The journey we call "LIFE"

Well, I'm usually pretty good about starting off with an interesting introduction, but I think I'll just jump right in with where we are in our LLLOOOONNNNGGGG adoption journey... that's sure to receive a reward for its longevity.  If it doesn't, I'll be expecting a certificate of some sort from at least one person we know, **hint, hint** :).

So, two weekends ago mom came down and we worked like I've never worked before (or so it felt the day after) in high hopes of getting everything ready for the home health inspection that was to occur (and did occur) the following Monday.  I am SUPER thankful for her help!  Our home health inspection went alright, but there were a few things mentioned that caused our social worker to say, "I'll jot down that you'll get those things fixed and I'll have to do one more walk-through before the home study."  That was a little disheartening, but we  already have a couple of those very minor things checked off our list.  Most of it was a matter of getting all meds locked up and moving some tools and cleaning supplies to super high shelves or locking them up (lots of locking things up).  We asked several questions about when that next "walk-through" would be and how long before our home study, however we were met with few answers.

A week or so later, it came to our surprise that our case worker had resigned to pursue other career opportunities.  Someone from the agency has already picked up with us and is keeping in touch with us on a regular basis and answering questions in a very timely manner.  We also are VERY happy to announce that our home study has been scheduled for next Tuesday, October 25!  FINALLY!  No "walk-through" ahead of time, just the home study itself!  We know that it will go smoothly and quickly.  After our home study is approved (which could take some time) we will officially be "waiting" for our child to come along.

While we wait, we have discussed becoming foster parents for legal risk children (basically, children whose parents' rights are likely, but not guaranteed, to be terminated).  If we did this, we would request to foster infants and would have the option to adopt them should the birth parents' rights be terminated.  Of course, if the parents' rights are not terminated, the child would leave us and go back to the birth parents, OR to someone in the family willing to accept responsibility for the child, which would be very difficult for us.  At the same time, we would take care of them like they were our very own which would be a blessing to them (even for just a short time) and to us.  

And so the journey continues :).  Lots of interesting things are happening along the way, not only in our adoption process, but also in our day to day lives- new jobs (for us both), changes in our "family" (our dogs lol), and changes in our home.  God has provided and will continue to provide and strengthen us in this amazing journey we call "LIFE"!