handle it now. Well, amazing news! My refund check from my school has come in and it's enough to cover not only our deposit to the agency, but also almost our entire home study (which we only have to pay half now).

This is such good news because last semester it was much later in the year until I got the check, which was making all of this situation more frustrating as we were just waiting on things to happen (both Justin and my school money and money that was left to Justin from his grandmother).

I am so grateful and so relieved. I already called the lady at the adoption place to let her know, she was excited for us too!

Thank you for your prayers

Some updates

Hello Everyone,

Thank you so much for your support as we've been starting this journey. We are still going forward and trying to figure everything out. The paperwork feels overwhelming at times, and honestly so does the money.

At this point Anna will actually be taken "off hold" for us while we continue to try and get everything together. While this feels like a setback, especially considering how much we already care about this little girl, I am hopeful that what God has planned will come true. I am trying to look at this as positively as possible. If there is another family that already has their home study done, and has the funds necessary to complete the adoption quicker than we could, then Anna will get the medical care that she needs all that much sooner. While it's heartbreaking to think that some other family would get "our Anna," I am trying to keep in mind that God is in control of everything. If she is meant to be in our family, then she will still be available once we are able to do everything we need.

We will still be moving forward with our home study as soon as possible, and we will keep everyone updated as much as we can.

It Has Officially Begun

Well, today on my way to Men on a Mission at church, I stopped by FedEx and sent off our adoption application packet, complete with a check for $250 to begin the process. Like Lindsey said earlier, the next step is the home study. Once the agency receives the check (which will be soon!), the child we have in mind will be placed on hold for us. While this won't guarantee us her, it is the first step of many that will eventually bring her home.

Okay, have we kept you in suspense long enough? Well, here you go. This is the girl, Anna:


Cute isn't she? She has a genetic disorder called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, but it is commonly known as brittle bones. We have done some research on it, and considering my excellent health insurance, we feel that we can help her live a full, happy, healthy life.

Like I said, the home study is now the next step. That is going to cost us about $1,300. The adoption overall is going to cost upwards of $20,000, but we will be eligible to apply for grants once we have the home study completed.

There will be more pictures of Anna to come, and a few videos as well. Keep posted for more updates!