We Are Making Progress

I am pleased to say that we have mailed our I800 application to the USCIS. For those of you outside the adoption community -this is a really big deal! This event is the culmination of months of preparation. The current wait time for receipt of our approval from Homeland Security is approximately 90 days. This can vary - A LOT!!! As I have learned - nothing is "typical" in an adoption.

I want to point out that this is again a time when God showed His grace on us. As with each step of the adoption, there is money to be paid. Terry and I had really struggled with this payment. We needed $830 to send with our application. Since it was Christmas and our taxes are due - we were really having a tough time with this payment. But God made a way. I had some additional stitching jobs that came in at the last minute, a family member sent us a donation, etc. By the end of the month, we had more than enough to cover the payment. It just helps to remind me that He has a plan for us.

The next step in our adoption process will be the receipt of our referral. We have asked our agency to wait to match us with a child until we have received our USCIS approval (the 90 day wait). It is our desire to adopt a child as young as possible. If we wait, the likelihood will be greater that she will be younger when we travel. That was a really hard decision, but we know we did the right thing.

Lastly, I would like to ask you to be in prayer for one of my friends. My friend Jennifer's father went home to be with our Lord on Christmas day. This was such a tough blow to her and the entire family. The relationship that she had with her father is one that I envy. He was truly one of her best friends. My heart has ached for her. I have asked God to give me the perfect words to say, but all that comes to mind is "Love her like Jesus". Please pray for my friend.

Until later....