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.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
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 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!
Monday, October 11, 2010
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!
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!
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