Collecting

So far we have collected

letters of recommendations,

police letters, 

doctor letters and forms,

employer letters,

copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates,

back ground checks, 

passport photos, family photos,

financial statements, 

and more!

I've also collected a few other things that are way more fun.  

And although I have now promised Paul that I won't do anymore shopping until we know what size she is, I just couldn't resist getting a few things.  

They were all on sale -- I promise!!

Things Are Moving Along

Its so fun to actually feel like we are getting closer.  

The past couple of weeks have felt like that.  

We have received unexpected financial gifts that have allowed us to start our home study, pay our second agency fee, and get fingerprinting done!

We got our police letters from the sheriff's department.  Our dear friend and traveling notary accompanied us.

We had a garage sale with all kinds of great donated stuff.  We sold lots and still have a few great items to list online.  

Wish I had taken pictures of all these things!!

We had our first appointment with our social worker.  He will be back two more times in the next couple of weeks.  Once his rough draft of our home study is written, our agency will begin the matching process.  

They look for a little one from the Waiting Children list that match the list of special needs that we have indicated we are open to.  We really see ourselves with another baby girl with a cleft lip and palate.  Can't wait to see her face.     

Here We Go Again!

When we had our first child almost twenty two years ago, 

I would have never believed that we would be adding to our family by adoption.

I never imagined having more than two or three children.

After Sarah was born, I was sure we were done!

I was prepared to wait for grandchildren.

God Had A Different Plan!

And, I am sooooooo glad that He did.

Had we not been open to what God had planned, we would never know the blessing of Olivia.

And now, we can't wait to see what God has in store for us this time around.  

We have been accepted in to the American World Adoption Agency and plan to adopt again from the Waiting Child Program in China.  

We have already decided on Jessica as our little one's name.  

Don't Livi and Jessie sound like cute sister names?

So, dear sweet Jessica, we don't know your face yet.  But, our Lord God in heaven does.  

And we can't wait to meet you!