Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming...

It's been quite a while since our last post.  I was kind of holding off in hopes that we could share some very good news.  However, that is not the case.  We are still in the same position we were a few months back:  no kids, no substantial news, and just waiting for our profile to be read and matched.

Are we disappointed that we didn't hear about our kids before Christmas - yes.  But truthfully, we were no more disappointed Christmas night than we are any other night we go to bed without news of our children.  We still have hope, though, lots of hope.  We know that these children are coming.  We must only wait patiently for that day to come.  We can't see the bigger picture.  All we know is that this waiting is for a good and perfect purpose...it sure doesn't make it any easier, though.

We'll keep posting, praying, wishing, and hoping for news of our kids and for them to arrive in our home.  Don't forget your 5 o'clock prayers...am or pm, we'll be joining you. Until then, we'll take a lesson from Nemo and "just keep swimming, swimming, swimming" and pushing along until we have our babies in our arms!

And as for you, the anonymous poster:  this blog is meant to share good news, to encourage, and to be encouraged.  Please keep your negative comments to yourself.  I will continue to delete your posts as I find them just as I will continue to pray that your heart be changed.

Jordan?...Is that you?

Hi everyone!  It's Jordan.  Sarah's husband.  Yes, I know.  You were wondering when I was going to post on my own family blog.  For those of you who know me, you are not at all surprised that I have not posted on this blog and now that I am posting, it may be a surprise.  Those of you who do not know me may be wondering if Sarah's husband is even involved much in the adoption process.  I can't say that I am as involved as Sarah is with the adoption process. I don't correspond with our adoption coordinator like Sarah does and never posted on this blog before now.  I am mostly involved through Sarah and she is involved in it all and is doing a great job administratively with the adoption agency, preparing herself to be a mother, preparing our house for kiddos, keeping me informed throughout the process with all the changes and updates, and certainly keeping you all updated.  Sarah is doing a great job and I am not going to get in her way.  I don't want to see Mamma Grizzly (read an earlier post).  However, do not be mistaken of my excitement.  I am excited to be a father to kids who have been wishing, hoping, and praying for parents throughout most of their lives just as we have been wishing, hoping, and praying for children.

After Sarah told me that she wanted to adopt a kid out of the foster care system and the long battle with God that brought her through this process, it took me only a day to be on board with the idea.  After hearing Sarah's testimony that night and praying with her about it, God spoke quickly and directly to me.  Since then, I have been more excited about adopting kids to give them the same hope that my parents gave me than most anything I have been excited about in my life.

I have taken a few courses in school over the past 3 years that have taught me a lot about the foundations on which Judaism and Christianity were founded.  One thing that has been made clear to me is that the entire Bible from cover to cover has one consistent theme:  God desires a relationship with us and for us to have the same close relationship with others.  Time and time again, He has made a new covenant with His people in order to start over in building a relationship with them.  His unconditional love for us demanded that He give His only son as a ransom for us.  There was no other way for Him to have a relationship with us where He could love us and we could love Him than for Him to commit the greatest act of love one can offer:  to lay down one's own life for a friend (John 15:13).

Notice above I mentioned "for Him to have a relationship with us where He could love us and we could love Him."  See, a relationship takes two parties.  It is give and take from both parties.  Who has been in a relationship where all they did was give and the other person took?  If you have been in that kind of relationship, you probably weren't for long.  I believe it is the same way with our relationship with God.  It is not suppose to be God who is always giving and we who are always taking.  We can give and God can take, too.  And I think He wants to take from us.  Imagine having something that God--the creator of the starry night, the expanses of the oceans, and the tallest of mountains--wants from you.  You may be wondering what you have that God could ever want.  He wants you.  Remember:  the relationship takes two.  He gave us His life.  Shouldn't we now be willingly to give Him ours?

"Oh, but Jordan what about my rights.  I have the right to my own life and the right to opportunity and to pursue my own dreams.  The right to have my own kids.  The right to have a luxurious retirement if I so choose.  And what about my rights to life, liberty, and property.  That's in the Declaration of Independence, you know?"

Yeah...read it.  I agree.  You have those rights and I agree with our Founding Fathers that those rights are given to us by God.  America is great because of the value we place on those rights for ourselves and for all of humankind.  But we have become so use to these rights that we do not know nor do we want to find out what life is like without those rights.  Well, if those rights are given to us by God than we can certainly argue that we are entitled to them.  I believe that I'm entitled to them.  If God gave them to me, then no man can take them away.........but me.

"But me?....I can take away my own rights?"  (And finally, here is the point to my preaching.)

Sarah and I are a part of a great group of friends from our local church that we meet with weekly.  Throughout the past two years several couples have started families of their own while Sarah and I and another couple have decided to adopt.  Some have said that it is unfair that a healthy, responsible couple like Sarah and I have not been able to conceive while there are fathers and mothers in this world that cannot take care of themselves,  much more a child.  I cannot say that I see it as unfair at all...now.

I have come to see adoption as an opportunity from God to experience the very nature of Him.  I will love and have loved these kids, unconditionally, before they ever meet me just as God loved us and died for us before we were ever created.  I will continue to love them as they come to live with me as my children even though they may have had a rough start to life and may have some things they need to work through, just as God continues to love me despite my shortcomings and sins.  I will continue to love them as I raise them up so that they will have the opportunity to live out their greatest potential as God has loved us and has given us rights so that we are able to live out the potential that He has placed inside each of us.  And I will continue to love them so that they know what love is, so that when the time comes for them to love God and love others, they will be prepared to lay down their life and their rights for their friend and have the same opportunity as I do to experience the very nature of God.

I hope God has spoken to you throughout this reading as He has spoken to me throughout this adoption process.  Loving God is far bigger than any religious ritual, amount of money one can give, reading your Bible everyday, praying your daily requests to God, or going to church every week.  Loving God is complete surrender.  The reason why those Christian practices I just mentioned hold so much importance to us is because neither one of them requires us to completely surrender ourselves yet still enabling us to practice our faith.  The apostle Paul claimed to rejoice in his suffering because he knew the joy that was found in complete surrender to God.  There is so much joy to be grasped when we experience the nature of God.  And in order to experience the very nature of God, we must completely surrender ourselves for others in the same manner He did for us.  Only then can we know what it means to love as God loves.  And that is what adoption is to me.

Jordan, the soon-to-be-daddy, Ames.

WOW

That's really all we can say...WOW.

We wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who have supported us through this process by your prayers, encouraging words, questions, "likes on facebook," well-wishes, shout-outs, and notes.
You know, I was apprehensive at first about starting this blog; I'm more of a private person when it comes to feelings than not.  This blog really was a step out of my box.  Even more, posting this blog on facebook was an even bigger step.  I just wasn't quite sure how people would respond, especially since we don't have any children as of yet.  Shame on me.  I am utterly blown away by the positive responses from family, friends, and those who are friends of friends.  Shame on me for ever even doubting the love and compassion of everyone out there.  You all are wonderful people.  You, the very person reading this blog right now, have become a part of our adoption story through your support.  Thank you for loving us and thanking you for loving our kids. 
Now, let's get on with the hoping and praying - we all want to meet these little buggers!

Welcome FB Friends!

I'm not quite sure why I haven't done this sooner but I suppose the mantra "better late than never" shall hold true.  Jordan and I are so excited about this adoption and we want to share our story with all of our friends and family.  If you have the time, go through and read our blog from the beginning (it's not that old, only about a dozen posts or so).  Very long story short, though, Jordan and I are adopting a couple kids right here from the US who are in the foster care system.  It's been a roller coaster ride of emotions, paper work, and planning, but we are coming down to the wire.  We welcome any feedback, advice, and encouragement should you have any.  Feel free to post them on the blog, on facebook, or via email at: amessj23@hotmail.com.
Thanks  in advance for your support with our adoption:  we always welcome and appreciate prayers, well-wishes, crossed-fingers, and hopeful thoughts.  We try to keep this blog as updated as we can so please check back regularly if you are able and inclined.
Cheers to you all and to our kids,
Sarah and Jordan

Insider Info from Grammy

Yesterday my mom called me to tell me that she has received some inside info on our kids.  Apparently, she's been cashing in some of her acquired extra credit and spending a lot of one-on-one conversation time with God.  A few days ago, though, God spoke clearly and directly to her saying that we will know who our kids are by Christmas.  Yes, yes, I'm sure you are thinking how can she differ God's voice from all the other voices in her head (hahaha) but she tells quite a compelling story.  In fact, according to her, He hasn't spoken this clearly to her in over 30 years.
I believe her.  This is great confirmation to me...it gives me hope and a new found excitement.  Has anyone else heard anything you're not telling me about?!? 
So sit on the edge of your seat folks - our kids are coming.  Well, we always knew they were coming...but soon we'll know who they are.  This is great!

But It's a Classic!

So I've done really well...really quite well.  I haven't bought my kids anything yet.  Mostly because I have no bloody clue who they are, how old they are, and what their interests are but also because I knew once I started buying them things it would just be a long slippery slope down into the retail world.

But...last night at my church here in State College the play The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was performed (Kate, you were truly magnificant!).  Outside the box office they were selling some Narnia items.  I found the entire Chronicles of Narnia Collection by C.S. Lewis brand new for only $7.00...what a steal!  Secretly, I wanted it for myself since I'm a book junkie.  Then I thought to myself, what a great gift for my kids.  No matter how old they are they'll either grow into it or be at the perfect age.  Heck, it will likely take us a whole year to plow our way through this giant book.  I couldn't not buy it.  If I didn't I would only be robbing my children of a lovely piece of classic literature that is not only a great story in itself but also has some great morals weaved through it too (see, I can always justify my actions when necessary!).

So, the first "kid item" has been bought.  That's it, though, that's really it until we know who they are.  It's coming soon.  I'm still confident we're going to know who these little kiddos are before Christmas...just you wait and see!

Mama Grizzly...taking notes from nature

We have been so incredibly blessed to have such a strong support system from our family and friends during this adoption process.  Jordan and I couldn't be more thankful for all the prayers and encouraging words.  But...yes, there is always a but...but every now and then you come across someone who isn't on board with the notion that we are adopting.  That's okay - they don't have to be.  However, when they start to raise their eyebrows or make truly innocent and concerning comments about "those kids in the system" my  blood pressure goes up a bit as does the hair on my back, my teeth start to show and I'd really just like to growl at them - just like a Mama Grizzly does (thank you, Sarah Palin). 
We are fully aware that our kids will likely come with a bit more baggage than a newborn does.  That's only natural.  If you live longer than a minute, you're going to come with baggage.  But when some people question us or wonder why we would ever want to adopt when we could potentially have our own children with treatments I can't help but feel defensive.
Even though we don't know quite yet who they are, they are mine.  I take it very personally when anyone makes any comment that is the slightest bit from being 110% supportive.  I can't help it - those are my kids and to me, they are already perfect.  Whoever they are, whatever package they come in, whatever skill set they have...they are mine, all mine, and they are perfect.
I've had to work hard on accepting the fact that this decision may not be embraced by everyone.  That's okay - it does't make me like that person any less or think badly of that person.  In fact, one year ago I was that person.  Hearts can change - this I know.  Once they see my little buggers and love them up they'll have no choice but to fall in love with them.  Until they do, though, watch out for the Mama Grizzly in me!

Faith In Action

I'm not sure how many of you prayed your "It's 5 o'clock Somewhere" prayer today (read the previous blog if you don't know what I'm talking about), but as Jordan and I wondered where all the money would come from to get these kids everything they need (mattresses, bedroom furniture, clothes, toys, etc) we decided to save as best as we could and know that we'd be okay in the end.  Well, we received an unexpected refund check in the mail today from PSU stating that we have overpaid each semester.  That will surely help us out...how awesome!

I'm Tall Enough...

...please stop stretching me!

If ever I have felt the growing pains of faith, it sure is now.  You know, I thought I knew what it felt to grow and mature - both in life and in faith - but this is a completely different monster.  I'll be the first to admit that I like to rely on myself.  I like knowing that I can plan myself through anything life throws at me.  In fact, I have done this successfully for 28 years.  However, now it is a different story.  My Type-A, over-acheiving, perfectly-planning, detail-oriented, nothing-can-get-the-best-of-me personality is being shaken around like a little rag doll.  I am being stretched in ways I didn't know I could be.  To be quite honest, I'm not always enjoying it either; it hurts.

Over that past 17 months I have personally developed a new definition of the word faith.  Aside from the fact that we have been waiting for children, I truly think God has used this time in my life to teach me about faith.  Before, I'd like to say that I had faith, and I know that I did, but not in the way that I do now.  Before this whole process my faith was very religiously based.  What I mean by that is I would tell you that I had faith I was going to heaven because of my salvation, I had faith that God keeps His promises, I had faith that what the Bible said was true, etc., etc.  But my faith was not life based.  I always kept a degree of control in my own hands by preparing for anything that may come up:  I studied hard in school so I would get good grades, I strategically planned my major with internships and shadowing so I would get a good job, I saved my money and kept a tight budget so I could pay all my bills, etc...get the picture?  Everything that I did, I had some degree of control in the matter.

Let me tell you folks, I have had NO CONTROL over our family-planning.  If you have heard how we came to the decision to adopt you'll remember it took me a good 6 months to come to truly accept that we were being called to do this.  But now...now...I can't think of it any other way.  I have had to live out the faith I thought I had.  I always have been a fast learner but in this case I am not.  Why?  Because I have had to let go of the control I have always liked to keep.  For me, true faith is knowing that I can trust God to work this process through to perfect completion AND letting Him do it His way.  Whew, I said it...I admitted it.  And now I am learning it...every single day since August 2009 I am learning it in a new and very real way. (Don't worry, I'm still a very happy plan whatever I can kind of person...exhibit A: the excel spreadsheet I have of everything we will need to do and buy for the kids - hehehe)

There are days, more often than not, that I am physically exhausted just from feeling feelings.  Both my body and my mind are tired.  I'm overwhelmed with a myriad of feelings that change by the hour.  I am constantly praying for the health and safety of our children, I am earnestly praying for a perfect match, and I am ceaselessly begging for a speedy adoption.  To top it off we might hear great, exciting news one day and then not hear anything for days.  We might find a group we really like and then find out they are no longer available.  We've been presented with groups that are very different from others we have had before, we're putting our life on hold without trying to put our life on hold waiting for these kids - our kids.  The ups and downs of this process are unreal.

What I do know, though, is that when they come, they will be the perfect kids for us and they'll come at the perfect time for us.  I am confident in this.  I find peace and comfort in this.  But I still want my babies soon - preferably by Christmas...which leads me to my next point:

There still is a small chance that we can be matched with our kids before Christmas.  As the time gets shorter, the bigger the miracle it will have to be.  It can happen - it still can happen.  We read these verses in church this morning (thank you, Pastor Dan) and I came up with an idea.  We'll call it:

"It's 5 o'clock Somewhere..."

The verses read:  "...You also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many."  2 Corinthians 1:11
Whether you are the praying sort of person or the not praying sort of person, I at least know that you are the "we love Sarah and Jordan" sort of person.  So, we're asking you that at 5:00 each day (either am or pm) shoot up a little prayer for us and our kids.  It can be short or long, loud or quiet, quick or slow, English or Spanish...either way, I know it will get to the right person!  If your not sure what to say, let us give you some ideas:
- health and safety of our kids
- happiness of our kids
- perfect matching process
- continued patience for the process
- match before Christmas (Sarah's selfish wish)
- thanks for all of the support we have from family and friends - Yes, we are so thankful for each of you!
- preparation of us for when the kids come: emotionally, logistically, financially, etc.
- thanks for our caseworker's endless emails and phone calls
- wisdom for all caseworkers involved
- thanks in advance for the perfect match at the perfect time

We thank you in advance for participating in the "It's 5 o'clock somewhere prayer" for us and our kids.  We know that only great things can come from this.  You'll see...I sure have!

Until we update again, I'll meet you at 5:00 (yes, Sheldon, I"ll be up with you at 5:00 am!).  Maybe, just maybe I'll have my babies for Christmas...

Whirlwind Weekend

What a beautiful weekend - both in weather and activities!  We had the 235th Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Friday night at the Penn Stater Conference Center.  We had a blast with some genuine people.  I'll tell you what, I just feel so proud when I look at all the Marines in their dress blues interacting with each other.  The MECEPS at Penn State are some terrific guys, the ones that you can just say "they are good people."  Each one of them is personable, respectful, considerate...I could continue for hours.  Over the past three years I have had the privilege spending some time with them at various functions.  Each time I see them I can't help but love them more and more.  The bonus is that some of them have as equally wonderful wives with whom I have been able to spend time with as well.  I know I am biased...terribly biased, but these Marines are A-Class people.  Below are some pictures from the ball (yes, I know, they are quite a handsome bunch as well!).

MECEP wives: Tiffiney Dierling, Me, Susannah Smith, Bethany Koshuta, and Satoko Houck

Top: Sgt. Kevin Smith, SSgt. Brendon Houck, SSgt. Jordan Ames, 2ndLt. Jeff Dierling, SSgt. Jon Koshuta

Bottom:  Sgt. Veronica Gietzon, Sgt. Joe Stradley, GySgt. Claudio Casanova

Jordan and I

Top:  Sgt. Kevin Smith, Major ?? (Ret.), SSgt. Matt Nevins, SSgt. Jon Koshuta, Sgt. Jeff Homza, Sgt. Veronica Gietzon

Bottom:  SSgt. Jordan Ames, Sgt. Joe Stradley, GySgt. Claudio Casanova

*Aren't they the most handsome bunch you've ever seen?

Seven Mountains Wine Cellar

On Saturday my cousin, Jamie Hershey-Showers, and her husband, Bernie, came up for the day.  We had such a wonderful time catching up, reminiscing, and just relaxing.  We spend the first half of our day at Seven Mountains Wine Cellar which is only about 10 miles from our house.  It has quickly become a favorite hang out for me and Jordan.  I can't help but give them some advertisement.  The owners, MaryAnn and Scott, are wonderful, salt-of-the-earth, people.  Each and every experience we have had at Seven Mountains gets better and better.  To top it off, their wine is truly THE BEST wine I have ever tasted.  If you are a wine-lover, let us know and we'd absolutely love have you up and take you there.  It's truly an experience you'll remember forever!

Part of our wine-tasting with Jamie and Bernie

Although Jordan and I know what each of the wines taste like, we still always have to taste again with our guests!  The best part is this:  There is NO CHARGE for wine tasting.  In fact, they encourage you to taste the entire selection (about 30 different wines).  We can't say enough about Seven Mountains or its owners.

After the tasting we came back to play with Brooke and watch the Penn State vs. Ohio State game.  At half-time we were so excited about the game we packed up and went out to experience the "State College rowdiness" during such a great game.  But...we were sorely disappointed.....poor Lions...

We came home to find our bed all messed-up just so Princess Brooke could get cozy and comfortable in her Mom and Dad's bed (she often does that).  I just love that little dog!





As far as the adoption goes:  We're still waiting.  We have a few more groups on our list, which I'll update later.  I'm feeling excited in my bones now.  Maybe it's because something is going to happen soon...or...maybe it's just because I want something to happen soon.  Either way, continue to pray for a speedy and perfect match.  We are so ready to love on and smush up our kids.  It's so strange how we feel so much love for them but don't even know who they are - soon, though, maybe soon!

Still Chugging Along

As we continue through the matching process we have more sibling groups taken off of our possibility list for one reason or another.  We also, though, have a few new groups added onto the list.  I thought I'd just post the names so you can look over them, think about who they might be, who they might become, and so you can pray for them.  We pray all the children on this list find their "forever family" but most importantly we pray that a group of children soon become part of our forever family.  Here is the updated list as of today.  You'll notice quite a few new names and you'll also notice a few names from previous lists as those groups still are possible matches.

Jennifer and Carrie (our first double female group)
Issac, Jeremiah, and Gabrielle (a pretty young group)
Mercedie and Emerson
Jennifer and Richard
Keola and August  (both male)
Rae, Lee, and Chase (all very young boys)
Wesley and Elisha
Juwon and Tyrek
Dior and Dayvon
Arrien and Quentin
Donald and Dionte

I'd like to say that time is ticking away until Christmas, and it is, but we all know that we're not on our time line.  We want the kids before Christmas for selfish reasons - both for them and for us.  However, most importantly we want this to be a thorough process with the outcome being in the best interest of the kids and of us.  Our caseworker, Jess, has been so wonderful and patient through this whole process.  She seems to really understand my need to "stay in the know" and to gather as much information as possible.  Kudos to her and our adoption agency (Hope for Kids, Inc) for being so proactive, supportive, and informative.  We also have to shout out to my Uncle Keith who was able to get us in contact with the woman who oversees the entire office of adoption for the state.  She was gracious enough to spend time with us on the phone.  Basically, she let us know that we're right on track and Hope For Kids, Inc couldn't be doing a better job!  She's a wonderful woman with such a large heart.
For now, continue praying for patience for us, the wisdom of all caseworkers involved, and a perfect (and still speedy!) match.  Even if these kids don't come to us in time for Christmas, it will sure be like Christmas whenever they come!

A Day In the Life of an Ames!

As we were looking over the pictures from our camera (a few months worth!) we thought we'd post some fun pictures.  Maybe, just maybe, a caseworker out there will stumble across our blog and see how much fun we have and send some kids our way!  So, without further delay here is "A Day in the Life of an Ames:"

Aunt Kayla's Graduation Day

(Grammy, Grandpa, Aunt Kayla, Mommy Sarah and Daddy Jordan)

Aunt Annie and I at the Bloomsburg Fair

Aunt Sarah and Uncle Jordan with Baby Abby on her Baptism

Tommy the T-Rex with his Aunt Tina (that's what he calls me) on his first Halloween

This is what happens when Grandpa gets the camera!

This is what happens when Aunt Kayla gets the camera!

Daddy Jordan, Pappy, and Uncle Bobby on their cross-country motorcycle trip

(yes, the motorcycle is now gone!)

I'll try to update this site with some more "A Day In the Life" pictures as we load more on the camera.  Surely with the holidays approaching we'll have some good photo-ops!  As far as the adoption goes we don't have any exciting news yet.  A few more leads and a few more groups off the list - such is par for the course lately.  Stay tuned, we're hoping for some big news soon!

But Who?

As we sit in the reality of becoming parents in the somewhat near future we find ourselves building these kids into our days.  As we go about our days and our activities we often talk about how things will be different once our family doubles in size.  However, now that we've been approved and are basically just waiting for the right match we now worry about "our kids."

-As we eat our meals we think "Who is making sure our kids are eating healthy foods and not too much junk?" and "Who is trying to get them to eat their vegetables?"
-As we sit and talk with each other over dinner we think "Who is taking the time to talk and listen to our kids and ask them about their day?"
-As we pulled out our winter jackets and coats we think "Who is making sure our kids have comfy, warm, coats for the cold weather?"
-As we bought our Halloween candy at the store we think "Who is making sure our kids have nice costumes that they can be excited about?"
-As we sing with K-Love in the car we think "Who monitors what sorts of media our kids are listening to and watching?"
-As we review Jordan's school papers we think "Who is making sure our kids understand what they are learning?"
-As we do the laundry we think "Who is making sure our kids have clean clothing, clean sheets, and clean towels?"
-As we watch the neighborhood children ride their bikes we think "Who is teaching our kids to play outside and learn to ride their bikes?"
-As we sit in church and watch all the families together we think "Who is helping our kids develop their faith?"
-As we crawl into bed we think "Who is tucking our kids into bed and snuggling with them for a little while?"
-As we kiss each other good night and exchange our "I love you's" we think "Who is loving our kids...who is really , truly loving on our kids?"

We think these sorts of things every single day.  We just feel so helpless knowing that our kids are somewhere out there without parents, without unconditional love, without anything else they may need.  Yes, they once had a mom and a dad but once those rights were terminated they legally have no parents.  And yes, they have foster dad and a foster mom, but that is intended to be a temporary dad and mom.  That is where we fit in...that is who we intend to be - a dad and a mom to some kids who are out there breathing and living at this very minute.  They are already here in this world.   They wake up every day and go to bed every night without a mom and a dad...and we wake up and go to bed every day without them.  These are thoughts that could easily overwhelm us and depress us so we try our best to trust that God has placed a hedge of protection around our babies and is taking extra special care of them until we can scoop them up and bring them home.
Until that day comes, we'll keep praying that someone is making sure they eat their vegetables, have warm clothes and a comfy bed, and is loving on them.

Slam!

Did you hear that?  It was the sound of a slamming door...just as requested.

We have had definite progress in the last week or so going over the list of potential matches.  Although we don't have any one group we can say "Yes, we think they are the ones!" we can at least say that there have been a few doors that were undoubtedly closed. 
As we are given more information about the children we carefully review it, as does our caseworker.  We then determine if they still are a good match to pursue or if they just aren't the best fit for us.  As we have some groups off of the list, some more have come on the list.
We are in the definite "Matching Phase" of the adoption so please continue to keep us in your prayers.  We're still hoping and praying that we just may be matched by Christmas.  We'll see!  In the meantime, I've included the updated list of children for you to look over and pray over.  They are:

Wesley (m) and Elisha (f)
Juwon (m) and Tyrek (m)
Dior (m) and Dayvon (m)
Summer (f) and Jacob (m)
Donovan (m) and Devin (m)
Arrien (m) and Quentin (m)
Donald (m) and Dionte (m)
Two young brothers from PA (we don't know their names yet)
Another group of young brothers from PA

We're sorry we don't have anything too exciting yet to share.  When we do, believe me, you will surely know it.  Jordan and I are getting itchy for our family.  We keep talking about cleaning out the extra bedrooms and closets to get ready (yes, Mom, more stuff to store at your house!) but we don't even know how to start since we're not sure what age or gender we'll have!  That surely throws my mostly Type A personality for a loop - I love to be prepared...actually, I like to be over-prepared (Ask Jordan about the 7 P's next time you see him). 
It is tough not to be able to purchase or prepare anything yet.  Once we find out who our match is the retail world better watch out - The Ames will be on a shopping rampage for everything kids:  beds and mattresses, clothing, shoes, books, toys, movies, outdoor toys, desks, arts and crafts, kid-friendly dishes...we have NOTHING!!!  For once Jordan won't be able to say "Do you really need to buy that?" :)  I joke about needing to spend a week in an elementary school with my friends Annie and Amanda so that I know what is "cool" these days.  We surely don't want to be the dorky parents on the block.  Of course, if we had our druthers, our children would be in turtlenecks and polos with their shirts tucked into their jeans with belts - haha!  It's a good thing their Aunt Kayla is trendy!
Well enough of this for now.  Jordan and I are soon ready to have our weekly NCIS date.  We might as well enjoy them in the quiet while we can - although, we sure could use a little noise around this place!

We're Officially Official!

Yes, that's right; all of our papers have been approved, our final home check was complete and we're official!  From this point on we have what is called "A Family Profile."  This summarizes us, both individually and as a couple.  Our caseworker, Jess, wrote this based on the millions of papers we had to submit along with our response to the training sessions we had with her.  This profile has already been sent out (the day it was complete - surprise, surprise...can you tell I'm my mother's daughter?) to the caseworkers of all the children's names posted in our last blog.  So, if their caseworker likes what they read and thinks we may be suitable fit for the children, our caseworker will get a complete profile on the children that she will review with us.  Once Jordan and I feel that there is a specific group we'd like to pursue, a series of interviews will entail.

At this point we'd really appreciate prayer.  As you can see from the previous blog, there are quite a few children about whom we may receive additional information.  We both feel overwhelmed at the tremendous responsibility of "choosing" which sibling group to truly and actively pursue.  It is our prayer that God will clearly close doors (He can slam them shut for all we care) to siblings he does not want us to pursue and keep doors open for the groups that He does.  It's so easy for us to read over the names and the little bit of information we've been given (age, location, basic interests) and be drawn to a specific group or two.  We're trying our best to be open and responsive during this process.

 We're also praying for a quick matching process.  We know His timing is perfect, but we think it would be beneficial to have the kids spend us much time with us before we move to Quantico and Jordan must start the rigorous training of TBS.  Selfishly, we'd love to matched with them by Christmas, but in all reality that will take a small..well, more like medium-sized miracle.  We're already dreaming of cutting down the Christmas tree, taking the kids to Christmas Eve Service, opening presents, baking cookies, and visiting family.  So, as you think of it, shoot up a quick prayer for clear guidance and a speedy match!

On another note, dear friends of ours our going through the adoption process along side of us.  It's been so wonderful to have friends that truly understand this process and the array of feelings that come along with it. (Feel free to keep them in your prayers too...they are adopting a boy from Ethiopia) I'd like to leave you with a song she sent me regarding the adoption process.  Please take minute when you have the chance and listen to this song called "One Less" by Matthew West.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej7gQ0WxR1k&feature=youtube_gdata_player

It's only about three minutes - we think you'll like it!

Hopefully you'll hear from us again soon with substantial news...happy praying!

How Much Longer...

Can Jordan study quietly in the kitchen with no interruptions?

Can Brooke take a snooze in her cozy little bed without noisy kids to wake her up?

Hopefully not too much longer!  There isn't too much notable progress as of yet.  However, our case worker does have a decent-sized list of potential matches for us.  We don't have much information on them at this point but I at least wanted to post their names so you can think about them, pray for them, wish for them, and hope for them.  Just maybe, a group of these kids may be ours in the future.  They are:
Wesley (m) and Elisha (f)
Zachary (m) and Kandace (f)
Juwon (m) and Tyrek (m)
Maxwell (m) and Zachary (m)
Dior (m) and Dayvon (m)
Summer (f) and Jacob (m)
Donovan (m) and Devin (m)
Arrien (m) and Quentin (m)
Jamal (m) and Tyshawn (m)
Derek (m) and Aliyah (f)
Donald (m) and Dionte (m)

The next step is that Jess will speak with their caseworker to obtain more detailed information.  She then will pass that along to us if she and the caseworkers of the children think we may be a good match.  Then, Jordan and I have a chance to learn all about them and decide if it is a case we feel we should pursue.  There are so many unknowns out there but in the meantime, just pray over that list.  I know Brookie is...she sure would love someone other than her mom and dad to play with her!!

Anchors Aweigh!

So that sounds a little more "Navy" than Jordan would like, but the title seems fitting as we set sail on our new family adventure.

It has been suggested by a few of our friends and family that we start a blog chronicling our life once we become more mobile with the Marine Corps (we all know this is so my mom doesn't have to go more than a week day without seeing picture of us!).  Now, though, that we are experiencing all sorts of new adventures in our life, it seemed like a great time to start.  This will save me many minutes and hours on the phone telling the same stories over and over again...well, except for those who aren't so computer savvy.

Right now we are a happy family of three: Sarah, Jordan, and Brooke.  A little over a year ago we decided to start expanding our family.  Initially, we thought that would look traditional - you try to start a family and nine months later you have one.  However, for us that was not the case.  During this journey of trying for a family (still the traditional way) I felt very convicted to adopt domestically.  I spent many, many hours wrestling with this, what it would look like for Jordan and I, and how it would be received by others.  More times than I can count, I recieved affirmation from Pastor Dan's sermons on "Leaving A Mark." I knew, undoubtedly and without any reservation, this was our way to leave a mark.  Once I mustered enough courage to approach Jordan with the idea I felt silly for ever keeping it from him.  He was 100% on board and excited.
Very long story short, we shared our news with our family who have been wonderfully supportive and excited.  Our friends have been equally as terrific.  We started the process with the agency Hope For Kids, Inc.  Our adoption coordinator just happens to be one of our dear friends, Jess, from our church in State College.  We haved felt so blessed and reassured through this whole process knowing she was in charge of everything. 
So, where are we now with the adoption process?  All of our work is done...the paperwork (all 150+ pages of it), the clearances, and the training is complete (nearly a month sooner than most homestudies take).  Jess plans to have her stamp of approval on it before the last day of this month.  So, as of October 1 our home will be ready for children!!  We don't know who they will be yet - they may be younger or older, lighter or darker, taller or shorter, or any other variety children may be.  All we know is that we will have two of them, more specifically a sibling group.  We are currently in what is called "the matching process."  This is where our caseworker and the caseworker of various children determine which children will be the best "match" for us.  This is based upon all of the information Jess gathering from us and about us during our training and on the profiles of the children.  They want to be certain that our lifestyle will best meet the needs of the children we will have.  We'll be sure to let you know once we do but in the meantime, please pray for the wisdom of the caseworkers and for us that we be matched with the children intended for us.
So, where are we with the fertility process?  Last week we had our consult visit and began a line-up of lab work and tests.  We'll keep you appropriately updated in this department as well.
I suppose that is a very fine place to begin this blog.  I have great intentions on keeping it regularly - well, at least semi-regularly updated.  We both welcome any comments you may post along the way and in fact will look forward to them.  Pass along this site, too, as it surely will be a great tool to stay in touch once we leave State College and began our travels.
Until next time,
Sarah (and Jordan and Brookie)