Mission: Match

So we're back from one of the largest matching events in PA.  It was quite an experience...a good experience (I'm still recovering from a night of sensory overload).  Here's how we made out:

To start, there were over 50 agencies and counties in PA represented.  Each agency/county had a table that showcased the available children and families.  With the help of Jess (our caseworker) we walked up and down the snake-like aisles of tables searching for sibling groups.  When we came across a group, we spoke with the caseworker at the table and gathered as much information about each group and each child within the group as we could.  Very luckily for us, most of the groups we inquired about had their specific caseworker present at the event.  Only a few groups had a someone repesent the agency/county who wasn't working with that specific group (obviously, every single worker for each agency couldn't be present - there would be way too many people!).
For neary 2.5 hours we listened, took notes, asked questions, and answered questions.  I think my favorite part about the night was being able to actually connect with caseworkers and meet them face to face.  What I dislike most about this whole adoption process is the fact that Jordan and I are only "paper file."  That's just the  nature of the beast.  Without these events we would never be able to speak directly to and meet caseworkers without an actual interview - which is a huge step so it doesn't happen often.  I loved that fact that these caseworkers could put our faces and personalities with the papers they had read or will be reading.  I'd like to think that Jordan and I are much more dynamic in "real life" than we are in "paper life."  It was also so nice to see them and hear them speak about these kids.  You could just tell the passion that the workers had for these kids and their future.
By the end of the night we had talked about 14 different sets of kids and walked away with 11 possibilities.  Some of these possibilities are stronger than others but nonetheless they are a potential match.  Every single one of these kids is such a love.  I'd take them all if we could.  What's killing me, in a good way though, is that we got to see pictures of all these kids.  I wish I could show you how precious they are.  When they are ours I can...just not now.  In the meantime all their little faces are dancing about my head and I'm dreaming each minute away thinking, wishing, hoping, and praying that one of these sets could be ours.
So, about these kids on "the list."  We're not at the point where we can just throw out information about these kids so the best I can do is give you some ranges: 
- Of the 11 possible groups there are 28 children in all
- The youngest on the list is 12 months and the oldest is 13 (we hit every age in between except 12)
- They are all either boys or girls (hahaha, just had to)
- There are many races/ethnicities...red, brown, yellow, black, and white, they are precious in His sight...
- They are all from PA
- They all need a mom and a dad

I know it's not terribly exciting - like we have an exact match.  But Jordan and I are very pleased with the outcome.  We nearly tripled our list, we got to make some great contacts, we have a ton of information...all we're waiting on are our kids!

By the way:  We both truly appreciate all of the kind words, prayers, and support.  Really, we do.  It helps to know that so many people are behind us in this process - loving us and loving our kids.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!
We also want to thank Jess for all of her dedication to us.  She did a lot of prep work for this event.  Also during the event, bless her heart, she followed us around making sure all the right questions were asked and answered, took awesome notes like champ, made sure we stayed hydrated, hunted down missing caseworkers, etc.  What a gem!  Jess, you rock!

Here's to some good news soon!  (We're currently accepting all wines from Seven Mountains to raise a glass and toast to this news-to-come!)