Meetings

Well last night we went to the first of our "classes"!  we have 4 more and that is all.  Today Russ and I have our health statement appointments and I'm hoping to get our TB tests done too.  Will need to call about getting our CPR training done.  Things are moving along.  And the excitement is building!

Mail

The packet came yesterday just as I had hoped it would.  The paperwork is not nearly and daunting as I had thought, but it is going to take thought, discussion, and lots of writing.  The writing will be dual purpose though since I'm putting together the scrapbook of our lives to share with kids.  Did get pets immunized yesterday so that's one more thing down!

appts

Got the vet appointments made for today!  So I will have the required updated shot records for cat and dog in my hands this afternoon!  Russ faxed off my request to the high school for a copy of my transcript.  So two things are checked off.  I've got a folder started for notes and papers....will probably have to get one of my expandable files out before it's over!  Am going to start putting together a digital scrap book in the next few days of our life to share with kids.  I've got lists going of things that need to be done asap instead of waiting to later like they might have.  Russ has figured up that he has quite a number of days he needs to take for leave (days off) between now and the end of July.  Going to work out great for long weekend visits!  I'm still grinning like a cheshire cat!  Kids have begun to talk about the trio like they were already siblings!  I keep reminding them it's not a sure thing.....but it's great to hear their excitement!  Each day is another day closer!!

another step closer

Only one of the agencies listed on the paper had a local office.....and they were a Christian org!  Nervous fingers dialed the number and God's amazing provision began to come to light.  We will have our paperwork and information packet next week!!!  And this will take no more than 30-60 days!!!  I am flying high!!!!!  and my heart is at peace.  Everything is falling into place just as I knew it would when the timing was right.  I know we have only taken the first steps of a long and less than easy journey, but I am so excited and know without a doubt that this is the path we are to follow. 

Frustration and a stolen heart

Well once again a government agency has shown it's true lack of colors.  We were to attend a our information meeting last night but were met at the door of the building by the man who was to conduct the class.  He handed a piece of paper with phone numbers and agency names explaining that as of right now this CPS office was not allowed to provide classes or approve homes right now so we would have to go through another agency for this.  We do not know yet if we will have to pay for these classes and the homestudy since we will now be going through a private agency, but we will forge ahead.  Last night we were upset and very frustrated.....understandably I do believe.  Today though I see things in a very different light.  Instead of this being a setback, it's a blessing.  I have heard many horror stories of how CPS has drug things out and strung people along until it suited the office's needs to have things completed.  Now we won't have to deal with that!  God is amazing and I know that this turn of events will be for our best interest.  Once we have our  home study and background checks approved then we can still adopt through CPS.  Which leads me to my stolen heart....
I signed up awhile back to be emailed updated lists of kids who are newly listed or have had updates added to their profiles through the CPS website.  I received one such email last recently.  Looking through the list I saw a set of names I didn't recognize (see I have spent some time looking through the profiles already) and saw that according to the dates listed this group was new to the website.  Kids have to be available for adoption for a certain amount of time and all current options exhausted before the profiles are put on this website.  This site is more or less a last resort to try to get the kids adopted.  When I clicked on the names up came a photo of these three beautiful kids and I immediately began to cry.  I have not had this strong an emotional response to any other group of kids thus far.  Once I could see again I began reading about them and the more I read, the more I prayed asking God if I was looking at MY kids.  I do not have an answer......yet.  These three with their interests, ages, desire for to be in a home with other siblings, desire to be involved in church, etc.... just seem to be a perfect fit.  I can't understand why on earth these kids haven't been snatched up!  But then again......maybe they won't fit with anyone but us......I do know that if these three aren't the ones, there will be others.  There are HUNDREDS of kids listed on this site and it's only the tip of the iceberg of the number that are waiting for adoption.  For now I pray, trust, wait, and work on finding the right agency to work with for our classes and homestudy.  One small hurdle, and one step closer!

Postponed

Well of course, in true government agency style, the meeting was postponed without any notice put up.  So we will try again next week which is when the rescheduled meeting is to take place.

So Excited!!

The adoption information meeting for this month is THIS THURSDAY!!!!  I have BUTTERFLIES!!  Everyone is excited and ready to officially begin this incredible journey.  It feels like I've waited for this day for a lifetime!!  And now it's HERE!!!