I just thought I’d post something, just to communicate with those reading. We have enjoyed imagining what it will be like when our baby girl is here, what we will be able to do, what will change… I look forward to hearing her sweet laughter, ribbons and bows, purses and baby dolls, make-up and jewelry. I look forward to watching my two boys protect her and play with her, teaching her all the things they know. I envision what it could possibly be like when we go to get her, and bring her home. My heart truly aches for her at times, though I’ve never even seen her. I find comfort that my Lord holds her close, and that He watches her constantly, that He protects her and provides for her. As I look back over the last year, I am amazed at how quickly we have come to this point. I remember thinking it would be an eternity before getting to the one year mark of the whole process. November will mark the year anniversary of Brent and I beginning this journey by placing our application with AWAA. I know it will not be long before we are reaching the one year mark of completing our dossier (May). Yes, I know seven months away, but in the busyness of the season and my masters program, and going to the boy’s games, doing homework, etc., it will seem but a fleeting moment.

We continue to pray the Lord will surprise us with timing, and that perhaps registration into a region will happen sooner than we think. The last we heard, there were several in front of us to be registered yet, but we were expected to be registered soon (in the scheme of things). 

Well, that’s all for now.

In His Watch Care,

Joy

We received an email today letting us know we should be within the timeline given us from the beginning. So our wait is within the 4-7 mos. now. I know the Lord is moving and am so very thankful He gives us bits of sweetness along the way. We are earnestly praying that the Lord will work it out so that she might be home in time for me to spend the majority of the summer with her at home, before school gets started up again. Pray with us that the Lord will continue to show us encouragement and His handiwork.

So thankfully in His Watch Care,

Joy

By the yard it’s hard, by the inch, what a cinch…Good ol’ Patch the Pirate. Any fans out there?

So, the little by little is some of our paper work. A month or so ago, we found out we needed two more copies of some of our paper work. It was the “Interagency Agreement”. They had one copy, but then Russia made the stipulation that there needed to be two additional copies. So, we went through our homestudy agency, and it was received today. Yay. Now, Brent will send that to Kristen tomorrow, and then she will in turn have it notarized again, apostilled, and then sent to Russia (I guess).  Though it seems small, it is the “little by little” that is accomplished that amounts to a completion. :0 ) Aren’t we glad God knows when we’ve had enough and when we need more, and stays with us throughout our days on earth?

I’ve felt anxious today about receiving a referral…don’t know why, since I know it will be AT LEAST 4 months from now, more likely 7. But I just felt excited and anxious. I think in my mind, I’m soooo ready to lay eyes on this precious child God has chosen for us, and better yet, I’m ready to get to the “lovin’ her up” stage of our process. There sure is nothing like holding a bundle in your arms. My two bundles here at home are getting to be very big bundles!! Soon I’ll be the bundle in their arms!!! I tell them when they get too big for me to hold, they have to hold me. I don’t think they think that could ever happen.

Well, say a few prayers for us if you think of us. We’ll appreciate your petitions on our behalf.

In Christ,

Joy

Yes, I’m a GRITS!! (girl raised in the south) The brisk air at night has really lifted my spirits. I love this time of year, when the temps are “just right”. ;)  We’ve heard that one family adopting a little girl has received court dates, and another has received a petition to court. I’m praying these all will go smoothly, as well as help our process to roll along on time as well. What IS on time….well that’s relative. I suppose on time would be that we would receive a referral by May (1 year from dossier submission). A miracle would be that we’d receive it by February!! The exciting thing in this is that God is into doing the impossible!! Lucky for us. All in all, I know it will happen only when God knows the time is right, and we wouldn’t want it a minute sooner. One of my boys asked just when she was going to be here. I told him, we just have to wait on the Lord, just like mommy and daddy had to wait on the Lord for each of them. Only He knows when the time is right!!

In His Watch Care,

Joy