Running

Yes it is true, I am actually training to run a 5K in May 2010. Never thought I would ever do this, made every excuse as to why I shouldn't take up running; asthma, not fun, boring, silly, bad for your knees, hate to sweat etc.

But at the prodding of a friend (who is a runner) I decided to do the couch to 5k training and it is okay! I hate it while I am doing it, but love it afterwards. I am on week 4 of a 9 week program. This is one way to not obsess on the adoption front. However, I do check blogs every day to see what is happening with other adoptive families. It makes my heart so happy to see little ones coming home! One day it will be us!

I emailed the Hague department about our I 800a as we hadn't heard from them about our fingerprints. I got a response saying we didn't have to redo our fingerprints if we want to go with our August one! The left hand doesn't seem to know what the right hand is doing! I responded and asked them to refund us our money then and we could do that! They also said they have 90 days to work on our paperwork (if they take 90 days that means by Feb1st) Praying we will hear back from them before Christmas. Once we get this approval letter we then need to notarize and apostil it and send to Bulgaria.

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and we will be spending it with Chris' family. The girls are excited to see their cousins and grandparents. I have a wonderful recipe for pumpkin pie, so will be making a couple of those for Thanksgiving. Wishing you all a happy thanksgiving as we give thanks to the One who has blessed us with much. Thank you Lord for your mercy, and the many blessings we do not deserve. Thank you for the children I have and for the one that is not with us yet, bless them and keep them for physical and spiritual harm Lord. Thank you for my husband who provides and protects us. Thank you Lord for family and friends who encourage us and love us even when we aren't lovable. Thank you Lord for adopting us into your family and for your plan of redemption. Jeremiah 29:11-13

MOJ Site

Okay, so I finally figured out how to go to the Ministry of Justice site and translate it on the google translate site. However, if I am reading it correctly it hasn't been updated since July? Am I correct. I was also reading the Vesta site and it does mention how many dossiers there are for 2008 which is what they are on now.

The expert inspections of the dossiers of children and their entry into the intercountry adoption register already are performed within 1-2 months of receiving them when there are no omissions in them. In 2008 during sessions of the Council 866 applications of adoptive foreigners were examined, while in 2007 they were 283, and 252 for 2006. The examined dossiers of children for 2008 are 1064, while in 2007 they were only 100. 472 children were offered to 423 prospective adopters. The dossiers of 704 children with special needs were examined – sick or older, and a decision was made to apply a special procedure for searching out prospective adopters for them.

NICU Orientation

So happy, finally had my orientation at the hospital so will begin volunteering next Wednesday night. I can't wait to hold those little babies, touch them, and pray over them.

Calvin, I am praying that you are being held, cared for and your needs are being met. Mommy is praying for you and trying to get you home as soon as possible. God's timing is perfect! Cathryn calls you 'baby Calvin' whenever she talks about you. We can't wait to hold you and play with you my sweet child.

And to all of you who have just received referrals, I am rejoicing with you. Can't wait to follow your journey to Bulgaria and see your precious children home where they belong. God is so good all the time.

Waiting 10 months

We have been officially waiting 10 months since our dossier was registered with the MOJ.

I am waiting, waiting on you Lord.

Our Adoption Banquet

Last night we attended an adoption banquet at our church. The purpose was to celebrate adoption and to raise support for families who want to adopt but can't because of finances. Isn't this the first thing you thought when adoption came up, how can we afford it?

What was really special is that they had a photographer who attends our church, take family pictures and it was FREE. What a blessing. They also had a silent auction. There were knitted scarves ( I should have made an offer but didn't), cutting boards, a beautiful quilt (I couldn't afford the starting bid of $300), a painting, calligraphy (also wanted to make an offer on that) , a guitar and coffee machine.

The meal was catered and delicious. Chicken, carrots, broccoli, rice and cheese rolls. There was background music playing and each table was decorated with a flag of a country and momento from that country. I am guessing the countries were where the children in our church have been adopted from. There were two speakers, a college student and then a grandmother. Both were adopted domestically and the grandmother has grandchildren from China, Korea and Guatemala. The testemonies were my favorite part of the evening. They both knew they were adopted from the beginning and the college student talked about some issues she has had and how her adoptive parents showed her how we are all adopted into the family of God. There is so much I could say, there was scripture, tears, and the focus was our our Father who loves us and wants the best for us. At the end of the evening they asked for donations for the fund they are starting for families who want to adopt. I would love to know how they did! It was a wonderful time to celebrate adoption and be reminded why we are doing it. We know God wants us to do this and that he has our son waiting for us. We wish you were home Calvin, we love you and pray for you daily. We pray that God will bring you home soon and that you are safe, healthy and cared for. We pray for your birthmom that she will come to know her Heavenly Father through this experience, that she will have peace and feel His presence in her life. I hope you will be able to meet her one day and know how much she loves you to give you life and not abort you or harm you. Come home to us soon, love mom.